Culturally speaking, southern charm conjures images of those states just below the Mason Dixon line offering a gentile, slower paced lifestyle replete with fine manners, warmth and community closeness. But those characteristics and others can be embodied in any geographic region and particularly in southwestern Pennsylvania as evidenced by the many amenities available and those awards and accolades earned by the city of Pittsburgh and its surrounds. Such distinctions, whose halo affect emanates southward, include a Top 100 Best Places to Live for 2025 by Livability.com, a #30 Best City in America by Best Cities, and a selection as “one of the Best of the World for 2026 by National Geographic’s team of travel experts and their Traveller’s international editorial team,” among numerous other honors. Further, a September 27, 2025, Post-Gazette article titled ‘Pittsburgh’s housing market adds value as others struggle’ reported that “The value of homes in Pittsburgh’s housing market notched a $5.6 billion gain over the past year, which is a solid accomplishment as growth in the national market has slowed to its weakest pace since the pandemic boom according to a report from Zillow, the nation’s largest real estate portal.” The article continued that Pittsburgh has surpassed most other major metro areas in terms of affordability. All things considered, that air of southern charm can readily be seen just south of Pittsburgh where areas such as Mount Lebanon Township, Upper Saint Clair, McMurray and Thomasville rank in the ‘Top 20 Best Suburbs to raise a family in the Pittsburgh area’ according to Niche.com while the Builder’s Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh’s New Home Connection, a central resource and website (pittsburghnewhomeconnection.com) for finding new homes, builders, and communities in Western PA, cited South Fayette Township as #2 for the region’s top destinations for new home buyers. Moreover, areas such as Cecil Township, Canonsburg and Peters Township are experiencing significant building, boasting a range of diverse home styles. “As a South Hills native, I see a variety of building occurring, from small in-fill sites where maybe 15 to 20 townhomes are under construction to a long-time miniature golf course converted into development of mid-priced, single family homes to the very high-end developments in Peters Township where new construction home builds are reaching well over $2 million,” said Darlene Hunter, Vice President, New Construction and Nevillewood/New Construction, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. She added that Peters Township and Cecil Township, both located in Washington County, are very popular areas in large part due to lower taxes. “The South Hills neighborhoods, however, historically hold or increase value better than other parts of the region.” She continued that the South Hills is also home to four top performing school districts: Mount Lebanon, Upper Saint Clair, South Fayette and Peters Township. “Builders seek areas in top school districts as they can command higher prices, realize faster absorption, and attract qualified buyers,” she said. Hunter acknowledged that there is definitely more land development further south as opposed to older, more established neighborhoods such as Mount Lebanon and Upper Saint Clair. However, she has seen some clients choosing to tear down their existing homes and rebuilding on that homesite.
The fact that Pittsburgh is one of the most affordable major cities in the U.S. is not lost on Pat Reilly, Sales Manager, Ryan Homes. “This is primarily due to its low housing costs relative to median household income, making it one of the few places where, in many cases, buying a home can cost less than renting, especially for first-time buyers,” he said. “We also work with a good amount of people relocating to Pittsburgh, since the job market here is strong and there is a lot of opportunity.” Reilly has seen numerous people moving back to the area to be closer to family, escape the hot Florida weather, and take advantage of affordable housing. “Many of the townships we serve throughout the Pittsburgh area, especially in the South Hills, have also been named as the best places in the country to live and raise a family.” Jodi Brennan, Sales and Marketing Manager, Infinity Custom Homes, references the overall safe community feel one gets from neighborhoods in the southern suburbs. “The combination of great schools, easy access to shopping and restaurants, along with close knit communities, serves as a great mix for those looking to move into the area.” Amanda Heinemann, Western Pennsylvania President of Charter Homes and Neighborhoods, credits Bridgeville and South Fayette as two of the bright spots for both population and job growth in a flat or declining Allegheny County market, which is driving interest from home buyers in the area. “The growth of our Hastings neighborhood specifically has been driven by home buyers who value the proximity to the city, a quality school district, and are looking to invest in an area that is seeing new development, the addition of retail, services and