Moving to Pittsburgh? As one of the best cities for young professionals and one of the best cities for remote work, Pittsburgh is a great area for singles, families, and retirees. Here are five of the best places to rent a home in Pittsburgh!
East Allegheny
- Home Price: $768 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 68.4%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
East Allegheny, also known as Deutschtown for its deep German cultural roots, is conveniently located less than ten minutes from the excitement of downtown—making it one of the best places to rent in Pittsburgh! This urban village is filled with unique specialty shops, German restaurants, historical architecture, and world-class amenities within walking or biking distance, including Allegheny General Hospital. Residents in this Pittsburgh neighborhood can connect at common spaces like the Community Garden at Allegheny Commons Park or through popular annual events like the Northside Music Festival—formerly the Deutschtown Music Festival—a free, three-day event featuring live music, food trucks, local vendors, and more. And with plenty of houses, townhomes, and apartments up for rent in East Allegheny, people from all walks of life can find a Pittsburgh rental home that fits their needs.
Things to Do in East Allegheny
Travel back in time and take a guided tour of photos covering subjects like the Civil War, Native American culture, and local history at the Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History. Head less than ten minutes outside the neighborhood to root for the Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB) to hit a grand slam at PNC Park. Enroll your kids in summer camp, or check out exhibits like The Kindness Gallery and Art Studio at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Appreciate live performances of plays like And Then They Came For Me, dance performances like Transformations, or music from bands like the Pharoah Sanders Tribute Band at the New Hazlett Theater. Pick up dishes like the Bistro Gumbo, Turkey Reuben, and Pepper Steak from one of the coolest restaurants in Pittsburgh, Bistro To Go. Feast on Pittsburgh German food like Bavarian Soft Pretzels, Bratwurst, Potato Crusted Cod, and more at Max’s Allegheny Tavern. Fill up on slices of the White Pizza and Meat Lovers Pizza, or opt for a Meatball Calzone at Lillen’s Restaurant. Or expand your palate with Bacon Wrapped Dates, a Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich, and The Basic B Burger at Federal Galley.
East Liberty
- Home Price: $904 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 40% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 77.1%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Are you looking for up-and-coming neighborhoods in Pittsburgh? Consider renting a home in East Liberty! Over the last 20 years, East Liberty has seen an influx of young residents, luxury condos, and new big-box stores moving to the area. The older buildings in the area are well-kept, including historic landmarks like the East Liberty Presbyterian Church—sometimes called the Cathedral of Hope—which provides youth programming opportunities like Hope Academy of Music and the Arts. Located on the east side of the city, residents have convenient access to fun things to do in Pittsburgh, such as fishing, hiking, and swimming at the nearby Highland Park. The neighborhood is also home to the year-round Farmers Market Cooperative of East Liberty, where you can find fresh produce, locally-raised meat, baked goods, and more.
Things to Do in East Liberty
Attend live musical tributes like Simply The Best and unique experiences like an Edgar Allan Poe Inspired Speakeasy, or join the Adult Ballet Club at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Check out experimental theatrical productions performed at various locations—like a warehouse, swimming pool, park, or cemetery—or attend the annual Q Ball hosted by the Quantum Theatre. Enroll in a variety of glassmaking classes or watch seasoned professionals demonstrate their craft at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. Explore the home of a former Nabisco Bakery turned premier Pittsburgh shopping destination and attend weekly events like Yoga in the Portal or East End Pub Runs at Bakery Square. Try out Hawaiian food in Pittsburgh like the Spicy Tuna, Kimchi Salmon, and Firecracker Shrimp poke bowls at Kahuna Poke and Juice Bar. Eat the Louisiana Lobster Roll, Steak Frites, and Seafood Gumbo at the Muddy Waters Oyster Bar. Devour wood-fired pizzas like the Potato Pie and Peppy Pep while sampling a wide variety of beers at Lorelei. Or stop by the Duolingo building to munch on Pittsburgh Mexican food favorites like Al Pastor Tacos, Costillas, and Tetela from Duo’s Taquería.
Mount Washington
- Home Price: $1,052 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 59.4%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Mount Washington is one of the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh for renters! Known for its picturesque views of downtown from atop a steep hill, Mount Washington offers a ton of outdoor things to do in Pittsburgh—with plenty of hiking trails and beautiful outdoor spaces like the Grandview Overlook. You can even save yourself the drive up to the overlook by using one of the Pittsburgh Inclines to get a nice view of the city’s skyline. Aside from great views, residents love to explore the 257 acres of green space in Emerald View Park, which also encompasses historic park spaces like Mt. Washington Park and Olympia Park. In addition to all this, families can rest assured that their kids can get a great education at local schools just south of the neighborhood like South Hills Middle School and Beechwood Elementary School.
