Thinking about moving to Pittsburgh? Not only is it one of the best places for remote work, but the City of Bridges also has plenty of safe neighborhoods with affordable housing and amazing public schools. Not to mention, the cost of living in Pittsburgh is lower than the national average and other Pennsylvania cities, making it an affordable option for singles, young professionals, families, and retirees alike. The best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA can be determined based on factors like housing costs, rental prices, and crime rates. The following Pittsburgh areas boast affordability, safe streets, and top amenities. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Pittsburgh!
| Neighborhood | Lawrenceville | Shadyside | Stanton Heights | Squirrel Hill North | Swisshelm Park |
| Median Home Price | $226,300 | $352,892 | $163,800 | $497,262 | $155,450 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,057 | $1,283 | $821 | $1,670 | $978 |
| Safer than % of City Neighborhoods | 69% | 81% | 62% | 81% | 66% |
| Owner-Occupied Household Rate | 38.6% | 27.9% | 78.6% | 58.6% | 82.4% |
Is Pittsburgh a Safe Place to Live in 2025?
Though the Pittsburgh crime rate is above the national average, the city is still safer than 10% of Pennsylvania cities and 19% of cities across the country. Finding a safe place to live in Pittsburgh depends on which area of the city you’re exploring, though the safest parts of Pittsburgh tend to be in quieter, residential neighborhoods and suburbs removed from the downtown area. Many Pittsburgh neighborhoods provide safe and affordable living in PA with access to high-quality amenities like education, public transportation, restaurants, and more.
Lawrenceville
Photo via @ciprianistudios
- Home Price: $226,300 median purchase price; $1,057 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 69% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Hoping to live in one of the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh with a walkable local business district? The former industrial zone of Lawrenceville is now a trendy area filled with unique restaurants, bars, and shops along Butler St. Because of its many things to do and closeness to the University of Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville is one of the best Pittsburgh neighborhoods for students and young adults. This Pittsburgh neighborhood also offers medical professionals many job opportunities at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. And as one of the best places to buy a home in Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville allows residents to live comfortably in colorful rowhouses, brick bungalows, Contemporary condos, or modern apartments.
Things to Do in Lawrenceville
Enjoy live music and bites from countless top-rated restaurants in Pittsburgh at the annual Taste of Lawrenceville. Wear your Pirates jersey to The Clemente Museum and explore baseball memorabilia and exhibits celebrating the late Hall of Fame outfielder, Roberto Clemente. Grab concert tickets for bands like Moonshine Bandits or Langhorne Slim at the Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall. Wear a Hawaiian shirt and stomp along to an accordion performance before screening UHF, or sip on brews while watching Kung Fu Hustle during the Row House Late Night Series at Row House Cinema. Get some work done with a Goji Berry Lime Italian Soda or Blueberry Thyme oat steamer from at Espresso a Mano. Order off the secret taco menu or opt for classics like housemade Migas or Apple tacos at SMOKE Barbecue Taqueria. Savor dishes like Arsenal Chicken Salad, Grilled Mahi Tacos, or Worker Burgher at Industry Public House. Or grab a drink and skate at the roller disco in Belvedere’s Ultra-Dive.
Q: What are the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA?
A: There are a variety of safe neighborhoods in Pittsburgh to consider moving to, including Squirrel Hill North, Lawrenceville, Shadyside, and more. Known for their low crime rates, these areas offer residents quick access to outdoor recreation, museums, trendy eateries, and other fun things to do in Pittsburgh!
Shadyside
Photo via @greenwdcapital
- Home Price: $352,892 median purchase price; $1,283 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Shadyside is a safe Pittsburgh neighborhood with walkable, wooden streets in Rosyln Place and outdoor recreation in Mellon Park. While Shadyside is known for Fifth Avenue, also called “Millionaire’s Row” by locals, there are still plenty of budget-friendly housing options in the area. Residents can choose from Victorian, Georgian, and Colonial-style brick homes. This affordable neighborhood in Steel City is also one of the best Pittsburgh neighborhoods for singles and young professionals because of its lively bar scene and many high-end retailers along Walnut Street and Ellsworth Avenue. And if you want to get to know your community in Shadyside, you can attend events like the neighborhood block party, and Jams on Walnut, every summer.
Things to Do in Shadyside
Tour the “replica of ancient Israel” and walk beside 100 types of plants at Rodef Shalom Biblical Botanical Garden. Attend the annual yART sale, or take a class like Botanical Drawing, Claymation, or Intro to Ceramics at the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media. Shop for books, games, puzzles, and locally-made goods at Kards Unlimited. Bring your best bud to a dog-friendly store for Yappy Hours, Pet Parades, or Pet Photos with Santa at Petagogy. Begin your day with French Toast, a Nutella Crepe, or a Fruit Parfait at Cafe Moulin. Grab Mexican plates like a Grilled Burrito, Shrimp Fajitas, or Octopus Tacos at Tocayo Taqueria & Tequila. Dig into Wonton Soup, Pork Fried Rice, or Chicken Lo Mein at Red Dragon Chinese Restaurant. Or scoop up Katsu Curry, Beef Ramen, or a Seaweed Salad at Fujiya Ramen.
Q: What are the safest places to live in Pittsburgh for singles and young professionals?
