12 Pittsburgh Neighborhoods Full of Charm, History, and Entertainment
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
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Pittsburgh neighborhoods all have their own unique charm, owing to the variety of immigrants from different countries that have called each one home. You’ll also see lots of history in the neighborhoods, whether it’s lovingly restored 19th century houses, lofts converted from old warehouses, or museums and libraries designed in the time of steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.
No matter what brings you to Pittsburgh, there’s a welcoming neighborhood waiting for families, students, young professionals, and retirees alike.
Pittsburgh is seeing a resurgence as families and professionals flock to its borders to take advantage of its cheaper-than-expected cost of living.
Pittsburgh at a Glance
- The population of Pittsburgh is around 302,791, and it is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania behind Philadelphia.
- Pittsburgh’s median age is 34.1.
- You’ll find a nice mix of families, students, working professionals, and retirees, depending on which neighborhood you move to.
- The average home value is around $230,300, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of around $269,300 and the U.S. average home value of around $359,900.
- Pittsburgh’s average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,575, compared to the Pennsylvania average of $1,700 and the national average of $1,750.
- Pittsburgh is great for museums and cultural institutions, sports teams, a low cost of living, a high quality of life, and an excellent food scene.
Top-Ranked Pittsburgh Neighborhoods
Due to the sheer amount of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, it was tough to narrow it down to 12 of the best. But whether you’re looking for a safe neighborhood to raise a family, a hipster area full of restaurants and nightlife, or just a nice area to call home, there’s a Pittsburgh neighborhood on this list for you.
Squirrel Hill is a great place for families and students, with an easy commute to downtown and access to I-376 for trips outside the city.
1. Squirrel Hill
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
- Average home value: $712,800
- Great for: Families, students, easy commute
Squirrel Hill is ranked as one of the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Although you may see it broken into Squirrel Hill North and Squirrel Hill South, it’s all one neighborhood that enjoys an easy commute by bus or car into downtown Pittsburgh, as well as access to I-376.
Here, you’ll find tree-lined streets with 19th and early 20th century housing styles mixed with a bustling business district that centers around Forbes and Murray Avenues. This corridor is easily walkable and has small businesses like Littles Shoes, the artsy Manor Theatre, and some of the best Asian restaurants in the city — Si Chuan Gourmet and Everyday Noodles.
Students from nearby Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh mix easily with families and older retirees who have lived in the neighborhood for years, but no matter your age, everyone enjoys spending time in the two large parks that flank the area — Frick Park (with the famous Blue Slide!) and Schenley Park. Squirrel Hill is also home to the largest Jewish population in the city, and you’ll find synagogues, the Jewish community center, and kosher grocery stores in this area.
| Q: What is the safest area of Pittsburgh? A: According to AreaVibes, Squirrel Hill and Shadyside are the safest areas of Pittsburgh. |
2. Regent Square
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
- Average home value: $392,400
- Great for: Families, retirees, affordable housing
Regent Square is considered one of the best areas to buy a house, and it features classic Victorian homes with sprawling porches and turrets, as well as mid-century homes in a variety of styles. Living in Regent Square means you can easily walk to the main business district along South Braddock Ave. to explore small businesses, like Stay Gold Books (that features local artists), the 3 Rivers Outdoor Co., and Fashion Fix Boutique.
Residents can get their daily coffee at the 61B Cafe (named for the bus that traverses through the neighborhood) and can fill up on hot dogs, wings, hoagies, and beers at the famous D’s Six Pax & Dogs. The expansive Frick Park is also walkable from Regent Square, where you can enjoy walking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, and off-leash dog areas.
3. Southside Flats
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
- Average home value: $392,400
- Great for: Families, retirees, affordable housing
If you look at a map of Pittsburgh neighborhoods, Southside is located across from downtown along the Monongahela River. This area is full of eclectic shops, restaurants, and bars, which is why a lot of young professionals and students like to call it home.
The heart of Southside runs along East Carson St., which divides the neighborhood into the flats (closer to the river) and the slopes (going up Mt. Washington). Many of the homes are row houses that steel workers and their families once lived in and have been updated without losing their original charm.
This neighborhood is very dense, and you can easily walk to stores, gyms, tattoo shops, salons, and banks. However, the real draw is in the abundance of fantastic bars and restaurants the area has to offer residents and visitors alike. You can stay on East Carson and find cafes like Delanie’s Coffee, a British pub at Piper’s Pub, Colombian food at The Colombian Spot, or the Pittsburgh dive bar staple Jack’s Bar. With easy access to the river and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail that follows it, Southside is a great neighborhood to call home.
If you’re looking for one of the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, you should start your search in Shadyside.
