Borough of New Brighton
Incorporated in 1838, the Borough has established a rich heritage over the years. For over 150 years, New Brighton has been a home for all generations. In addition to the available online text history below, the New Brighton Historical Society has a wealth of historical information available to interested citizens. Additional information about the New Brighton Historical Society, including a contact section, is available online at www.nbhs.info.
Welcoming You Home
The Borough of New Brighton is located on the East Bank of the Beaver River, about two miles from its junction with the Ohio River. New Brighton’s early settlers were of English and Western European stock. Many were skilled tradesmen drawn here by good factory sites, water power, and the demand of their special talents. Others sought religious freedom and economic opportunities. By the U.S. Census of 1890, the population of New Brighton was 5,616. In 1900, the population was 6,820. The current population of New Brighton is 6,854, according to the 1990 Census.
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With State Route 65/18 passing through the heart of the Borough, New Brighton is the perfect place to call home for your business. Currently, it is estimated that over 16,409 vehicles travel through the Borough’s Central Business District daily. Over $3 million was invested into the Central Business District in 2008-2009 revamping the now beautiful downtown with new sidewalks, lighting, shade trees, and benches.
Being located just 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh and having a population of around 6,000, New Brighton residents and merchants enjoy the perfect balance of a walkable downtown and suburban living. New Brighton Borough is proud to be one of Beaver County's Rivertowns and offers a variety of recreation and cultural activities, featuring Big Rock Park for recreation, the New Brighton Fishing Park for fishing, and the Merrick Art Gallery, a Beaver County treasure.
Residents and business owners alike are attracted to New Brighton as a lower-cost-of-living alternative to the nearby population centers of Cranberry Township in Butler County and Pittsburgh in Allegheny County. Housing expenses are 10% less than Cranberry Township and 29% less than Pittsburgh. The median home value in New Brighton is $74,500. New Brighton also offers low property taxes with $1,264 being the median property taxes paid.
