Pittsburgh Neighborhoods: History of Allentown

A Brief History of Allentown










Allentown is located in Pittsburgh and currently has representation on City Council for District 3. Allentown was taken out of St. Clair Township. Back in 1827, The British Joseph Allen bought land that would eventually become Allentown. The neighborhood was incorporated on March 2nd, 1870 and eventually annexed by the city two years later. Allentown was mostly settled by German immigrants, followed by the Welsh, Irish and English. Allentown was quick to develop because it was so close to downtown Pittsburgh (and there was plenty of transportation). In 1888, the first site west of the Allegheny Mountains to operate an electric streetcar was Allentown. The T (as we call our trolley system) has cut through the community ever since then. At one point, there were five inclines that served Allentown, including the Knoxville Incline. The T line is used as an emergency route now, particularly when the South Hills Transit Tunnel is down.



Facts about Allentown






Allentown’s population is just over 2,300 people. Residents tend to vote liberal in political races. The area offers a close-knit yet urban feel to it. More people rent than own their homes in Allentown. Allentown’s nightlife and diversity have earned the area A grades. Allentown has also earned great grades for lowest cost of living in Pittsburgh.



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