If you’re looking for modern convenience in a traditional setting, try your luck in Castle Shannon, an established borough in Pittsburgh’s South Hills named after the lush fields of Ireland. “It’s definitely a suburban area, with a lot of small businesses in and around the neighborhood. And you’re only a 15- to 20-minute drive into the city, so you’re close to an urban center. But it’s a close-knit community; it has small-town vibes,” says Rachel Geraci, a real estate professional with RE/MAX 360 Realty who grew up in the borough. “Castle Shannon is so small that everybody knows each other. It feels a lot further out than it is.”
Castle Shannon, where every row of homes tells a unique story.
Castle Shannon's homes glow warmly under the setting sun.
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Not one, but two commuter rail lines in the neighborhood
Located about 7 miles south of Downtown Pittsburgh, the borough is especially appealing for commuters. Pittsburgh’s light rail commuter train, known locally as the “T,” connects directly to the heart of the city via a red line and a blue line. Both run through Castle Shannon. “That’s one of the main draws of living there,” says Geraci. “There are an abundance of key stops in the neighborhood. It’s a great place to live if you work downtown.” The “T” also provides convenient travel for residents who work closer to home in surrounding communities. “I used to work in Dormont,” Geraci says. “It was a great thing growing up.” Additional public transportation in the form of buses can be found along Library Road, the borough’s primary commercial corridor.
The PRT light rail system runs right through the neighborhood of Castle Shannon.
Castle Shannon Station, the heart of the community's commute.
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Colonial- and ranch-style homes offer spacious lots on hilly streets
The many convenient transit stops also mean that getting back home is quick and easy. And back home means a neighborhood highlighted by Colonial-style homes, including large brick and vinyl-sided homes as well as smaller Cape Cods. Ranch-style homes also are common. Homes are more spaced out than in the typical Pittsburgh-area neighborhood, which tends to feature homes built closely together. “That’s not the case in Castle Shannon,” Geraci says. “You’re going to have more of a yard there.” Many of the homes have attached garages underneath a first-floor living area, a design feature made necessary by the hilly terrain, as the borough features some of the steepest streets in Pittsburgh. Prices in the sought-after neighborhood typically range from the mid-100,000s to the mid-200,000s. Contemporary townhomes starting at $200,000 highlight the multi-family options. “It’s a really affordable neighborhood compared to nearby communities,” Geraci says. “It’s great for first-time homebuyers. IF you can find a home. The one problem is that inventory is low.”
Colonial style homes are popular in the neighborhood of Castle Shannon.
Childhood memories are made on Castle Shannon's front lawns.
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Students can attend a highly rated neighborhood elementary
Some of the area’s top schools serve the neighborhood. Young students can attend Myrtle Avenue Elementary, an A-minus-rated school located in the borough. “I went to school there and had a wonderful experience,” says Geraci. A proposed consolidation with Dormont Elementary in the early 2010s was derailed by an outcry from residents. “The community begged, BEGGED the school district not to do it. That shows you how much the school means to Castle Shannon,” Geraci says. Older students can attend Keystone Oaks Middle and Keystone Oaks High, B-plus-rated schools that share a nearby campus. The high school offers 16 varsity athletic programs and more than 20 clubs.
Keystone Oaks Middle School in Castle Shannon offers Advanced Placement courses for young minds.
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Ice Castle Arena is an established entertainment hub
Among the businesses that call the borough home, none is more well-known than Ice Castle Arena, long a popular hub of activity that features two indoor rinks and an arcade. “It’s been a mainstay in Castle Shannon for a long time,” Geraci says. “It’s a great venue for family fun. A lot of young kids have always hung out there. When I was a kid, that was the place to hang out on Friday nights. It’s also one of the only skating rinks around, so people will come to Castle Shannon just for that.” Hamilton and Riehl parks offer residents access to outdoor activity. Hamilton Park is the larger of the two and is the focus of an extensive renovation scheduled to be completed later in 2024. “I went to day camp at Hamilton Park,” Geraci says. “They have a bunch of recreational programs there.” Those programs have been moved to Riehl Park during the renovation. More than 25,000 rounds of golf are played each year on Mt. Lebanon’s public 9-hole course adjacent to the borough.
Stop by the Ice Castle in Castle Shannon late at night to catch adult league ice hockey.
Ice Castle in Castle Shannon, where dreams on ice take flight.
Anthos Bakery & Café, a recently established eatery known for its Greek delicacies, anchors the neighborhood’s dining options. “It’s always packed anytime you go in. There’s usually a line out the door,” Geraci says. Other popular options include Willow Station, a restaurant and bar located next to the commuter rail stop of the same name, and Coffee Etc.. The Lebanon Shops, which includes a family owned pharmacy that has been in business for more than 40 years, is an established retail center that has been serving Castle Shannon and neighboring Mount Lebanon for decades. Nearby grocery options include a Shop & Save in Mount Lebanon and a Giant Eagle in Whitehall.
The heart of Castle Shannon beats warmly at M Cibrone & Sons Bakery.
Assorted pastries and desserts at M Cibrone Bakery in Castle Shannon
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Neighborhood comes together to celebrate annual community events
The borough’s small-town vibes are never more apparent than when its residents come together for community events. The annual Community Day gathering typically takes place every May at Hamilton Park. Recently, however, the park’s renovation prompted the festivities to be folded into the neighborhood’s signature event, the Annual Car Raffle. The raffle event takes place over four days in late July or early August and features a mini-carnival with rides, games and live music. It culminates with the announcement of the raffle winner, who gets to choose a new vehicle. The Annual Car Raffle is put on by the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department, which also organizes an annual Light Up Night with Santa that includes Christmas carols and a tree lighting.
The Castle Shannon water tower, a beacon in the skyline.
Riehl Park has a covered pavilion and kitchen facilities in Castle Shannon.
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Areas Serviced (But Not Limited To) Pittsburgh South Hills Area Mt.Lebanon, Upper St.Clair, Bethel Park, Castle Shannon, Dormont Beechview, Brookline, Mt.Washington, Greentree, Whitehall, Scott Township South Fayette, Nevillwood, Collier, Washington County and Peters Township
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