Overview & Orientation
Upper St. Clair is a home rule township in Allegheny County, in Pittsburgh’s South Hills. It covers about 9.8 square miles. Upper St. Clair is known for Boyce Mayview Park and its Community & Recreation Center, the historic Gilfillan Farm, a park system of about 733 acres, and the Upper St. Clair School District.
Where Upper St. Clair Is
- County: Allegheny County
- Municipality type: Township, separated from St. Clair Township in 1836. Its home rule charter took effect on January 5, 1976.
- Size: About 9.8 square miles
- Mailing address: The township building uses Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.
- Bordering communities: South Fayette Township (west), Bridgeville (northwest), Scott Township and Mt. Lebanon (north), Bethel Park (east), and Peters Township in Washington County (south)
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| South Hills Village | 5–10 minutes |
| Canonsburg | 15–25 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 20–30 minutes |
| Oakland | 25–35 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 30–40 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 40–50 minutes |
A Brief History
The township is named for General Arthur St. Clair, a Revolutionary War figure who served as President of the United States in Congress Assembled. John Fife became the first European settler in 1762, near today’s Washington and McLaughlin Run Roads. The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 had roots in the township. See Upper St. Clair history.
Several coal mines operated starting in the late 1800s. In March 1913, the Freehold Real Estate Company built the first major residential development along Washington Road, near the streetcar line.
Notable Landmarks
- Gilfillan Farm: A farm founded in the 1760s at Washington Road (Route 19) and Orr Road. The current farm buildings date from 1857 to 1868. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and is now owned by the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair.
- Boyce Mayview Park: More than 450 acres at 1571 Mayview Road, with the Community & Recreation Center, about 10 miles of trails, and athletic fields
- Community & Recreation Center: A 90,000-square-foot facility with indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, an indoor walking track, and two basketball courts
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Early development: The first major residential development was built along Washington Road in 1913, near the streetcar line.
- Park land: About 733 acres of parks and fields, roughly 9 percent of the township, are spread through its neighborhoods.
Types of Homes
Upper St. Clair’s housing includes single-family homes in neighborhoods built from the early 1900s onward, along with townhomes and condominiums.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Upper St. Clair.
Schools
Public Schools
Upper St. Clair is served by the Upper St. Clair School District.
- Baker, Eisenhower, and Streams Elementary Schools
- Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools
- Upper St. Clair High School
Elementary assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Private Schools in the Township
- St. Louise de Marillac Catholic School (pre-K through 8)
- Wesley School (K–8), for students with special needs
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses
- Duquesne University (Bluff, near Downtown)
- Community College of Allegheny County South Campus (West Mifflin)
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
- Washington Road (U.S. Route 19): The main north–south route, north toward Mt. Lebanon and Pittsburgh and south toward Peters Township
- McLaughlin Run Road: Home to the township building and library
- Boyce Road and Mayview Road: Routes to Boyce Mayview Park
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) light rail ends at South Hills Village, on the township’s eastern edge, with park-and-ride parking. Check the PRT trip planner for current light rail and bus service.
Walkability & Bikeability
See Walk Score for Upper St. Clair, PA for walking, transit, and bike ratings. Boyce Mayview Park’s trail network covers about 10 miles.
Things to Do
Parks & Trails
Upper St. Clair’s parks and fields cover about 733 acres.
Boyce Mayview Park
1571 Mayview Road. More than 450 acres with about 10 miles of natural-surface trails, including a 6-mile perimeter trail. Lighted baseball, softball, and multipurpose fields; Casey’s Clubhouse, an all-inclusive playground with water features; Boyce Gardens community garden plots; and wetlands and open space.
Gilfillan Park
About 60 acres of farm and woodland with a 1.25-mile mulched walking trail, next to the historic Gilfillan Farm.
Municipal Park
About 30 acres near the township building.
More parks
Baker, Trotwood, Wiltshire, Tustin, Brookside, and Ravine Parks, plus Morton, Marmion, and Beadling fields
Recreation
- Community & Recreation Center: Indoor and outdoor pools, a gym and group fitness studios, an indoor walking track, two basketball courts, and community rooms
- Boyce Mayview Park fields: Lighted fields available for rental
- Gilfillan Farm: Open by appointment and during Community Day
Annual Events
- Upper St. Clair Community Day (May): The township’s annual community celebration, when Gilfillan Farm opens to visitors
- Fire Prevention Week (October): Programs with the Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department
See the township calendar for current dates.
Dining & Shopping
- Washington Road: Restaurants, shops, and services along Route 19
- South Hills Village: The area’s two-level shopping mall, on the township’s edge
Library
The Upper St. Clair Township Library is at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, in the township complex, (412) 835-5540.
Local Services & Resources
Upper St. Clair Township Building
1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241
Phone: (412) 831-9000
Website: twpusc.org
Board of Commissioners: See the Board of Commissioners page for meeting agendas and minutes.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: Waste Management. Trash is collected weekly and recycling every other week in a burgundy-lid cart, and glass is accepted. Up to two bulk items are picked up during the second full week of each month. See trash and recycling details.
- Yard waste: Curbside pickup on set spring and fall dates in compostable paper bags, plus drop-off dates at the Boyce Compost Site on Boyce Road
- Public Works: (412) 831-9000, ext. 2710
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Upper St. Clair Police: Non-emergency: (412) 833-1113
- Fire: Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department
- EMS: Tri-Community South EMS
Hospitals Nearby
- St. Clair Hospital (Mt. Lebanon)
- AHN Jefferson Hospital (Jefferson Hills)
Permits & Zoning
Building permits and zoning go through the Department of Planning and Community Development, (412) 831-9000, ext. 5010. Applications and process information are on the building permit applications page. Call before starting a fence, deck, shed, pool, or addition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Upper St. Clair, PA in?
Upper St. Clair is in Allegheny County, in Pittsburgh’s South Hills.
Is Upper St. Clair a township?
Yes. It separated from St. Clair Township in 1836 and has operated under a home rule charter since 1976.
What school district serves Upper St. Clair?
The Upper St. Clair School District, with Baker, Eisenhower, and Streams Elementary Schools, Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools, and Upper St. Clair High School.
How long is the drive from Upper St. Clair to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 20 to 30 minutes. Traffic varies by time of day.
What is Boyce Mayview Park?
A township park of more than 450 acres on Mayview Road, home to the Community & Recreation Center, about 10 miles of trails, lighted fields, and Casey’s Clubhouse playground.
Does Upper St. Clair have a recreation center?
Yes. The 90,000-square-foot Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park has indoor and outdoor pools, fitness areas, an indoor track, and basketball courts.
What is Gilfillan Farm?
A farm founded in the 1760s at Route 19 and Orr Road, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and owned by the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair.
Who collects trash in Upper St. Clair?
Waste Management collects trash weekly and recycling every other week. Public Works can be reached at (412) 831-9000, ext. 2710.
Where is the Upper St. Clair township building?
The township building is at 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. The phone number is (412) 831-9000.
Thinking About a Move to Upper St. Clair?
Whether you are buying in Upper St. Clair or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Upper St. Clair listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
Explore Nearby Communities
- Mt. Lebanon (homes for sale)
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Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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