Are you considering a move to (or within) the Pittsburgh area and looking for the best place to live in Pittsburgh? If so, Mt. Lebanon is probably a name you’ve come across more than once. It is also the place my family and I call home. As a real estate agent I have detailed knowledge and experience with nearly every community in the Pittsburgh region, but Mt Lebanon is my number one area of expertise and a place I absolutely enjoy living in every single day.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes Mt. Lebanon such an incredible place to live.
Perfectly Placed
Mt. Lebanon is located in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, just a few miles south of downtown. This prime location means you’re never far from the city’s business centers, major universities, and renowned hospitals. Whether you’re commuting for work, heading to a Steelers game, or exploring the Cultural District, Mt. Lebanon offers the convenience of suburban living with urban accessibility.
There are over 34,000 residents of Mt Lebanon which covers a six square mile area. Several of the neighboring communities include Dormont, Castle Shannon, Bethel Park, Mt Lebanon, and Scott Township. Mt Lebanon was one of the first suburban communities in the Pittsburgh area which was spawned by the completion of the Liberty Tunnel in the 1920s.
One of the biggest perks of living in Mt. Lebanon is the ease of transportation. The community is served by multiple stops for the T – Pittsburgh’s Light Rail system. It is incredibly simple to hop on a train and get to downtown Pittsburgh, Station Square, PNC Park, or Acrisure Stadium.
While you might hear some folks complain that Mt Lebanon and the South Hills are congested and difficult to navigate, it’s possible these complainers are just not from here (i.e. they probably live in the North Hills!) and lack the knowledge and experience to avoid some of the major backups. In fact, if you want to get a real feel for driving in and around Mt Lebanon check this POV video that I posted on my YouTube channel from Mt Lebanon to Peters Township and this one from Millvale to Mt Lebanon.
Walkable and Wonderful
One of the standout features of Mt. Lebanon is its walkability. It’s rare to find a suburban community in the Pittsburgh area where you can easily walk to schools, parks, cafes, and shops. (Here is a video that highlights some of the other walkable communities that might also vie for the title of “Best Place to Live in Pittsburgh”).
Throughout Mt Lebanon you will find beautiful tree lined streets and sidewalks. Whether it is taking the dog or kids for a stroll around the neighborhood, meeting a friend for coffee Uptown, or heading to the T station for a commute to work – seeing residents on foot is a very common occurrence..
In fact, the Mt Lebanon School District is one of only a handful of “walking districts” in the entire state. Crossing guards are stationed at most intersections to ensure kids can safely walk to school. Many of the younger kids walk in groups with a parent, and although it might not work for all families, most residents really treasure this aspect of life in Mt Lebanon.
Mt. Lebanon is more than just a place to live – it’s a community brimming with life, connection, and character. The vibe here is friendly and welcoming, with a dynamic energy that’s hard to resist. Residents of Mt. Lebanon enjoy a wealth of activities, amenities, and events that cater to all ages and interests. Here’s what makes life here so vibrant and fulfilling:
Mt. Lebanon has two main business districts – Washington Road (Uptown) and Beverly Road. There are also numerous businesses along Cochran Road, Mt Lebanon Blvd, Castle Shannon Blvd, and there is the Galleria shopping mall.
Throughout the Mt Lebanon community you will find over 100 restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and specialty shops. Uptown on Washington Road is the vibrant heart of the community, featuring a half-mile stretch of cozy coffee shops, diverse dining spots, and local businesses offering everything from handmade goods to everyday essentials.
And the Shops on Beverly Road take up just one block but parking is easy and you have tons of options from picking up a bouquet of flowers from Blooming Dahlia, enjoying some pan dulce from Panaderia Jazmin, or meeting up for brunch with friends at Mediterra Cafe.
Perks of Life in Lebo
If you are looking for more reasons why Mt Lebanon is considered the best place to live in Pittsburgh, check out the Mt Lebanon community calendar with events throughout the year that make it easy to connect with neighbors and celebrate the seasons. The annual Fourth of July Parade fills the streets with music, color, and patriotic pride, and you can find a spot along Washington Rd to watch the fireworks. Don’t miss both of the Light Up Nights – one on Beverly Rd and the other in Uptown. In the summer, First Fridays invite residents to enjoy live music, outdoor dining, and fun activities along Washington Road, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
For those who love the outdoors, Mt. Lebanon offers an abundance of parks and outdoor opportunities (with many upgrades planned for the Main Park in the coming years). Explore the wooded trails of Bird Park or Robb Hollow Park or let the kids play at more than a dozen playgrounds throughout the community. There are 15 township-maintained parks and each offers its own unique charm and appeal.
