Overview & Orientation
Penn Hills is a home rule municipality in Allegheny County, east of Pittsburgh along the Allegheny River. At about 19 square miles, it is the second-largest municipality in the county. Penn Hills is known for its many named neighborhoods, Penn Hills Community Park, the Longue Vue Club and golf course, its access to the Parkway East, and the Penn Hills School District.
Where Penn Hills Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Incorporated in 1850 from the northern part of Wilkins Township. It became Penn Township in 1851, Penn Hills Township in 1958, and a home rule municipality in 1976.
- Size: About 19.3 square miles
- ZIP codes: 15235 and 15147. Addresses use “Pittsburgh, PA” or “Verona, PA” as the mailing city, even though Penn Hills is its own municipality.
- Bordering communities: Verona and Oakmont (north), Plum (east), Monroeville (southeast), Wilkins Township, Churchill, and Wilkinsburg (south), and the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of East Hills, Homewood North, and Lincoln–Lemington–Belmar (south and west). The Allegheny River forms the northwest edge, across from O’Hara Township and Blawnox.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Monroeville | 15–20 minutes |
| Oakland | 20–25 minutes |
| Pittsburgh Mills (Frazer) | 20–25 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 20–30 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 30–40 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 40–50 minutes |
A Brief History
Penn Hills was formed in 1850 from the northern part of Wilkins Township. It was briefly named Adams and then McNair before becoming Penn Township in 1851. It took the name Penn Hills Township in 1958 and adopted home rule in 1976, and its motto is “A Home Rule Community.” See Penn Hills history.
Several streams run through the municipality, including Plum Creek, Sandy Creek, Thompson Run, Quigley Run, Shades Run, and Duffs Run. The Longue Vue Club and its golf course were founded in 1920.
Notable Landmarks
- Penn Hills Government Center: 102 Duff Road, home to the municipal offices, police department, and EMS
- Longue Vue Club and golf course: Founded in 1920
- Penn Hills Community Park and Milltown Community Park: The municipality’s main parks
- North Bessemer Field: An athletic field along Plum Creek
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Named neighborhoods: Penn Hills includes Blackridge, Churchill Valley, Crescent Hills, Eastmont, Eastvue, Frankstown Estates, Frankstown West, Gascola, Laketon Heights, Lincoln Park, Milltown, Nadine, Newfield, North Bessemer, Penn Ridge, Rosedale, Sandy Creek, Shannon Heights, Universal, Valemont Heights, Verona Hilltop, and others.
- Large municipality: At about 19 square miles, Penn Hills has a wide range of neighborhoods, streets, and lot sizes.
- Stream valleys: Several creeks run through the municipality. Check flood zone status for properties near a stream.
Types of Homes
Penn Hills’ housing varies across its many neighborhoods, with a mix of home styles, ages, and lot sizes, along with townhomes and apartments.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Penn Hills.
Schools
Public Schools
Penn Hills is served by the Penn Hills School District, with offices at 260 Aster Street. The district serves pre-K through grade 12.
- Penn Hills Elementary School
- Linton Middle School
- Penn Hills High School
- Penn Hills Cyber Academy
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 20 to 25 minutes away
- Community College of Allegheny County Boyce Campus (Monroeville)
- Penn State Greater Allegheny (McKeesport)
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
- Interstate 376 (Parkway East): Runs through the southern part of Penn Hills, with an interchange at Exit 81
- PA Route 380 (Frankstown and Saltsburg Roads): Major routes through the municipality
- PA Route 791 (Rodi Road): A main route through the municipality
- PA Route 130 (Allegheny River Boulevard and other roads): Runs along the river toward Verona and Oakmont
- Allegheny County belts: The Yellow and Green Belts pass through Penn Hills.
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) bus routes connect Penn Hills with Downtown Pittsburgh, and some routes and Flyer services run within the municipality. Check the PRT trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
Walkability varies a lot across Penn Hills’ neighborhoods. Enter a specific address at Walk Score for walking, transit, and bike ratings.
Things to Do
Parks
Penn Hills’ parks are run by the municipality’s Parks & Recreation department, and pavilions can be reserved through the municipal website.
Penn Hills Community Park
The municipality’s main community park
Milltown Community Park
A community park in the Milltown area
North Bessemer Field
An athletic field along Plum Creek
Recreation
- Longue Vue Club: A club and golf course founded in 1920
- Boyce Park: A large Allegheny County park just east in Plum, with trails and seasonal activities
- Penn Hills Library: Programs and events (see Library below)
Annual Events
- Community calendar: Penn Hills posts parks and community events through its online calendar and the Savvy Citizen app.
Dining & Shopping
- Frankstown and Rodi Roads: Restaurants, shops, and services along the main corridors
- Monroeville: Larger shopping centers 15 to 20 minutes away
- Oakmont and Verona: River-town business districts nearby
Library
The Penn Hills Library is at 1037 Stotler Road, (412) 775-4700. See pennhillslibrary.org for hours and programs.
Local Services & Resources
Penn Hills Municipal Building
102 Duff Road, Penn Hills, PA 15235
Phone: (412) 342-1086
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website: pennhillspa.gov
Council meetings: Held at the Municipal Building. See the website for agendas and dates.
Utilities
- Trash: Collected by Republic Services (Allied Waste Services). For account questions, call Republic at (877) 788-9400.
- Sewer: The municipality’s Water Pollution Control department handles sewer service.
- Public Works: Handles trash collection coordination and municipal services.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911. Dispatch is handled by Allegheny County 911.
- Penn Hills Police: At the Government Center, 102 Duff Road. Non-emergency: (412) 473-3056.
- EMS: Penn Hills EMS, at the Government Center
- Fire: Several fire stations serve the municipality.
Hospitals Nearby
- UPMC East (Monroeville)
- AHN Forbes Hospital (Monroeville)
Permits & Zoning
Permits and zoning go through the municipality’s Code Enforcement and Planning departments. Start at pennhillspa.gov or call (412) 342-1086 before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Penn Hills, PA in?
Penn Hills is in Allegheny County, east of Pittsburgh.
Is Penn Hills part of the City of Pittsburgh?
No. Penn Hills is a separate home rule municipality. Its addresses use “Pittsburgh, PA” or “Verona, PA” as the mailing city, with ZIP codes 15235 and 15147.
What school district serves Penn Hills?
The Penn Hills School District, which includes Penn Hills Elementary School, Linton Middle School, and Penn Hills High School.
How long is the drive from Penn Hills to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 20 to 30 minutes, often by the Parkway East (Interstate 376). Traffic varies by time of day.
How big is Penn Hills?
About 19 square miles, making it the second-largest municipality in Allegheny County.
What parks are in Penn Hills?
Penn Hills Community Park, Milltown Community Park, and North Bessemer Field. Boyce Park, a county park, is just east in Plum.
Who collects trash in Penn Hills?
Republic Services (Allied Waste Services). Account questions go to Republic at (877) 788-9400.
Where is the Penn Hills library?
The Penn Hills Library is at 1037 Stotler Road, (412) 775-4700.
Where is the Penn Hills municipal building?
The municipal building is at 102 Duff Road, Penn Hills, PA 15235. The phone number is (412) 342-1086.
Thinking About a Move to Penn Hills?
Whether you are buying in Penn Hills or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Penn 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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