A renewal of fierce hope and optimism is taking root in Wilkinsburg, with well-crafted development strategies by an assortment of visionaries: residents, business owners, community development enthusiasts, historic preservationists, private organizations and neighborhood volunteers. Incorporated in 1887, this 2.3 square mile borough seven miles east of downtown Pittsburgh is in comeback mode after losing nearly half its population following the demise of the steel industry. For the frugal and urban-focused homeowner not afraid to get his/her hands dirty, Wilkinsburg is the right match: racially/ethnically diverse; close to the city and fuel-efficient: eight-minutes' drive to downtown and close to urban programs and amenities and public transportation (access to the East Busway can get anyone downtown within 20 minutes).
But its biggest assets are long-standing businesses, some more than 30 years' old, and a large number of committed volunteers who deeply care and dig in to run programs and restore neighborhoods.
Wilkinsburg
