Blackridge (Penn Hills, Wilkinsburg, Churchill: for sale, real estate, houses)

[adrienneshirley]

Can anyone tell me about Blackridge? Is it a nice area...safe? Thanks in advance!

[PeterRabbit]

Blackridge is a nice looking neighborhood of Wilkinsburg sometimes mistaken for being part of Churchill. The homes are newer (50 - 60 years old) and generally larger with a decent sized yard. I think it is safe as I never hear about trouble there on the news and it's safe to drive through. The Churchill police station is in the neighborhood but if you have a problem they'll tell you to call Wilkinsburg.

Shopping in Monroeville is only a few miles/minutes and the parkway east is very convenient. Parts of Blackridge are bordered by Penn Hills. It tends to stand alone like its own community because it's up the hill aways from Wilkinsburg proper. I think its a good looking plan of homes.

[PokiBunny]

Actually, Blackridge is comprised of parts of Churchill, Wilkinsburg and Penn Hills. It's a separate little community with its own Civic Association, Pool, Park and Clubhouse where we plan lots of community oriented events. I've lived in Blackridge for a little over 2 years (in the Churchill section) and I absolutely love it. I've never had any trouble here, it's the kind of neighborhood that people walk their dogs all year long at all hours of the day and night without having to worry about safety. It's sort of off the main roads, so there's no reason for anyone to travel through without a purpose. All the same, the Churchill police are a pretty big presence in the community in that you'll see them driving through the neighborhood occassionally just making sure everything's okay. I always joke and say that it's a community stuck in the 50's (when it was originated) because everyone's so friendly and we still have Strawberry Festivals! It's definitely a unique neighborhood (both in its people and its charming houses) and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. In fact other people must feel the same way, because if you look at real estate ads, there are claims of houses being in Blackridge that are 3 blocks outside of its perimeter.Moderator cut: advertising is not allowed
Sarah

[PokiBunny]

I guess I got blocked for inserting our website.. they considered it "advertising". I'll repost without the website, but you can google it to find it..

Actually, Blackridge is comprised of parts of Churchill, Wilkinsburg and Penn Hills. It's a separate little community with its own Civic Association, Pool, Park and Clubhouse where we plan lots of community oriented events. I've lived in Blackridge for a little over 2 years (in the Churchill section) and I absolutely love it. I've never had any trouble here, it's the kind of neighborhood that people walk their dogs all year long at all hours of the day and night without having to worry about safety. It's sort of off the main roads, so there's no reason for anyone to travel through without a purpose. All the same, the Churchill police are a pretty big presence in the community in that you'll see them driving through the neighborhood occassionally just making sure everything's okay. I always joke and say that it's a community stuck in the 50's (when it was originated) because everyone's so friendly and we still have Strawberry Festivals! It's definitely a unique neighborhood (both in its people and its charming houses) and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. In fact other people must feel the same way, because if you look at real estate ads, there are claims of houses being in Blackridge that are 3 blocks outside of its perimeter.
If you have any questions about the neighborhood at all, feel free to contact me. We have a website, but it's extremely outdated and in the process of being revamped as we speak. You can visit it to get an idea of the community though: blackridge-bca "dot" org.
I hope this has been helpful.
Sarah

[ak82]

It seems like a beautiful neighborhood. Why are so many houses for sale right now? The taxes? The school district(s)?

[zip95]

Originally Posted by ak82

It seems like a beautiful neighborhood. Why are so many houses for sale right now? The taxes? The school district(s)?

Schools

[robrobrob]

Blackridge is a nice neighborhood. I would think that most of the people that buy there are buying starter homes. Unfortunately, the schools (Penn Hills, Woodland Hills and Wilkinsburg) aren't the greatest so people may move one when their kids get to be school age. There is a big difference between Blackridge and Blackridge area.

[ak82]

Thanks so much for the insight. What is exactly Blackridge vs. Blackridge area? Does anyone know if they charge fees because the civic organization seems so active?

[robrobrob]

I was hoping pokibunny would chime in but she hasn't so I will. I used to live in Blackridge a long, long time ago. There isn't H.O.A. fee that I know of, however, you probably have to pay to join the Blackridge Civic Association and the Blackride Pool. The boundary for Blackridge is Graham Blvd and William Penn Highway, and probably Orlando Place. Look for the white and black signs on the entrances to the neigborhood

[mariok689]

I grew up in Blackridge. It's a great place to grow up BUT my major complaint was that we didn't have a school district. All the kids went to private schools and I think it lost the sense of community other neighborhoods have. My folks still live there on Collins Road and love it.