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Harmar Township

Harmar Township

Suburban Neighborhood in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania

Allegheny County 15024, 15238

$277,042 Average Value
$180 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

From company town Harmarville to a developed commercial district

Looking at the railroad tracks and former company houses of Harmarville along the Allegheny River, it's still possible to see Harmar Township's coal mining and riverside industry town roots in the 21st century. After shaking off the last of the coal dust with the demolition of the Cheswick Generating Station in 2023, Harmar Township has increasingly become known for its highway sign-heralded Freeport Road businesses, though it hasn't lost the strong sense of community pride that connects the more rural post-industrial neighborhoods along the Allegheny Valley. “There’s no division line. Whether you’re from Cheswick or Harmar, all those communities work together,” says Connie Rusek-Lichok, an associate broker at Coldwell Banker who has lived and specialized in the Allegheny Valley for 45 years. “You’ve got churches, schools, recreation, shopping – you pretty much have it all. If you’re from down there, it’s like you’re a friend for life.” Whether locals are still calling it Harmarville or just Harmar, the township is an impressively modernizing hub commercial hub off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Route 28, undercut with enough recreation spaces, preserved local history and tranquil, forested country roads to make it more than a pit stop on the way to Pittsburgh.

Shopping and dining along Freeport Road

Pennsylvania Turnpike drivers needing a break from the road get off at the Allegheny Valley exit, heading toward the commercial strip lining Freeport Road in Harmar Township. Past a collection of hotels, fast food joints and gas stations like McDonald's and Sheetz catch highway traffic. A recently upgraded Target is the biggest retail anchor on this stretch of Freeport, but has been the center of the township's modern commercial development for much longer than it's introduced Tesla charging stations. Sit-down chains from Denny’s to Yinzer-centric Primanti Bros. pop up in standalone buildings and a few small strip malls. Allegheny Health Network Harmar Neighborhood Hospital punctuates the western end of the commercial corridor, a sleek, glassy complex that opened in 2020. The Pittsburgh Mills Mall is further up Route 28, but most retailers have fled the scene outside of anchors like Dick's Sporting Goods and Macy's. Its satellite strip malls have much busier parking lots thanks to big box names like Walmart and Sam's Club. East of the Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad Bridge, Freeport Road transforms into more of a main street, eschewing neon-lit national chains for long-standing businesses like Wicked Witches Bar & Grille, Fat Cat’s Subs and Riverview Antique ‘N Market Place. Neighboring municipalities like Cheswick and Harwick have their own set of long-time local standbys. “The Bear’s Inn on top of the hill – those men were coal miners, they serve a delicious spaghetti dinner,” Rusek-Lichok says. “They’ve put together monuments for the Harwick Mine disaster and for firemen, they’re very community oriented.” Several churches, including Rock of Ages Alliance Church and Saint Francis of Assisi, hold services throughout the community.

Harmar Township residents can shop at Target for their groceries.
Harmar Township residents can shop at Target for their groceries.
Wicked Witches is a favorite hangout in Harmar Township whether or not you're a witch.
Wicked Witches is a favorite hangout in Harmar Township whether or not you're a witch.
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Single-family blocks in Acmetonia and newer townhouse subdivisions

Long, grassy blocks of single-family homes are the norm in Harmar Township's older Acmetonia section, lining streets in a blend of simple vernacular styles popular from the 1920s through 1950s like Minimal Traditional cottages, Cape Cods and ranch-style homes. Prices usually range from $130,000 to $270,000. Homes in HOA-maintained communities like Forest Highland and Forest Manor have the highest prices on the market, with townhouses selling for $340,000 to $775,000 and New Traditional single-family homes selling for $730,000 to $1.2 million plus additional monthly fees in the mid-three figures. While blocks close to the Allegheny River are flat and lined by sidewalks, pedestrian infrastructure and walkability take a hit on streets and subdivisions in the surrounding hills. Homes hiding past the railroad tracks on Hancock Camp and Werner Camp roads often enjoy backyard dock access to the Allegheny River. Harmar Township has a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.

There are unique houses from the 1930's in Harmar Township.
There are unique houses from the 1930's in Harmar Township.
The neighbors in Harmar Township have their houses nicely decorated.
The neighbors in Harmar Township have their houses nicely decorated.
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Route 28 and PRT bus commuting

Route 28 provides a 15-mile commute into downtown Pittsburgh, though rush hour traffic factors heavily into drive time. Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus stops along Freeport Road provide regular service from Tarentum to Pittsburgh, with a more limited line running all the way out to Harrison Township. Pittsburgh International Airport is around 30 miles away.

