They Rented in Mt. Lebanon — Then Found the Home That Made Them Stay

After renting for a year in the Sunset Hills neighborhood of Mt. Lebanon, Sarah Untch says she knew her family was in the exact right spot — so they began looking for a home to purchase in the South Hills community in 2022.

Then they came across 552 Audubon Ave., located in the same Sunset Hills neighborhood as their rental.

“I spent a while looking, and this house really stood out,” Untch says. “It was meticulously maintained by the previous owner and had all of the features I was looking for, like a working fireplace.”

Built in 1948, the brick colonial checked every box beyond its finishes and features. Untch’s family loved that they could walk to nearby Howe Elementary from the house as well as to the community’s shops, restaurants and the Mount Lebanon Public Library.

“Sunset Hills is such a welcoming community. Kids can walk to school, and you can always find residents out for a walk,” Untch says.

The three-bedroom home was in great shape when the family bought it, and they’ve maintained it well. The first floor is bright and clean, with fresh paint, crisp white trim and wainscotting throughout.

That working fireplace that first enticed Untch is in the living room, which sits at the front of the home to welcome guests. The rear of the first floor contains a nicely-sized dining room and kitchen; the wall between the two rooms was removed at one point to create a more cohesive family space.

The kitchen is tidy and well laid out, with enough countertop for preparing meals; there’s also a movable island for additional workspace.

Untch says she loves all of the home’s unique historical features that give it charm, from tiny nooks to finishes she’s never seen elsewhere.

“The house was built in 1948 and has these beautiful plaster walls,” she says. “The pattern reminds me of waves. I have never seen a plaster pattern like this before and I just love it.”

She adds the back deck is one of her favorite spots for relaxing, and the fact that the backyard is visible from the kitchen means she can keep an eye on the kids while meal prepping.

“One thing I really love about this neighborhood is the big, beautiful trees that line our streets,” Untch says. “I spent many hours relaxing in a hammock on the back porch underneath our big backyard tree. I will miss looking up at those leaves on a beautiful sunny day.”

Upstairs, three sizable bedrooms take up the second floor and share a full bathroom, which has been recently updated. The primary bedroom has a large walk-in closet, a rarity for homes of this time period.

The basement is partially finished and includes a powder room, laundry room and an integral one-car garage. There is also plentiful parking in the driveway and a parking pad.

Realtor Jessica Baker of Achieve Realty calls this house “darling” and says it’s a rarity to find this combination of perks in one listing — especially in desirable areas like Mt. Lebanon. The house is currently listed for $365,000.

“To get a turn-key home in Mt. Lebanon for under $375,000 is a feat in itself,” says Baker. “This cottage is totally move-in ready with a flat backyard and on a quiet street.”

Baker also touts the home’s excellent upkeep and first floor’s functional layout as two big reasons to love this home, as well its cozy factor, especially on a snowy Pittsburgh evening.

“The gas fireplace in the living room is where I’d be right now, cozied up with a blanket and a glass of wine,” she says.

That walkable community that first drew in Untch is another major plus, says Baker. For some buyers, the ability to walk to school, parks or a dinner out is just as desirable as the home’s fixtures and finishes.

Besides the home itself, Untch says her family is wistful about saying goodbye to the local animals they’ve come to love in the tree-filled community.

“Our family is very interested in nature and local wildlife,” she says. “We had some fun visitors to our yard while we lived there. Last spring, a family of mourning doves nested in one of our plant pots. We loved watching the baby doves grow up and fledge.”

About: Mt. Lebanon
Population: 33,754
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: Residents of Mt. Lebanon can easily access the Parkway to get to the airport or to Downtown. Mt. Lebanon has many walkable areas, and many residents also walk to local amenities. The T extends through the South Hills and also means it’s easy for residents to hop on a train to access the city or South Hills Village Mall.
Schools: Mt. Lebanon School District (mtlsd.org)
Neighborhood: Mt. Lebanon has a strong community feel, as well as several of the most vibrant, thriving (and dog-friendly) business districts in Allegheny County. Along Washington Road are Rollier’s Hardware, Uptown Coffee and Mt. Lebanon Floral. Restaurants range from grabbing a quick slice of pizza at Mineo’s to upscale dining at Bistro 19. Benches and trees welcome visitors and the historical churches are located up and down the business district.