Overview & Orientation
McDonald is a small borough about 18 miles southwest of Downtown Pittsburgh. It is unusual because it sits in two counties, with most of the borough in Washington County and a smaller part in Allegheny County. McDonald is known for its oil-boom history, its brick downtown, and its spot where two major rail-trails meet: the Panhandle Trail runs through town, and the Montour Trail crosses it on a historic trestle nearby. The whole borough is served by the Fort Cherry School District.
Where McDonald Is
- Counties: Washington County (most of the borough) and Allegheny County
- Type: Borough, incorporated in 1889, covering about half a square mile. See Wikipedia’s McDonald entry.
- ZIP code: 15057
- Neighbors: North Fayette Township (north and northeast), South Fayette Township (east), Cecil Township (south and southwest), and Robinson Township in Washington County (west and northwest)
Two Counties, One Borough
Because McDonald crosses the county line, homes in the borough may be assessed and taxed through either Washington County or Allegheny County, depending on which side of the line they sit. Allegheny County’s profile of McDonald notes that borough and school taxes are handled separately from the standard Allegheny County process, so check with the borough and the school district for current rates.
Borough or Mailing Address?
The “McDonald, PA 15057” mailing address also covers parts of the surrounding townships, which have their own services, taxes, and school districts:
| Municipality | School District |
|---|---|
| McDonald Borough (both counties) | Fort Cherry |
| Robinson Township (Washington County, part) | Fort Cherry |
| North Fayette Township | West Allegheny |
| South Fayette Township | South Fayette |
| Cecil Township | Canon-McMillan |
To confirm a property’s municipality, county, and school district, check the deed, the tax bill, or the county’s online property records.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Robinson Town Centre area | 15 minutes |
| Bridgeville | 15 minutes |
| Southpointe / Canonsburg | 20 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 20–25 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 30–40 minutes |
A Brief History
The borough takes its name from John N. McDonald, who claimed land here in 1775 and ran an early trading post. The railroad and the coal and oil industries drove growth in the late 1800s, and McDonald was incorporated in 1889, according to the borough’s history page.
In the 1890s, the McDonald Oil Field turned the town into a boomtown. The field covered about 13,000 acres across Washington and Allegheny counties and was the second-largest in state history, producing between 84,000 and 96,000 barrels a day at its peak, according to a state historical marker. The substantial brick buildings downtown date from that era. Factories here also made bottles, oil-well drilling tools, and flour-mill products. See the Washington oil field for regional context.
Notable Landmarks
- McDonald Trail Station and History Center: At the South McDonald Street trailhead on the Panhandle Trail
- McDonald Trestle: A 1913 railroad trestle that carries the Montour Trail over the Panhandle Trail
- Heritage Park: Home to the 1875 bell from the old McDonald School, placed here in 1976
- Downtown McDonald: Brick commercial buildings from the oil-boom years
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
McDonald is compact, with most homes on a small grid of streets around the downtown. Many homes date from the late 1800s and early 1900s, built during the oil and coal years, along with later 20th-century homes on the edges of town. Sidewalks connect most streets to the downtown and the trailhead. Newer subdivisions are found in the surrounding townships that share the McDonald mailing address.
Robinson Run flows through the southeastern part of the borough, so buyers near the stream should check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and two-unit homes
- Apartments, including some above downtown storefronts
Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in McDonald.
Schools
Fort Cherry School District
All of McDonald, on both sides of the county line, is served by the Fort Cherry School District. Formed in 1954, the district covers about 58 square miles, including McDonald, Midway, the village of Hickory, and parts of Robinson and Mount Pleasant Townships. The district office is at 110 Fort Cherry Road, (724) 796-1551. See the district overview for background.
