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Plum, PA

Plum is a suburban borough and the second-largest by area in Pennsylvania, located northeast of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County's East Hills region.

About Plum

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Historical Names and Nicknames

Date of Foundation and Age

Geographic Position and Coordinates

Type of City and Economic Specialization

Plum is primarily a residential suburban community within the Pittsburgh metro area. While it has some local commercial centers, its economy is closely tied to the greater Pittsburgh region . Its notable features include:

Population and Demographics

"The Face of the City" (In a Nutshell)

Plum, Pennsylvania, is a peaceful, family-oriented suburb that prides itself on its spacious landscapes—being the state's second-largest borough by area—and its connection to world-class golf. Known as the home of the prestigious Oakmont Country Club, it offers residents a quiet residential life with convenient access to the city of Pittsburgh .

Geography

Mountains and Hills

While there are no major mountains within Plum itself, the borough is part of the Allegheny Plateau, characterized by rolling hills. Boyce Park, a large Allegheny County park adjacent to Plum, features ski slopes on its hills, offering winter sports and scenic views .

Water Bodies

Plum is defined by several important streams that are part of the Allegheny River watershed.

Beaches and Coasts

Plum does not have coastal beaches. However, the Allegheny River and its associated parks in the region may have riverfront access points.

National and Natural Parks

Islands and Archipelagos

There are no significant islands within the borough of Plum.

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Plum has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa) . This means it experiences four distinct seasons with warm, sometimes humid summers and cold, snowy winters .

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures in Plum vary significantly between summer and winter.

Precipitation and Humidity

Sunny Days and UV Index

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Landmarks

Oakmont Country Club

The Pennsylvania Turnpike

Carpenter Family Log House

Transport

Major Highways

Other Airports

Plum does not have its own major airport. Residents and visitors rely on the airports serving the Pittsburgh region.

Major Rail Stations

Plum does not have its own passenger rail service. The nearest Amtrak station is Union Station (PGH) in downtown Pittsburgh, which is served by the Pennsylvanian and Capitol Limited routes.

Public Transport System (Bus)

Public transportation in the region is provided by the Port Authority of Allegheny County (PRT) . While Plum is a suburban community, PRT bus routes may connect it to the greater Pittsburgh area and neighboring communities.

Main Streets and Roads

The main roads through Plum are local and state routes, such as Sandy Creek Road, New Texas Road, and Rodi Road, which connect residential areas to each other and to the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Dining in Nearby Pipersville: The Plumsteadville Inn

While Plum itself is a residential suburb of Pittsburgh, a notable historic dining destination is located nearby in Pipersville, Pennsylvania. The Plumsteadville Inn, known locally as "The Plum," is a historic neighborhood institution that has been serving travelers since 1751 . This establishment blends tradition with modern culinary trends.

The restaurant is known for its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, partnering with nearby providers like Tussock Sedge Farm for produce and Haring Brothers Meats in Doylestown . This farm-to-table approach ensures fresh, high-quality meals that reflect Pennsylvania's rich farming heritage.

One of the unique aspects of The Plum's kitchen is its use of a smoker with a house-specialty blend of woods. This technique is used to prepare a variety of items, from meats and cheeses to vegetables and seafood, imparting a distinctive smoky flavor . Seasonal specials, such as smoked tomato soup, are popular among patrons.

The Inn is also famous for its extensive Sunday brunch buffet. This spread includes a carving station with rotating meats like bone-in ham and rib eye, a made-to-order omelet station, a waffle station, breakfast classics like eggs Benedict, a cold seafood station, and even a chocolate fountain . The lively happy hour, offering half-priced appetizers, has even been named "Best of Bucks" .

Dining in Plum's Own Zip Code

In the Plum zip code (15239), residents have access to a variety of local dining options. These establishments reflect the diverse culinary tastes of the community, though specific famous local dishes are not widely documented. The area's dining scene is supported by the broader Pittsburgh metropolitan region's love for hearty, traditional American fare.

Sport and Sports Legends

The Plum Mustangs: High School Sports

The heart of sports in Plum is its high school athletics, with the Plum Mustangs representing the community in various disciplines. The school's colors are gold and purple .

Football

The Plum Mustangs football team, coached by Matt Morgan (a Plum alumnus and former NFL player), has a passionate following . The team's recent history includes a standout 2020 season where they went undefeated in the regular season and advanced to the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals . This success has helped build a strong football culture in the borough.

The program has a history of producing college-level talent, particularly at the running back position. Recent graduates have gone on to play at colleges like Delaware Valley and Slippery Rock . To further strengthen the team, the Mustangs added former NFL running back Deji Karim as a running backs coach . The team plays in the competitive WPIAL Class 5A Northeast Conference .

Wrestling

The Plum Mustangs wrestling team also competes at the district level. Historical data shows the team's participation in post-season tournaments, with individual wrestlers achieving success. In the 2013-2014 season, Stephen Turchick placed third in his weight class at the regional championship . More recently, the program has celebrated individual district champions. In 2024, wrestlers Saphia Davis and Alaina Claassen both secured first-place finishes at their respective weight classes (124 and 235) .

Cross Country and Track & Field

Plum Borough's athletic spirit extends to cross country and track & field, with student-athletes participating in events like the HOKA Postal Nationals. Runners from Plum have posted competitive times in the 2-mile run, demonstrating the program's dedication to distance running .

Universities and Higher Education

Colleges and Universities Near Plum

While Plum itself is a residential community and does not host its own university campus, it is within a short driving distance of numerous institutions of higher education. Being part of the greater Pittsburgh area, residents have access to a wide array of colleges and universities.

For residents of Plum, the nearest four-year institution is La Roche University , though the specific distance is not listed. Other major universities in the Pittsburgh area that serve Plum students include the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, both world-renowned research institutions.

Colleges Near Pipersville (for context)

For the nearby area of Pipersville, which is in a different part of Pennsylvania, the closest college is Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, located about 5.9 miles away . The region within 50 miles of Pipersville is home to over 100 colleges, including prestigious institutions like Princeton University in New Jersey, which is ranked #1 in the nation, and Lafayette College . This highlights the rich educational landscape accessible to Pennsylvanians.

Medical Facilities and Healthcare

Plum, Pennsylvania, benefits from its proximity to the renowned medical networks of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services through several major hospitals and medical facilities located both within the borough and in nearby communities .

[UPMC Passavant Hospital]

UPMC Passavant is a key healthcare provider serving the Plum community. Located in McCandless, this hospital is part of the prestigious University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) system. It offers a wide array of services, including emergency medical treatment, primary and specialty care, and inpatient services . UPMC is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the country, bringing world-class care within reach of Plum residents.

[Allegheny Health Network Facilities]

Plum is also served by facilities within the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) . Key hospitals include Forbes Regional Hospital in nearby Monroeville and Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights . These hospitals provide a full spectrum of medical services, from emergency and surgical care to diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, ensuring that residents have multiple options for quality healthcare close to home .

[UPMC St. Margaret Hospital]

Another important facility in the area is UPMC St. Margaret Hospital , located in Aspinwall . This hospital provides a range of services, including emergency medicine, maternity care, and various specialized treatments, further strengthening the healthcare safety net for the Plum community.

Local Health Statistics

The health infrastructure in Plum is supported by a high concentration of medical professionals. There are approximately 381 physicians per 100,000 people in the Plum area, a figure significantly higher than the national average of 210 . The cost of healthcare in the area is also slightly more affordable than the national average, with a health cost index of 88.8 (where the US average is 100) .

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