Suburb of the week: Rosslyn Farms (Pittsburgh, Ross Township: chapel, houses, neighborhoods)

[eschaton]

Rosslyn farms is both geographically small (0.56 square miles) and small in terms of population (424 residents spread over 194 homes). At its all time peak in population in 1970, it had only 608 residents. It's located in what could be termed the "Greater West End" portion of Allegheny County. It is technically a first ring suburb of Pittsburgh, by virtue of bordering East Carnegie, however, no surface roads actually cross the Chartiers Creek (just the west Busway) meaning you'd need a roundabout journey through Robinson Township or Carnegie to get there.

Virtually no information about Rosslyn Farms's history is available online. It was founded in 1902 by the Chartiers Land Company. By 1920, the borough had 315 residents. There were two later population "booms" in the 1930s and 1950s, at which point the municipality was essentially built out.

Although a very small borough, there are three notable sub-areas of development. The first, near the border with Carnegie, is an exclusively industrial zone which is initially somewhat surprising given the borough's semi-tony reputation. This is downhill from the residential neighborhoods, and you can't even get here without exiting the borough and entering Carnegie, Next is the early 20th century core of the borough, including a small, gridded area that features a public tennis court. The furthest west portions of the borough are low density mid-century style suburban homes.

Rosslyn Farms, like neighboring Thornburg, is significantly wealthier than the surrounding areas - even newer-construction suburbia to the west, with median family income of over $150,000. Though the houses in the area have some charm, they are relatively modest, as is Carlynton SD (which is shared with Crafton and Carnegie). I am guessing, in absence of detailed information about Rossyln Farms online, that much of the cache comes from a long-term historic association with wealth - sort of a smaller-scale Fox Chapel or Sewickley for the West End.

[PGH423]

Interesting. I never heard of this suburb although I didn't grow up in the area. I guess it makes sense this would come after Ross Township! I always wonder what suburb is coming next.

[robrobrob]

My father had a friend that used to live there. I think part of the attraction for some people is the proximity to Chartiers Country Club.

[Lost_In_Translation]

My co-worker used to live in Rosslyn Farms. A lot of mid century modern houses in the Burrough compared with its size and pretty much all architect developed and built. Very private and cozy little hilltop community.

[Copanut]

Easy access to RF if heading towards the airport. Coming from the airport, a little tougher. Take the Crnagee Exit and do aloop n then head back to the airport, n'at.

[SlurmsMcKenzie]

Roslyn Farms and Thornburg are nearly identical in wealth and housing stock based on my numerous times driving through. They should connect the little gap along Chartiers Creek and be done with it.

[Goodjules]

Rosslyn Farms is the "lyn" in the Carlynton School District that also includes Carnegie and Crafton.

[gg]

Originally Posted by Goodjules

Rosslyn Farms is the "lyn" in the Carlynton School District that also includes Carnegie and Crafton.

Seems Thornburg has a better school district. Correct?

[Knepper3]

We actually showed several homes there last fall, it is a very nice hidden community with alot of special community extras you dont find much anymore. Most homes were unique which I like, hate seeing the same house repeated, one of the worst things about living in Florida. Great location to get around too.

[Goodjules]

Originally Posted by gg

Seems Thornburg has a better school district. Correct?

Montour is considered the better of the two school districts, but many feel that Carlynton is underrated. I live in Crafton and literally all my neighbors with school age kids send them to Carlynton district public schools. My neighborhood is solidly middle class with the expectation that their kids will take AP classes and go on to college. They all seem quite satisfied with the education their children are getting.