Pittsburgh,PA Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh: A Local’s Guide
Pittsburgh is a city bursting with character, rich history, and diverse neighborhoods that each offer something unique. Whether you're drawn to the bustling energy of downtown or the quiet charm of residential areas, Pittsburgh neighborhoods provide a variety of experiences suitable for all lifestyles. From trendy bars in Lawrenceville to the historic architecture in Shadyside, exploring the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh is a delightful way to get to know this vibrant city. Using a Pittsburgh neighborhoods map can help you navigate these distinct areas and find the perfect spot that fits your vibe.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
Each Pittsburgh neighborhood has its own demographic flavor. For example, Squirrel Hill is known for its strong Jewish community and family-friendly atmosphere, while the Strip District boasts a mix of longtime residents and young professionals drawn by its urban feel. Lawrenceville has become a hotspot for artists and entrepreneurs, with an influx of millennials revitalizing the area. These diverse populations contribute to the city’s welcoming sense of community, making Pittsburgh neighborhoods feel like small, connected towns within a larger city.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
Depending on what lifestyle you’re seeking, Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods have you covered. Shadyside offers upscale shopping and cozy cafes along Walnut Street, perfect for those who love boutique experiences. Oakland is the academic and medical hub, home to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, making it ideal for students and professionals. Meanwhile, Mount Washington is famous for its panoramic city views and quiet residential streets, offering a more laid-back lifestyle. Each neighborhood brings a distinct rhythm to Pittsburgh life.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
When considering the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, safety and stability are key factors. Areas like Squirrel Hill and Regent Square are often praised for their low crime rates and family-friendly environments. Conversely, some parts of the city are experiencing revitalization projects aimed at improving safety and infrastructure, such as East Liberty. It’s always a good idea to consult a detailed Pittsburgh neighborhoods map and local crime statistics to get a full understanding of the safety landscape before choosing where to live or visit.
Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular than Others, Hotspots
Food lovers will find Pittsburgh neighborhoods especially enticing. The Strip District is a foodie's paradise, filled with markets, ethnic food stalls, and trendy restaurants like Primanti Bros., famous for its sandwich piled high with fries. Lawrenceville has emerged as a hotspot for craft breweries and hip eateries such as The Vandal. Downtown Pittsburgh and the Cultural District also offer vibrant nightlife, theaters, and art galleries, making them popular social hubs. Each neighborhood’s culinary scene reflects its unique personality and history.
Pittsburgh Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beltzhoover | 33.5 | 21.7% | $61,617 | $53,388 | 1.1 |
| Herrs Island | 40.8 | 11.2% | $91,000 | $73,409 | 1.2 |
| Bon Air | 39.4 | 20% | $85,088 | $57,020 | 1.6 |
| Chartiers City | 34.9 | 20.4% | $86,233 | $60,426 | 1.6 |
| Knoxville | 37.9 | 15.6% | $70,286 | $44,057 | 1.8 |
| Sheraden | 36 | 23% | $86,656 | $53,448 | 1.8 |
| Esplen | 31.4 | 20.7% | $78,920 | $44,523 | 1.9 |
| Homewood North | 40.2 | 23.2% | $63,213 | $37,903 | 1.9 |
| Carrick | 41.9 | 16.9% | $104,700 | $56,292 | 2.0 |
| St. Clair | 44.5 | 17.8% | $88,467 | $45,460 | 2.0 |
Pittsburgh neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Pittsburgh
| Crime |
Reported |
Pittsburgh /100k |
PA /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 36 | 11.4 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 164 | 51.7 | 27.8 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 394 | 124.2 | 51.4 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 761 | 239.9 | 161.4 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 1,355 | 427 | 246 | 359 |
| Burglary | 738 | 232.7 | 116.7 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 5,406 | 1,704.4 | 1,129.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 1,088 | 343.0 | 188.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 7,232 | 2,280 | 1,435 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 8,587 | 2,707 | 1,681 | 2,119 |