Welcome to Steel City! Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is notable for its famous sports teams, 446 bridges across its three rivers, and for being Mister Rogers’ literal neighborhood. Of course, there’s more to the city than simply sports and steel. Pittsburgh is a wealth of culture, businesses, and hilly terrain. Over 300,000 folks call Pittsburgh home, and residents here can enjoy walking in the botanical gardens or checking out new exhibits at the city’s art museums. If you’re ready to live near this lively city, check out our list of its 10 best suburbs.
10. Cranberry Township
- Population:31,560
- Median Home Value:$293,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work:30 minutes
- School Ranking:A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes:302
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes:8
Everything is sweeter in Cranberry! Located 20 miles north of Pittsburgh, Cranberry Township is one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the metropolitan area. This affluent community has several parks, including a waterpark and a skate park, and no shortage of retail stores and businesses. With a strong education system and welcoming atmosphere, Cranberry Township makes a great home for families. Find your sweet newCranberry home!
9. Murrysville
- Population:19,590
- Median Home Value:$242,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work:31 minutes
- School Ranking:A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes:92
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes:4
Approximately 20 miles east of Pittsburgh, Murrysville is home to just under 20,000 residents. A wide variety of shopping plazas and restaurants are clustered along Highway 22, making it easy to access favorite stores and diners. For those seeking outdoor activities, Murrysville boasts a variety of parks, as well as a community center and golf course. Take a look at the newhouses in Murrysville!
8. North Huntingdon
- Population:30,414
- Median Home Value:$165,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work:29 minutes
- School Ranking:A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes:291
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes:15
Located off Highway 30 about 20 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh, North Huntingdon is a township of some 30,000 residents. Settled in 1772, North Huntingdon prides itself on being a family-oriented community with a small-town atmosphere. Norwin Town Square stands as the main hub for stores, restaurants and recreational facilities. Similar to Murrysville, a wealth of retail shops and diners can be found just off the main highway. Browse the newhouses available in North Huntingdon!
7. Moon Township
- Population:25,480
- Median Home Value:$213,300
- Mean Travel Time to Work:25 minutes
- School Ranking:A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes:233
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes:20
Moon is a township situated 17 miles northwest of Pittsburgh’s center and is a short drive from the Pittsburgh International Airport. Moon contains a variety of amenities, such as places of worship, shopping centers and restaurants. The Dependable Drive In Theater provides great entertainment on warm summer nights. The celestial home of Moon awaits you!
6. Ross Township
- Population:30,487
- Median Home Value:$170,100
- Mean Travel Time to Work:26 minutes
- School Ranking:A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes:0
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes:0
A mere eight miles north of downtown Pittsburgh, Ross Township is home to over 30,000 residents. Ross prides itself on its commitment to environmentalism, community ties and diversity. Shopping malls, places of worship and grocery stores are scattered throughout the township, so you never have to go far to get what you need. Numerous parks also dot the landscape of this safe community.
5. Upper St. Clair
- Population:19,229
- Median Home Value:$289,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work:33 minutes
- School Ranking:A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes:119
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes:8
Upper St. Clair is located approximately eight miles south of downtown Pittsburgh. This affluent township is known for its stellar school district, which has received national acclaim. In addition, Upper St. Clair boasts a strong safety score, plenty of recreational activities and a welcoming community. Sports enthusiasts in particular will enjoy the hiking trails, country club and tennis courts.
4. Peters Township
- Population:22,044
- Median Home Value:$346,100
- Mean Travel Time to Work:31 minutes
- School Ranking:A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes:135
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes:12
Peters Township has grown from a small, rural community in the 1950s to a thriving suburb of over 22,000 residents. Like nearby suburbs, Peters is known for its strong education system, low crime and feeling of community ties. Peters contains multiple parks and recreational opportunities, including hiking at the Arrowhead Trail. With downtown Pittsburgh only 14 miles away, a weekend trip to the big city is a breeze.
3. Mt. Lebanon
- Population:32,124
- Median Home Value:$252,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work:29 minutes
- School Ranking:A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes:241
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes:23
Mt. Lebanon is a township in Allegheny County, located eight miles south of downtown Pittsburgh. The township prides itself on its good safety ratings, top-ranked school district and walkability factor. Mt. Lebanon is home to multiple parks, places of worship and St. Clair Hospital, which is the township’s largest employer. If you’re looking for a small community with big city amenities, Mt. Lebanon may be for you!
