Overview & Orientation
Millvale is a small borough in Allegheny County on the north bank of the Allegheny River, directly across the 40th Street Bridge from Lawrenceville. It covers about 0.7 square miles in the valley of Girty’s Run, where Routes 8 and 28 meet. Millvale is known for its Grant Avenue business district, the Mr. Smalls music venue, a riverfront park on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, and its volunteer-run community library. It is part of the Shaler Area School District.
Where Millvale Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Type: Borough, incorporated February 13, 1868, covering about 0.7 square miles. See Wikipedia’s Millvale entry.
- ZIP code: 15209, with Pittsburgh or Millvale mailing addresses
- Neighbors: Shaler Township (northwest and east), Reserve Township (west), the City of Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood (southwest), and Lawrenceville across the Allegheny River
Borough or Just a Pittsburgh Address?
Millvale is its own borough, not part of the City of Pittsburgh, and its 15209 ZIP code is shared with parts of neighboring communities. Each has its own services, taxes, and school district:
| Municipality | School District |
|---|---|
| Millvale Borough | Shaler Area |
| Reserve Township | Shaler Area |
| Shaler Township | Shaler Area |
| City of Pittsburgh (nearby neighborhoods) | Pittsburgh Public Schools |
To confirm a property’s municipality and school district, check the deed, the tax bill, or Allegheny County’s online real estate records.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate and vary by where you start. Traffic varies by time of day, especially on Route 28.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Lawrenceville (across the bridge) | 5 minutes |
| North Shore / PNC Park | 5–10 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 10–15 minutes |
| Oakland | 15 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 25–30 minutes |
A Brief History
Millvale’s name comes from its two defining features: its mills and its valley. The land here marked the start of the Venango Trail, which led north to Erie. In 1847, a forge along Girty’s Run became a rolling mill, part of the business that later grew into the Carnegie Steel Company. The Pennsylvania Railroad bought a right of way through the valley in 1857, bringing new residents and a passenger station near the 40th Street Bridge. Millvale was incorporated on February 13, 1868, from parts of Shaler Township and Duquesne Borough. See the borough’s history page for more.
Because it sits on the floodplain where Girty’s Run meets the Allegheny, Millvale has flooded many times. On September 19, 2004, remnants of Hurricane Ivan pushed up to 10 feet of water into the business district. The community rebuilt, and since then the borough has added new development rules, rain barrels, hundreds of street trees, and twice-yearly debris clearing along Girty’s Run, according to WPXI.
Notable Landmarks
- Mr. Smalls: A live music venue and recording studio at 400 Lincoln Avenue, open since 2002
- Millvale Riverfront Park: A riverside park with pavilions, a marina, and kayak and rowing access
- Grant Avenue: The main business street, with brick buildings and small independent businesses
- 40th Street Bridge: Connects Millvale to Lawrenceville across the Allegheny River
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Millvale’s homes sit on a compact grid in the valley and on the hillsides above it, some along brick streets. Much of the housing dates from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including brick and frame single-family homes, row homes, and two-unit homes. Sidewalks connect most streets to Grant Avenue.
Because much of the borough is in the floodplain of Girty’s Run and the Allegheny River, buyers should check any property on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask about flood insurance and the home’s flood history.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes
- Row homes and duplexes
- Apartments, including some above Grant Avenue storefronts
Because Millvale is small, only a limited number of homes are usually on the market at once. Prices and availability change daily, so the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Millvale.
Schools
Shaler Area School District
Millvale is served by the Shaler Area School District, which also covers Shaler Township, Etna, and Reserve Township, about 14 square miles in all. The district office is at 1800 Mount Royal Boulevard in Glenshaw. See the district overview for background.
