Riverfront attraction in the South Hills of Pittsburgh
Bordering the Monongahela River in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, West Mifflin is an established borough whose scenic riverfront has long been a destination for outdoor recreation. Once a popular picnic spot that locals knew as Kenny’s Grove, it became a regional attraction in 1898 when the Monongahela Street Railway Company leased the land to create a small trolley park called Kennywood. The amusement park stands tall more than 125 years later, combining its rich history with modern thrills. While an estimated 2 million people visit Kennywood and its sister parks each year, just under 19,000 people live in West Mifflin year-round. “It’s a really friendly and tight-knit community,” says Kim Stotlemyer, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who has more than 16 years of experience in the industry. “Once you’re in, you stay or come back at some point. I just sold a home to someone who bought back their childhood home.” Less than 12 miles outside of Pittsburgh, West Mifflin attracts residents looking for suburban living with proximity to the city center. “It’s convenient for getting on Interstate 376 and getting to downtown. There are a lot of great things nearby,” Stotlemyer says.
Traditional brick homes are a common sight in the West Mifflin neighborhood.
West Mifflin is a historical, charming and quiet community near Pittsburgh, PA.
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Established suburb with home prices less than half the national median
Most homes in West Mifflin were built around the mid-1900s. Homebuyers will find a mix of Foursquares, Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, split-level and raised ranch-style homes tucked along quiet residential streets. Most properties sit side-by-side on quarter-acre lots, although the northeastern half of the borough tends to be more densely populated. The median price of single-family homes is just under $175,000, less than half the national median of around $419,000. “You can get a nice house for your money,” Stotlemyer says. “The average price is lower compared to the price range in downtown Pittsburgh or Lawrenceville.” Most properties sell after more than two months on the market, and the borough’s overall CAP Index crime score is 4 out of 10, on par with the national average of 4.
Newly built town homes are always available in the West Mifflin neighborhood.
Large, well-maintained front yards are typical in the West Mifflin neighborhood.
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West Mifflin Area School District, private schools and CCAC South Campus
The West Mifflin Area School District earns an overall grade of C-plus from Niche and has an average student-teacher ratio of 14-to-1. It consists of two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school, all of which score a C-plus or B-minus from Niche. Private school options include the Cornerstone Christian Preparatory Academy, which serves prekindergarten through 12th grade. West Mifflin is also home to the South Campus of the Community College of Allegheny County.
Clara Barton Elementary School in West Mifflin is one of the best schools in the area.
Find your life long friends at West Mifflin Area Middle School.
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West Mifflin Community Park and the historic Kennywood amusement park
West Mifflin experiences all four seasons, with the sort of humid summers and snowy winters that are typical across the Pittsburgh metro area. Green spaces are scattered throughout the borough, and according to the Trust for Public Land, 55% of residents live within walking distance of a park. Popular spots include West Mifflin Community Park, which has a wooden castle-themed playground and several covered picnic pavilions. Pickleball courts were added to the park in 2024, and after the borough received a $200,000 grant from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, a new playground is expected to be completed in the spring of 2025. Westwood Golf Club offers a public 18-hole course, and the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail runs parallel to the Monongahela River.
Also overlooking the Monongahela River is Kennywood, a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. It was established in 1898 by the Monongahela Street Railway Company as a recreational attraction far away from the industrial activities of the Steel City. Today, it’s one of the few trolley parks that remain still operating in the United States, with eight roller coasters, a sports-themed zone called Steelers Country and festivities like the Phantom Fall Fest, the Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival, and the Holiday Lights show.
Shoot some hoops at McBride Park with all of your friends.
Kennywood Park offers scenic views of the city of West Mifflin and its historic bridges.
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Local shopping centers and proximity to South Hills Village
While West Mifflin lacks a central commercial corridor, the borough is home to a collection of shopping centers and restaurants. In the southern half of the borough are complexes such as Century Square, Century III Plaza and the Southland Shopping Center, all of which feature a mix of chain retailers and restaurants. Local favorites for dining include Jim’s Famous Sauce, a walk-up restaurant that’s been serving its signature sauce on top of hot dogs, burgers and more since 1927. Residents are also around 13 miles from South Hills Village, an indoor mall with more than 130 shops and restaurants.
Check out the legendary Jim's Famous Sauce next time you are in West Mifflin.
Century III Plaza has stores for everyone in the West Mifflin area.
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Events include movie nights in the park and Light Up the Night
The borough hosts community events throughout the year. Movie nights in West Mifflin Community Park invite residents to spread out their picnic blankets beneath the stars before playing lawn games, sampling treats from local food trucks and settling in for the show. Each December, Light Up the Night kicks off the holiday season in West Mifflin with festive performances, seasonal treats and an appearance from Santa Claus. Residents can also join the Mifflin Social Club and attend members-only car cruises, festivals and more.
Pittsburgh commutes, Allegheny County Airport and local employers
Residents typically rely on their cars to get around. Pennsylvania Route 885 passes through the western half of the borough, and Pittsburgh is about an 11-mile drive away across the Monongahela River. Pittsburgh Regional Transit offers local bus service, and Pittsburgh International Airport is around 30 miles from the borough.
Although West Mifflin is primarily residential, it’s also home to several major employers. The Allegheny County Airport doesn’t provide scheduled commercial service, but it does offer private and corporate travel. The airport employs more than 700 people and serves as the headquarters for the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. Other companies in the borough include the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory and the Mon Valley Works – Irvin Plant.
Janelle is Go-getter mom of two who works incredibly hard to provide for her children and trying to build an even better future. Driven by goals, vision, her kids, and the Lord.
Failure isn't an option for Janelle, so when the going gets tough, she just works harder. Helping people is something she absolutely loves to do. She also brings her extremely positive attitude toward every aspect of life.
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