Avalon-Bellevue-Ben Avon - Pittsburgh, PA

Once part of the depreciation lands reserved for Revolutionary War veterans, the first parcel of land in Bellevue was purchased in 1792, and the borough incorporated in 1867. Avalon, derived from the Celtic term for orchard because of the numerous fruit trees that grew there, was incorporated in 1874. Ben Avon was incorporated in 1892.

A well-preserved example of a late-18th century log dwelling, the historic Dickson Log House in Ben Avon gives tours year-round. The John Hermann Memorial Art Museum showcases the paintings, sketches and watercolors of this Bellevue native. The works include a series of Pittsburgh scenes and a watercolor of every fountain and statue that once stood in Allegheny Park.

The Bluegrass in Bellevue outdoor concert and pig roast, the Avalon-Greenstone United Methodist Church annual strawberry festival, and the Ben Avon Halloween Parade represent some of the annual events that create a sense of community.

Although Ben Avon has no commercial businesses within its boundaries, residents can find several gastronomic options in Avalon and Bellevue.

Proprietor Al Nicholas prepares recipes from his own mother’s kitchen at the namesake Mia Madre Trattoria in Avalon. The authentic flavors of southern Italy come to life in dishes that include a perfectly sauced fettuccine Alfredo and veal Parmigiana, topped with homemade marinara and melted provolone cheese. Dishes made with cod – including cod Romano finished with a splash of white wine and lemon – rate as popular choices. Save room for a made-to-order cannoli drizzled with chocolate syrup.

Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue’s main drag, has a number of dining options. The ambiance at Thai Tamarind reminds you of a family home. Diners can’t help but feel comfortable in the charming, homey, wood-finished space a few blocks from Ohio River Boulevard. Known for large portions at affordable prices, each authentic dish can be prepared at the spice level of your liking – on a scale from one (mild) to 10 (Thai hot). The extensive menu includes fan favorites such as crab fried rice, massaman curry, prepared with onions, tomatoes, and peanuts and the always popular pad Thai with shrimp. During the warm-weather months, the restaurant has a delightful outdoor seating area.

Breakfast reigns king at Joe’s Rusty Nail, a neighborhood icon since 1979. Served all day, regulars return week after week for the home-style hot cakes, three-egg omelettes and country French toast. Burgers, sandwiches and complete dinners round out the diner menu. The rather cramped space may not be the most comfortable, but the friendly, attentive staff leaves you smiling.

For those looking for an exciting nightlife, take a trip to downtown Pittsburgh. As Ben Avon has no commercial businesses, and Bellevue has been dry since 1935 – restaurants are strictly BYOB and bars, non-existent – the only local choices exist in Avalon, and the pickin's seem slim. Three dive bars service the area, typical neighborhood joints with cheap beer and occasional live music. The Rusty Dory Pub gets the most praise, with two or three craft brews on tap in addition to the usual domestic options.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County provides public transportation throughout Pittsburgh and the suburbs. The commute by bus from any of the three boroughs to downtown Pittsburgh takes 30 minutes or less, depending on the chosen route.

For most residents of Bellevue, it’s just a short walk to shops, restaurants and public transportation. With fewer commercial businesses, Avalon and Ben Avon remain a bit more car-dependent. An on-street bike route to downtown Pittsburgh runs along California Avenue, beginning at Grant Avenue.

State Route 65 runs through all three communities; Interstates 79 and 279 run nearby also. Though most residents own their own cars, those looking for a ride-share find the trip to downtown Pittsburgh costs between $13 and $18. While you can’t hail a cab, Pittsburgh’s largest taxi company, Yellow Cab, has call-and-demand service 24/7.

Wonderful parks and recreation activities remain available in all three boroughs. Avalon maintains four parks throughout the borough. The largest, Avalon Community Park has a swimming pool, fields for softball and football, and a running track. Residents can rent picnic shelters for parties and get-togethers. In addition to serving the community, California Avenue Park sees children from the Avalon Elementary School during recess. The borough also operates two small community tot-lot playgrounds.

Bellevue Memorial, a large rural park, includes tennis courts, a baseball field, and hiking and fitness trails. The swimming pool, open only to borough residents, includes a curvy water slide, diving boards and a kiddie pool. Residents can rent three picnic groves. Located in the heart of Bellevue, Bayne Park, features the community library, a gazebo available for picnics and rental, and a variety of playground equipment. Built in 2012, the state-of-the-art Bellevue Skate Park opens to the public daily until dusk.

Situated in the heart of Ben Avon, Avon Park has basketball tennis courts, playground equipment and a nature trail. Avonworth Community Park, a collaborative effort between Ben Avon Borough and four other municipalities, has a variety of recreational activities including a swimming pool, Kids Kingdom play area and basketball courts. The Mayernik Center, a beautiful log cabin building with a full wrap-around porch, can be rented year-round for receptions of all types.

The cost of living in either Avalon or Bellevue matches up with the city of Pittsburgh, 15 percent lower than the rest of the country; Ben Avon, on the other hand, comes in nearly 15 percent higher than its neighboring communities. Those looking for an apartment find a number of buildings in Avalon and Bellevue, but only units in private homes in Ben Avon. One can expect to pay a shade under $700 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. A one-way ride to downtown Pittsburgh via bus costs $2.50.

Despite the low cost of living, those with cars find gas prices 16 percent higher than the rest of the country. A bottle of domestic beer at a local bar generally runs about $2.75 a bottle.

Bellevue's Lincoln Avenue draws residents from all three boroughs to its unique mix of boutiques and national chains.

Owner Joyce Kuruce enjoys giving you the scoop on the items in the eclectic collection at Antiques and Uniques of Bellevue. The shops two floors contain over 20,000 items that range from toys to pottery to Pittsburgh memorabilia.

Those looking for a bargain can enjoy browsing the shelves at the Red, White and Blue Thrift Store on Ohio River Boulevard. This newly renovated shop sells a variety of items including toys, clothing, shoes and even movies. The store also has a daily 50 percent off section for its shoppers.

Owned by two skateboarders looking to give back to the skate community, Plank Eye Board Shop sits on Sheridan Avenue just steps away from the main shopping area. The shop carries longboards and cruisers, in addition to skate shoes, clothing and accessories. Plank Board also gives lessons to both beginners and advanced skaters at any of the skateparks in Pittsburgh.

When the cupboards go bare, residents of the tri boroughs can do their food shopping at the family-owned Kuhn's Market in Bellevue. For those who prefer the convenience of grocery delivery, the Best Grocery Delivery Service specializes in organic, natural and gluten-free products. No farmers markets exist within the three boroughs, but residents can make the 20-minute trip to the Farmers at Firehouse market in Pittsburgh. The market, open Saturdays from May through November, sells quality organic produce, carefully raised meats and poultry, and small-batch artisan prepared foods.