Overview & Orientation
Tarentum is a borough in northeastern Allegheny County on the north bank of the Allegheny River, about 20 miles northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh. It covers about 1.4 square miles, with a riverfront park, a compact downtown, and two bridges across the river to New Kensington. Tarentum is known for its glassmaking history as the early home of Pittsburgh Plate Glass, its borough-owned electric utility, its summer concerts at Riverview Memorial Park, and the Highlands School District.
Where Tarentum Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Type: Borough, incorporated March 7, 1842, covering about 1.4 square miles. See Wikipedia’s Tarentum entry.
- ZIP code: 15084
- Neighbors: East Deer Township (west), Frazer Township (northwest), Fawn Township (north), Harrison Township (northeast), Brackenridge (east), and New Kensington and Lower Burrell across the river in Westmoreland County
Borough or Mailing Address?
The “Tarentum, PA 15084” mailing address also covers parts of neighboring townships, including the Pittsburgh Mills area in Frazer Township. Each municipality has its own services, taxes, and school district:
| Municipality | School District |
|---|---|
| Tarentum Borough | Highlands |
| Brackenridge | Highlands |
| Fawn Township | Highlands |
| Frazer Township | Deer Lakes |
| East Deer Township | Deer Lakes |
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 |
|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Mills | 5 minutes |
| New Kensington (across the river) | 5–10 minutes |
| Natrona Heights | 5–10 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 30–40 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 40–50 minutes |
A Brief History
Tarentum was settled in 1796 and laid out in 1829 by Henry Marie Brackenridge, and it was incorporated as a borough on March 7, 1842. In the 1800s, Samuel Kier ran salt wells here, and the town grew into an industrial center producing plate glass, bottles, brick, steel, lumber, and paper. John Baptiste Ford, who founded the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, now PPG Industries, was closely tied to the town and funded its early YMCA building.
The Allegheny-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum, at 224 East Seventh Avenue, preserves the history of Tarentum and the surrounding valley. The borough also displays two statues of Hebe, a local landmark.
Notable Landmarks
- Riverview Memorial Park: The borough’s riverfront park and home of the Carl Magnetta Jr. Amphitheater
- Allegheny-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum: Local and regional history at 224 East Seventh Avenue
- Tarentum Bridge and George D. Stuart Bridge: Two crossings of the Allegheny River to New Kensington
- Statues of Hebe: Two statues displayed by the borough
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
Tarentum’s homes sit on a grid of streets on the flat land near the river and on the hillside rising behind downtown. Much of the housing dates from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, built during the town’s industrial years. Brick and frame single-family homes, duplexes, and row homes are common, and sidewalks connect most streets to the downtown and the riverfront.
Homes in low-lying areas near the Allegheny River and Bull Creek should be checked on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Types of Homes
- Single-family homes (the majority)
- Duplexes and two-unit homes
- Row 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 Tarentum.
Schools
Highlands School District
Tarentum is served by the Highlands School District, which also covers Brackenridge and Harrison and Fawn Townships, about 22 square miles in all. The district’s administrative offices are in Natrona Heights, (724) 226-2400.
- Primary: Fairmount Primary Center
- Upper Elementary: Grandview Upper Elementary School
- Middle: Highlands Middle School, in Natrona Heights
- High: Highlands High School, in Natrona Heights
Check with the district for current grade groupings and building assignments.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Penn State New Kensington (Upper Burrell)
- Westmoreland County Community College’s New Kensington center
- CCAC Boyce Campus (Monroeville)
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: The Allegheny Valley Expressway, with Tarentum exits, running south to Pittsburgh and north toward Kittanning
- PA Route 366 and the George D. Stuart Bridge: Bull Creek Road and the bridge to New Kensington
- Tarentum Bridge: A second crossing to New Kensington
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) runs bus service in the Allegheny Valley, including routes to Downtown. Check the PRT trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Walkability & Bikeability
Tarentum’s downtown and riverfront are compact, and many errands can be done on foot. Trips beyond the borough are usually by car. See Walk Score for Tarentum, PA.
Things to Do
Riverview Memorial Park
Riverview Memorial Park
Along the Allegheny River in Tarentum. The park is home to the Carl Magnetta Jr. Amphitheater, which hosts a free summer concert series on select Thursday evenings from June through August, and it hosts fall events such as the Boo Festival. See the borough’s Recreation Board page for this year’s schedule.
Community Events
Tarentum’s yearly calendar includes a spring egg hunt, spring and fall business crawls downtown, a Fourth of July parade, the Boo Festival in October, and a holiday parade shared with neighboring Brackenridge in November. Check the borough calendar for dates.
Parks Nearby
Allegheny County’s Harrison Hills Park, about 10 minutes away in Harrison Township, has 524 acres of trails and river overlooks.
Shopping & Dining
Downtown Tarentum has local shops, restaurants, and services. Pittsburgh Mills, in neighboring Frazer Township, and the shopping areas of New Kensington and Natrona Heights are a short drive away.
Library
Tarentum’s library branch closed in February 2020. Residents are served by the Community Library of Allegheny Valley at 1522 Broadview Boulevard in Natrona Heights, (724) 226-3491, which now holds the local history collection.
Local Services & Resources
Tarentum Borough Office
318 East Second Avenue, Tarentum, PA 15084
Phone: (724) 224-1876
Website: tarentumboro.com
Borough Council: Regular monthly meetings at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers, 318 East Second Avenue. Check the borough website for dates.
Electric, Water & Trash
Tarentum is one of about 35 Pennsylvania boroughs that own and operate their own electric distribution system, branded RedCat Power. The borough also has a water department, and trash charges appear on the same borough utility bill. See the borough’s electric page.
Waste Management collects trash weekly, with bagged trash inside the provided cart. One bulk item per month is collected free during the second full week of the month. The borough does not currently run a recycling program. See the borough’s trash service page or call (724) 224-1818 with questions.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Tarentum Police Department
- Fire: The Tarentum Volunteer Fire Department, made up of Eureka Fire & Rescue, Highland Hose Co., and Summit Hose Co.
Hospitals Nearby
- AHN Allegheny Valley Hospital (Natrona Heights)
- Pittsburgh-area hospitals, a longer drive via Route 28
Permits & Zoning
Planning a renovation, addition, deck, fence, or pool? Applications are on the borough’s permitting and forms page, or call (724) 224-1876.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Tarentum in?
Tarentum is in Allegheny County, about 20 miles northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh on the Allegheny River.
What school district serves Tarentum?
The Highlands School District, which also serves Brackenridge and Harrison and Fawn Townships.
Is Pittsburgh Mills in Tarentum?
Pittsburgh Mills uses a Tarentum mailing address, but it is in neighboring Frazer Township.
Does Tarentum have its own electric company?
Yes. The borough owns and operates its own electric distribution system, branded RedCat Power.
Does Tarentum have recycling?
Not currently. The borough removed its community recycling containers, and Waste Management collects trash weekly.
Is there a library in Tarentum?
The Tarentum branch closed in 2020. The Community Library of Allegheny Valley in Natrona Heights serves the area.
Where are the summer concerts in Tarentum?
At the Carl Magnetta Jr. Amphitheater in Riverview Memorial Park, on select Thursday evenings in summer.
How long is the drive from Tarentum to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 30 to 40 minutes by Route 28. Traffic varies by time of day.
Thinking About a Move to Tarentum?
Whether you are buying in Tarentum or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions, including whether a specific 15084 home is in the borough or a neighboring township. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Tarentum 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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