Where To Live Near Pittsburgh PA

Pittsburgh, PA, known as the “Steel City,” offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or looking to retire, knowing where to live near Pittsburgh, PA, can significantly enhance your lifestyle.

This guide highlights the best neighborhoods and suburbs, ensuring you find a place that fits your needs and preferences.

Downtown Pittsburgh

Downtown Pittsburgh, PA, is a vibrant hub of activity, offering a rich blend of cultural events, historic architecture, and modern amenities. In 2024, the city continues to thrive with a packed calendar of events and festivals.

Notable events include the Three Rivers Arts Festival, which spans from May 31 to June 9, showcasing world-class artists and musicians like the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. The annual celebration is a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s cultural scene, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Additionally, Anthrocon, one of the world’s largest anthropomorphic conventions, will return from July 4-7, 2024. This event brings together thousands of enthusiasts for a parade, block party, and various interactive sessions at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

The real estate market in Downtown Pittsburgh offers a diverse range of housing options. The median listing price for homes in the area was approximately $475,000 as of January 2024, reflecting a 13.6% year-over-year decline.

This makes it an opportune time for potential buyers looking to invest in the city’s bustling downtown district. Additionally, initiatives like the Downtown Rent Abatement Program (DRAP) aim to make living in the heart of the city more accessible by offering financial incentives to new residents.

Market Square continues to be a focal point, hosting weekly farmers markets from May to October, providing fresh produce and artisanal goods to the community.

Shadyside

Shadyside, a prominent neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA, is known for its blend of historic charm and modern amenities. As of 2024, the median home value in Shadyside is $504,167, a significant figure reflecting the area’s desirability despite a year-over-year decline of 29.1%.

The rental market is equally dynamic, with median rents around $1,474, catering to a predominantly renting population, as 72% of residents opt to rent rather than own their homes.

This neighborhood is celebrated for its dense urban feel, characterized by tree-lined streets and a vibrant mix of local boutiques, restaurants, and national retail stores concentrated around Walnut Street, S. Highland Avenue, and Ellsworth Avenue.

Shadyside is also a cultural and social hotspot, hosting annual events such as the 27th Annual Shadyside Art Festival on Walnut Street, scheduled for August 24-25, 2024. This event transforms the neighborhood into an outdoor gallery, featuring national and local artists.

In addition to cultural festivities, Shadyside offers a rich dining scene with popular spots like Girasole, a critically acclaimed Italian restaurant, and Soba, an Asian fusion eatery. The area’s history as a former farmland and subsequent development into a residential haven with distinct business districts underscores its unique character.

Whether you’re exploring its historic Roslyn Place or enjoying a meal at one of its many restaurants, Shadyside offers a diverse and engaging lifestyle for its residents and visitors alike.

Squirrel Hill North and South

Squirrel Hill, divided into Squirrel Hill North and Squirrel Hill South, is one of Pittsburgh’s most vibrant and desirable neighborhoods. Both sections of Squirrel Hill are known for their strong sense of community, diverse population, and proximity to significant cultural and recreational amenities.

As of 2024, the median home value in Squirrel Hill North stands at approximately $890,000, with homes typically selling slightly below the asking price.

The area has seen a balanced market with a 96.83% sale-to-list price ratio. In contrast, Squirrel Hill South offers a more varied real estate market with a median home price of $465,900, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 16.5%.

Squirrel Hill is also a culinary and shopping destination, with its main business districts located along Forbes and Murray Avenues. The neighborhood features a mix of Asian and Jewish themed shops, boutique stores, and well-known chains.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options, from local favorites like Mineo’s Pizza and Bull River Taco to more unique offerings like Gaby et Jules for French pastries and Dobra Tea for an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas.

The area is also home to two large parks, Frick and Schenley Parks, offering numerous trails, playgrounds, and other outdoor amenities, making it a perfect spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Mount Washington

Mount Washington, a prominent neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA, offers residents and visitors some of the most stunning views of the city’s skyline and rivers, accessible via the historic Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines.

The area combines urban and suburban living, with a population of about 8,592 residents. Most residents rent their homes, contributing to the neighborhood’s vibrant and diverse community.

The real estate market in Mount Washington has seen significant activity, with the average home price around $214,000, marking a 6.9% increase from the previous year.

