Overview & Orientation
Dormont is a borough in Allegheny County, in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, along the Red Line light rail. It covers about three-quarters of a square mile. Dormont is known for the Dormont Pool, Dormont Park, its West Liberty Avenue and Potomac Avenue business districts, its Fourth of July celebration, and the Keystone Oaks School District.
Where Dormont Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Borough, incorporated in 1909. See Dormont on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 0.76 square miles
- ZIP code: 15216
- Bordering communities: The Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Banksville (north), Beechview (northeast), and Brookline (east), and Mt. Lebanon (south and west)
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 10–15 minutes |
| South Hills Village | 10–15 minutes |
| Oakland | 15–20 minutes |
| Robinson Town Centre | 20–25 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 25–35 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 35–45 minutes |
A Brief History
Dormont grew as a streetcar suburb in the early 1900s, when trolley lines connected the South Hills to Downtown Pittsburgh. The borough was incorporated in 1909. Its name is said to come from the French “mont d’or,” meaning “mountain of gold.” A Pittsburgh Magazine feature covers more of the borough’s story.
The old trolley line is now the Red Line light rail, with stations at Potomac and Dormont Junction. The Dormont Municipal Center is in the former Hillsdale School building.
Notable Landmarks
- Dormont Pool: A large outdoor pool of more than 60,000 square feet
- Dormont Park: The borough’s main park, next to the pool
- Dormont Municipal Center: In the former Hillsdale School at 1444 Hillsdale Avenue
- Dormont Junction and Potomac stations: Light rail stops in the borough
- Veterans Memorial: At 3014 West Liberty Avenue
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Streetcar-era homes: Much of Dormont was built in the early 1900s, with homes on a grid of narrow streets.
- Close-set lots: Houses sit close together on smaller lots, with sidewalks throughout.
- Near transit: Many homes are a short walk from a light rail stop.
- Sewer dye test: The borough requires a sewer dye test when a home is sold. See the Building and Zoning Department.
Types of Homes
Dormont’s housing is mostly early 1900s homes, along with duplexes and apartment buildings near West Liberty Avenue.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Dormont.
Schools
Public Schools
Dormont is served by the Keystone Oaks School District, with offices at 1000 Kelton Avenue, (412) 571-6000. The district also serves Castle Shannon and Green Tree.
- Dormont Elementary School (K–5), 3200 Annapolis Avenue
- Keystone Oaks Middle School
- Keystone Oaks High School
School assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Duquesne University and Point Park University (Downtown and the Bluff)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 15 to 20 minutes away
- Community College of Allegheny County South Campus (West Mifflin)
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
- West Liberty Avenue (U.S. Route 19 Truck): The main commercial road, toward the Liberty Tunnel and Downtown
- Potomac Avenue: A second business district in the center of the borough
- Banksville Road: Toward the Parkway
Public Transit
The Red Line light rail stops at Potomac, Dormont Junction, and Stevenson, with direct rides to Downtown. Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses, including routes 36 and 41, also serve the borough.
Walkability & Bikeability
Dormont’s sidewalks, grid of streets, and two business districts make many errands walkable. For ratings at a specific address, visit Walk Score.
Things to Do
Parks
Dormont Park
About 23.5 acres with fields, courts, a playground, and the Dormont Pool. See Dormont parks.
Dormont Pool
A large outdoor pool, open seasonally from late spring through summer.
Beggs Snyder Park and Hillsdale Parklet
Beggs Snyder Park covers about 5.2 acres, and Hillsdale Parklet is a small park near the municipal center.
Recreation
- Recreation programs: Classes and programs through the borough
- Swimming: The Dormont Pool in summer
- Light rail: An easy ride to Downtown events and stadiums
Annual Events
The borough lists community events each year. Highlights include:
- Dormont Day (July 4): A long-running Independence Day celebration with fireworks
- Dormont Street & Music Festival (fall): Held on Potomac Avenue
- Porchmont: Music on porches around the borough
- Holiday Lights Tour (December)
Dining & Shopping
- West Liberty Avenue: Restaurants, shops, and services
- Potomac Avenue: Cafés, restaurants, and shops near the light rail
- South Hills Village: A large shopping center 10 to 15 minutes away
Library
The Dormont Public Library is at 2950 West Liberty Avenue, (412) 531-8754.
Local Services & Resources
Dormont Borough Office
1444 Hillsdale Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
Phone: (412) 561-8900
Hours: Monday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m. to noon
Website: boro.dormont.pa.us
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: Waste Management
- Sewer: Billed through Jordan Tax Service, with treatment by ALCOSAN
- Water: Contact the borough office for the provider at a specific address.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Dormont Police: (412) 561-8900, or (412) 473-3056 after hours
- Fire: Dormont Fire Department, (412) 563-8826
- EMS: Medical Rescue Team South
Hospitals Nearby
- St. Clair Hospital, 1000 Bower Hill Road, Mt. Lebanon
- UPMC Mercy (Uptown)
Permits & Zoning
Permits and zoning go through the borough’s Building and Zoning Department. Call before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Dormont in?
Dormont is in Allegheny County, in Pittsburgh’s South Hills.
Is Dormont part of Pittsburgh?
No. Dormont is its own borough, though it borders several Pittsburgh neighborhoods and shares the 15216 ZIP code.
What school district serves Dormont?
The Keystone Oaks School District. Dormont Elementary School is on Annapolis Avenue.
Is there light rail in Dormont?
Yes. The Red Line stops at Potomac, Dormont Junction, and Stevenson.
How long is the drive from Dormont to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 10 to 15 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
When is the Dormont Pool open?
The pool is open seasonally from late spring through summer. Check the borough website for this year’s schedule.
Does Dormont require a sewer dye test?
Yes. A sewer dye test is required when a home is sold. Contact the borough for details.
Where is the Dormont library?
The Dormont Public Library is at 2950 West Liberty Avenue, (412) 531-8754.
Where is the Dormont borough office?
The borough office is at 1444 Hillsdale Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. The phone number is (412) 561-8900.
Thinking About a Move to Dormont?
Whether you are buying in Dormont or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Dormont listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
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Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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