Overview & Orientation
Jefferson Hills is a borough in southern Allegheny County, about 12 miles south of Pittsburgh along PA Route 51 and the Monongahela River. It covers nearly 17 square miles of rolling hills and woods. Jefferson Hills is known for AHN Jefferson Hospital, its five borough parks, the Montour Trail, its Revolutionary War and Whiskey Rebellion history, and the West Jefferson Hills School District.
Where Jefferson Hills Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Borough with a seven-member council and a mayor. See Jefferson Hills on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 16.75 square miles, including about 16.58 square miles of land
- ZIP code: 15025
- Bordering communities: Pleasant Hills and West Mifflin (north), Clairton (east), West Elizabeth (southeast), Union Township in Washington County (south), and South Park Township (west). Elizabeth Township, Elizabeth Borough, and Forward Township sit across the Monongahela River.
- Water: The Monongahela River forms the southeastern border, and Peters Creek, Beam Run, and Lewis Run flow through the borough.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| South Hills Village | 20–25 minutes |
| The Waterfront (Homestead) | 25–30 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 25–35 minutes |
| Monroeville | 30–40 minutes |
| Oakland | 30–40 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 45–55 minutes |
A Brief History
Jefferson Township was created on January 22, 1828, from part of Mifflin Township and named for Thomas Jefferson. Snowden Township was later formed from part of it in 1845, and Pleasant Hills separated in 1947. The township became a borough named Jefferson in 1950, and voters approved the name Jefferson Hills in 1998. See Jefferson Hills history.
During the Revolutionary War, the Peters Creek Rangers were based here. Lobb’s Cemetery in Calamity Hollow, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, is the only known burial ground in the country for federal troops who died during the Whiskey Rebellion. The site of the former Yohogania County Courthouse, from Virginia’s colonial claim to the area, is also in the borough. The West Jefferson Hills Historical Society keeps local history.
Notable Landmarks
- AHN Jefferson Hospital: A 373-bed hospital that opened in 1977 at 565 Coal Valley Road
- Lobb’s Cemetery: A National Register site in Calamity Hollow tied to the Whiskey Rebellion
- Gill Hall Community Center: A borough facility residents can rent for events
- Jefferson Hills Municipal Center: 925 Old Clairton Road, home to the borough offices, police, and public library
- Montour Trail: The trail runs through the area to Clairton, where it connects to the Steel Valley Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage.
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Large borough: At nearly 17 square miles, Jefferson Hills has a wide range of streets, lot sizes, and neighborhoods spread across its hills.
- Infrastructure updates: Pennsylvania American Water has been replacing water mains in the borough that date to the 1950s.
- Rolling terrain: The borough’s hills and stream valleys shape where homes sit. Check flood zone status for properties near Peters Creek or the Monongahela River.
Types of Homes
Homes in Jefferson Hills vary by neighborhood, from older houses near the borough’s main roads to homes on larger lots in its more open, wooded areas.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Jefferson Hills.
Schools
Public Schools
Jefferson Hills is served by the West Jefferson Hills School District, with offices at 830 Old Clairton Road, (412) 655-8450. The district also serves Pleasant Hills and West Elizabeth.
- Gill Hall Elementary School (K–2), 829 Gill Hall Road
- McClellan Elementary School (K–2), 360 School Lane
- Jefferson Hills Intermediate School (3–5), 875 Old Clairton Road
- Pleasant Hills Middle School (6–8), 404 Old Clairton Road
- Thomas Jefferson High School (9–12), 830 Old Clairton Road
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Community College of Allegheny County South Campus (West Mifflin)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 30 to 40 minutes away
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 north-south route toward Pittsburgh
- PA Route 43 (Mon-Fayette Expressway): A toll expressway whose northern end meets Route 51 in the borough, with a Ridge Road interchange leading to Clairton
- Old Clairton Road and Gill Hall Road: Local roads that connect the borough’s schools, municipal center, and neighborhoods
Public Transit
Most trips in Jefferson Hills are by car. Check the Pittsburgh Regional Transit trip planner for any current bus service near your address.
