Thinking about buying or selling in Ross Township but not sure where to focus? With its mix of quiet neighborhoods and major retail corridors, it can feel like several towns in one. You want a simple way to understand the tradeoffs so you can narrow your search and price with confidence. This guide breaks Ross into practical micro-areas, shares what to check on any property, and points you to trusted local sources. Let’s dive in.
Micro-areas at a glance
McKnight Road corridor (Ross Park Mall)
This is the township’s east-central retail spine with Ross Park Mall and surrounding centers. You get quick access to shopping, dining, and services that pull visitors from across the North Hills. It is convenient, active, and a major employment node. You can explore current anchors on the Ross Park Mall tenant list from Simon Properties for context.
- Best for: Convenience seekers, retail and service workers, short errand runs.
- Watch for: Peak traffic and evening/weekend activity. Check PennDOT updates for active roadwork near McKnight and Babcock.
Explore Ross Park Mall anchors | Check PennDOT project notices
Perrysville and US-19 (Perry Highway)
Older village-style strips along US-19 mix local businesses with established residential pockets. You’ll find small-scale retail and straightforward north-south commuting. Housing varies in age and footprint along the corridor.
- Best for: Drivers who want quick US-19 access and neighborhood retail.
- Watch for: Mixed commercial footprints and variable lot layouts on the main road.
Babcock, Keown Station, and Evergreen
Babcock Boulevard connects quieter residential streets to commuter routes and local services. Near Evergreen Hamlet you’ll see character homes and mature trees with a historic feel. Street patterns can be narrower in older sections.
- Best for: Buyers who value charm, tree cover, and access to mid-town routes.
- Watch for: Unique maintenance or permitting considerations on historic lots. Confirm zoning early if you plan improvements.
Interior neighborhoods (Highcliff, Berkeley Hills, Laurel Gardens, more)
Set back from major corridors, these mid-century and later single-family areas emphasize yard space and calmer streets. Many buyers choose these pockets for a residential feel within a short drive of shopping. You’ll also see select townhouse and condo options.
- Best for: Households prioritizing North Hills School District attendance and quieter blocks.
- Watch for: More driving for daily errands compared with properties near McKnight.
Northway area (The Block Northway vicinity)
West of Ross Park Mall, this additional retail and entertainment cluster complements McKnight. It attracts steady traffic and offers dining and activities close by. Housing nearby trades convenience for a bit more activity.
- Best for: Shoppers and diners who want plenty of options close to home.
- Watch for: Event and weekend traffic; confirm parking and egress patterns.
What to check for every property
- Taxes: Calculate the total bill — county, township, and school district millages are separate. Allegheny County’s 2025 county millage is 6.43 mills. Use the county treasurer’s resources to estimate and confirm current rates and bills. Review county tax information
- School attendance: Ross Township is fully within North Hills School District. Verify the exact elementary attendance zone with the district during due diligence. Confirm with North Hills registration
- Zoning and permits: Before additions or use changes, confirm setbacks and permitted uses with Ross Township Community Development. Check Ross zoning
- Flood risk: Flood risk is parcel specific. Review FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center and consider a professional survey if needed. Search FEMA maps
- Traffic and noise: If you are within walking distance of McKnight or other retail nodes, visit at peak times and review any active roadwork. See current PennDOT notices
- Safety context: Retail corridors increase daytime calls for service, which can skew totals. Compare residential blocks with commercial areas and review Ross PD community resources. Visit Ross Township Police
Commute, parks, shopping
Ross sits just north of Pittsburgh, covering about 14.47 square miles with a mid-sized population and a mix of residential and commercial areas. The township’s official overview provides a helpful snapshot of scale and services. For downtown access, I-279 and nearby Park and Ride options support a manageable commute. You can review the Perrysville Park and Ride details if bus or HOV usage is part of your routine.
Market snapshot and strategy
As of October 2025, industry trackers show Ross Township’s median listing and sold prices generally in the low to mid 200 thousands to 300 thousands. Different data sources use different methods, so point-in-time medians vary. Treat any snapshot as directional and confirm with current MLS data before making offers or setting list price. If you are buying, pair fresh comps with micro-area context to target value. If you are selling, align pricing with the most relevant nearby comps and your property’s convenience or quiet setting.
Quick strategy tips:
- Buyers: compare similar homes across two or three micro-areas to trade convenience for value or vice versa.
- Sellers: emphasize the strengths of your location — proximity to retail and transit, or a calmer interior setting with yard space.
- Everyone: time your tours near rush hour and weekends to experience traffic and noise firsthand.
Seller notes by micro-area
- Near McKnight and Ross Park Mall: Lead with convenience. Highlight quick dining and shopping, improved access from any recent roadwork, and strong demand for close-in living.
- Interior neighborhoods: Emphasize yard space, neighborhood character, parks, and the address’s placement within North Hills School District’s attendance areas.
- Perrysville strip: Refresh curb appeal and confirm any mixed-use or façade updates with zoning. Buyers here like practical, walkable neighborhood retail.
If you want a one-on-one plan tailored to your goals, connect with Nate Nieland for data-driven pricing, micro-area guidance, and a clear path to the closing table.
FAQs
What and where is Ross Township?
- Ross Township is a mid-sized North Hills community directly north of Pittsburgh with a mix of residential neighborhoods and major retail corridors. You can review the township’s official overview for geography and services.
Which school district serves Ross Township addresses?
- All Ross Township addresses are within North Hills School District. Always verify the specific elementary attendance zone with the district during registration.
How are Ross Township property taxes calculated?
- Your total bill is the sum of county, township, and school district millages. The Allegheny County rate is 6.43 mills for 2025, and other components vary — confirm current totals with the county treasurer and local collectors.
How is traffic around McKnight Road in Ross?
- It is active, especially evenings and weekends near Ross Park Mall. Check PennDOT notices for any short-term lane or ramp changes and visit properties at peak times to gauge noise and flow.
What are typical home prices in Ross Township?
- As of October 2025, industry trackers place medians in the low to mid 200 thousands to 300 thousands. Verify with the latest MLS comps for the micro-area you are targeting.
How do I check flood risk for a Ross Township property?
- Look up the address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for parcel-level designations and consult a surveyor or insurer if the result is unclear.
