Tarentum, PA

Tarentum is a borough located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. The area where the borough now stands was originally occupied by Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Shawnee, and Seneca. However, the history of Tarentum as a borough began in the early 19th century.

The land that would later become Tarentum was originally part of a larger tract named Crawford's Run, owned by two brothers, William and John Elliott. In 1812, they sold the land to Judge Henry Marie Brackenridge, who planned to establish a town there. Brackenridge named the town "Tarentum" after the city of Taranto in southern Italy.

Tarentum experienced its first period of growth during the mid-19th century. With the arrival of the Pennsylvania Canal in the 1820s and later the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1850s, the borough became an important transportation hub. The canal and railroad facilitated the transportation of goods, including coal, oil, and iron, contributing to the town's industrial development. Tarentum's location on the Allegheny River was also advantageous for transportation and trade.

With its industrial growth, Tarentum attracted many immigrant workers, primarily from eastern and southern Europe. This influx of immigrants, including Italians, Polish, Germans, and others, greatly impacted the culture and demographics of the borough.

In addition to industry and transportation, Tarentum was also known for its religious and social institutions. Numerous churches were established, reflecting the diverse religious affiliations of the residents. The town also had a theater, various social clubs, and other organizations, which played an important role in community life.

During the mid-20th century, Tarentum, along with many other Rust Belt towns, experienced a decline in its industrial and economic fortunes. Many factories closed, leading to job losses and population decline. However, the borough has made efforts to revitalize itself through community development projects and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

Today, Tarentum remains a small borough with a population of around 4,400 people. Although it has faced economic challenges, it retains a rich history and a sense of community pride. The borough's location along the Allegheny River continues to be an asset and has attracted recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Tarentum's history, from its early industrial rise to its present-day struggles and revitalization efforts, offers a glimpse into the changing dynamics of small-town America.

Pittsburgh Mills Mall

A large shopping center with various retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Tarentum Bridge

A historic bridge connecting Tarentum to nearby neighborhoods.

Buffalo Creek Trail

A beautiful trail ideal for hiking, walking, or biking along the scenic Buffalo Creek.

Oakmont Country Club

A prestigious golf club located nearby in Oakmont, known for hosting major golf tournaments.

Oakmont Bakery

A popular bakery known for its delicious pastries, cakes, and other baked goods.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

A short drive away, this zoo houses a diverse collection of animals, including giraffes, elephants, and penguins.

Heinz Field

The home stadium of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, located in nearby Pittsburgh.

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh

These include the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Carnegie Science Center, all of which offer a range of exhibits and educational experiences.

The Strip District

A vibrant neighborhood in Pittsburgh known for its local markets, stores, restaurants, and cultural diversity.

PNC Park

The home ballpark of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team, offering picturesque views of the city skyline and the Allegheny River.

Tarentum, Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers in Tarentum are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit (around 26-30 degrees Celsius). It is not uncommon for temperatures to occasionally climb into the 90s (32-37 degrees Celsius) during heatwaves. Summer nights are generally comfortable, with lows in the 60s (around 15-20 degrees Celsius).

Autumn in Tarentum brings gradually cooler temperatures, with highs in the 60s (15-20 degrees Celsius) in September and falling into the 50s (10-15 degrees Celsius) by November. It is a season of transition, with vibrant foliage colors and occasional rainfall.

Winter in Tarentum is cold, with average high temperatures in the 30s (around 0-5 degrees Celsius) during the day. The region typically experiences snowfall, with an average annual accumulation of about 30 inches (76 cm). Temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing, with lows in the teens (-7 to -12 degrees Celsius). Winters also bring occasional icy conditions.

Spring in Tarentum is characterized by a gradual warming trend. High temperatures in March and April range from the 40s (around 5-10 degrees Celsius) to the 60s (15-20 degrees Celsius) by May. Spring is a season of blooming flowers, and rainfall is fairly common.

Overall, Tarentum experiences a range of temperatures throughout the year, with warm summers, cold winters, and mild transitional seasons. It is advisable to be prepared for both hot and cold weather, depending on the time of year.

Tarentum, PA is a small borough located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It is situated along the Allegheny River, approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh. While Tarentum itself is a relatively small community, there are several distinct neighborhoods within the borough and nearby areas. Here are some notable neighborhoods in and around Tarentum:

Tarentum Borough

The borough of Tarentum itself is the primary residential area. It features a mix of housing options, including historic homes, rowhouses, and apartments. The borough is known for its close-knit community and friendly atmosphere.

East Tarentum

Located on the eastern side of the borough, East Tarentum is mainly a residential area with a mix of single-family homes and small apartment complexes. The neighborhood is close to the commercial areas of Tarentum and offers easy access to the Allegheny Valley Expressway.

West Tarentum

West Tarentum lies on the western side of the borough. It also consists mostly of residential areas, with a mix of housing styles and sizes. The neighborhood is near the Allegheny River and has some scenic views.

New Kensington

New Kensington is a nearby city located just south of Tarentum. Although not within the borough limits, it is considered as part of the Greater Tarentum area. New Kensington has a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Brackenridge

Situated on the southern border of Tarentum, Brackenridge is a neighboring borough. It features a mix of residential and commercial areas, with easy access to Tarentum and New Kensington. Brackenridge is an older community with well-established neighborhoods.

Natrona Heights

Located east of Tarentum, Natrona Heights is a suburban community. It offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Natrona Heights has several parks and recreational facilities, making it an attractive area for families.

Overall, the neighborhoods of Tarentum, PA and its surrounding areas offer a range of residential options, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you prefer a close-knit borough community or a suburban setting, there is something for everyone in this region.