Overview & Orientation
Zelienople is a borough in southwestern Butler County, on the south bank of Connoquenessing Creek, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh. It covers about 2.1 square miles. Zelienople is known for its historic Main Street, the Passavant and Buhl Houses, the 1914 Strand Theater, Horse Trading Days, its community park and pool, and the Seneca Valley School District.
Where Zelienople Is
- County: Butler County
- Municipality type: Borough, settled in 1802 and incorporated in 1840. See Zelienople on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 2.1 square miles
- ZIP code: 16063
- Bordering communities: Jackson Township (north, southeast, and south), Harmony (northeast), and the Beaver County line (west)
- Water: Connoquenessing Creek runs along the borough’s northern edge.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Cranberry Township | 15–20 minutes |
| Beaver | 25–35 minutes |
| Butler | 30–40 minutes |
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 35–45 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 40–50 minutes |
| Oakland | 45–55 minutes |
A Brief History
In 1802, Baron Dettmar Basse bought about 10,000 acres along Connoquenessing Creek and built a large home he called the “Bassenheim.” He named the town for his daughter, Zelie. The Bassenheim Furnace began making iron in 1813. Zelie and her husband, Philipp Passavant, later lived in the house that still stands on South Main Street.
Zelienople was incorporated as a borough in 1840. A trolley line connected the town to the region from 1908 to 1931, and Interstate 79 opened nearby in the 1970s. The borough’s Main Street still has many buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s, including the 1906 First National Bank building and the 1902 Kaufman House.
Notable Landmarks
- Passavant House: Built in 1808 at 243 South Main Street, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977
- Buhl House: Built around 1805 at 221 South Main Street. The Zelienople Historical Society runs both houses as museums.
- Strand Theater: A theater at 119 North Main Street, opened in 1914, with films, concerts, and live shows
- 4 Corners Veterans Memorial Park: At the corner of Routes 68 and 19
- Zelienople Municipal Airport: A small general aviation airport run by the borough
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Historic homes: Brick homes from the early 1800s stand along South Main Street, including the Passavant and Buhl Houses.
- Older neighborhoods: Streets near Main Street have homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Newer construction: The Glade Run development off Route 68 adds townhomes and single-family houses.
Types of Homes
Zelienople’s housing ranges from historic brick homes near Main Street to mid-century houses and newer townhomes and single-family houses.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. See current homes for sale in Zelienople.
Schools
Public Schools
Zelienople is served by the Seneca Valley School District, with offices at 124 Seneca School Road, Harmony, (724) 452-6040. The district serves several municipalities in southern Butler County.
- Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School (K–4), 300 South Pittsburgh Street, Zelienople, (724) 452-8280
- Seneca Valley Ryan Gloyer Middle School (7–8)
- Seneca Valley Intermediate High School (9–10) and Senior High School (11–12), on the Seneca School Road campus in Jackson Township
School assignment depends on address. Confirm with the district.
Other Schools Nearby
- St. Gregory School, 115 Pine Street, Zelienople, (724) 452-9731
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Butler County Community College (Butler and Cranberry locations)
- Slippery Rock University (Slippery Rock)
- Geneva College (Beaver Falls)
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
- U.S. Route 19 (Perry Highway): Main Street through the borough, south toward Cranberry
- PA Route 68: East toward Evans City and Butler, and west toward Beaver County
- PA Routes 288 and 588: Local routes toward Beaver County
- Interstate 79: Nearby exits 85, 87, and 88
Public Transit
Most trips in Zelienople are by car. Contact Butler County transit providers for current service in the area.
Walkability & Bikeability
The Main Street business district is compact and easy to walk. For ratings at a specific address, visit Walk Score.
Things to Do
Parks
Zelienople Community Park
About 35 acres at 402 East Beaver Street, with walking trails, ball fields, playgrounds, and pavilions. See parks and recreation.
Zelienople Community Pool
A seasonal pool with a zero-entry area and slides, (724) 452-5208.
Memorial Skate Park
A skate park that opened in 2019.
Recreation
- Connoquenessing Creek: Fishing and paddling along the creek
- Strand Theater: Films, concerts, and live performances year-round
- Harmony: The historic Harmony Museum is a few minutes away
Annual Events
The borough lists its parades and festivals each year. Highlights include:
- Horse Trading Days (July): A long-running summer festival in town
- Fourth of July parade and fireworks
- Fall Festival
- Halloween parade
- Reindeer Race and holiday events (December)
Dining & Shopping
Main Street has shops, restaurants, and a brewery, including ShuBrew and Baldinger’s Market. Visit Butler County has a Zelienople walking tour. Cranberry Township’s shopping is 15 to 20 minutes south.
Library
The Zelienople Area Public Library is at 227 South High Street, (724) 452-9330.
Local Services & Resources
Zelienople Borough Office
111 West New Castle Street, Zelienople, PA 16063
Phone: (724) 452-6610
Website: zelieboro.org
Council meetings: The second and last Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
Utilities
- Electric: Provided by the borough’s own electric department
- Water: Provided by the borough
- Sewer: Western Butler County Authority
- Trash: Residents arrange service with a licensed hauler. Contact the borough office for current options.
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Zelienople Police: (724) 452-3003
- Fire: Harmony Fire District, (724) 452-4046
- EMS: Harmony EMS, (724) 452-4317
Hospitals Nearby
- UPMC Passavant–Cranberry
- Butler Memorial Hospital (Butler)
Permits & Zoning
Zoning and permits go through the borough’s zoning office, (724) 452-3002. Call before starting a renovation, fence, deck, or addition, especially in the historic Main Street area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Zelienople in?
Zelienople is in Butler County, about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh.
How did Zelienople get its name?
Founder Baron Dettmar Basse named the town for his daughter, Zelie.
What school district serves Zelienople?
The Seneca Valley School District. Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School is in Zelienople.
How long is the drive from Zelienople to Downtown Pittsburgh?
About 35 to 45 minutes, usually by Interstate 79. Traffic varies by time of day.
When is Horse Trading Days?
Horse Trading Days is held each July. Check the festival’s website for this year’s dates.
What historic sites are in Zelienople?
The Passavant House and Buhl House on South Main Street, both run by the Zelienople Historical Society, and the 1914 Strand Theater.
Does Zelienople have its own electric service?
Yes. The borough runs its own electric department and water system.
Where is the Zelienople library?
The Zelienople Area Public Library is at 227 South High Street, (724) 452-9330.
Where is the Zelienople borough office?
The borough office is at 111 West New Castle Street, Zelienople, PA 16063. The phone number is (724) 452-6610.
Thinking About a Move to Zelienople?
Whether you are buying in Zelienople or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current Zelienople 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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