- Elementary: Fort Cherry Elementary Center
- Junior/Senior High: Fort Cherry Junior-Senior High School
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Robert Morris University (Moon Township)
- Washington & Jefferson College (Washington)
- CCAC’s Washington County center and other 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 980: The main road through McDonald, north toward North Fayette and Robinson and south toward Canonsburg
- Interstate 79: A short drive east, connecting north to Pittsburgh and south to Washington
- U.S. Route 22 and I-376: A short drive north, connecting to the airport and Downtown
Public Transit
Freedom Transit, Washington County’s bus system, runs a weekday County Line route connecting McDonald with Canonsburg, Houston, and Washington. Check Freedom Transit for current schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
McDonald’s downtown is compact, and many errands can be done on foot. Trips beyond town are usually by car. See Walk Score for McDonald, PA. For biking and walking, McDonald sits right on the Panhandle Trail, with the Montour Trail connecting nearby.
Things to Do
Panhandle Trail & Montour Trail
Panhandle Trail
South McDonald Street trailhead, McDonald. This 29-mile rail-trail runs from Walkers Mill Road near Carnegie through McDonald and west to Colliers, West Virginia. The surface is crushed limestone in Allegheny County and paved asphalt starting just before McDonald. The McDonald Trail Station and History Center at the trailhead is the starting point for the annual Tour de Panhandle bike ride in June. See Visit Washington County and TrailLink.
Montour Trail
Connects to the Panhandle Trail by a side trail near McDonald. The 63-mile Montour Trail arcs around the Pittsburgh area from Coraopolis to Clairton, and its 1913 McDonald Trestle crosses high over the Panhandle Trail. See TrailLink’s Montour Trail page.
Parks & Community Events
McDonald Parks and Recreation maintains the borough’s parks, including Heritage Park with the old school bell. Annual events include a Halloween parade and trick-or-treat night in October and Light Up Night in late November. Check the borough website for this year’s dates.
Library
The Heritage Public Library is at 52 Fourth Street, (724) 926-8400. It serves McDonald and the Fort Cherry area with books, digital materials, computers, programs, Wi-Fi, and a community room for rent. See the Washington County Library System for hours.
Shopping & Dining
Downtown McDonald has local restaurants, shops, and services. Larger retail is a short drive away in North Fayette, Robinson Town Centre, and Bridgeville.
Local Services & Resources
McDonald Borough Office
151 School Street, McDonald, PA 15057
Phone: (724) 926-8711
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Website: mcdonaldboro.com
Borough Council: First Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
Trash & Utilities
County Hauling collects trash on Wednesdays, with recycling every other week. Call (724) 929-7694 with questions. Gas service is from Columbia Gas, and electric service is from West Penn Power.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies (police, fire, ambulance): Call 911
- Police: McDonald Police Department
- Fire: McDonald’s volunteer fire department
- Ambulance (non-emergency): (724) 926-7200
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Canonsburg Hospital (North Strabane)
- Washington Health System Washington Hospital (Washington)
- St. Clair Hospital (Mt. Lebanon)
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Contact the borough office at (724) 926-8711 for building and zoning permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is McDonald in?
Both. Most of McDonald is in Washington County, and a smaller part is in Allegheny County.
What school district serves McDonald?
The Fort Cherry School District serves the whole borough, on both sides of the county line. Homes with a McDonald mailing address in nearby townships may be in a different district.
Does the Panhandle Trail go through McDonald?
Yes. The trailhead is on South McDonald Street, at the McDonald Trail Station and History Center. The Montour Trail connects nearby.
What is the McDonald Trestle?
A 1913 railroad trestle that now carries the Montour Trail high over the Panhandle Trail near McDonald.
Why does McDonald have so many brick buildings downtown?
Many date from the 1890s oil boom, when the McDonald Oil Field was one of the largest in Pennsylvania history.
When is trash collected in McDonald?
On Wednesdays, with recycling every other week. County Hauling is the collector.
When does McDonald Borough Council meet?
On the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m.
How far is McDonald from the airport?
About 20 to 25 minutes to Pittsburgh International Airport.
Thinking About a Move to McDonald?
Whether you are buying in McDonald or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including which county and school district a specific McDonald-address home is in. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current McDonald listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Bridgeville (homes for sale)
- Canonsburg (homes for sale)
- Carnegie (homes for sale)
- Robinson Township (homes for sale)
- Upper St. Clair (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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