South Allegheny - Pittsburgh, PA

Officially formed late in 1788, the towns along southern Allegheny County developed due to the active trade routes on the rivers. During the coal boom smaller boroughs prospered most and have since slowed down due to the decreasing need for coal. If you're looking to soak up a little culture, The McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center preserves and displays history from nearby neighborhoods. The Center displays local memorabilia such as photos and newspapers, and is free to the public. Each year a celebration of the settlers who came to the area occurs on Founder’s Day.

Serving up old school Italian pizza, pasta, and traditional fresh baked bread, Tillie’s Restaurant & Chantillie Lounge in McKeesport delivers satisfaction. The homemade lasagna, locally known as the best in the Pittsburgh area, melts in your mouth as the fresh cheeses and rich flavors explode. Try the delightful lobster and crab grilled cheese with tomato basil soup or a generous portion of the fresh salad. Friendly, helpful service at a family owned eatery, plus great inexpensive food makes this a great place to take the kids, too. Another popular family owned restaurant, The Beach House in Finleyville brings homestyle breakfasts and dinner entrees to the table. For breakfast, nothing beats the House’s crispy French toast, or stop in for lunch and try the reuben, another local favorite. With fresh ingredients and quickly made to order food, everything’s a gold star. Be sure to bring cash though, as they don’t accept credit cards. Finding a local bar is easy; every borough has at least a few, but for the real nightlife, head on over to places like Mulligan’s Sports Bar & Grill in West Mifflin. Friendly bar tenders, tasty bar food, and a large selection of draft beers make this the perfect spot for local sports fans. Live bands play regularly, but bring some ear protection. The tin roof tends to bounce the music back, and Mulligan’s can get feisty as the night goes on.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County provides extensive bus service throughout the area. Most folks use their own vehicles, and plenty of free parking makes it easy. Cabs don’t venture outside Pittsburgh, but if you’re willing to pay a high fare, the cab will come to you. Uber is also available for those who are comfortable using the popular smartphone application. Highways abound, and several state routes connect the area, making it easy to travel between the boroughs. Individual neighborhoods can be fun to walk or bike around, but be aware that the terrain can make it challenging. Although no bike lanes exist, one of the best treasures of Allegheny County, The Great Allegheny Passage, consists of biking and hiking trails that span 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Maryland and 385 miles to Washington, D.C. This makes it possible to travel safely from the southern Allegheny counties into the city of Pittsburgh along well paved paths while viewing breathtaking scenery.

In the southern part of the county, Allegheny County Parks system sponsors White Oak Park, one of nine county run parks, that consists of 810 acres and a large swimming pool. Walk the trails and discover plants that don’t exist anywhere else in the state, marvel at the seemingly untouched primeval forests, or enjoy a simple picnic. While White Oak Park serves the entire county, each borough maintains its own local parks, such as in Jefferson Hills. Here five community parks bring residents together for baseball games, basketball, volleyball, with playgrounds available at each. The largest park, Andrew Reilly Memorial Park, spans 26 acres of land complete with walking trails and a community stage. Parks are free to the public and generally welcome leashed dogs with some off-leash areas, although some parks do have regulations that do not allow them. The Annual Fall Festival brings in local crafters, along with games, prizes, and an auction. White Oak Borough delivers the goods with “An Evening With Santa” each year, providing pictures with Santa, treat bags, ornament crafts, and games for all the kids.

The cost of living in southern Allegheny County remains about 4 percent lower than in the city. Taking a bus from the southernmost area to Pittsburgh costs $3.75 one way, and a one bedroom apartment will run much less than in the city, averaging around $600. A beer rings in at $4, and gas costs 14 percent more than the national average.

Most locals trek into Pittsburgh for serious shopping, although West Mifflin presents the Century III mall, one of the few in the southern Allegheny County area. Big box stores are scattered through the main boroughs.

For a unique and unforgettable experience, hop into The Melody Shop in West Mifflin. More than just a music store, the shop has grown into a budding cultural center for the arts and will wake up your inner artist. Take a seat in the cafe and enjoy tunes tickled out on the ivory keys of a 100 year old grand piano. Shop the gallery filled with sculpture and 2 dimensional pieces from local artists. Get private vocal or instrument training from professional musicians, or study song writing under Joe Rossi, coach to recording artist Ariyana. The shop also offers recording studio services, dance lessons and opportunities to join performance ensembles.

The Queen's Beads in White Oak tempts all who enter with amazing deals on accessories. Find ready to wear jewelry from the sweetly simple to the decadently ornate alongside chic purses and vibrant scarves. The Queen even offers classes that will teach you how to create your own beaded jewelry. Clever and creative, look here for hard to find and discontinued components like Czech glass and beading supplies.

Grocery stores such as IGA, Giant Eagle, Shop n Save, and Save-a-Lot serve the area along with several specialty shops. Visit places like MRG Food, LLC for fresh cuts of beef, pork, lamb and more. Convenience stores are plentiful, as well.

Stop in at the local 7-Eleven for late night snacks, a bottle of wine or to pick up your favorite beer. Locals shop here almost daily to play the lottery or to grab a cup of joe or an icy cold soft drink on their way to work. A six-generation family owned farm, Trax Farms Market offers all the fresh produce, homemade bread, pies, cheese, and cider that you could possibly want. Festivals and family events fill the market calendar; you could spend every weekend at the farm and not run out of things to do Bring the kids to Breakfast with the Bunny at Easter, try the craft beer festival, or come for the indoor winter flea market.