Pittsburgh is a city where history meets innovation, and its past steel identity has given way to a vibrant culture. Known for its iconic skyline and three rivers, Pittsburgh offers a dynamic blend of art, technology, and a welcoming community. Beyond the city’s boundaries, you’ll find charming towns and thriving suburbs that offer the perfect balance of small-town feel with big-city access. If you’re seeking proximity to Pittsburgh’s rich opportunities without living in the city itself, here are the top 10 nearby towns to consider.
The best cities near Pittsburgh, PA
- Mount Lebanon, PA
- Bethel Park, PA
- Cranberry Township, PA
- Upper St. Clair, PA
- Sewickley, PA
- Venetia, PA
- Fox Chapel, PA
- Franklin Park, PA
- Murrysville, PA
- Moon Township, PA
1. Mount Lebanon, PA
- Driving distance from Pittsburgh: 8.5 miles
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via car: 26 minutes
- Population: 33,754
- Median rent: $1,050, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families and professionals seeking top-rated schools and a walkable community
- Attractions: Mt. Lebanon Public Library, Uptown Mt. Lebanon
Why Mount Lebanon is a great place to live
Mount Lebanon is a highly sought-after suburb known for its exceptional Mt. Lebanon School District, consistently ranked among the top in Pennsylvania. The township’s walkable design, with sidewalks and light rail transit, makes it easy to get around without a car. Residents enjoy access to great recreation facilities, award-winning healthcare, and thriving business districts like Uptown Mt. Lebanon, which features unique shops and restaurants.
2. Bethel Park, PA
- Driving distance from Pittsburgh: 9.6 miles
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via car: 36 minutes
- Population: 32,782
- Median rent: $1,049, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking highly-rated schools
- Attractions: South Park, Bethel Park Community Center, South Park Golf Course
Why Bethel Park is a great place to live
Bethel Park offers a perfect blend of suburban comfort and urban convenience. The Bethel Park School District is highly rated, with a strong focus on modern learning and technology. The township’s crown jewel is South Park, a 2,000-acre county park featuring a golf course, wave pool, skate park, and miles of trails. Bethel Park’s strategic location, just 15 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, allows residents to enjoy the best of both worlds.
3. Cranberry Township, PA
- Driving distance from Pittsburgh: 20.5 miles
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via car: 24 minutes
- Population: 31,560
- Median rent: $1,825, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Professionals and families seeking a balanced economy and excellent education
- Attractions: Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, North Boundary Park, UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
Why Cranberry Township is a great place to live
Cranberry Township’s location at the intersection of I-79 and the PA Turnpike allows access to job opportunities across the region. The Seneca Valley School District, which serves the township, is highly rated and includes several schools within Cranberry. Residents enjoy top-notch activity centers, like Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, North Boundary Park, and the state-of-the-art UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, which hosts various events and serves as a practice facility for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
4. Upper St. Clair, PA
- Driving distance from Pittsburgh: 11.3 miles
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via car: 35 minutes
- Population: 19,737
- Median rent: $1,059, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families seeking top-rated schools and a safe community
- Attractions: Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center, Upper St. Clair Township Library, Boyce Mayview Park
Why Upper St. Clair is a great place to live
Upper St. Clair is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Pennsylvania, thanks to its exceptional Upper St. Clair School District, which boasts some of the highest-rated public schools in the state. The township offers a safe, family-oriented environment and plenty of opportunities to enjoy sports and the outdoors at places like the Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center and Boyce Mayview Park. Located just 10 miles south of Pittsburgh, Upper St. Clair provides easy access to the city via the “T” light rail system.
5. Sewickley, PA
- Driving distance from Pittsburgh: 15.5 miles
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via car: 22 minutes
- Population: 3,814
- Median rent: $1,775, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Those seeking a charming small-town atmosphere with easy access to Pittsburgh
- Attractions: Sewickley Public Library, Tull Family Theater, Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Why Sewickley is a great place to live
Sewickley offers both small-town charm and quick access to Pittsburgh. The quaint Beaver Street business district is full of independently owned boutiques, diverse dining options, and local institutions like the Tull Family Theater and Sweetwater Center for the Arts. The town hosts various community events throughout the year, such as the Sewickley Farmers Market and Yuletide in Sewickley, fostering a strong sense of community. Sewickley is also home to the largest outdoor memorial honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, adding to its rich history and character.