A: Many Pittsburgh neighborhoods offer safe living options for singles and young professionals, but Squirrel Hill North and Lawrenceville are two that stand out from the rest. From Squirrel Hill North’s vast green spaces and shopping options to Lawrenceville’s proximity to top jobs and higher education, singles and young professionals have diverse options to choose from when seeking safe areas in Pittsburgh to plant roots.
Stanton Heights
Photo via @cummings.brothers
- Home Price: $163,800 median purchase price; $821 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
If you’re looking for a quieter area in the East End to buy a home, check out Stanton Heights! One of the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Stanton Heights offers residents affordable single-family Colonial homes with spacious yards. Not only will your children have space to play, but they’ll also grow up in a tight-knit community near schools like Pittsburgh Sunnyside Pre-K8 and the Neighborhood Academy. Plus, you can find plenty of things to do, with the Butler Street shopping district a quick walk north and a 15-minute drive to downtown! This close neighborhood vibe paired with safety, affordability, and an excellent location makes Stanton Heights one of the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.
Things to Do in Stanton Heights
Walk your dog, go for a jog, or play baseball on the field at Officer Eric Kelly Memorial Field. Take your grandkids during the Grandparents’ Day Celebration, trick-or-treat during Zooboo, or watch the Penguins on Parade at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Try your hand at glass blowing, watch visiting artists work, or check out the latest exhibition on display at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Enroll in a painting or colorful jewelry workshop at Contemporary Craft. Wake up with a Cold Brew, Espresso, or Chai Latte at Caffè d’Amore Coffeeshop. Tuck into Tofu Scramble, Cashew Cheese Toast, or Mezze in vegan B52 Cafe. Meet a friend for tea or sample a few Tea Cakes, Vegan Strawberry Cobbler, Butterscotch Pudding, or other delicious desserts at The Butterwood Bake Consortium. Or knock back craft beers like Punk Rock Rhino hazy IPA, Profondo pilsner, or a dry-hopped farmhouse ale from the new Brewing with Friends series at Hop Farm Brewing Company.
Q: Is Pittsburgh safer than Philadelphia?
A: Yes, Pittsburgh is generally considered a safer place to live than Philadelphia. The Pittsburgh crime rate is considerably lower than Philadelphia’s crime rate—and Pittsburgh is 19% safer than other U.S. cities, while Philadelphia is only 2% safer than other U.S. cities.
Squirrel Hill North
Photo via @steelcityrealestate
- Home Price: $497,262 median purchase price; $1,670 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Squirrel Hill North is filled with plenty of green spaces—like 456-acre Schenley Park—a bustling commercial district, and the internationally-renowned Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham University. College students in this affordable Pittsburgh neighborhood flock to indie boutiques, bookshops, and ethnic eateries along Forbes Avenue. Families can find excellent Squirrel Hill North public schools like Shady Side Academy Junior School and Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh. Because this area is very commuter-friendly and family-oriented, it’s easy to see why this safe neighborhood in Pittsburgh is a great place for families and young professionals to settle down.
Things to Do in Squirrel Hill North
Schedule a tee time at the 18-hole Bob O’Connor Golf Course. Stroll through Hunt Library at Carnegie Mellon University to find a variety of books, journals, and art collections. Catch Carnegie Mellon University students playing football at Gesling Stadium. Watch independent films or documentaries while swirling cocktails at Manor Theatre. Sip on a Cappuccino, Espresso Macchiato, or Latte at 61C Cafe. Feast on Pork Rib Noodle Soup, Vegetable Dumplings, or Dan Dan Noodles at Everyday Noodles. Indulge in Chinese cuisine like Shrimp Fried Rice, Bear Paw Tofu, or Pad Thai at Jian’s Kitchen. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with desserts like a Snickerdoodle Cookie, Chocolate Croissant, or Poppyseed Danish at Five Points Artisan Bakeshop.
Swisshelm Park
Photo via @lifespacepgh
- Home Price: $155,450 median purchase price; $978 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 66% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you want to live in a cozy part of East Pittsburgh with low crime rates and lush green spaces, like Frick Park, check out Swisshelm Park! Not only is this area one of the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, but its location and top-rated schools like Dickson Elementary STEAM Academy and Community Day School make Swisshelm Park hard to beat. Plus, when residents need to commute to Downtown Pittsburgh, they have easy access to the Parkway (I-376). Dreaming of a yard in the Burgh? Homebuyers can find everything from Craftsman-style houses to ranches in this affordable neighborhood in Pittsburgh.
Things to Do in Swisshelm Park
Float in the lazy river, blast down water slides, or head into the deep end of the Mon Tsunami Wave Pool at Sandcastle Water Park. Bring the kids to a movie, local musical performance, or book club at Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale. Take an industrial tour to learn more about Pittsburgh’s steel industry heritage at the Rivers of Steel. Go across the Monongahela River to The Waterfront for community events, shopping, and laughs at Pittsburgh Improv. Stay in and chow down on Philly Cheesesteak Pizza, Steak Stromboli, or Buffalo Chicken Fries from Maldini’s Pizza. Dine at the Golden Age Beer Company for a Smash Burger or Fried Chicken Wrap with brews like a Golden Age Pale Ale or Gladden Fields. Or sip a Guinness and snack on Jumbo Wings or a Corned Beef Reuben at Pub In the Park.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
