Overview & Orientation
Mount Washington is a Pittsburgh neighborhood on the steep hill across the Monongahela River from Downtown. It covers about 1.1 square miles. Mt. Washington is known for the Grandview Avenue overlooks, the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines, Emerald View Park, Chatham Village, and the Shiloh Street business district.
Where Mt. Washington Is
- City: Pittsburgh, in Allegheny County
- Neighborhood type: A City of Pittsburgh neighborhood. See Mount Washington on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 1.14 square miles
- ZIP code: 15211
- Bordering areas: South Shore (north, at the foot of the hill), Allentown (east), Beltzhoover (south), Bon Air (southeast), Beechview (west and southwest), and Duquesne Heights (west and northwest)
- Terrain: A steep hilltop, with views of Downtown and the three rivers from Grandview Avenue
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 5–10 minutes |
| Oakland | 10–15 minutes |
| South Hills Village | 15–25 minutes |
| Robinson Town Centre | 20–25 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 25–35 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 30–40 minutes |
A Brief History
The hill was first called Coal Hill. Sandstone quarried here was used to build Allegheny County’s second courthouse. By 1876, the area had been renamed Mount Washington.
The Monongahela Incline opened in 1870 to carry people up and down the hill, and the Duquesne Incline followed in 1877. Both still run today. Chatham Village, a planned group of townhomes built from 1932 to 1936, was named a National Historic Landmark in 2005.
Notable Landmarks
- Monongahela Incline: Opened in 1870, about 635 feet long, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Duquesne Incline: Opened in 1877, with its upper station at 1220 Grandview Avenue, (412) 381-1665
- Grandview Avenue overlooks: Viewing platforms along a scenic byway above Downtown
- Chatham Village: Georgian and Colonial Revival townhomes built in the 1930s, a National Historic Landmark
- St. Mary of the Mount: A church building on Grandview Avenue, visible from Downtown
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Grandview Avenue: Homes and condo buildings along the overlook, some with views of the city
- Chatham Village: A historic townhome community from the 1930s
- Older homes: Many homes on the hill date from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Hillside lots: Some homes sit on steep streets with stairs and terraced yards.
Types of Homes
Mt. Washington’s housing includes older homes on hillside streets, condos and homes along Grandview Avenue, and the historic townhomes of Chatham Village.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Mt. Washington.
Schools
Public Schools
Mt. Washington is served by Pittsburgh Public Schools. Pittsburgh Grandview Montessori is at 131 Bigham Street. School assignment depends on address, so check the district’s feeder information for a specific home.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Duquesne University and Point Park University (Downtown and the Bluff)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 10 to 15 minutes away
- Community College of Allegheny County Allegheny Campus (North Side)
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
- Grandview Avenue: The scenic road along the top of the hill
- PA Route 51 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard): Along the base of the hill to the west and south
- Liberty Tunnel and Fort Pitt Tunnel: Through the hill toward Downtown and the airport
Public Transit
The two inclines connect the hilltop to Station Square, where riders can transfer to the light rail. Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus routes, including the 40 and 43, also serve the neighborhood.
Walkability & Bikeability
Walk Score rates Mt. Washington 68 for walking, 70 for transit, and 51 for biking. Grandview Avenue and Shiloh Street are popular for walking.
Things to Do
Parks & Trails
Emerald View Park
A 257-acre regional park that wraps around the hillside, with trails including the 2.5-mile George and Guy Trail.
Grandview Park
A hilltop park on Bailey Avenue with city views.
Point of View Park
A small park on Grandview Avenue with an overlook.
Recreation
- Inclines: Rides up and down the hill, with views of Downtown
- Overlooks: Viewing platforms along Grandview Avenue
- Trails: Hiking in Emerald View Park
Annual Events
- Farmers Market on the Mount: Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m., June through September, at 403 Grandview Avenue
- Fireworks viewing: Grandview Avenue is a popular spot to watch city fireworks
See the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation for current events.
Dining & Shopping
Grandview Avenue has restaurants with views of the city, and the Shiloh Street and Virginia Avenue business district has cafés, restaurants, and shops. Station Square is at the bottom of the inclines.
Library
CLP–Mt. Washington is at 315 Grandview Avenue. The branch was renovated in 2021.
Local Services & Resources
City Services
As a City of Pittsburgh neighborhood, Mt. Washington is served by city departments. Call 311 or visit Pittsburgh 311 for city service requests. The Mount Washington Community Development Corporation is at 608 Virginia Avenue, (412) 481-3220.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: City of Pittsburgh Environmental Services
- Water and sewer: Pittsburgh Water (PWSA)
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Zone 3, 830 East Warrington Avenue, (412) 488-8326
- Fire and EMS: Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and Pittsburgh EMS
Hospitals Nearby
- UPMC Mercy (Uptown)
- St. Clair Hospital (Mt. Lebanon)
Permits & Zoning
Permits and zoning go through the city’s Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections at OneStopPGH. Check before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mt. Washington part of Pittsburgh?
Yes. Mount Washington is a City of Pittsburgh neighborhood across the Monongahela River from Downtown.
What ZIP code is Mt. Washington?
15211.
Do the inclines still run?
Yes. The Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline both carry riders between the hilltop and the river level.
What is Chatham Village?
A planned group of townhomes built from 1932 to 1936, named a National Historic Landmark in 2005.
How long is the drive from Mt. Washington to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 5 to 10 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
What parks are in Mt. Washington?
Emerald View Park, Grandview Park, and Point of View Park.
Is there a farmers market in Mt. Washington?
Yes. The Farmers Market on the Mount runs Wednesdays from June through September at 403 Grandview Avenue.
Where is the Mt. Washington library?
CLP–Mt. Washington is at 315 Grandview Avenue.
What school district serves Mt. Washington?
Pittsburgh Public Schools. Check the district’s feeder information for a specific address.
Thinking About a Move to Mt. Washington?
Whether you are buying in Mt. Washington or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Mt. Washington 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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