New Kensington, PA

New Kensington is a historic river town set along the Allegheny in Westmoreland County, roughly 18 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh. Home to around 12,000 residents, the city grew rapidly during western Pennsylvania's industrial boom and still carries that hardworking, small-town character today. Its riverfront setting gives the area scenic water views and a distinct identity, making it an appealing option for anyone seeking affordable housing within an easy drive of the greater Pittsburgh metro area.

ATTRDoug Kerr from Albany, NY, United States / CC BY-SA 2.0

Living here means having everyday essentials close at hand alongside a growing local dining and small-business scene downtown. Families are served by the New Kensington-Arnold School District, while Penn State New Kensington sits just a short drive away in neighboring Upper Burrell, offering four-year degree programs and community events. Combined with accessible parks and quiet residential neighborhoods, New Kensington offers a practical, budget-friendly pace of life with quick connections to the rest of the Alle-Kiski Valley.