Things to Do in Mount Washington
Explore hidden paths, take a photo of unique graffiti, and pass by Seldom Seen Arch at the Beechview Seldom Seen Greenway Trail. Take an outdoor yoga class during the day, attend a Farm Dinner, and grab a blanket for an outdoor movie in the evening at Grandview Park. Ride up the Duquesne Incline or the Monongahela Incline to get the best views of Downtown Pittsburgh. Show off your Pittsburgh pride with gear sporting local teams and other handmade items from local artisans at love, Pittsburgh. Start your day off with Avocado Toast, Churro French Toast, and a Taco Omelette from J & J’s Family Restaurant & Catering. Chow down Hot Cheese Bites, the Tenders Basket, Fried Cauliflower, and more at Bigham Tavern. Feast on some of the best Mexican food in Pittsburgh like Elote, a Brisket Quesadilla, or the Cheeseburger Taco at Gordo’s Tacos & Tequila. Or munch on the Black Bean Burger, Tempura Cauliflower, Smoked Pulled Pork, and more at Coughlin’s Law Kitchen & Ale House.
Shadyside
- Home Price: $1,283 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 72.1%
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals
Shadyside offers its residents an upscale environment with tree-lined streets and unique boutique shops that make it one of the best places to live in Pittsburgh. Renters can find restored Victorian-era homes or new condos and apartments located just 15 minutes away from Downtown Pittsburgh. Residents also enjoy close proximity to several great Pittsburgh parks and outdoor spaces like Frick Park, Schenley Park, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Within the neighborhood itself, there are a few distinct business districts—with locally-owned businesses and LGBTQ-friendly bars on Ellsworth Avenue and upscale stores on Walnut Street. Walnut Street is also the location for several popular community events like Art Festival on Walnut Street or the live concert series Jam on Walnut, where the proceeds go to benefit Animal Friends. On top of all these amenities, Shadyside is also a great location for students, since it’s conveniently located near some of the best colleges in Pittsburgh—including the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.
Things to Do in Shadyside
Take art classes covering everything from abstract oil painting to jewelry making, stop by unique exhibits, and make use of the ceramics and printmaking studios at the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media. Make a wish at the gothic-inspired fountain, play a game of indoor tennis, and meet with fellow botanical enthusiasts in the Phipps Garden Center at Mellon Park. Discover art from around the world like the Pittsburgh Satellite Reef, draw at the weekly Carnegie Lab, or test your knowledge with Art Games: Trivia at the nearby Carnegie Museum of Art. Take part in LGBTQ nightlife in Pittsburgh with free Texas hold’em and Trivia Nights over cocktails, or enjoy weekly Drag Brunches at 5801 Video Lounge & Bar. Get your day started with a Ham & Swiss Savory Crepe, Ottawa Omelet Crepe, or Nutella Sweet Crepe at Café Moulin. Eat authentic Japanese cuisine like Chicken Yakitori, Spicy Miso Ramen, Gyudon Donburi, and more at Fujiya Ramen. Dive into a seasonally-changing Italian menu that has featured items like Penne Marinara, Antipasto, and Linguine Rustic at Girasole. Or dig into the Chicken Nachos, Pork Dumplings, and the Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich at Shady Grove.
Strip District
- Home Price: $1,711 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 93.1%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
If you’re looking for a commuter-friendly place to live in Pittsburgh, take a look at the Strip District! Centrally-located near the city center and along the Allegheny River, the Strip District neighborhood is home to some of the best places to eat in Pittsburgh and fun shopping destinations. This area is well-served by Pittsburgh public transportation options like the 54, 86, 87, 88, and 91 Port Authority buses, bike rentals from one of three nearby POGOH stations, and direct access to more than 33 miles of trails at the Three Rivers Heritage Trail! Though it’s a bustling business district, there are still beautiful green spaces nearby like West Penn Park. Plus, you’ll find fun public events, unique local stores, and numerous dining options at the Strip District Terminal, located in the center of the neighborhood.
Things to Do in Strip District
Solve puzzles and crack codes in themed rooms like Bring Back The 80s and Create A Clone at Bold Escape Rooms. Head over to the Strip District Terminal for all of your shopping needs and fun events like Aslin Trivia Night, Complimentary Wine Tastings, and a variety of music acts. Catch live performances of shows like Tosca, Proving Up, and Madama Butterfly at the Pittsburgh Opera. Embark on a guided tour of baseball history, with the world’s largest collection of baseball artifacts, artwork, and photographs related to Roberto Clemente—Major League Baseball legend—at The Clemente Museum. Devour breakfast staples like the Western Omelet, Blueberry Hotcakes, and the Belgian Waffle at P&G Pamela’s Diner. Try out Caribbean-inspired cuisine like Crispy Tofu, Rainbow Salad, and Grilled Jerk Chicken Torta at Kaya. Fill up on handcrafted sandwiches like the Big Nate, Turkey Supreme, and Pepper Steak at Peppi’s Old Tyme Sandwich Shoppe. Or satisfy your hunger with the Bangkok Spicy Basil, Red Curry, Pineapple Fried Rice, and more at Little Bangkok.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
