Located on one-half square mile of land nestled between Route 28 and the Allegheny River, Aspinwall is one of Pittsburgh’s most charming and underrated suburbs.

Aspinwallpa.com describes the town as “small town friendly...close to downtown Pittsburgh.” With its brick-lined streets and wealth of independently owned retail stores and restaurants, Aspinwall can even make visitors feel like the clock has been turned back a few decades.

Freeport Road, the town’s heavily traveled main drag, and the quieter but still thriving Commercial Avenue business district are populated primarily by mom-and-pop shops. And there’s hardly any national chain establishments within borough limits. That holds appeal for shoppers who prefer to spend their money locally when possible.

Like many of Pittsburgh’s surrounding communities, Aspinwall originated in the late 19th century, when upper-middle-class families wanted to escape from the increasingly industrial and dirty city.

Henry Warner, captain of the Allegheny County Workhouse, realized that the land along the Allegheny River would be an ideal haven from urban life. In 1890, he led a group to New York City to persuade the land’s owner and eventual namesake, Annie Aspinwall, to sell them 155 acres.

Although it was originally part of neighboring O’Hara, Aspinwall eventually took on its own identity, incorporating as a borough in 1892.Today, Aspinwall’s residents number just shy of 3,000, although the population isn’t nearly as cramped as that number might suggest. The borough offers a wide variety of housing options, many of which are affordable for young singles, couples and families hoping to purchase a home. A fairly sizable selection of rentals is available, too.

Aspinwall’s location in the Fox Chapel School District, which is consistently rated as one of Pennsylvania’s top school systems, adds to the neighborhood’s appeal. UPMC St. Margaret offers a top-notch health care facility nearby, yet another plus for the borough.

As one might expect, a town that encompasses such a small area is also highly walkable. Nearly any amenity a resident could need, including a gym, spa, bookstore, coffee shop, hardware store and a number of small food markets can be found within mere blocks of the town’s homes. The town is also conveniently close to the Waterworks, which is home to a wide variety of popular chain stores and other shopping and dining options.

Not in a white tablecloth mood? Don’t worry – the Aspinwall Grille offers more down-to-earth fare that is just as tasty.

Aspinwall offers a surprising number of fine dining establishments. Town native Matthew Porco, who honed his craft in some of New York’s finest restaurants, returned home to open the critically acclaimed Mio Kitchen and Wine Bar. Offering American cuisine with a decidedly contemporary flair, chef Michael Rudman’s Luma is also well regarded.

With all of its restaurant options and an eight-screen cinema less than a mile away at the Waterworks shopping center, Aspinwall is the ideal locale for the quintessential dinner-and-a-movie date!

A number of special events draw guests into town as well. Fall in the Wall, a street fair featuring crafts, non-profits, businesses and entertainment, is held each fall. A yearly Christmas parade and light-up night is also a highlight on the calendar.

The weekly flea market, held on Sundays from April through October in the municipal parking lot, draws vendors hocking wares from fresh fruits and vegetables to t-shirts to tchotchkes galore.

Much like it did more than a century ago, Aspinwall still offers respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s an appealing escape, if only for an afternoon.