McKeesport-White Oak - McKeesport, PA Area Guide

First settled in 1795 and named after founder John McKee, McKeesport became a coal-mining town in 1830. The first steel mill was built in 1851, and McKeesport became a leading manufacturer of steel tubing. The town grew, eventually becoming incorporated as a city in 1891. The population continued to grow until it peaked in the 1940s. When the steel industry moved out, the area suffered an economic downtown from which it is still recovering.

Learn more about local history at the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Museum, located in Renziehausen Park. Even during hard times, local residents sought out culture, and their efforts continue to resonate. Enjoy a performance by the McKeesport Symphony Orchestra, or attend a play put on by local performers at the McKeesport Little Theater, both founded more than 50 years ago. Residents also enjoy dockside summer concerts at the McKeesport Marina.

Not surprising given the number of Italian immigrants that were part of the area's heyday, the McKeesport-White Oak neighborhood boasts more than an average number of Italian restaurants. One in East McKeesport draws patrons from all over the Pittsburgh area and beyond. Tillie's Restaurant, founded in 1962 and still owned by founder Matilda Smith's family, makes homemade pasta and fresh sauces daily. The regulars have favorite dishes they recommend that include the lobster and crab grilled cheese appetizer served with tomato basil bisque, the ravioli, the meatballs and the gnocchi.

When you want traditional American comfort food, head to Puzzlers Restaurant & Lounge in East McKeesport for the home-style meatloaf or Puzzlers pot pie. A puzzle piece serves as the symbol for the autism spectrum, and the restaurant's name honors those living with the condition. As a further commitment to the cause, Puzzlers hires teens and adults with autism or other special needs.

Rodo's Greek Cafe on Lincoln Way in White Oak offers a classic Greek menu with exceptionally well-prepared dishes. Start with the grape leaves before sinking your teeth into a huge gyros or lamb burger and ending with the baklava.

A laid-back nightlife characterizes the McKeesport-White Oak neighborhood. You can take in a movie while sipping wine or beer at the 18-screen Phoenix Big Cinemas in North Versailles, about 5 miles away. Afterwards, stop by the Twin Oaks Lounge, which features live entertainment on Saturday nights. You can shoot pool at the Station Brake Cafe in Wilmerding or go for karaoke on Friday nights.

Locals rely on cars to get around in McKeesport-White Oak, where errands can take you to several different strip shopping centers. Not conducive to walking, the area also doesn't provide infrastructure for bicyclists on its roads. None of the roads include bike lanes, and only a couple garner a bike-friendly rating. Cyclists do have access to the Youghiogheny River Trail, which follows the path of the river that lies on McKeesport's east side. This multi-use trail stretches 71 miles between McKeesport and Confluence, Pa., to the south. Part of the Great Allegheny Passage, it connects cyclists to the city of Pittsburgh and north to Connellsville or south to Washington, D.C.

The Port Authority of Pittsburgh operates bus service in the area. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get from McKeesport to Steel Plaza in downtown Pittsburgh by bus. If you drive, Lincoln Way and Route 48 serve as the area's main roads. It takes less than 10 minutes to get to the Parkway (I-376), and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) passes nearby. You can find free parking readily available in most places in the McKeesport-White Oak neighborhood. If you need a ride, call a taxi company for a pickup. Uber does not operate in the area.

For fresh air, take advantage of two large parks on either side of the McKeesport-White Oak neighborhood. Renziehausen Park, known to the locals as “Renzie," stretches across 258 acres in McKeesport and serves as a place for recreation and community gatherings. Work out on the fitness trail, take the kids to the playground, test your serve on the tennis courts, or watch a softball game. Pack a picnic, and see a performance at the band shell, or go fishing in Lake Emilie. Stop and smell the roses at the rose garden and arboretum, featuring more than 1,200 rose bushes.

Each year, area residents gather in Renzie Park to celebrate the diverse cultural history of McKeesport during International Village, a three-day ethnic food festival featuring live music, dancing, traditional clothes and crafts. Admission costs $2, with additional fees for food. The park also hosts the McKeesport Summer Concert Series, circuses and carnivals.

In White Oak Park, discover plants you can't find anywhere else in Pennsylvania. This wooded park's western border gives even experienced hikers a challenge with its rugged, steep hillside. For less intense exercise, try the walking trails or get some friends together for a game of Frisbee or touch football on the all-purpose field. Kids enjoy visiting the playgroud, and an off-leash area lets your dog get some exercise in the park as well.

McKeesport's cost of living is about 8 percent lower than the Pittsburgh average, and White Oak's is about 1 percent higher. Expect to pay on average $692 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. When you go out for a beer, have at least $3 in your pocket. The price for a gallon of gas runs about 8 percent higher than the national average. Commute by bus into Pittsburgh, and pay $3.75 for a regular fare, or you can purchase a weekly pass and take unlimited rides for $25.

Many independent local shops can be found near the intersection of Route 48 and Lincoln Way in White Oak, such as Dorothy's Candies, purveyors of hand-crafted Swiss chocolate since 1947. You can't miss Dorothy's distinctive pink building on Long Wood Road just off Lincoln Way. Dorothy's also carries gummy candies and flavored popcorn. Stop in for a gift or a special treat for yourself.

Model builders like to visit Bill & Walt's Hobby Shop on Lincoln Way for modeling supplies and kits to build cars, ships, planes, boats and rockets. The store also carries model railroading supplies.

Find the perfect gift at Rooted Together Gifts. Some items you can choose from include gourmet dips, apple butter, candles, soaps, artwork and gifts for dog lovers.

Residents looking for more shopping opportunities head to Monroeville, about 10 miles away. Macy's and J.C. Penney anchor the Monroeville Mall, and several major shopping centers near the mall feature national chain stores, such as Old Navy and DSW Shoe Warehouse.

Local residents buy their groceries at one of two Giant Eagle supermarkets — one on O'Neil Boulevard in McKeesport and one on Lincoln Way in White Oak — or a Shop ’n Save in the Olympia Shopping Center. For specialty foods, go to Marco’s Italian Market in White Oak.

The McKeesport-White Oak neighborhood doesn't have a farmers market, but you can get to one in Monroeville in about 20 minutes. The Monroeville Lions Farmers Market takes place on Saturday mornings from May to November in the Monroeville Community Park.