When Rashidah and Grady Brown learned they would be moving to Pittsburgh for work, they quickly began researching where in the region they should buy a home.

“We came from the south; we are new to Pittsburgh,” Rashidah says. “Everything that my husband read, that I read, said to come to the north.” 

They landed on 223 Olivia Way, a Ross townhome with easy access to Pittsburgh that had barely left the showroom floor. Built in 2019, the three-bedroom, two and ½ half -bathroom home in The Ridge at Highland Pines community includes a two-car garage and an outdoor patio. 

“When we found this community, we fell in love with it,” Rashidah says. “It’s like a little English village.”

They couple says they’re only selling because they need more room for their many out-of-town visitors, who have also discovered Pittsburgh’s charms. 

“If this was a little bit larger there is no doubt we would stay here,” Rashidah says. “We just need more space for when our families come and visit; they come for vacation time, spring break, the Steelers games.” 

The home is now listed for $385,000 (MLS#1601363, Cathy Wanserski, RE/MAX Realty Brokers, 412-628-5555, remax.com). It is open by appointment.   

The home’s exterior is an attractive mix of ledgestone and siding; a covered entry highlights the deep-red entry door. Even the two-car garage door has great style thanks to divided light windows and sleek, black hardware. 

Once inside, the lower level hosts a finished family room with a nice-sized storage closet as well as a coffee bar that makes getting caffeinated a breeze. LED ceiling lights and a neutral paint scheme keeps the space feeling relaxed. 

The second level contains one of Rashidah’s favorite spots, the modern, 21-by-15 square-foot kitchen. 

“It stole my heart immediately,” she says. “We had a big decision between this home and another house that we were going to put a contract on. When we got into that kitchen, I absolutely fell in love. From the subway tile to the black finishes to the quartz countertops, it’s just a lovely place to be.” 

There also are white, raised-panel cabinets and a large center island; overhead is a lantern pendant. Rashidah added a pop of color to the otherwise all-white space with burnt orange, velvet bar stools. 

“That’s where my son and I spend our days since I spend my time at home with him,” she says. “It’s where we do our ‘table’ work — a little learning time that we do every day.” 

Off the breakfast room are doors leading to the 16-by-16 square-foot, Trex patio. 

“Having that patio area off of the kitchen area is so convenient,” Rashidah says. “Today, we were out there doing yoga and my son said, ‘Mamma, I like our patio furniture.’”

The kitchen flows into the spacious living room; around the corner is a 9- -by-6 square-foot den that the family uses as a home office. There’s also a powder room with a washed oak vanity and a porcelain top. 

Upstairs, the three bedrooms include a 15-by-12 square-foot primary suite with a large walk-in closet. The upgraded bathroom features gray subway tile and floor tile, a double vanity with a center console and double shower heads.  

“I am really going to miss those dual shower heads,” Rashidah says. “I looked at my husband and said, ‘You don’t use both of those shower heads?’ He said, ‘No, do you?’”

Rashidah says she answered, “Of course!” 

The two other bedrooms, including one used as a nursery, measure 11-by-10 and 12-by-10 square feet. A second full bathroom that services those bedrooms also has upgraded finishes.

The Ridge at Highland Pines community includes a dog area and a newly renovated playground. The home also is within walking distance to Mayer Park. Other amenities include lawn service, covered under the monthly $110 HOA fee. In the summer months, the neighborhood hosts food trucks and driveway socials. 

“I am really going to miss this neighborhood,” Rashidah says. “During the holidays, it is well-lit and perfectly decorated; it’s like a Hallmark movie.” 

Drawing on her years of experience covering the region’s real estate industry, Rosa Colucci offers Hot Property, an inside look into unique and historical homes on the market. Each week, Hot Property goes behind the For Sale sign to share the story of a special Pittsburgh-area home. Rosa can be reached at onecordovaroad@gmail.com.

About: Ross (ross.pa.us)
Population: 33,567
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Public transit via Pittsburgh Regional Transit. Rideshare.
Schools: North Hills School District (nhsd.net) serves 4,508 students and has four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. It offers more than 20 sports programs. The district also has a highly lauded arts program, including a drama club and musical programs.
Neighborhood: The community is a draw for young families thanks to its accessibility to shopping, services and recreation, including close proximity to North Park. The large community center has extensive programming for adults and youth alike. Among the many community gatherings are farmer markets and maker markets, as well as regular creative events held at The Block Northway mall.