McMurray VS Venetia
Choosing Your Peters Township Community
Living in Peters Township: McMurray vs. Venetia Real Estate Guide
In this guide, we are going to talk all about the two major areas of Peters Township just outside of Pittsburgh: McMurray and Venetia. We will look at the pros and cons to see what fits your family’s lifestyle best.
I am Christa Lorenzo, and I get calls and emails every day from people looking for help making a move in Pittsburgh. Whether you are moving in one week or one year, we love helping people find their perfect spot. Peters Township is an award-winning area in Washington County known for low taxes. If you are looking here, you might wonder if you should choose the McMurray side or the Venetia side. Peters Woods Park sits right in the middle of these two neighborhoods, so let's break down the differences.
Shopping, Dining, and Daily Amenities
When looking at conveniences, there are big differences between the two sides of town.
McMurray: The Commercial Hub McMurray is often considered the commercial heart of Peters Township. If you are a fan of having everything within a short drive or even a walk, this might be the best fit for you. This area boasts shopping centers and general amenities like:
Giant Eagle and Aldi for groceries
Michaels for crafts
Restaurants like Juniper Grill, Atrias, and Arancinos
Venetia: Quiet and Scenic In contrast, Venetia offers fewer amenities. You might have to travel a little further for shopping and dining, which could be a slight inconvenience. Venetia is on the "backside" of the township near Finleyville. While it does not have the big commercial centers, you have access to:
Smaller grocery stores like the Giant Eagle in Finleyville
Trax Farms
B&B Scratch Kitchen and Latitude 48, which is a cozy, high-end restaurant
For a fun night out, Venetia is also close to Giant Oaks Winery. Our neighbors, Lou and Linda, own this beautiful space where they offer wine, slushies, and live entertainment.
Commuting and Transportation Options
If you need to get to work in the city, how you get there matters.
McMurray Accessibility McMurray might be the winner for those of you commuting to downtown Pittsburgh or the airport. It includes the Route 19 Corridor and has the best access to I-79. These are the main roads for getting into town or to South Hills Village to catch the "T" or a bus.
Venetia Accessibility Venetia has less access to public transportation and main roads. It might not be as well-connected as McMurray, making the commute a little tougher. However, living on this side really only adds a few minutes to your drive time.
Parks, Golf, and Outdoor Activities
Peters Township is an amazing location for outdoor enthusiasts. Because Peters Woods Park and the Rec Center are in the middle of town, they are convenient for everyone. However, each side has its own unique perks.
Outdoor Fun in McMurray We have always loved Peters Woods Park for its playgrounds and fields for soccer, football, and lacrosse. If you love to golf, McMurray has the best access to Valleybrook Country Club and Lindenwood Golf Course.
Outdoor Fun in Venetia If you are on the Venetia side, you have super easy access to Mingo Creek Park. This park offers walking trails, a dog park, and an equestrian area. For golfers, this side is close to the 1781 Club, which features a stunning clubhouse and golf simulator bays
Housing Costs: Why Prices Are Different
A lot of new luxury homes are being built in Venetia because there is more open space and land there. When we look at the prices, there is a big difference between the two areas.
Average Sales Price:
McMurray: Just over $485,000
Venetia: Just over $776,000
That is a difference of roughly $300,000. However, the price per square foot is actually very similar. McMurray is around $222 per square foot, while Venetia is around $219 per square foot.
Why is Venetia more expensive? Venetia homes sell for more because they are much larger.
The average size of a home in McMurray is about 2,400 square feet.
The average size of a home in Venetia is closer to 3,300 square feet.
So, Venetia generally features larger, more luxurious homes, while McMurray offers great value with a slightly smaller footprint.
stats are as of 8.7.24
Summary: Which Lifestyle Fits You?
Choosing which side of Peters Township you want to live in really boils down to the lifestyle you prefer. If you want convenience, easy access to stores, and do not mind a little more traffic, McMurray might be the place for you. On the other hand, if you dream of scenic views, quieter days, and fewer red lights, Venetia might be your slice of heaven.
No matter which area you choose, you will enjoy the low taxes of Washington County and a great community feel. The two areas are only a few minutes apart, so you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds. If you are ready to make a smooth move to the Pittsburgh area, give us a call or send a text!