PHOTOS BY FLYOVER PROPERTIES

In a sea of historical character homes, this new build in the heart of East Liberty is a stand out. 

When Christian and Betsy Yates bought their home just a few years ago, they invested in the community and their neighbors. They had no reason to leave the area they loved — except for family. 

The couple and their children recently moved to Savannah, Georgia to be near an ailing family member, which they say was the right choice — as hard as it was for them to leave Pittsburgh. 

The Yates just hope their home’s next residents find the same sense of community they found in their brief time at 5727 Hays St. 

“I’m jealous of whoever gets this house next. The location is exciting, with so many walkable options,” says Betsy. “There is an amazing mix of people we were neighbors to — people who have lived there for decades or some who are relatively new to the neighborhood. 

“There are even some local entrepreneurs, like the creators of Leona’s ice cream, who are a few houses down. They are amazing people and their story is so great.” 

Listed by Sarah Madia of RE/MAX Select Realty for $865,000, the three-bedroom home was developed by East Liberty Development Inc. and designed by architect Benjamin Maguire to Energy Star certifications. It was built in 2020 by Pittsburgh-based PW Campbell. 

With 3 ½ bathrooms, an integral, two-car garage and a roof deck with sweeping views spread over 3,598 square feet, the three-level home is truly unusual in a neighborhood of Dutch Colonials and American Four Squares. 

“In an era where new construction often shares walls, the personal space and private backyard offered by this property are genuinely unique,” Madia says.

Madia also notes the living areas are designed for socializing. “This home features wider living areas ideal for hosting and entertaining,” she says. “Typically new construction in the city is more narrow.” 

With engineered hardwood floors throughout, the home also boasts high-end finishes; the kitchen and bathrooms both were designed in conjunction with Crescent Supply and are anything but “builder basic.” The kitchen is outfitted with high-end stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops. 

The front door enters to the lower level, where one of the three bedrooms is located. A set of stairs takes guests to the central living space. On that main floor, the open-concept kitchen spills into the living area on one end and the dining area on the other. There is also a long island with plenty of room for counter-height dining. 

The entire space is awash with natural light thanks to oversized windows throughout the home. A deck extends off of the living area and overlooks a flat backyard. The upper level contains the primary suite, a third bedroom and laundry. From that floor, stairs exit to the rooftop. 

For prospective buyers interested in the environmentally conscious aspects of the home, they will also be happy to find that, despite the two-car garage, it is located in a fully walkable area. 

“The location can’t be beat,” says Madia. “You are within walking distance to the restaurants on Bryant Street. You also are a quick walk to the new Whole Foods and more restaurants and coffee shops on Penn Avenue. East Liberty is wonderful in that it is a ‘flat’ neighborhood.” 

A car isn’t necessary to commute to some of the top tech employers in the city, such as Google and Duolingo — they’re just a quick stroll away. Yes, Target is also nearby, but so are many local businesses, including Redstart Roasters, a bird-friendly coffee shop.

The home’s rooftop deck, which the current owners say they already miss, is one of the features they can’t wait for the next residents to fall in love with. Not only is there a work-from-home setup on the top of this property, it’s the best spot to unwind once work is tucked away for the evening. 

“Unsurprisingly, the roof deck offers great sunsets,” says Betsy. “But surprisingly, with the parapet walls, it feels like a quiet, private oasis in the treetops.” 

About: East Liberty
Population: 5,876
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Situated in the East End of the city, East Liberty has easy access to the parkways, Route 28 and other city neighborhoods via car or public bus system. It is easy to grab a rideshare car in this neighborhood, and the airport is about a 30-minute commute. The neighborhood is walkable with good bike infrastructure, but plans are in the works to make it even better.
Schools: Pittsburgh Public Schools (pghschools.org)
Neighborhood: East Liberty is a neighborhood in flux. New development has often pushed out longtime residents as prices rise, while community groups are working to find ways to increase amenities while preserving affordability. The newly developed Liberty Green Park, a project of the Urban Redevelopment Association, sits on the edge of East Liberty and is a great spot for families to gather. Overall, the neighborhood is known for its walkability, bustling shopping district and many dining establishments. With a Target, Home Depot, and several large grocery stores in the neighborhood, there’s rarely a reason to leave.