The small township of Stowe sits snugly along the Ohio River just 6 miles from Pittsburgh's city limits. Pittsburgh's industrial decline left a lasting mark on many small communities like Stowe. Outdated homes that could use some elbow grease, nearby commercial processing facilities and a CAP Index score of 5 out of 10, with homicide earning a 7 compared to the national average of 4, have deterred potential homebuyers in the past.
However, revitalization efforts have led to increased economic growth in this close-knit community. "Everyone knows each other and goes to the same restaurants," says Christian Wilhelm, Realtor of Compass Pennsylvania LLC, whose mother was raised in the community. In addition to the growing food scene, "you're pretty much 15 minutes from everything in the city," says Mike Cowan, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the industry.
City houses line the streets surrounded by greenery in Stowe.
The Parkway Theater & Film Lounge fills up with people for Trivia Night.
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Italian eats at Mama Lena's
Broadway's brick streets are lined with restaurants serving flavors from across the globe, ranging from West African to Salvadoran. Pizza joints sit next to convenience stores and beauty salons. "I'm a foodie, and Mama Lena's is a great pizza place," Cowan says. Mama Lena's has been voted "the best authentic Italian restaurant and pizza in Pittsburgh," according to Star 100.7 radio listeners. A long menu features classic pies, hearty hoagies and crispy fried calamari.
Across the street, 1905 Eatery is another beloved Italian restaurant, serving upscale entrees like linguine topped with mussels soaked in a white wine garlic sauce and casual classics like spaghetti and meatballs. Mancini's Bakery also has Italian roots. This no-frills, family-owned business has been a community staple since 1926. Metal racks showcase homemade dinner rolls and bread loaves, while hot hoagies make for a quick lunch.
Locals are also close to Downtown Pittsburgh's sizzling food scene. "In Stowe, you're only 10 to 15 minutes from the Strip, which has tons of great restaurants," Cowan says. "Coop De Ville is a personal favorite. It also has retro arcade games and mini bowling alleys." Coop's funky interiors and Southern comfort food make it a popular spot for a night out with friends and family.
Three miles west, Giant Eagle Supermarket is the closest grocery store, but some residents opt to drive farther to Market District Supermarket in Settlers Ridge shopping center for its extensive grocery selections. The shopping center and the surrounding commercial areas are scattered with national chains and big-box stores. Closer to home, The Parkway Theater & Film Lounge features indie movies and documentaries, and adjoins Abjuration Brewing, offering indoor and outdoor seating in a small beer garden. One mile south, Roxian Theatre is a well-known live music venue that showcases world-renowned artists like Catfish and the Bottlemen.
Mama Lena's Pizza is a proud Stowe food spot serving residents when they're hungry.
1905 Eatery serves large parties on week nights and weekends in Stowe.
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Urban and suburban residential streets
Steep roads give way to Stowe's urban-suburban landscape, where busy city streets are interspersed with quiet cul-de-sacs that showcase single-family homes. On the south side, West Park is a densely populated urban neighborhood. 20th-century homes line paved sidewalks and include a mix of American Foursquares, Colonial Revivals, cottages, rowhouses and townhouses. Some properties feature rear-entry driveways, while others rely on street parking. In the northern neighborhood of Island Heights, classic ranch-style homes and bi-levels offer larger lots and the occasional attached garage. Sales prices in the area range from $80,000 to $150,000 for a move-in ready but outdated property. "It's a growing area for first-time homebuyers and investors," Cowan says.
Renovated homes with modern updates like vinyl flooring and stainless-steel appliances can range from $150,000 to $300,000, depending on square footage and location. With the upcoming Esplanade development, "it's worth buying or holding on to your property," says Realtor Jaime Chesney of Realty One Group Horizon, who has decades of experience. Esplanade will bring new restaurants, entertainment options and a public marina just 4 miles across the river.
Stowe sits in the valley near the popular McKees Rocks neighborhood.
Raised ranches can be found scattered through out the residential areas of Stowe.
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Outdoor retreats at Fairhaven Park
Tiny pocket parks are scattered along densely populated urban streets. Meyers Ridge Park features a playground, basketball court and open fields overlooking the city's rolling green hills. Less than one mile north, Norwood Park offers another playground, a small outdoor fitness station and a covered pavilion with two picnic tables. The Island Heights subdivision is close to Three Rivers Baseball, a sports facility that boasts three baseball diamonds and batting cages. Apart from youth league tournaments, Three Rivers also offers individual and group lessons.
Bring your best friends to Fairhaven Park.
There is a lot of history at Presston Park in Stowe Township.
