Homewood Neighborhood Overview
Homewood is a historic residential neighborhood located approximately five miles east of downtown Pittsburgh. It is bordered by Point Breeze, East Liberty, and Wilkinsburg, and is bisected by the major thoroughfare of Frankstown Avenue. The neighborhood's history is one of dramatic transformation, having evolved from a 19th-century estate into a thriving streetcar suburb for Pittsburgh's affluent industrialists, and later becoming a predominantly African American community during the Great Migration of the 20th century.
Today, Homewood is a neighborhood of deep historical significance and community resilience. It faces well-documented socioeconomic challenges, including population decline and disinvestment, but is also home to a strong network of community organizations and dedicated residents actively working toward revitalization. The neighborhood's character is defined by its historic architecture, its cultural legacy, and a palpable sense of community spirit focused on rebuilding and empowerment from within.
Housing & Real Estate
Homewood's housing stock is a testament to its past as a prestigious suburb, featuring large, single-family Victorian homes, brick rowhouses, and more modest duplexes and apartments. Many of the grander homes, particularly in the West Homewood area, showcase intricate architectural details from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, decades of decline have left a significant number of properties vacant or in need of rehabilitation.
The real estate market in Homewood is among the most affordable in the City of Pittsburgh, with median home prices far below the city average. This presents opportunities for first-time homebuyers and investors. Recent trends show targeted reinvestment efforts led by community development corporations like Operation Better Block and the Homewood-Brushton Revitalization and Development Corporation, which focus on strategic housing rehabilitation, new construction of affordable and market-rate units, and stabilizing existing homeowner-occupied properties.
Schools & Education
Homewood is served by Pittsburgh Public Schools. The neighborhood is home to Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy 6-12, a historic school that has undergone significant academic restructuring and facility renovations in recent years. Elementary-aged students may attend Pittsburgh Faison K-5, located in nearby Homewood-Brushton, or other nearby schools depending on district zoning.
Beyond traditional public schools, several charter and private options serve the area, including the Urban Academy of Greater Pittsburgh Charter School and the former Holy Rosary campus of St. Edmund's Academy. Crucially, the neighborhood is a hub for community-based educational initiatives, such as the Homewood Children's Village, which provides a comprehensive network of support services and out-of-school-time programming to promote youth success from cradle to career.
Parks & Recreation
Homewood's primary green space is the 35-acre Homewood Park, located at the intersection of Hamilton and Homewood Avenues. The park features playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, athletic fields, and a swimming pool. It serves as a central gathering place for community events, including the annual Homewood Community Day. The park has been a focus of recent improvement efforts to enhance its facilities and safety.
The neighborhood also provides access to the longer Four Mile Run Greenway, a trail system that connects to Frick Park. For indoor recreation, the Homewood-Brushton YMCA on Frankstown Avenue is a vital community anchor, offering fitness facilities, youth programs, and swimming. These recreational assets are central to community-building and healthy living initiatives championed by local organizations and residents.
Local Dining & Shopping
Homewood's commercial corridors, primarily along Frankstown Avenue and North Homewood Avenue, feature a mix of long-standing local businesses and newer entrepreneurial ventures. Dining options include iconic local establishments like Tana's Ethiopian Cuisine, which draws patrons from across the city, and classic take-out spots serving soul food and barbecue. The neighborhood has seen a growth in community-focused food businesses, such as the Black-owned Five Points Bakery & Sweet House.
For shopping, residents rely on a variety of small retailers, beauty supply stores, and barbershops that serve as community hubs. A major grocery option is the Shop 'n Save on Frankstown Avenue. A significant development is the presence of the Homewood-Brushton Community Development Corporation's Mall at 7800, which houses several small businesses and nonprofits, aiming to stimulate local commerce and provide essential services within the neighborhood.
Who Lives Here
Homewood is a predominantly African American neighborhood with a deep-rooted, multi-generational population. Many residents have longstanding family ties to the community, contributing to a strong sense of shared history and collective identity. The community vibe is one of resilience and determination, with active block clubs, neighborhood watches, and faith-based organizations playing crucial roles in daily life and advocacy.
The neighborhood attracts a diverse mix of individuals united by a commitment to Homewood's future. This includes long-term residents, affordable housing advocates, social entrepreneurs, and artists engaged in community work. While facing significant challenges, Homewood is characterized by a powerful grassroots spirit, with a growing number of residents and partners dedicated to fostering positive change, economic opportunity, and preserving the neighborhood's unique cultural heritage.
Top Real Estate Agents in Homewood, Pittsburgh
10 agents met the full merit gate for Homewood, Pittsburgh, PA, selected from over 70,000 licensed Pennsylvania professionals.
Contact
Phone: (714) 336-5222
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.jinhongteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Jin%20Hong
Why selected: Selected for their dedicated community involvement, including board positions and local engagement. They are further distinguished by strong performance metrics and years of experience serving Orange and LA County.