6. Venetia, PA
- Driving distance from Pittsburgh: 15.0 miles
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via car: 42 minutes
- Median rent: $1,460 as of August 2024
- Population: 4,157
- Best for: Families looking for a good childhood education and community
- Attractions: Peters Lake Park, Peterswood Park, Venetia Heritage Society
Why Venetia is a great place to live
Venetia is a community in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, known for its good school district and various events and activities throughout the year, such as the Peters Township Farmers Market and Community Day. The township has several beautiful parks, including Peters Lake Park and Peterswood Park, which offer hiking trails, fishing, and sports facilities. Venetia isn’t too far from Pittsburgh, which allows residents to enjoy the city’s amenities while living in a more tranquil suburban setting.
7. Fox Chapel, PA
- Driving distance from Pittsburgh: 10.5 miles
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via car: 18 minutes
- Population: 5,234
- Median rent: $1,295, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Affluent professionals and families seeking top-rated schools and a rural atmosphere
- Attractions: Fox Chapel Golf Club, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Hartwood Acres Park
Why Fox Chapel is a great place to live
Fox Chapel is an upscale suburb known for its luxurious homes, top-rated Fox Chapel Area School District, and serene rural atmosphere. Despite how close it is to Pittsburgh, the borough offers a peaceful retreat with abundant parks and green spaces, such as Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve and Hartwood Acres Park. The prestigious Fox Chapel Golf Club adds to the area’s appeal for golf enthusiasts. Fox Chapel’s high quality of life, top school district, and convenient access to Pittsburgh make it an attractive choice for affluent professionals and families.
8. Franklin Park, PA
- Driving distance from Pittsburgh: 13.4 miles
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via car: 21 minutes
- Population: 15,165
- Median rent: $1,250, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families seeking great schools and a safe, friendly community
- Attractions: Blueberry Hill Park, Franklin Park Golf Course, Old Orchard Park
Why Franklin Park is a great place to live
Franklin Park is a family-friendly suburb near the interstate highway system, providing easy access to Pittsburgh’s attractions and job opportunities. The borough offers a safe and welcoming environment, with numerous parks, such as Blueberry Hill Park and the Franklin Park Golf Course. The borough’s community events, including the annual Franklin Park Festival, contribute to the tight-knit atmosphere and make it an ideal place for families to call home.
9. Murrysville, PA
- Driving distance from Pittsburgh: 19.3 miles
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via car: 42 minutes
- Population: 20,724
- Median rent: $1,000, according to July 2024 rent research
- Best for: Families seeking excellent schools, low taxes, and a safe community
- Attractions: Murrysville Community Park, Westmoreland Heritage Trail, Murrysville Farmers Market
Why Murrysville is a great place to live
Murrysville is a family-friendly community known for its highly-rated Franklin Regional School District and safe neighborhoods. The town’s 37 square miles of green spaces provide ample opportunities for enjoying the outdoors, with numerous parks and trails, such as Murrysville Community Park and the Westmoreland Heritage Trail. The weekly Murrysville Farmers Market, held during the summer, is a popular community event featuring local growers, artisans, and unique offerings. Murrysville’s proximity to Pittsburgh and its excellent schools and quality of life make it an attractive choice for families.
10. Moon Township, PA
- Driving distance from Pittsburgh: 18.6 miles
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via car: 30 minutes
- Commute time to Pittsburgh via public transit: 44 minutes
- Population: 25,480
- Best for: Professionals and families seeking strong education and economic opportunities
- Attractions: Moon Park, Robert Morris University, Olson Park
Why Moon Township is a great place to live
Moon Township is a thriving community with a strong economy and excellent educational opportunities. The township is home to Robert Morris University, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs. The Moon Area School District provides high-quality education for K-12 students. Moon Township’s economy benefits from the presence of Pittsburgh International Airport and several major corporations, such as FedEx Ground. Residents especially enjoy Moon Park, which features sports fields, walking trails, and an amphitheater. With its distance to Pittsburgh and diverse job opportunities, it is a great choice for professionals and families.
Whether you’re seeking top-rated schools, a strong sense of community, or easy access to urban amenities, these ten cities near Pittsburgh offer a high quality of living tailored to diverse lifestyles and preferences.
Related content
