Overview & Orientation
Elizabeth is an area in southeastern Allegheny County, about 15 miles south of Pittsburgh, between the Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers. The name covers two separate municipalities: Elizabeth Borough, a small river town founded in 1787, and Elizabeth Township, a much larger township of about 23 square miles that surrounds it. Together they are known for Round Hill Park and its working farm, the Great Allegheny Passage trail along the Youghiogheny, and the Elizabeth Forward School District.
Borough or Township?
| Elizabeth Borough | Elizabeth Township | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | About 0.4 square miles | About 23 square miles |
| Setting | Historic river town on the Monongahela | Mostly residential, with nine villages, including Boston and Greenock |
| ZIP codes | 15037 | 15037 and 15135 |
| School district | Elizabeth Forward | Elizabeth Forward |
Both use “Elizabeth, PA” mailing addresses, but taxes, trash service, and permits come from the municipality a home is in. To confirm, check the deed, the tax bill, or Allegheny County’s online real estate records. See Wikipedia’s entries for Elizabeth Borough and Elizabeth Township.
Where Elizabeth Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Borough neighbors: Elizabeth Township and Forward Township, with West Elizabeth and Jefferson Hills across the Monongahela via the Malady Bridge (PA Route 51)
- Township neighbors: Lincoln Borough to the north, Rostraver Township (Westmoreland County) to the south, and Forward Township to the west and southwest, with the Youghiogheny River along its eastern side
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start in this large area. Traffic varies by time of day, especially on Route 51.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| McKeesport | 10–20 minutes |
| Jefferson Hills / Pleasant Hills | 10–20 minutes |
| Monroeville | 25–35 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 30–45 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 40–55 minutes |
A Brief History
Elizabeth Town was founded in 1787 by Samuel Mackay and Colonel Stephen Bayard and his wife, Elizabeth Mackay Bayard, for whom it is named. The river town became known for glassmaking and boatbuilding. According to local history, the keelboat used for the first stages of the Lewis and Clark Expedition was built here in 1803, a claim Pittsburgh also makes. Elizabeth received its borough charter on April 2, 1834.
Elizabeth Township is one of the seven original townships of Allegheny County. It grew around river villages and later mills, including along the Youghiogheny at Boston, where the old rail corridor is now the Great Allegheny Passage.
Notable Landmarks
- Round Hill Park: An Allegheny County park of more than 1,000 acres with a free exhibition farm
- Great Allegheny Passage at Boston: A trailhead at mile 128.3 of the regional rail trail
- Malady Bridge: Carries PA Route 51 across the Monongahela at Elizabeth Borough
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Elizabeth Borough is compact, with older homes on a street grid near the river and its small business district. Elizabeth Township is much larger and varied, with homes in its river villages, suburban neighborhoods built over many decades, and homes on larger lots in more rural, hilly areas. Some rural properties may use individual wells or on-lot septic systems, so ask about utilities when you look at a home.
Homes near the Monongahela or Youghiogheny should be checked on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and townhomes
- Homes on larger rural lots
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Elizabeth Township and Borough.
Schools
Elizabeth Forward School District
Elizabeth Borough, Elizabeth Township, and Forward Township are served by the Elizabeth Forward School District, which covers about 35 square miles. See the district overview for background.
- Elementary: Greenock Elementary (K–2), Mt. Vernon Elementary (3–5), Central Elementary, and William Penn Elementary (K–5)
- Middle (6–8): Elizabeth Forward Middle School
- High (9–12): Elizabeth Forward High School
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Penn State Greater Allegheny (McKeesport)
- CCAC South Campus (West Mifflin)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses
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
- PA Route 51: The main route, crossing the Monongahela at Elizabeth Borough and running north toward Pittsburgh’s South Hills
- Route 48 and local roads: Connect the township toward McKeesport and the Mon Valley
- Mon-Fayette Expressway (PA 43): Reached across the river to the south and west. Check the PA Turnpike for tolls and travel alerts.