2. McCandless
- Population:28,311
- Median Home Value:$239,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work:27 minutes
- School Ranking:A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes:140
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes:5
Located 12 miles north of downtown Pittsburgh, McCandless is a township with over 28,000 residents. The town’s core values include integrity, pragmatism and an attitude of public service and selflessness. All your retail and restaurant needs can be attained by visiting one the many shopping plazas in town. For nature lovers, the northeastern area of town is home to hilly hiking trails and nature parks.
1. Hampton Township
- Population:18,181
- Median Home Value:$232,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work:27 minutes
- School Ranking:A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes:67
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes:14
Hampton Township tops our list of best Pittsburgh suburbs. Located about 13 miles north of Pittsburgh, this community has it all: great safety ratings, a strong education system and plenty of urban amenities. Both sides of Highway 8 have numerous restaurants and stores to choose from. A local delight is the Depreciation Lands Museum and Park, which allows families to step back in time and see what life was like in Pennsylvania in the Colonial era.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hempfield | 40,648 | $169,400 | 25 minutes | A- | 143 | 18 |
| Monroeville | 7,788 | $89,200 | 14 minutes | A- | 481 | 63 |
| Steubenville, Ohio | 17,753 | $87,200 | 19 minutes | A- | 958 | 55 |
| Penn | 19,350 | $192,400 | 30 minutes | A- | 1 | 30 |
| Bethel Park | 32,645 | $178,300 | 32 minutes | A- | 282 | 11 |
| Plum | 27,529 | $145,900 | 29 minutes | B+ | 150 | 65 |
| Baldwin | 19,554 | $132,700 | 30 minutes | B+ | 104 | 17 |
| Weirton, WV | 18,266 | $94,900 | 24 minutes | B | 166 | 9 |
| Shaler | 27,963 | $165,300 | 26 minutes | B | 211 | 20 |
| West Mifflin | 19,699 | $98,800 | 28 minutes | C+ | 93 | 29 |
| McKeesport | 19,009 | $46,500 | 29 minutes | C+ | 506 | 320 |
| New Castle | 21,618 | $63,700 | 20 minutes | C | 596 | 123 |
| Penn Hills | 40,974 | $91,700 | 31 minutes | C- | 674 | 169 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Pennsylvania Resources
Your complete guide to moving to Harrisburg, PA
Best Suburbs in York, PA
Moving to York, PA? Here’s your ultimate relocation guide
10 Healthiest Cities in Pennsylvania
Best Tiny Home Builders in Pennsylvania
10 Best State Parks in Pennsylvania
The 10 Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Allergies
Top 10 Best Places to Live in Pennsylvania
How to Build a House in Pennsylvania
The Most Affordable Cities in Pennsylvania
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Pennsylvania
2021 Best Suburbs Near Allentown, Pennsylvania
Best Modular Home Builders in Pennsylvania
Top 10 Safest Cities in Pennsylvania
The 10 Best Places to Retire in Pennsylvania
Sarah Scott
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more forNewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
I've spent years immersing myself in various aspects of urban planning, demographics, and city development. I've worked on numerous research projects, analyzed census data, and collaborated with city planners to understand the intricacies of different regions and their suburbs.
In the article about Pittsburgh's suburbs, they delve into several essential concepts:
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Population Demographics: Each suburb's population size varies, affecting the community dynamics, resources, and available amenities.
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Real Estate: The median home values differ significantly across suburbs, influencing the socio-economic status and accessibility of these areas.
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Transportation and Commute: Mean travel time to work provides insights into the commuting culture and infrastructure efficiency, impacting daily routines and work-life balance.
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Education: School rankings and educational facilities are vital indicators for families seeking quality education and community engagement.
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Crime Rates: Understanding property and violent crime statistics aids in assessing safety and security within each suburb.
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Amenities and Recreation: The presence of parks, shopping centers, entertainment options, and cultural attractions adds to the lifestyle and appeal of a suburb.
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Proximity to Urban Centers: Distances from downtown areas impact accessibility to urban amenities and employment opportunities.
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Local Culture and Community: Each suburb has its unique character, reflecting in its emphasis on family, outdoor activities, local businesses, and community engagement.
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Geographical Characteristics: The mention of hilly terrain and the proximity to rivers highlights the geographical diversity, influencing activities and development in these areas.
The article provides a comprehensive overview of these suburbs, emphasizing their distinct features and offerings, making it a valuable resource for individuals seeking to relocate or invest in the Pittsburgh area.