entertainment attractions,” she explained. “For young people, new families, move-up buyers, and those looking to right size in later life, we see home buyers in our Hastings development being excited to call South Fayette home and build equity in a neighborhood with character.” She continued that a benefit of living in Hastings is its multigenerational flavor and character that includes a main street and a strong sense of community but within 10 to 25 minutes from destinations such as Downtown Pittsburgh, PNC Park, the airport, Topgolf and Southpointe. With more available land in the southern suburbs, especially moving further into Washington County, Jessica Pompeani, Brand Ambassador for Scarmazzi Homes, believes this makes new construction more viable. “Much of Pittsburgh’s housing stock is growing older, which pushes some buyers to look outside the city for newer or lower maintenance homes,” she offered. “As urban core prices tighten, and due to more upkeep needed on older homes, the suburbs become more attractive to both buyers looking for long term stability and those seeking a more modern home” She has also witnessed a rise in new residents to the Pittsburgh region, with some more likely to choose a suburban or “edge” community that offers a balance of affordability, space and access. “The combination of infrastructure growth, viable transportation and closeness to the Downtown Pittsburgh area has a profound appeal to many as do the abundant amenities in the south such as parks and walking trails, shopping, sports venues and more,” she added. Hunter also credited the area’s top school districts with attracting couples with families while active seniors find the easy access to shopping, restaurants and social activities very appealing. “I do think the positivity of the south market has encouraged new businesses and restaurants,” she added. “For example, South Hills Village has attracted a major department store – Van Maur – as well as Fio Yoga Studio, Miku Sushi and Ashley Home Store in the mall annex. There are others planned and coming!”
So, just who is drawn to this “southern comfort” offered in Pittsburgh’s southern tier? Darlene Hunter explained that there is something for everyone. “Affordable move-up single-family homes, $350,000 to $500,000, are definitely a need and only national builders can produce this type of housing economically,” she stated. “D.R. Horton, Maronda Homes and Ryan Homes are the players in that market.” She continued that empty nesters or right sizing buyers are seeking patio homes or similar style homes that are “a huge need” in the south corridor. “Most of the potential buyers don’t want to spend a million dollars. Most want to exit their single-family home with the equity to reinvest in other housing options with no mortgage or at a minimum, small mortgage,” she continued. “Scarmazzi Homes and Traditions of America are building well under a million dollars. Our custom builders such as Graziani Homes and L&H Construction at Alto Piano in
Cecil Township can offer a more custom home or empty nester homes on a private homesite for a bit more investment.”
For Foxlane Homes, hitting a variety of demographics is key. “We are finding a good mix of people moving to the South Hills and we accommodate that mix with varied neighborhoods,” noted Sarah Mysliwiec, Sales Manager. “Families are gravitating to our single-family homes in Collier and South Fayette for the schools. The townhomes are attracting a mix of baby boomers and singles. Our Sunset Trail is obviously attracting the active adult who is looking to right size to one level living.” As Foxlane’s newest community, Sunset Trail, coming soon to South Park, offers homes starting in the mid $400,000s targeting those active seniors age 55+. With just 39 lots, the community is predicted to sell quickly with homes that can be fully customized. “The homes start as just one level with a first-floor owner’s suite and can be built out with either a loft, a basement or both.” She added that out of town buyers relocating/building in the south do so to be near their jobs, some of which are gas and oil. “They need to be near the airport and find this location ideal.” Their boutique community of Parkside Meadows in Collier features just 23 homes with five lots remaining. A decorated model home is planned for January 10. This community, adjacent to the Collier Rec Center and park, can be accessed via a walking trail with the newly opened Grist House Command Brewery across the street. If luxury living is your style, Camden Village in Peters Township may fit the bill. This low maintenance townhome community of only 13 units (with just two remaining) are listed at $539,900 and $559,990 in the coveted Peters Township School District with low, Washington County taxes. Anticipating the opening of their next phase of homes in the Stonegate neighborhood in spring of 2026, Foxlane will offer 11 lots starting in the high $500,000s. Lastly, those looking for stately living in Upper Saint Clair, this Foxlane property is comprised of four homes with one left and set to be completed in February 2026 offered at just over $1 million.