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Mental health support in Sto-Rox
The Sto-Rox School District serves Stowe Township and earns a C-minus rating on Niche. Elementary school students are divided between C-minus-rated schools like Sto-Rox Primary Center for kindergarten through third grade and Sto-Rox Upper Elementary School for fourth through sixth grade. Sto-Rox Junior/Senior High School also earns a C-minus rating on Niche. Sto-Rox is among the few districts awarded federal funding through the Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Grant Program in 2024. Part of this money will go to expanding after-school programs funding mental health staff like counselors and clinicians.
Stowe sits in Allegheny County about 20min from the city.
Statues, bells, clocks, and other monuments can be found through out the central area of Stowe.
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Wacky parades and carnival games
Neighboring McKees Rocks and Kennedy Township host a range of festivities throughout the year. Fairhaven Park is home to Kennedy's largest multi-day summer event: Kennedy Community Day. Open fields are jam-packed with carnival rides, games, live music, classic fair food like funnel cakes and firework displays.
In McKees Rocks, the April Fool's Day Parade is one of the community's newest events. Residents in wacky and outlandish costumes storm the streets, while post-parade celebrations include food vendors, face painting and the crowning of the "King of Fools."
"Stowe residents are also close to the Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park stadium and the Rivers Casino," Cowan says. With Downtown Pittsburgh just 5 miles away, residents are minutes from riotous Steelers games, seas of fans drenched in gold and yellow attire and the city's iconic Picklesburgh, which attracts pickle lovers nationwide.
Questions are projected on the giant screen for Trivia Night in Stowe.
The Stow clock is a well known landmark on Broadway Ave.
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Stowe's houses of worship
An influx of Eastern European immigrants flocked to Pittsburgh between the 19th and 20th centuries, enticed by the appeal of hefty paychecks from American coal mining companies and steel producers. This influx led to the inception of multiple Catholic churches. McKees Rocks Bottoms, also called "the bottom," is home to four Catholic Churches, including St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, within a 3-block radius.
Their are various houses of worship some with unique architecture in the Stowe neighborhood.
Remembering those who served the neighborhood residents maintain their monuments.
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6-mile drive to Downtown Pittsburgh
Bus routes run along Island Avenue, Broadway Avenue and McCoy Road. Pennsylvania State Route 51 passes through Stowe and leads to Downtown Pittsburgh, about 6 miles away. Heritage Valley Kennedy is the closest hospital, about 3 miles west, and Interstate 376 leads to Pittsburgh International Airport, about 14 miles away.
If you find a high point in Stowe you may just catch a glimpse of the Pittsburgh sky line.
There are plenty of PRT Bus stops along Broadway Ave in Stowe.
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
Joe Koehler,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Presston Park
Third Street Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Meyers Ridge Park
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Harriet Street Parklet
Playground
Munson Avenue Park
Trails
Fairhaven Park
Transit
Airport
Pittsburgh International
24 min drive
Bus
Broadway St & Dale
Bus
Island Ave & Tunnel Way
Bus
Broadway St & Pine Hollow
Bus
Mccoy Rd & Shafter
Bus
Jefferson Dr & Mcoy
Bus
Island Ave & Fleming
Bus
Island Ave & #1470
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Stowe Township
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Stowe Township, Mc Kees Rocks sell after 93 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Stowe Township, Mc Kees Rocks over the last 12 months is $121,188, up 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A wonderful opportunity awaits: There are two homes on one lot in this fantastic package. Both units are turn-key and ready for you to place your next tenants, OR this is the perfect opportunity to owner-occupy one home and rent out the second home. Both houses are two-bedroom, one bath homes and feature covered front porches and a fenced-in yard. The kitchen has been recently updated in the
A wonderful opportunity awaits: There are two homes on one lot in this fantastic package. Both units are turn-key and ready for you to place your next tenants, OR this is the perfect opportunity to owner-occupy one home and rent out the second home. Both houses are two-bedroom, one bath homes and feature covered front porches and a fenced-in yard. The kitchen has been recently updated in the
Welcome to 27 Shaw Ave in McKee’s Rocks! This up and down duplex features a 2 bed 1 bath and a 1 bed and 1 bath. The 2 bedroom needs renovated but the one bedroom has been renovated. The lower unit (one bed) features a remodeled kitchen and bath, new flooring, and painting throughout. Perfect opportunity to house hack! Live in the one bedroom and renovate the 2 bedroom. Electric is separated.
Property Id: 1823247Nicely updated 2BR 2nd floor apartment in Stowe Township. Over 1,100 square feet of living space. Kitchen is huge with quartz counters, tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Refinished hardwood floors. Updated bathroom with tub surround. In unit laundry. 1 off street parking space. Back balcony off the kitchen. **MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS** 1)
First floor Commercial store front 800 sq ft with one bath. Located in the central business district and on the bus line. Includes one off street parking space. Great location to downtown, I-79, & Robinson Township
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joe Koehler,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
6,839
Median Age
40
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$45,432
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$58,157
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.7%
College Graduates
10.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
55.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
49''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
16/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
11/ 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.
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.
