Communities
Many. Very many. In fact, there are about 90 distinctive neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.
Downtown
This is where the business heart of Pittsburgh still beats, but it is gaining more and more residents. There is an aggressive initiative to attract young professionals and others to upscale spaces.
The Strip
Northeast of downtown and literally a long narrow strip along the Allegheny, this part of the city is an extremely active commercial district: retail produce, restaurants, ethnic markets, coffee shops, retail. There also is a growing amount of loft and apartment space.
Hazelwood
The moneyed elite of Pittsburgh used to call this neighborhood home. After the steel mills closed, the factory workers bought the homes left when the mill owners moved. Home to a new technology center.
Oakland
Divided into four sections (north, south, west and central) Oakland is home to the University of Pittsburgh, its medical center, several museums (all beginning with Carnegie Museum of …), part of Carnegie Mellon and a lot of student housing. Very active commercial/entertainment district of its own. Home to Forbes Field before it was torn down.
Squirrel Hill
This has long been the center of Jewish life in Pittsburgh. It is home to part of Carnegie Mellon and Chatham College, and many of their students. With a diversity of housing options – brick mansions to modest apartments – and a thriving business community, this is a true Pittsburgh neighborhood.
Shadyside
An affluent neighborhood, Shadyside is located in Pittsburgh’s East End and has a diversity of housing available.
Duquesne Heights and Mount Washington
South of downtown and across the Monongahela, these two communities boast amazing vistas of downtown as well as a broad range of housing opportunities.
Point Breeze
Upscale and predominantly residential, Point Breeze today is home to many of the city’s young professionals.
Bloomfield
Historic old neighborhood with one of the most active business communities in the city, Bloomfield is highlighted by a large collection of well-maintained row houses.
Brighton Heights
Situated on the north side of Pittsburgh and along the Ohio River, this is a family-oriented neighborhood of large but affordable single-family homes.
Allegheny East, West and Center
Part of Allegheny West is an historic district, once having been home to many well-off Pittsburgh residents; Allegheny Community College campus is located here.
The Hill District
East of Downtown, The Hill District inspired and loaned its name to the former TV cop drama, Hill Street Blues (creator Steven Bochco went to school at Carnegie Mellon and lived in the Hill). Today it features affordable homes and some new residential development.
Perry Hilltop (a.k.a. Perry South)
A true Pittsburgh working class neighborhood with affordable housing.
West End & Elliott
Two family-friendly neighborhoods on the high bluffs overlooking the Ohio River.
Manchester
A former industrial district, Manchester today has delightful old brick row houses. Several museums are located here as well.
Bluff
Traditional older neighborhood convenient to downtown and alongside the Monongahela, Bluff is home to a mix of residents. Home to Duquesne University.
North Shore
Across the Allegheny from downtown, and home to a lot of single professionals; Home to both Heinz Park stadium and the H.J. Heinz factory.
Morningside
A small, modest neighborhood of two-story brick homes, Morningside is a staple of the north side.
Lawrenceville
Another north side district, Lawrenceville is affordable and convenient. It is one of the largest residential neighborhoods in the city.
Spring Hill – City View
This is essentially a bedroom community within the city.
Sheraden
On the Ohio and across from Bruno’s Island, this primarily residential neighborhood includes many “Pittsburgh Boxes”, homes that are a cross between Prairie Style and Victorians.
Fairwood, Windgap and Chartiers City
This is the city’s far west side; family neighborhoods, detached homes.
The Southside (Flats and Slopes)
One of the city’s traditional neighborhoods, the South Side has thriving business and entertainment communities, and offers affordable housing.
Beechview
Just beyond Mount Washington, Beechview is filled with turn-of-the century housing of all types.
Overbrook and Carrick
On the extreme southern side of Pittsburgh, both have strong residential communities.