Crafton, Pennsylvania is the hometown of former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher, who took the team to the Super Bowl in 2005.
Crafton is a hidden, green gem of a suburb just seven miles from Pittsburgh
Crafton, Pennsylvania is the hometown of former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher, who took the team to the Super Bowl in 2005.
Crafton is a hidden, green gem of a suburb just seven miles from Pittsburgh. It has a population of just under 6,000 people, which has remained steady for many years and all live mostly in houses with some apartments nearby. The borough has plenty of park space and it's easy to navigate, plus it's close to a number of business centers and major roads.
You'll want to avoid using a apartments locator for Crafton in the winter, as it's part of the notoriously hilly Pittsburgh metro area. Pennsylvania ice and moving trucks aren't exactly a winning combination. Come any other time of year and you'll be able to enjoy the town's official Tree City USA designation, with a choice between lush green or autumn foliage. Whether you're looking for home rentals, rental condos or all bills paid apartments, make sure to have your Social Security card, driver's license, proof of employment and 10-year rental history handy when it's time to do lease paperwork. Also make sure to update your address, vehicle tags and license if you're moving from out-of-state.
Crafton has two main areas: Central Crafton and Crafton Heights. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages, so search thoroughly before committing to a new place.
Central Crafton: This neighborhood is the more dense of the two. The majority of the borough's residents make their homes here and it's closer to many of the region's parks. A small downtown stretch makes up a few blocks of Crafton Avenue and a commercial district is on the north end where Crafton meets the borough of Ingram. Thick tree lines make natural borders between Central Crafton and its southern neighbors, Oakwood, Westwood and Thornburg.
Crafton Heights: This area is far more distributed, blocking the density of Ingram with a tree line. It's close enough to the Ohio River to be considered an official part of Pittsburgh, while Central Crafton counts as an Allegheny neighborhood. It's a bit closer to amenities like the Strathmore and Dunbar Playgrounds. Crafton Heights has a bit more history, as indicated by the larger trees and campuses for education, church and business.
The borough is the very definition of a bedroom community, devoting most of its real estate to homes and schools, while the nearby city provides most other amenities. You can grab a slice or a pita at Porto Fino Pizza & Restaurant and Gyro where Crafton meets Ingram, though the best nearby bites will be across the river in Pittsburgh. For green space, Crafton Park updates its playground equipment frequently and is across the street from a large conservation area. The summer months open the Crafton Swimming Pool that's fun and affordable on a hot day. The pool tends to open at the end of May with the Great American Duck Out, a festival with good, games and a raffle contest that all benefit the pool.
Spring is mild in Crafton and winters are cold and snowy. It's a good idea to invest in some road salt for your driveway to keep the ice at bay during the deepest parts of the season. It's also a prime spot for leaf-fanatics in the fall. A car is practically mandatory in the borough, though you won't have to fight Pittsburgh parking if you take the MLK Busway system.
Crafton is a great place to call home for Pittsburgh natives ready to get out of the city, or to newcomers who want the proximity to Steel Town but the greenery that gave Penn's Woods its name.