Sports and fitness enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with year-round facilities like the Mt. Lebanon Golf Course, a 9-hole public course perfect for golfers of all skill levels. The Ice Center hosts public skating, hockey, and figure skating programs, while the Racket Center features numerous programs, clinics, and play on 15 Har-Tru tennis courts (and 6 courts under 3 bubbles during the winter) as well as platform tennis and pickle ball courts. In the summer, the Swim Center is the perfect spot to cool off with family and friends where you will find a double slide tower, zero depth leisure pool, 50 meter lap lanes, poolside rock climbing wall, and more.
All of these events and amenities are managed by the dedicated staff of the Parks and Recreation department. Other exceptional services provided by Mt Lebanon include full-time fire and police departments, fall leaf collection, a vibrant community library, a forestry department which maintains more than 10,000 street trees, the award winning Mt Lebanon Magazine, and much more. In fact, to learn more about the services in Mt Lebanon I highly recommend checking out one of my favorite podcasts, Inside Lebo, where you can listen on Spotify or Apple.
Excellence in Education
If schools are a priority for your family, Mt. Lebanon has an award winning and top-ranked school district that is one of the most popular and high demand districts in the region. With seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and a recently renovated high school, the district provides an outstanding academic program, a robust set of extra and co-curricular activities, and a depth of resources and support services for all students. This commitment to education is part of what makes Mt Lebanon a strong contender for the “Best Place to Live in Pittsburgh.”
Total enrollment in Mt Lebanon is around 5500 with graduating classes typically in the 400s. In 2023-2024 Mt Lebanon School District had an annual budget of $115M and spending nearly $20,000 per student. The facilities at Mt Lebanon are all state of the art and technology integration is a top priority.
If you are looking for more in-depth information about the Mt Lebanon School District, check out this YouTube video I posted. This is an honest review of the Pros and Cons of the Mt Lebanon Schools based on my personal experiences as a parent in the district and a former K-12 administrator in the Pittsburgh region.
Say Yes to the Address!
Mt. Lebanon’s real estate market is surprisingly diverse, offering homes that cater to a range of preferences and budgets. From classic stone tudors to affordable three bedroom starter homes, there’s something here for everyone.
And not only will you find a wide variety of individual homes, you will also find nearly two dozen different neighborhoods – each with their own unique amenities and vibe. Some of the more popularized neighborhoods in Mt Lebanon include Virginia Manor, Mission Hills, and Sunset Hills. And there are more obscure neighborhood names that even locals might not be aware of which include Avondale, Foxland, and Clearview.
Check out this Mt Lebanon Neighborhood Guide for more details.
Being regarded as the best place to live in Pittsburgh naturally makes Mt Lebanon’s real estate market one of the most competitive in the entire region. Homes often sell quickly, with many receiving multiple offers within days of hitting the market. In 2024, there were 303 single family homes sold with a median sales price of $420,000 which works out to $243 per square foot. Collectively, these homes sold at 100% of their asking price and were on the market for an average of 10 days.
Navigating the Mt Lebanon real estate market not only requires patience since inventory is low and the buyer pool is quite deep, it also requires flexibility and a willingness to make improvements. Move-in ready homes that have everything – tons of closet space, big kitchens, large usable yard space, two car garage, a master bath, etc are extremely rare and host intense bidding wars. (Here is a list of homes currently for sale in Mt Lebanon.)
My advice when buying a home in Mt Lebanon is to keep your list of “must haves” as short as possible. Hopefully, you will find a home with a few of your “nice to haves” and the rest you can make improvements and customize exactly how you would like it down the road.
Another tip once you have a house under agreement in Mt Lebanon is be sure to perform a lateral sewer inspection as many of the original terra cotta and cast iron pipes have deteriorated or have cracks from tree roots.
If you are considering buying a home in Mt Lebanon be sure you find an agent (like me!!) that has the expertise and experience with the neighborhoods and the properties that would be the best fit for you and your family.
Is Mt Lebanon the Place for You?
Mt. Lebanon truly offers the best of suburban living with urban convenience. From its top-ranked schools and walkable neighborhoods to its historic homes and vibrant community life, it’s no wonder this community is often considered the best place to live in Pittsburgh and is one of the most sought-after places to call home.
If you’re thinking about making Mt. Lebanon your home, I’d love to help. As a resident and real estate expert, I can provide the insights and guidance you need to find the perfect home.
Let’s connect and start your journey to Mt. Lebanon today!