Verified Specialties
Property Management[4]
Cities Served
Buena Park
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (909) 282-7307
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.brianandannayang.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/annayang
Why selected: Selected for her active support of local homeownership initiatives and community development, which is our highest-ranking criterion. She further demonstrates excellence and over two decades of market expertise.
Community & Leadership
supporter at Local homeownership programs[6]
Notable Achievements
5-Star Rating
Best Team-Producer Award 1st Place (U.S.)
185 Five-Star Reviews
20 Years Experience
Branch Top Producer of the Year
20 Years Real Estate Experience
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Property Management, buyer representation, listing services, residential real estate, market analysis, buyers, sellers, listings, customer satisfaction, market expertise, residential, commercial[4]
Cities Served
Rowland Heights
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (714) 328-4776
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.theagencyre.com/agent/ismael-chavez
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/ChavezHomes
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement, including board positions and local engagement. He combines this with a strong and over, backed by of dedicated experience.
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Investment Properties[4]
Cities Served
Long Beach
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (714) 470-8600
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.mikepatel.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Mike%20Patel
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement and leadership, combined with a. His sustained excellence and market expertise demonstrate consistent top-tier performance.
Community & Leadership
Community member at <UNKNOWN>[6]
Notable Achievements
High Client Satisfaction Rating
25+ Years Real Estate Experience
Over 24 Years Real Estate Experience
First Team Hall of Fame Recognition
4.9-Star Rating
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Commercial Properties, Property Management, Investment Properties, Rentals, luxury homes, investment properties, residential real estate[4]
Cities Served
Anaheim Hills
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (714) 323-2771
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.alexmoller4re.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Alexandra%20Moller
Why selected: Selected for her dedicated community involvement in healthcare advocacy and professional development programs. She is further distinguished by a and a unique client-care perspective from her nursing background.
Community & Leadership
contributor at Healthcare advocacy initiatives[6]
supporter at Professional development programs[6]
Notable Achievements
15+ Years Real Estate Experience
Perfect 5-Star Rating
15 Years of Service
5-Star Client Rating
15 Years in Real Estate
Nursing Background
59 Five-Star Reviews
5-Star Rating Achievement
Healthcare Background
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Investment Properties, client availability, healthcare background, full-time dedication, client care, full-time availability, Client service, Healthcare background applications, Full-time availability, personalized service, Healthcare background application, Healthcare professionals, Client advocacy, Professional service[4]
Cities Served
Irvine
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (708) 491-9432
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thegrgroup.net/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/gus705
Why selected: Selected for his strong quantifiable performance, including 298 career sales and, sustained over nine years of active practice. His expertise is further validated by recognition in local publications.
Notable Achievements
Transaction Volume Achievement
Perfect Rating Record
25 Recent Transactions
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Property Management, Investment Properties[4]
Cities Served
Orland Park
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (909) 378-5520
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://[email protected]/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Julie%20Hwang
Why selected: Selected for his community leadership as a supporter of the New Star Scholarship Foundation. He combines this with a from and of expertise in residential and investment properties.
Community & Leadership
supporter at New Star Scholarship Foundation[6]
Notable Achievements
25 Years Real Estate Experience
24 years of experience
4.9-star rating
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Property Management, Korean-American community, multilingual services, comprehensive marketing, residential, investment properties[4]
Cities Served
Rowland Heights
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (714) 496-8815
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://morganboushehri.bhhscaproperties.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Morganb30070822
Why selected: Selected for his active community initiatives and industry development support, combined with a and of expertise. His high-value market performance and media recognition further demonstrate his standing.
Community & Leadership
Active participant at Real Estate Industry Organizations[6]
Notable Achievements
24-Year Career Milestone
Perfect Client Rating
High-Value Transaction Average
112 Career Transactions
Verified Specialties
Relocation[4]
Cities Served
Anaheim Hills
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (562) 449-7228
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.teamrascon.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/teamrascon1
Why selected: Selected for her of community-focused service and leadership roles. She is further distinguished by and her extensive market knowledge since 1993.
Notable Achievements
30+ Years Experience
30 Five-Star Reviews
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, seller specialist, buyer representation, transaction management, first-time buyers, experienced investors[4]
Cities Served
Northridge
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (714) 485-5022
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.brians-re.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/BrianShuhaibar
Why selected: Selected for his community commitment through Nexteam Real Estate, combined with a perfect 23 five-star review record. His dual expertise as a REALTOR® and Insurance Broker provides clients with comprehensive service.
Notable Achievements
23 Five-Star Reviews
REALTOR® License
20+ Years Professional Experience
Bachelor of Arts in Business Management
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Foreclosure, Commercial Properties, Insurance, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, Luxury Homes, New Construction, Real Estate, Home Insurance, Auto Insurance, Business Insurance, Life Insurance, Business Development[4]
Cities Served
Buena Park
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard (see Merit Criteria above).