Whether it’s a low maintenance townhome, a spacious single-family home, a ranch style layout for first floor living, Ryan Homes has what your searching for in the southern suburbs with its collection of communities that combine modern design, convenience and lifestyle amenities at competitive pricing. Ryan Gibson, Sales Manager, Ryan Homes, described Castlewood Fields in Nottingham Township as one of their most appealing communities, offering a blend of style and convenience. “Here, homebuyers can choose from single level ranch homes starting in the low $400,000s or low maintenance townhomes beginning in the low $300,000s, ideal for downsizing or embracing first floor living without compromise.” Resort style amenities include a pool and clubhouse with a fitness center, creating a lively neighborhood atmosphere. Just minutes from Route 19, Waterdam Plaza and Donaldson’s Crossroads, residents enjoy easy access to shopping, dining and daily conveniences. Floor plans spotlight nine-foot ceilings on the first floor, granite countertops and options for covered porches and finished basements. Affordability and modern design combine to make Greenwood Village, North Strabane, one of Washington County’s lowest priced new townhome communities, starting in the low $300,000s. Residents can relax pool side, visit the clubhouse and work out in the fitness center with quick access to Routes 19 and I-79. Featuring open layouts, nine-foot ceilings on the first floor, gourmet kitchens, two-car garages and a spacious owner’s suite, buyers can opt for finished basements, if desired. If Peters Township is calling you, Westbury may be your answer. With top tier education and spacious living, this community offers homes starting in the mid-$400,000s with open layouts, granite countertops, options for covered porches, and finished basements, some with three-car garages. Sidewalk-lined streets and green spaces add to its charm while proximity to Route 19, Peterswood Park, Montour Trail and local shopping ensures convenience. Burkett Manor delivers unbeatable location and value within the Trinity School District. Moments from Route 19 and one mile from I-79, this community provides easy access to commuter routes and shopping. Single family homes, starting in the mid-$400,000s, ranch designs in the low $400,000s, or townhomes in the low $300,000s boast open concept layouts, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and spacious owner suites with walk-in closets. All homes in these communities enjoy the low taxes of Washington County living.
Some 35 years ago, Charter Homes & Neighborhoods® has been making its mark as a builder with imagination, fashioning homes through innovation, thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship. Based in Lancaster, Pa., Charter’s commitment to creating moments and memories for their clients has led them to be recognized as a leading homebuilder throughout the region and beyond. Their latest project in Pittsburgh’s southern suburbs is Hastings, located in South Fayette Township. Here, townhomes and single-family homes range from $300,000s to $900,000s in a variety of styles surrounded by 600 acres of preserved parkland and century old trees. “Charter homebuyers can customize their chosen floor plan and selections of materials and finishes to make their home their own,” said Amanda Heinemann. “Starting from base plans that already include more valuable selections, homebuyers can select optional walls of windows in main rooms, kitchen island and countertop options, and customize their floor plan with additional bedrooms or a media room to meet their specific needs.” Once a floor plan and elevation are selected, the homebuyer is invited to Charter Colors, their design studio to meet with a designer and choose finish selections for flooring, paint, tile, lighting and more. “Whether you have a clear vision for your new home or need counsel, our designer and design studio make the process both informative and inspiring,” she added. “Homeowners may also enjoy walkability to Crossroads, a retail district comprised of locally owned businesses that allows homeowners and neighbors the ability to eat, shop, workout or relax in the heart of Hastings.” In addition to the Crossroads businesses, Hastings features greenspaces that act as gathering spots, the Hastings Athletic Club, an onsite gym for homeowners, Benton’s Sledding Hill for snow days and even Terrapark®, a natural playground where kids can let their imaginations roam free. “Charter Homes and Neighborhoods are purposely designed to be multigenerational neighborhoods, meaning we attract and have homeowners at every stage and chapter of life,” continued Heinemann. “Because we include businesses in the neighborhood, homeowners can shop, eat, exercise or relax without ever getting into the car. This is attractive to every segment including home buyers who might be right sizing but don’t want to lose the vibrancy and character of a multigenerational neighborhood. We also purposely vary how we place townhomes and single-family homes across the neighborhood rather than segmenting them into sections, supporting walkability by including extra wide walks and trails to connect it all.”