- Primary (K–3): Burchfield, Marzolf, Reserve, and Scott Primary Schools
- Elementary (4–6): Shaler Area Elementary School
- Middle (7–8): Shaler Area Middle School
- High (9–12): Shaler Area High School
Primary school assignments depend on where a home is located. Check with the district for the school that serves a specific address.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- CCAC Allegheny Campus (North Side)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 15 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
- PA Route 28: Runs along the riverfront, south to the North Shore and Downtown and north up the Allegheny Valley
- PA Route 8: Meets Route 28 in Millvale and runs north through Shaler toward the North Hills
- 40th Street Bridge: Crosses the Allegheny River to Lawrenceville
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) provides bus service through Millvale, with connections to Downtown. Check the PRT trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
Millvale is compact, and many errands near Grant Avenue can be done on foot. See Walk Score for Millvale, PA. For biking, a 1.7-mile trail links Millvale Riverfront Park to the North Shore and PNC Park along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
Things to Do
Millvale Riverfront Park
Millvale Riverfront Park
Along the Allegheny River, separated from the main borough by Route 28. The park has pavilions, a marina, a bait shop, a rowing facility, and kayak launches, plus fishing and bike and boat rentals. It connects to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The Millvale Brew Fest is held here each August as a fundraiser for the Millvale Community Development Corporation, per Pittsburgh Magazine.
Mr. Smalls
Mr. Smalls
400 Lincoln Avenue. Open since 2002, Mr. Smalls is a live music venue and recording studio with an 800-capacity theater and the smaller Funhouse, and it hosts national touring acts.
Shopping & Dining
Grant, Lincoln, and North Avenues are home to a French bakery, a breakfast spot, a record store, breweries and a beer garden, ice cream shops, pizza shops, and neighborhood bars and restaurants. See NEXTpittsburgh’s Millvale guide and Pittsburgh Quarterly’s profile. Lawrenceville’s shops and restaurants are just across the bridge.
Library
The Millvale Community Library is at 213 Grant Avenue, (412) 822-7081. Run largely by volunteers, it offers public library services along with a community garden and reading spaces. It is part of the Allegheny County Library Association.
Local Services & Resources
Millvale Borough Building
501 Lincoln Avenue, Millvale, PA 15209 (entrance on Sedgwick Street)
Phone: (412) 821-2777
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Website: millvalepa.com
Borough Council: Regular meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of the month at the municipal building. Check the borough’s agenda center for dates.
Trash & Recycling
Call the borough office at (412) 821-2777 for the current hauler, collection days, and recycling rules.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police and fire: Contact the borough office for non-emergency numbers
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Allegheny General Hospital (North Side)
- UPMC Mercy, UPMC Shadyside, and other city hospitals, about 10 to 15 minutes away
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Contact the borough office at (412) 821-2777. Because of the floodplain, some projects may have extra requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Millvale in?
Millvale is in Allegheny County, on the Allegheny River across from Lawrenceville.
Is Millvale part of the City of Pittsburgh?
No. Millvale is its own borough, with its own government and services.
What school district serves Millvale?
The Shaler Area School District, which also serves Shaler Township, Etna, and Reserve Township.
How did Millvale get its name?
From its mills and its valley location along Girty’s Run.
Does Millvale flood?
Much of the borough is in a floodplain, and it flooded badly during Hurricane Ivan in 2004. The borough has taken steps since then to reduce flooding. Buyers should check FEMA flood maps for any specific property.
Can you bike from Millvale to the North Shore?
Yes. A 1.7-mile trail links Millvale Riverfront Park to the North Shore and PNC Park along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
Where is Mr. Smalls?
At 400 Lincoln Avenue in Millvale.
How long is the drive from Millvale to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 10 to 15 minutes by Route 28. Traffic varies by time of day.
Thinking About a Move to Millvale?
Whether you are buying in Millvale or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including flood zones and whether a specific 15209 home is in the borough. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Millvale listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Lawrenceville (homes for sale)
- Etna (homes for sale)
- Ross Township (homes for sale)
- Bellevue (homes for sale)
- Fox Chapel (homes for sale)
Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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