4. Shadyside
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,125
- Average home value: $392,400
- Great for: Families, retirees, affordable housing
Considered one of the nicest (and safest) neighborhoods in Pittsburgh is the aptly named Shadyside. This upscale neighborhood features sprawling 19th century mansions next to modern homes and plenty of apartment buildings, all within walking distance to two main shopping districts. Here, you’ll find a mix of luxury boutiques like the Picket Fence and J. Jill, large stores like J. Crew and Sephora, and a mix of chill Pittsburgh bars like Cappy’s and Mario’s.
UPMC Shadyside Hospital is located right on Centre Ave. and is a part of one of the top-ranked hospital systems in the U.S. And since the CMU and Pitt campuses are just a bus ride away down Forbes, there are a good amount of students in the Shadyside area who love the wide-ranging food options, like Sushi Too and the Latin American La Feria.
| Q: What is the nicest neighborhood in Pittsburgh? A: One of the nicest Pittsburgh neighborhoods is Shadyside, thanks to its beautiful houses and tree-lined streets. |
5. Mount Washington
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
- Average home value: $200,600
- Great for: Young professionals, families, good commute
Everyone has heard about the show-stopping view of Downtown Pittsburgh from atop Mount Washington (the skyline has been named one of the best in the world), but there’s so much more to this Pittsburgh neighborhood! Shiloh St. is where you’ll find all kinds of local businesses to check out, and it’s just steps away from the iconic overlook and the Monongahela Incline. You can head over to Di Fiore’s to grab ice cream or Grand Brew for a cup of joe as you walk the area and pop in and out of shops, including Wallace Floral Shop and the David Hicks Art Gallery.
Mount Washington also has access to the Emerald View Park trails and Olympia Park that features sports fields and baseball diamonds. And many of the area’s bars, restaurants, and cafes are nestled into regular neighborhood streets — encouraging residents to get out and explore. If you need some motivation, Cafe Cravings and Bigham Tavern are great ways to end a brisk walk through the neighborhood.
6. Strip District
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,925
- Average home value: $439,200
- Great for: Young professionals, nightlife, easy commute
Although it has an odd name that refers to the narrow portion of land it sits on between the Allegheny River and a mountain (more accurately, it’s just a big hill), the Strip District is a great place to experience how Pittsburgh has transformed itself over the years. Once a warehouse district, it now boasts of some of the most luxurious lofts and condos the city has to offer. But there are plenty of other apartments and homes here that also reflect the Strip’s working-class history.
The Strip has always been a haven for nightlife fun and food adventures, and today it’s no different. You’ll still find iconic vendors like Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. that feature the best in Italian food staples, as well as the freshest seafood at Wholey’s. Only now these businesses are right alongside trendy spots like the Novo Asian Food Hall and De Fer Coffee & Tea. Not to mention the Strip is home to the original Primanti Bros. location!
With breweries, cute cafes, indoor mini golf, and even the Heinz History Center, there’s lots to do right there in the neighborhood.
| Q: How many neighborhoods are in Pittsburgh, PA? A: There are 90 unique Pittsburgh neighborhoods. |
Point Breeze residents can take advantage of beautiful Frick Park — home to Frick Museum and Garden and “Fridays at the Frick” events.
7. Point Breeze
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,675
- Average home value: $291,500
- Great for: Families, retirees, jobs
Located in the east end along the perimeter of Frick Park is the lovely neighborhood of Point Breeze. Lots of the architecture, houses, and buildings in Point Breeze were created in the 1800s when philanthropist and steel baron Henry Clay Frick called the area home. His house, Clayton, is now a museum and is right next to the popular Frick Museum and Garden. Here, you’ll find a rotating set of exhibits, local artwork, and festivals, like Fridays at the Frick during the summer that offers live music and food trucks.
Residents can enjoy a variety of neighborhood food options, including Belgian fare at Point Brugge (the Brugge frites are a must-try) and Five Points Artisan Bakeshop. And be sure to walk or ride a bike in Frick Park, or participate in one of their many guided nature walks that make it seem like you’re not in a city neighborhood at all!
8. Greenfield
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,500
- Average home value: $231,000
- Great for: Students, families, young professionals, affordable housing
Located on the slopes going up from the Monongahela River is the unpretentious Pittsburgh neighborhood of Greenfield. Here, you’ll find a mix of students that commute to Pitt, families that have been there for generations, and young professionals who have an easy commute to both downtown and Oakland. It’s also one of the best places to purchase a house in Pittsburgh, boasting affordable houses and rent prices.
