Best Areas to Live in Pittsburgh

Find your perfect neighborhood based on lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Rankings for families, professionals, students, and more.

Top Rated Neighborhoods

Our top picks based on quality of life, amenities, schools, and community

1

Mt. Lebanon

9.5

Premier suburban community with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and vibrant downtown. Perfect for families seeking quality education and community.

Median Rent:$1,400/mo
Median Home:$280,000
Walk Score:55/100
School Rating:9.8/10
Safety:9.5/10
Top-rated schoolsSafe neighborhoodsWalkable downtown
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2

Shadyside

9.3

Upscale neighborhood with high-end shopping, fine dining, and beautiful historic homes. Ideal for young professionals and established residents.

Median Rent:$1,400/mo
Median Home:$450,000
Walk Score:88/100
School Rating:8.5/10
Safety:8.8/10
Upscale shoppingFine diningClose to universities
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3

Squirrel Hill

9.2

Diverse, walkable neighborhood with excellent schools and strong community. Close to Frick Park and vibrant business district.

Median Rent:$1,050/mo
Median Home:$350,000
Walk Score:90/100
School Rating:9.0/10
Safety:9.0/10
Diverse communityExcellent schoolsWalkable
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4

Oakland

9.0

Vibrant university district home to CMU and Pitt. Affordable housing, world-class museums, and student-friendly atmosphere.

Median Rent:$950/mo
Median Home:$280,000
Walk Score:88/100
School Rating:9.5/10
Safety:7.5/10
University districtAffordable housingMuseums
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5

Lawrenceville

8.8

Trendy arts district with galleries, breweries, and creative community. Great for young professionals and artists.

Median Rent:$1,150/mo
Median Home:$320,000
Walk Score:85/100
School Rating:7.5/10
Safety:8.0/10
Arts districtCraft breweriesHistoric architecture
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6

Downtown

8.5

Urban living in the heart of Pittsburgh. Extremely walkable with cultural attractions, dining, and business district access.

Median Rent:$1,650/mo
Median Home:$350,000
Walk Score:95/100
School Rating:6.0/10
Safety:8.5/10
Urban livingWalkableCultural attractions
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Best for Families

Neighborhoods with excellent schools, safe streets, and family-friendly amenities

Mt. Lebanon

9.5/10

Premier suburban community with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and vibrant downtown. Perfect for families seeking quality education and community.

Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Median Home
$280,000
Walk Score
55/100
School Rating
9.8/10
Pros
  • Top-rated school district
  • Very safe
  • Strong community
Cons
  • Higher cost of living
  • Car-dependent
  • Limited nightlife
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Squirrel Hill

9.2/10

Diverse, walkable neighborhood with excellent schools and strong community. Close to Frick Park and vibrant business district.

Median Rent
$1,050/mo
Median Home
$350,000
Walk Score
90/100
School Rating
9.0/10
Pros
  • Very walkable
  • Diverse community
  • Good schools
Cons
  • Moderate cost
  • Limited parking
  • Busy main streets
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Best for Young Professionals

Vibrant neighborhoods with great nightlife, dining, and career opportunities

Shadyside

9.3/10

Upscale neighborhood with high-end shopping, fine dining, and beautiful historic homes. Ideal for young professionals and established residents.

Median Rent
$1,400/mo
Median Home
$450,000
Walk Score
88/100
School Rating
8.5/10
Pros
  • Excellent walkability
  • Great restaurants
  • Upscale amenities
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Limited parking
  • Busy streets
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Lawrenceville

8.8/10

Trendy arts district with galleries, breweries, and creative community. Great for young professionals and artists.

Median Rent
$1,150/mo
Median Home
$320,000
Walk Score
85/100
School Rating
7.5/10
Pros
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Great restaurants
  • Historic charm
Cons
  • Gentrifying
  • Limited parking
  • Noisy at night
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Downtown

8.5/10

Urban living in the heart of Pittsburgh. Extremely walkable with cultural attractions, dining, and business district access.

Median Rent
$1,650/mo
Median Home
$350,000
Walk Score
95/100
School Rating
6.0/10
Pros
  • Extremely walkable
  • Cultural attractions
  • Business district
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Limited family amenities
  • Busy
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Best for Students

Affordable neighborhoods close to universities with student-friendly amenities

Oakland

9.0/10

Vibrant university district home to CMU and Pitt. Affordable housing, world-class museums, and student-friendly atmosphere.

Median Rent
$950/mo
Median Home
$280,000
Walk Score
88/100
School Rating
9.5/10
Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Great walkability
  • University resources
Cons
  • Noisy
  • Limited parking
  • Student-heavy population
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