Public Transit
Most trips are by car. Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) serves parts of the Mon Valley, so check its trip planner for current routes.
Walkability & Bikeability
Elizabeth Borough’s small center can be walked, but most of the area is car-oriented. See Walk Score for Elizabeth, PA. For biking and walking, the Great Allegheny Passage runs through the township along the Youghiogheny.
Things to Do
Round Hill Park
Round Hill Park, at 651 Round Hill Road in Elizabeth Township, covers more than 1,000 acres. Its free exhibition farm is open year-round, with cows, pigs, goats, ducks, geese, and alpacas, plus ranger-led tours. The park also has soccer fields, hiking and horseback riding trails, a farm-themed spray park, a playground, and rentable picnic groves. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Great Allegheny Passage
The Great Allegheny Passage, a rail trail running from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, follows the Youghiogheny River through Elizabeth Township. The Boston trailhead, at mile 128.3, has parking and play fields. It makes a convenient starting point for walks and bike rides along the river.
Elizabeth Borough Riverfront
Elizabeth Borough’s small business district sits along the Monongahela, near the Malady Bridge. The borough website lists local parks, clubs, and organizations.
Shopping & Dining
Local shops and restaurants are in Elizabeth Borough and along Route 51 and Route 48. Larger retail is a short drive away in Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills, West Mifflin, and North Versailles.
Library
Use the Allegheny County Library Association website to locate the nearest public library. Any Allegheny County library card works across the county’s member libraries.
Local Services & Resources
Elizabeth Township
522 Rock Run Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037
Phone: (412) 751-2880
Website: elizabethtownshippa.com
Government: A First Class township with a Board of Commissioners. Meetings are held at the municipal building at 7 p.m.; see the township website for dates.
Trash and recycling: Waste Management. The township’s 2026 garbage and recycling calendar is online, and printed copies are at the municipal building.
Elizabeth Borough
121 North 2nd Avenue, Elizabeth, PA 15037
Phone: (412) 384-7771
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: elizabethpa.net
Trash: Noble Environmental, with pickup early Friday mornings. Trash may not be set out more than 24 hours ahead.
Water and sewer: Elizabeth Borough Municipal Authority, 1 Locust Street, (412) 384-3686. See the borough’s services page.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: The Elizabeth Township Police Department serves the township and also provides police service to Elizabeth Borough. Non-emergency: (412) 751-7325
- Fire: Volunteer fire companies, including the borough’s Station 139
Hospitals Nearby
- UPMC McKeesport
- AHN Jefferson Hospital (Jefferson Hills)
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Township homes go through Elizabeth Township’s code enforcement, planning, and zoning office at (412) 751-2880. Borough homes go through the borough office at (412) 384-7771.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elizabeth, PA a borough or a township?
Both. Elizabeth Borough is a small river town of about 0.4 square miles, and Elizabeth Township is a separate township of about 23 square miles around it. Each has its own government.
What school district serves Elizabeth?
The Elizabeth Forward School District serves Elizabeth Borough, Elizabeth Township, and Forward Township.
How did Elizabeth get its name?
It is named for Elizabeth Mackay Bayard, one of the founders of Elizabeth Town in 1787.
Where is Round Hill Park?
At 651 Round Hill Road in Elizabeth Township. The county park has more than 1,000 acres and a free working exhibition farm.
Does the Great Allegheny Passage go through Elizabeth?
Yes. The trail follows the Youghiogheny River through Elizabeth Township, with a trailhead and parking at Boston, mile 128.3.
Who provides police service in Elizabeth Borough?
The Elizabeth Township Police Department, under an agreement with the borough. In an emergency, call 911.
How long is the drive from Elizabeth to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 30 to 45 minutes, usually by Route 51. Traffic varies by time of day.
Who collects trash in Elizabeth?
In Elizabeth Township, Waste Management. In Elizabeth Borough, Noble Environmental, with pickup on Friday mornings.
Thinking About a Move to Elizabeth?
Whether you are buying in Elizabeth or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific home is in the borough or the township. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Elizabeth 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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