Overview & Orientation
Bellevue is a borough in Allegheny County on the Ohio River, just northwest of Pittsburgh. It covers about 1 square mile of land. Bellevue is known for its Lincoln Avenue business district, its large collection of homes built from the 1890s through the 1920s, Bayne Park and the Andrew Bayne Memorial Library, Memorial Park and its pool, Light Up Bellevue, and the Northgate School District.
Where Bellevue Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Borough, incorporated on September 7, 1867, when it separated from Ross Township
- Size: About 1.12 square miles, including about 1 square mile of land
- ZIP code: 15202
- Bordering communities: Avalon (northwest), Ross Township (north and east), and the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Brighton Heights (southeast). Stowe Township sits across the Ohio River to the southwest. See Bellevue on Wikipedia.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 15–20 minutes |
| Ross Park Mall | 15–25 minutes |
| Oakland | 20–30 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 25–30 minutes |
| Robinson Town Centre | 25–30 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 25–35 minutes |
A Brief History
Bellevue’s land was once part of the Depreciation Lands set aside for Revolutionary War veterans. Residents incorporated the borough in 1867 after Ross Township officials opposed improvements along the Venango Trail, today’s Route 19. The name, chosen by early resident J.J. East, means “beautiful view” in French. See Bellevue history.
The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago Railroad had a depot at Bellevue, and a streetcar line completed in 1892 set off a building boom. Hundreds of Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman houses went up through the 1920s. Streetcar service on the Bellevue and West View loop ran until 1965.
Alcohol sales were banned in Bellevue for decades. A 2015 referendum allowed them, and the first drink was served that December at a Lincoln Avenue restaurant. See CBS Pittsburgh.
Notable Landmarks
- Andrew Bayne House: An 1875 house at 34 North Balph Avenue that is now the library, dedicated with Bayne Park on Memorial Day 1927
- Andrew S. and Elizabeth Miller House: A 1902 house at 366 Lincoln Avenue, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019 and now a restaurant
- Marius Rousseau House: A 1906 house at 100 Watkins Avenue
- Lincoln Avenue: The borough’s main street, including the “Greetings from Bellevue” mural at 411 Lincoln
- Church buildings: Including the Romanesque Church of the Assumption, with a 1930 cornerstone. See Bellevue architecture.
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Older homes: More than 1,000 Bellevue buildings are over 100 years old, and a 2016 plaque program identified more than 730 locally historic buildings.
- Proposed historic district: A 2020–21 survey documented 2,341 buildings at least 50 years old, and nearly 80% were built between 1880 and 1930. A proposed Bellevue Borough Historic District was found eligible for the National Register. See historic status.
- Architectural styles: Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman houses from the 1890s through the 1920s
- Riverfront location: Check flood zone status for properties near the Ohio River.
Types of Homes
Bellevue’s housing is mostly older Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman houses on its residential streets, many built during the streetcar-era building boom.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Bellevue.
Schools
Public Schools
Bellevue is served by the Northgate School District, with offices at 591 Union Avenue, (412) 732-3300. The district serves Bellevue and Avalon.
- Bellevue Elementary School, 435 Lincoln Avenue
- Avalon Elementary School, 721 California Avenue, Avalon
- Northgate Middle School and Northgate High School, 589 Union Avenue
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Community College of Allegheny County Allegheny Campus (North Side)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 20 to 30 minutes away
- La Roche University (McCandless)
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- Ohio River Boulevard (PA Route 65): Runs through Bellevue, Avalon, Ben Avon, and Emsworth, with its southern end at Interstate 279 near Downtown
- Lincoln Avenue: The main street through the business district
- Route 19: Follows the old Venango Trail north of the borough
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit routes serving the area include 13 Bellevue, 14 Ohio Valley, and 16 Brighton. Check the PRT trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
Lincoln Avenue, the library, Bayne Park, and the borough building sit close together. For ratings, see Walk Score for Bellevue, PA or enter a specific address.
Things to Do
Parks
Bellevue’s parks are listed on the borough parks page.
Memorial Park
Ballfields, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, a fitness trail, an off-leash dog park, a playground, two shelters, and Memorial Pool, with lap lanes, a slide, and diving boards.
Bayne Park
Next to the library, with a skate plaza, green space, a playground, and a toddler area.
Gillott Field
A ballfield and playground at 101 Davis Avenue.
Recreation
- Memorial Pool: The borough pool, open in summer
- Dog park: An off-leash area at Memorial Park
- Skate plaza: At Bayne Park
Annual Events
- Bellevue Farmers Market (June to October): Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. in Bayne Park
- Light Up Bellevue (December): A holiday market, live music, Santa, and a tree lighting on Lincoln Avenue
- Holiday parade: A tradition since the 1960s. See Technical.ly.
Many events are organized by Bona Fide Bellevue, a local community group. Check the borough website for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Lincoln Avenue: Restaurants, a brewery, bakeries, and shops. See City Cast Pittsburgh.
- Ross Township: Larger shopping centers 15 to 25 minutes away
Library
The Andrew Bayne Memorial Library is at 34 North Balph Avenue, (412) 766-7447. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.
Local Services & Resources
Bellevue Borough Hall
537 Bayne Avenue, Bellevue, PA 15202
Phone: (412) 766-6164
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website: bellevuepa.org
Council meetings: Regular meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. See government for the full schedule.
Utilities
- Water: West View Water Authority
- Sewer: ALCOSAN, billed through Jordan Tax Service, (412) 835-5243
- Trash and recycling: Waste Management. See the garbage and recycling schedule.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Bellevue Police: 537 Bayne Avenue, (412) 766-7400
- Fire: Bellevue Fire Department, (412) 766-7455
- EMS: Northwest EMS, (412) 331-2600
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Allegheny General Hospital, 320 East North Avenue, North Side, a Level I trauma center
Permits & Zoning
Permits and code questions go to the borough’s code official at (412) 766-6164, with walk-in hours from 1 to 3 p.m. weekdays and an online permit portal. See code enforcement. Call before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Bellevue, PA in?
Bellevue is in Allegheny County, on the Ohio River just northwest of Pittsburgh.
Is Bellevue part of Pittsburgh?
No. Bellevue is a separate borough. It borders the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Brighton Heights.
What school district serves Bellevue?
The Northgate School District, which serves Bellevue and Avalon. Bellevue Elementary School is on Lincoln Avenue.
How long is the drive from Bellevue to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 15 to 20 minutes, usually by Ohio River Boulevard. Traffic varies by time of day.
Does Bellevue allow alcohol sales?
Yes, since a 2015 referendum. Alcohol sales had been banned in the borough for decades before that.
How old are Bellevue’s homes?
Many are older. More than 1,000 buildings are over 100 years old, and most were built between 1880 and 1930.
What parks are in Bellevue?
Memorial Park, with the borough pool and a dog park, Bayne Park, and Gillott Field.
Where is the Bellevue library?
The Andrew Bayne Memorial Library is at 34 North Balph Avenue, (412) 766-7447.
Where is Bellevue Borough Hall?
Borough Hall is at 537 Bayne Avenue, Bellevue, PA 15202. The phone number is (412) 766-6164.
Thinking About a Move to Bellevue?
Whether you are buying in Bellevue or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Bellevue listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Avalon (homes for sale)
- Brighton Heights (homes for sale)
- Ross Township (homes for sale)
- West View (homes for sale)
- Ben Avon (homes for sale)
- Emsworth (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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