Walkability & Bikeability
For walking and bike ratings, enter a specific address at Walk Score. The Montour Trail gives walkers and cyclists a long-distance route through the area.
Things to Do
Parks
Jefferson Hills has five borough parks: Gill Hall Park, Andrew Reilly Memorial Park, Lobb’s Park, Beedle Park, and Tepe Park.
Andrew Reilly Memorial Park
At 1201 Clairton Road, the site of the borough’s Community Day and summer night markets. The borough has added pavilions to its parks.
Gill Hall Park and Community Center
A borough park with a community center available to rent.
Montour Trail
A long-distance trail with a Jefferson Hills trailhead, connecting at Clairton to the Steel Valley Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage.
Recreation
- Trails: The Montour Trail for walking, running, and biking
- South Park: The large Allegheny County park next door in South Park Township
- Jefferson Memorial Park: A 340-acre arboretum with more than 8 miles of roads used by walkers, in neighboring Pleasant Hills
Annual Events
- Community Day (June): Held at Andrew Reilly Memorial Park
- Jefferson Hills Night Market (summer): Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. at Reilly Park, with local merchants and food trucks
- Light Up Night: A holiday event hosted by the Jefferson Hills Public Library
See the borough website for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Route 51 corridor: Restaurants, shops, and services along the main road
- Pleasant Hills and West Mifflin: More shopping a short drive north
- The Waterfront (Homestead): A large shopping center 25 to 30 minutes away
Library
The Jefferson Hills Public Library is at 925 Old Clairton Road, inside the Municipal Center, (412) 655-7741. It was founded in 1959 as the Jefferson Borough Library and has been in the Municipal Center since 1992. See jeffersonhillslibrary.org.
Local Services & Resources
Jefferson Hills Municipal Center
925 Old Clairton Road, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025
Phone: (412) 226-2230
Website: jeffersonhillsboro.org
Council meetings: See the borough website for the current schedule. The county municipal profile also lists borough contacts.
Utilities
- Water: Pennsylvania American Water, 1-800-565-7292
- Trash, recycling, and sewer: Contact the borough office for current providers and schedules.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Jefferson Hills Police, at the Municipal Center, 925 Old Clairton Road
- EMS: Jefferson Hills Area Ambulance Association
- Fire: Contact the borough office for fire company information.
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Jefferson Hospital, 565 Coal Valley Road, Jefferson Hills, (412) 469-5000
Permits & Zoning
Building permits, zoning, and code enforcement go through the borough office. Call (412) 226-2230 or start at jeffersonhillsboro.org before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Jefferson Hills, PA in?
Jefferson Hills is in Allegheny County, about 12 miles south of Pittsburgh.
Was Jefferson Hills always called Jefferson Hills?
No. It began as Jefferson Township in 1828, became the Borough of Jefferson in 1950, and took the name Jefferson Hills in 1998.
What school district serves Jefferson Hills?
The West Jefferson Hills School District, which also serves Pleasant Hills and West Elizabeth. Thomas Jefferson High School is on Old Clairton Road.
How long is the drive from Jefferson Hills to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 25 to 35 minutes, usually by Route 51. Traffic varies by time of day.
Is there a hospital in Jefferson Hills?
Yes. AHN Jefferson Hospital is at 565 Coal Valley Road.
What parks are in Jefferson Hills?
Gill Hall Park, Andrew Reilly Memorial Park, Lobb’s Park, Beedle Park, and Tepe Park, plus access to the Montour Trail.
Is the Mon-Fayette Expressway in Jefferson Hills?
Yes. The northern end of PA Route 43, a toll road, meets Route 51 in the borough.
Where is the Jefferson Hills library?
The Jefferson Hills Public Library is inside the Municipal Center at 925 Old Clairton Road, (412) 655-7741.
Where is the Jefferson Hills municipal building?
The Municipal Center is at 925 Old Clairton Road, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025.
Thinking About a Move to Jefferson Hills?
Whether you are buying in Jefferson Hills or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Jefferson Hills 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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