Greenfield is a great spot if you want to be close to walkable amenities but still have options to get outdoors. The Eliza Furnace Trailhead starts right off of Second Ave., where you can enjoy walking or biking with amazing views of the river. Or head over to nearby Schenley Park, where you and family and friends can walk, bike, have a picnic, go swimming, ice skate, or enjoy Panther Hollow Lake.
And in Greenfield, you’re never far from amazing spots to grab a bite, including Big Jim’s that offers monster-size sandwiches and cold beer, Rialtos Pizza, and Yesterday’s Bar.
9. Lawrenceville
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,875
- Average home value: $336,600
- Great for: Young professionals, students, breweries, restaurants
You may find references to upper, central, and lower Lawrenceville, but there’s really only one Pittsburgh neighborhood of Lawrenceville. This is the go-to spot if you’re looking for a hipster neighborhood with a variety of different shops, bars, and restaurants. Over the past few years, Lawrenceville has turned into a gathering place for some of the best food-forward restaurants in the city — run by some of the best chefs. Folks from all over flock to farm-to-table spots like The Butterwood Bake Consortium. The Spanish fare at Morcilla, and the Italian Piccolo Forno are also local favorites.
Artsy people will love being within walking distance of the Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall that features local bands and national acts, as well as the Row House Cinemas, with a mix of indie and mainstream films. And when you’re feeling thirsty, just head over to Arsenal Cider House or Hop Farm Brewing for some local libations.
With bowling lanes, escape rooms, and tons of bars that offer live music, you’re sure to enjoy living in Lawrenceville — by far one of the best Pittsburgh neighborhoods!
| Q: What is the most hipster neighborhood in Pittsburgh? A: Lawrenceville is considered to be one of the most hipster neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. |
“Little Italy” (aka Bloomfield) is situated right between Lawrenceville and Shadyside.
10. Bloomfield
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,825
- Average home value: $277,600
- Great for: Young professionals, students, easy commute
The Bloomfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh is located between Lawrenceville and Shadyside and is known as Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, thanks to the Italian immigrants who lived in this area for decades. While it still offers some of the best Italian in the city (like Merante’s), you’ll also find eastern European at APTEKA, delish Indian cuisine at People’s Indian Restaurant, and classic pub grub at Tessaro’s. Along the Liberty Avenue business district, you’ll find the chill bookstore White Whale Books, consignment at Clothes Minded, and even Gryphon’s Tea.
There are lots of fun bars in this neighborhood, as well, that offer live music and trivia nights, all within a pretty short walk of each other. You can try out Silky’s, Lou’s Little Corner Bar, or FET-FISK all along the Liberty Avenue corridor. And in the summer, residents enjoy Little Italy Days with lots of food, music, and craft vendors, as well as the Bloomfield Saturday Market.
11. North Oakland
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,800
- Average home value: $244,800
- Great for: Students, young professionals, universities, hospitals
Oakland is a great spot for students who attend CMU, Pitt, and Carlow University, as well as those who are employed at any of the three hospitals located in this neighborhood (UPMC Shadyside, UPMC Children’s Hospital, and UPMC Presbyterian). It’s the neighborhood where “eds meets meds,” thanks to the large number of students and medical staff who call this area home. This bustling neighborhood is also very diverse, as students and healthcare workers come from all over the world to study and work.
There are also plenty of fun spots to check out, including the prestigious Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the immense Cathedral of Learning (the fifth-tallest academic building in the world), and the beautiful gardens at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
This neighborhood features cuisines from all over the world, including Korean at K-Station, Indian at Bengal Kabab, and Turkish at Aria Persian Cuisine & Turkish Grill. And Oakland gets lively during Pitt football and basketball games, but you can always escape the busy neighborhood by taking a stroll or having a picnic in nearby Schenley Park.
| Q: What’s one of the worst neighborhoods in Pittsburgh? A: Lincoln Place is the worst neighborhood in Pittsburgh, according to AreaVibes. |
12. Highland Park
- Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,025
- Average home value: $447,400
- Great for: Families, retirees, outdoor activities
One of the more affluent Pittsburgh neighborhoods is Highland Park, which is located further up the Allegheny River from Lawrenceville. This quiet neighborhood includes the expansive Highland Park, which features trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a pool, and a lake. It’s in this park where you’ll also find the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, which has animals from all over the world and participates in essential conservation efforts. And when you’re a resident of Highland Park, you’ll also have easy access to the Bud Harris Cycling Track, the Highland Park Tennis Club, and the community garden.
Community members love that they’re close to neighborhood restaurants like Tambellini’s or Smiling Banana Leaf, and grocery stores and a Target are a short drive away. In Highland Park, you can go from shopping locally at Firecracker Fabrics to playing bocce to putting your boat into the Allegheny River for a day of water activities — all in your own neighborhood!
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