One of Wilkinsburg's greatest assets is the housing stock. Wilkinsburg has affordable housing options more commonly associated with suburban neighborhoods, at a fraction of the cost and commute time. There are housing options for families in the low to moderate income range, and also for those with higher incomes. However, like older inner city neighborhoods across the country, the core of Wilkinsburg housing stock is in need revitalization. Local initiatives have been developed in partnership with county and state agencies to rehabilitate structures and provide home ownership opportunities.
The Borough is making an effort to catalogue all of the vacant structures in order to get further funding for improvement efforts. Primary goals include the demolition of abandoned buildings that have become a safety hazard, and stabilization of homes that can be renovated now or in the future. The Borough also has a tax committee that is focused on finding ways to make it easier to purchase abandoned homes for renovation. Possible programs might include residential tax incentives that will make it easier to afford to renovate these properties.
Use the links at right for more information on historic houses in the Borough, or see the section on Housing Initiatives under Municipal Improvement.