A premiere luxury home builder for 13+ years, Infinity Homes offers homes for those at different ages and stages of life, accommodating the needs and desires of all their home buyers. “Our goal is to put quality front and center married with fresh architecture and unparalleled customer service,” remarked Jodi Brennan. These goals can be seen in their most recent southern suburban builds – Sugarbrooke at $1.1 to more than $2 million and Brookwood Brownstone at $400,000 to $600,000, both in Peters Township. For those desiring a modern, luxury townhome in a quiet, suburban setting, Brookwood Brownstone satisfies with low maintenance living, top line finishes inside and out, high ceilings and open, spacious layouts and a rooftop terrace for entertaining. The 38-townhome neighborhood is just minutes from Route 19, South Hills Village, Whole Foods and the Galleria offering more than 2,000 square feet of living space, two car garages, three bedrooms and two full and one-half bathrooms. Surrounded by a centralized community courtyard, the neighborhood has installed beautifully designed street lights, benches and lush landscaping to enjoy as you stroll the grounds. For those desiring a single-family luxury home, Sugarbrooke proffers one-half to one-acre homesites with wooded vistas and private, tree-lined backyards. The homes, ranging from 2,500 to nearly 10,000 square feet feature high end finishes, three to seven bedrooms, two and one half to seven bathrooms, two car garages and much more. “We start with our floor plans and can customize from there,” Brennan added. “Our experienced Selection Team works closely with you to explore options, stay within budget and bring your vision to life. We also have a very large portfolio of ideas and features from our model homes to give our homebuyers ideas.”
With more than 25 years in the home construction business, Paul Scarmazzi, CEO, Scarmazzi Homes keeps an eye on the empty nester and active retiree market. ‘While our communities do not have age restrictions and are not designated 55+ neighborhoods, they naturally appeal to like-minded retirees and empty nesters,” he explained. “Many homeowners are still working but are planning ahead for a low maintenance lifestyle. They still value a strong sense of community and appreciate services like grass cutting and snow removal, allowing them less time to spend on yardwork and more time with family, travel or hobbies.” Further, Scarmazzi townhomes offer affordability without compromising convenience, style or quality. “These are especially appealing to young professionals and young couples, many of whom are first time buyers seeking a modern home in a great location at an attainable price,” he continued. “This group prefers low maintenance living so they can focus on their careers, travel and social life, and they value being close to restaurants, gyms and workplaces.” Both he and Jessica Pompeani agree that the townhomes also attract buyers who want the independence and investment benefits of ownership without the upkeep of a single-family home. “They appreciate the safety, convenience and manageable square footage that townhome living provides,” added Pompeani. Selling now are the Villas of South Park starting from the $380,000s. All homes are one level patio homes with an option to add a second-floor bonus suite that can serve as an additional bedroom, full bath, living area and/or storage space. With open concept layouts, modern finishes and high-quality craftsmanship, the homes are ideal for low maintenance living with the flexibility to expand. For those seeking a bit more flexibility with landscaping, Ridge Avenue in Canonsburg is a little different community from typical Scarmazzi Homes in that there is no home owner’s association (HOA), no grass cutting or snow removal. Just three minutes from downtown Canonsburg, the homes start from the low $500,000s including homesite and walk-out basements. If desired, homebuyers may add a garage, shed, pool or other such features, giving them the freedom to customize without restrictions. Kings Run, Scarmazzi’s very first for sale townhome community is coming soon to Chartiers Township. The three bedroom, two and a half bathroom, 2 car garage homes offer 2,146 square feet of customizable space and start at $329,000. Close to I-79, this neighborhood is characterized by refined suburban living. Patio homes in this Washington County neighborhood are currently sold out, however, the Torino basement model home remains open as a sales center that visitors may tour. That particular model is available to be built at other Scarmazzi patio home locations and feature beautifully designed single level living with open layouts, low maintenance exteriors and optional upgrades for greater personalization. Plans for an additional phase are pending.
With the apparent demand for new homes in Pittsburgh’s southern suburbs growing, builders continue to identify available land and opportunities to fulfill that need and desire for “southern charm.” Some builders, such as Scarmazzi Homes, have new patio and townhome communities in progress while others, such as Foxlane Homes, continue expansion every year. Or, as Ryan Gibson, Ryan Homes remarked, “As preferences increasingly shift toward space, convenience and lifestyle features, Ryan Homes is well positioned to expand its presence in the southern suburbs in the years ahead.” NH