Pittsburgh & Southwestern Pennsylvania
Penn Hills, Pennsylvania
Municipality (home rule township)
A large eastern suburb with deep residential roots
Penn Hills is a home rule township in eastern Allegheny County, about 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. It is one of the largest municipalities in the county, with a mix of mid-century neighborhoods, wooded hillsides and commercial corridors along Frankstown Road and Rodi Road.
History & Local Character
Formerly Penn Township, the community developed in the early 20th century as a residential suburb along the Pennsylvania Railroad. It adopted home rule in the 1970s.
Housing & Real Estate
Penn Hills has a broad range of ranches, splits and two-story homes, many on large wooded lots, at some of the lowest prices in the eastern suburbs.
Restaurants & Shopping
Frankstown Road and Rodi Road host pizzerias, diners and takeout restaurants, with several long-established local spots.
Schools & Education
Penn Hills School District serves the municipality.
Parks & Recreation
Penn Hills Park, Fairgrounds Park and nearby Boyce Park provide recreation and trails.
Transportation & Accessibility
Port Authority bus routes and the East Busway connect to downtown, and I-376 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike serve the area.
Local Businesses
Neighborhood plazas, auto services and family restaurants line the commercial corridors, with new investment along Rodi Road.
No businesses are listed in Penn Hills yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Boyce Park
- Penn Hills Park
- East Busway
- Pittsburgh Zoo (short drive)
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Affordable single-family housing
- Busway and parkway access
- Wooded lots and green space
- Close to eastern employment centers
Considerations
- School district funding challenges
- Commercial corridors have vacancies
- Limited walkable districts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penn Hills a township?
Penn Hills is a home rule municipality in Allegheny County, historically Penn Township, and is still widely referred to as Penn Hills Township.
How far is Penn Hills from downtown Pittsburgh?
Downtown Pittsburgh is roughly 10 miles west, accessible by the Parkway East and the East Busway.