Community parks, river recreation and Alpha Ice Complex

A handful of small community parks are scattered throughout Harmar Township, like Acme Park, a small collection of tree-shaded playground equipment and athletic courts. In Cheswick, Rachel Carson Riverfront Park offers a more tranquil green space and access to the Allegheny River for anglers. Boaters and kayakers can take off from the Springdale Boat Ramp or Cheswick Marina, navigating the lock and dam to explore the overgrown forests at Allegheny Islands State Park or opting to head up toward Tarentum. The parking lot of the Alpha Ice Complex is often busy, either with gear-laden youth hockey leagues or free skaters heading in for a couple of hours on the ice. Alexander's Athletic Club offers fitness facilities and classes for all ages, as well as Silver Sneakers active adult classes marketed to prevent health complications and increase strength for aging athletes.

Friends gather for fun on the swings at Acme Park in Harmar Township.
Friends gather for fun on the swings at Acme Park in Harmar Township.
Alpha Ice Complex in Harmar Township is where hockey players spend most of their time.
Alpha Ice Complex in Harmar Township is where hockey players spend most of their time.
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Cheswick Strawberry Festival and Pittsburgh Shrine Center

Longtime Harmar Township residents might remember seeing birthday parties advertised on the former FunFest bowling alley's highway sign. New LED signs serve the same function, advertising the sports bar, upgraded laser tag and escape room fun available at the renovated Zone 28. Visitors can engage in some high-tech laser tag competition or stick to league or amateur games on the bowling lanes. The Pittsburgh Shrine Center is a magnet for special events, hosting dozens of festivals, dances and concerts that open ticket sales to the public as well as private parties.

The Pittsburgh Shrine Center is the perfect venue for a wedding in Harmar Township.
The Pittsburgh Shrine Center is the perfect venue for a wedding in Harmar Township.
Take the family to Fun Fest for bowling in Harmar Township.
Take the family to Fun Fest for bowling in Harmar Township.
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Allegheny Valley partners with Forbes Road Career and Technology

Acmetonia Elementary School serves prekindergarten through sixth grade and earns a C from Niche. Springdale Junior-Senior High School serves seventh through 12th grades and also earns a C. High schoolers wanting career and vocational training opportunities can opt into half or full-day programs run through the Forbes Road Career and Technology Center.

Acmetonia Primary School is a public school located in Cheswick PA.
Acmetonia Primary School is a public school located in Cheswick PA.
Springdale Junior/Senior High School is a public school located in Springdale PA.
Springdale Junior/Senior High School is a public school located in Springdale PA.
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Flood zone along the Allegheny River

During times of unusually heavy rain, low-lying sections of Harmar Township close to the Allegheny River may experience flooding. These areas are largely industrial, and flooding up to Freeport Road is rare.

Julia Szymanski
Written By
Julia Szymanski
Anna Dukovich
Photography Contributed By
Anna Dukovich
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Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Barbara Bolls, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Pittsburgh International

44 min drive

Bus

Alpha Dr W & Anchor Dr

Bus

Freeport Rd & Comfort Inn

Bus

Freeport Rd & Wilson

Bus

Freeport Rd & Guys Run Rd

Bus

Freeport Rd & Mulligans

Bus

Freeport Rd & Target (Harmar)

Bus

Freeport Rd & Orr

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Harmar Township US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$326,000
Median Single Family Price
$186,112
Median Townhouse Price
$575,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$155,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$180
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Months of Supply
4.50
Median List Price
$304,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,146
Median Year Built
1957
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,372
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,164
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,270
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,147

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    107 Orr Ave, Cheswick, PA 15024

    $145,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 884 Sq Ft
    • 107 Orr Ave

    Welcome to this charming ranch-style gem! This delightful 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home seamlessly blends convenience and functionality. Lovingly maintained by its longtime owners, it has provided a strong foundation for cherished memories. The inviting three-season room offers a serene retreat for relaxation or a stylish space for entertaining year-round. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee

    Kurtis Krebs HOWARD HANNA REAL ESTATE SERVICES

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Barbara Bolls, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
3,042
Median Age
56
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
14.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
37.6%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$74,038
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$112,892

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
46%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.8%
% Population in Labor Force
57.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
6''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

17 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

24 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Harmar Township