Mount Washington is also known for its recreational and dining options. Grandview Avenue is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, featuring numerous restaurants and cafes with panoramic views of Pittsburgh.

The neighborhood is home to several parks, including Emerald View Park, which offers extensive hiking and biking trails.

Additionally, the area has a moderate flood risk affecting about 10% of properties, but it remains a highly sought-after neighborhood due to its unique vantage points and community atmosphere.

Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville, one of Pittsburgh’s largest and most dynamic neighborhoods, has undergone significant transformation over recent years, making it a prime destination for both residents and visitors. Known for its rich industrial history, Lawrenceville is divided into Upper, Central, and Lower sections, each contributing to its unique character.

The area is famed for its vibrant arts scene, eclectic dining options, and bustling nightlife centered around Butler Street. Notable attractions include the Roberto Clemente Museum, Row House Cinema, and Arsenal Bowl, which offer diverse entertainment options ranging from cultural exhibits to classic films and live music.

The real estate market in Lawrenceville reflects its rising popularity. As of June 2024, the median home price in Lawrenceville was $393,250, showing a 9.4% increase from the previous year.

This trend underscores the neighborhood’s desirability, driven by its mix of historic charm and modern amenities. Additionally, the neighborhood’s historic district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019, preserving its unique architectural heritage.

Lawrenceville’s community-centric events, such as the annual farmers market and various art exhibitions, further enhance its appeal, making it a thriving hub for innovation, dining, and culture.

Highland Park

Highland Park, a picturesque neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA, is known for its rich history and vibrant community life. The area centers around the expansive Highland Park, which spans 500 acres and features beautifully landscaped gardens, the historic Reservoir 1, and numerous recreational amenities including playgrounds, picnic shelters, and sports facilities.

The park is a hub for community events such as the Highland Park Yard Sale and the Bryant Street Festival, which bring residents together for shopping, food, and entertainment.

The neighborhood’s real estate market has seen significant growth, with the median home listing price reaching $680,000 in early 2024, a 63.9% increase from the previous year.

This surge reflects Highland Park’s desirability, bolstered by its blend of historic homes, green spaces, and proximity to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

The area is also noted for its active community organizations like the Highland Park Community Council, which fosters neighborhood engagement through events and initiatives aimed at maintaining the area’s charm and livability.

South Side Flats

South Side Flats, a vibrant neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA, has seen significant real estate growth and development in recent years. As of January 2024, the median listing home price in South Side Flats was $375,000, marking a 15.4% increase from the previous year.

This trend reflects the area’s growing desirability, driven by its dynamic mix of historic charm and modern amenities.

The neighborhood offers a variety of housing options, including luxury apartments like those at The Flats at Southside Works, which feature modern kitchens, in-home washers and dryers, and amenities such as a fitness center, indoor/outdoor pool, and Zen garden.

Beyond housing, South Side Flats is known for its lively cultural and social scene. The neighborhood boasts numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment options along Carson Street, making it a hotspot for both residents and visitors.

Key attractions include the South Shore Riverfront Park, which connects to the Great Allegheny Passage and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.

Additionally, the area is home to a 1,000-seat amphitheater that hosts various events throughout the year. With its blend of historic and contemporary living, South Side Flats continues to be one of Pittsburgh’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

Conclusion

Choosing where to live near Pittsburgh, PA, depends on your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant urban environment, a quiet suburban retreat, or something in between, the Pittsburgh area has a neighborhood that’s perfect for you.

From the scenic views of Mount Washington to the cultural richness of Lawrenceville and the family-friendly charm of Aspinwall, there’s a place for everyone in this dynamic region. Take the time to explore these communities and find the one that feels like home.

For those planning to move to Pittsburgh, hiring a professional moving company can simplify the relocation process. These companies can handle the logistics of transporting your belongings, ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.

Moreover, movers can provide valuable insights into the city, helping you get acquainted with your new surroundings more efficiently. With Pittsburgh’s robust public transit options and easy accessibility to key areas, settling in and exploring the city becomes much easier.

Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring cultural sites, or simply navigating daily errands, Pittsburgh’s transportation infrastructure supports a convenient and connected lifestyle.