Thinking about a North Hills suburb with room to breathe, strong community ties, and everyday convenience? Pine Township could be a great fit. You want a place with solid schools, access to parks, and an easy jump to shopping and services without giving up a quieter setting. In this guide, you’ll get a clear picture of homes, commute options, parks, schools, taxes, and how Pine compares to nearby suburbs so you can decide with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Where Pine Township fits in the North Hills
Pine Township sits in northern Allegheny County, in the suburban-to-semi-rural corridor north of Pittsburgh. It’s part of the North Hills and is commonly grouped with McCandless, Ross Township, Franklin Park, and Cranberry Township. You get a mostly residential feel with wooded lots and neighborhood parks, plus quick access to larger retail hubs in nearby municipalities.
Compared with Cranberry Township, Pine is more residential and less commercial. Versus Franklin Park, Pine often offers a balance of suburban amenities and accessible lot sizes rather than a predominantly estate-like feel. Relative to McCandless and Ross, Pine leans a bit quieter, while staying close to North Hills conveniences.
Homes and neighborhoods
Pine’s housing stock is primarily single-family homes. You’ll find modest ranches and colonials, traditional two-stories, and larger executive homes. Many neighborhoods were built in the 1980s through the 2000s, with occasional newer subdivisions and custom homes on larger lots.
Lot sizes vary, and many streets feature mature trees that give the area its classic North Hills character. Townhomes and small condo communities exist near commercial corridors, though choices are more limited than in denser suburbs. Rental options are present but not as common as you might see closer to the city core.
If you want yard space, neighborhood sidewalks or trails, and a suburban setting that stays connected to the region, Pine is worth a close look. Buyers here often prioritize schools, easy access to outdoor recreation, and a practical commute to employment centers north of the city and into Pittsburgh.
Commute and getting around
Pine is car-oriented, and most residents drive. Main routes connect you south toward Pittsburgh and north toward regional job centers. Commute times depend on your exact location and the time of day. Many residents report that trips to downtown Pittsburgh are often under an hour in typical conditions, with peak traffic adding time. Your day-to-day experience will vary by route, weather, and construction.
Public transit options are more limited than in inner-ring suburbs. Some bus routes may be accessible from nearby areas, and park-and-ride options can be found in adjacent municipalities along major corridors. If transit matters to you, review current schedules and locations to plan your routine. For air travel, you have reasonable driving access to Pittsburgh International Airport, with timing dependent on traffic patterns.
Parks and outdoor life
If you love the outdoors, North Park is a standout nearby amenity for Pine residents. This Allegheny County park features miles of trails, a lake, playgrounds, a golf course, and year-round activities. Whether you run, bike, paddle, or prefer a playground day with little ones, you will likely use North Park often.
Closer to home, Pine Township parks and neighborhood play spaces cover daily recreation. Organized youth sports are active in the area, including soccer, baseball, and lacrosse, along with school-sponsored and club programs. You’ll also find several public and private golf courses across the North Hills, which adds variety to your weekend options.
Shopping, dining, and everyday services
For daily needs, Pine residents rely on a mix of local shops and larger nearby centers. The Route 19 corridor in Wexford offers grocery and convenience stops, along with restaurants and services. For big-box retail, specialty shopping, and more dining choices, many residents go to Cranberry Township or commercial areas in McCandless and Ross.
Dining is largely casual and family-friendly in the immediate area, with more extensive options a short drive away. Medical and dental providers are close by, and major hospital systems have nearby campuses and outpatient locations. Facilities such as UPMC Passavant in McCandless and Allegheny Health Network sites across the North Hills provide a range of care within a reasonable drive.
Schools and family services
Pine Township is served by the Pine-Richland School District, which is widely regarded in the region for academics and extracurriculars. The district’s programs include a range of athletics, arts, and advanced coursework. Because school boundaries can shift, it’s smart to confirm your home’s assigned schools using official district maps and enrollment resources.
Childcare options include private daycare centers, preschools, and faith-based programs in and around Pine. Township recreation and school-based activities add seasonal camps, clinics, and community events to keep calendars full.
Taxes, utilities, and practical costs
Property taxes in Pine reflect a combination of township, county, and Pine-Richland School District millage. School taxes are often a significant portion of the total bill. Since tax rates and assessments can change, you should review current millage and request sample tax estimates for any home you are considering.
Utilities and internet vary by address. Common providers in the area include major cable and fiber companies, and service levels can differ from one neighborhood to the next. If you work from home, verify internet speed and provider options before you make an offer. This quick checklist will help:
- Confirm property tax estimates for the specific address.
- Check internet providers and speed tests at the home.
- Review utility averages and any HOA fees for the neighborhood.
- Verify your commute during the times you expect to travel.
How Pine compares to nearby suburbs
Pine vs. Cranberry Township
Cranberry Township is more commercial and fast-growing, with a large retail and office base clustered near major interchanges. Pine leans residential, with fewer large-scale retail centers and a quieter neighborhood feel. Many buyers who want immediate retail density consider Cranberry, while buyers who prefer a more residential setting often choose Pine.
Pine vs. McCandless and Ross
McCandless and Ross include a broader mix of older and newer neighborhoods and are generally closer to some North Park amenities. Pine offers a distinctly residential character and often features larger or more wooded lots in many subdivisions. Your choice may come down to the exact commute, school preferences, and the lot and neighborhood style you want.
Pine vs. Franklin Park
Franklin Park can feel more rural or estate-like in certain areas, with larger lots and a higher-end segment. Pine typically offers a balance of suburban convenience with accessible lot sizes and a wide range of home styles. If you want a quieter setting without going fully estate-oriented, Pine is a strong option to compare.
Is Pine Township a fit for you?
Choose Pine if you value a calm suburban setting, access to North Park and outdoor space, and proximity to North Hills shopping and services. You will find a range of single-family homes, active community programs, and practical drive times to regional employment centers. If you are weighing Pine against Cranberry, McCandless, Ross, or Franklin Park, walk a few neighborhoods in each and compare commute routes, taxes, and lot styles.
When you are ready to tour homes or want a deeper read on the market, connect with a local expert who understands the North Hills and can help you plan with confidence. To get personal guidance and a clear strategy, reach out to Shelley Wood and request your complimentary market consultation.
FAQs
What kinds of homes are in Pine Township?
- Mostly single-family homes in established neighborhoods, along with some townhomes and small condo communities near commercial corridors.
How long is the commute from Pine Township to downtown Pittsburgh?
- Drive times vary by route and time of day, often under an hour in typical conditions, with peak traffic adding time.
Which school district serves Pine Township?
- Most addresses feed into Pine-Richland School District; always verify your specific address on official district maps.
Where do Pine Township residents shop and dine?
- Everyday needs are met along Route 19 in Wexford, with larger retail and dining hubs nearby in Cranberry Township and parts of McCandless and Ross.
Are there parks and recreation options in Pine Township?
- Yes. North Park offers trails, a lake, and a golf course, and Pine has local parks, youth sports, and neighborhood play spaces.
How do property taxes work in Pine Township?
- Total taxes include township, Allegheny County, and Pine-Richland School District millage; review current rates and request property-specific estimates.
What internet options are available in Pine Township?
- Major cable and fiber providers serve the area, but availability and speeds vary by neighborhood; confirm by address.
How does Pine compare with Cranberry and Franklin Park?
- Cranberry is more commercial with large retail centers, while Franklin Park can feel more estate-like; Pine offers a quieter, residential balance with convenient access to North Hills amenities.
