Relocating to Pittsburgh? The City of Bridges is one of the best cities for young professionals and best cities for remote work—offering affordable housing, exciting nightlife, and trendy restaurants. Here are the five best Pittsburgh neighborhoods for singles and young adults!
Downtown Pittsburgh
- Home Price: $505,780 median purchase price; $1,448 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
Don’t want to miss out on big-city life? Consider living in Downtown Pittsburgh! With soaring skyscrapers and a bustling business district, this area is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies—including Alcoa, The Kraft Heinz Company, U.S. Steel, and PPG Industries. Not only is Downtown the most walkable neighborhood in the City of Bridges, but residents can easily commute to other Pittsburgh areas via Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), which offers both bus and rail lines throughout the neighborhood. Plus, Downtown Pittsburgh has a prime location next to Duquesne University and Point Park University, making it a hot spot for students. But convenience isn’t the only thing that makes Downtown one of the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh! Young adults also love visiting Market Square, which is home to a variety of stylish shops, nightlife spots, fun community activities, and even historic sites—including Pittsburgh’s first newspaper, courthouse, and jail.
Things to Do in Downtown Pittsburgh
Get tickets to plays like The Importance of Being Earnest or A Raisin in the Sun at the O’Reilly Theater, home to the Pittsburgh Public Theater company. See Broadway productions like The Book of Mormon or shows from the Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre at the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts. Laugh the night away at comedy shows like Knights of the Arcade, attend an improv show, or find your voice in a comedy class at the Arcade Comedy Theater. Spend the day at the Fort Pitt Museum or go boating or mountain biking at the intersection of three rivers in Point State Park. Eat a Salmon Salad, Lightly Breaded Oysters, or the Monster Fish Sandwich at the oldest Pittsburgh restaurant, The Original Oyster House. Dine at the city’s first gastropub and order Steak Frites or Roasted Half Chicken with Lyonnaise Fingerlings on the side at Meat & Potatoes. Experience all three levels of dining at Sienna Mercato—with a meatball bowl from Emporio, Quattro Formaggi Pizza from Mezzo, and wine under the stars at Il Tetto, the rooftop beer garden. Or try Asian-Mexican fusion dishes like Octopus Ceviche or Pollo Asado Tacos paired with your choice of over 100 tequilas and mezcals at tako.
Lawrenceville
- Home Price: $226,300 median purchase price; $1,057 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 69% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
If you want to live in a trendy Pittsburgh neighborhood along the scenic Allegheny River, look no further than Lawrenceville! This neighborhood consists of three sections—Upper, Central, and Lower Lawrenceville—meaning singles and young professionals have no trouble finding ways to stay busy. Residents enjoy attending community events like the Lawrenceville Farmers Market and the Cookie Tour, as well as exploring lively modern attractions housed in historic buildings—such as Row House Cinema and The Church Brew Works. As one of the largest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, young adults will find plenty of affordable housing options, ranging from rowhouses and cozy cottages to new condos. To top it all off, Lawrenceville is just a short drive from the amenities in Downtown Pittsburgh, while also being near job opportunities in the healthcare field at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh!
Things to Do in Lawrenceville
Play tennis and basketball, or observe monuments devoted to the Civil War and War of 1812 at Arsenal Park. Buy tickets for a guided tour of the historic Engine House 25 to see vintage baseball artifacts and photographs honoring baseball star Roberto Clemente at The Clemente Museum. Admire unique Contemporary art pieces from regional, national, and international artists at nonprofit art organization Contemporary Craft. Listen to musical acts—including local favorites like Chalk Dinosaur and Dave Hause—while enjoying La Vostra Pizza at Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall. Start your morning with a Clafoutis, Eclair au Chocolat, or Parisien Sandwich at La Gourmandine. Order a plate of Pork Tenderloin Satay, Khao Yum, Grilled Shrimp, and other Thai favorites at Pusadee’s Garden. Play a game of cornhole and munch on Chips & Queso or a Brisket Sandwich at Walter’s BBQ Southern Kitchen. Or enjoy the Baked Crab Dip or Steak & Mash while sipping on a Pittsburgh Bulldog by the fire at The Abbey on Butler Street.
Mount Washington
- Home Price: $117,788 median purchase price; $1,052 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
The Mount Washington neighborhood is perfect for those looking for a cozy, suburban feel without losing proximity to the hustle and bustle of city life. This area is a top choice for young adults as it’s one of the best neighborhoods to rent in Pittsburgh, and its streets are lined with affordable housing options ranging from American Foursquare homes to quaint cottages and ranches. These homes are surrounded by abundant green spaces that are great for both relaxation and exercise, including Olympia Park and Emerald View Park. Residents also enjoy riding the funicular railways—the Monongahela Incline and Duquesne Incline—to the top of the slopes to admire panoramic views of the Pittsburgh skyline. Plus, just north of the neighborhood is Station Square, where you’ll find numerous shops, restaurants, and year-round events—including free concerts!
Things to Do in Mount Washington
Check out physical books, ebooks, and audiobooks, attend special events like Black History Month programming, or join a book club at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Mt. Washington. Bring friends to swim, relax, and get some sun at Ream Swimming Pool. Visit the notable statue that overlooks the city of Pittsburgh—a sculpture of George Washington and Seneca tribe leader Guyasuta meeting in peace, called Point of View. Watch the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL) score the winning goal at Highmark Stadium. Chow down on Hot Cheese Bites, the Smokehouse Mac, or the French Onion Pretzel Burger while watching your favorite team on the TVs at Bigham Tavern. Fill up on Chinese cuisine with dishes such as Buddhist Delight, Singapore-Style Rice Noodles, and Capital Chicken at Sesame Garden. Indulge in authentic Italian dishes like Zucchini Fritti, Zuppa Del Giorno, and Spaghetti Con Polpette at family-owned La Tavola Italiana Restaurant. Or chill out with Queso Fundido, Barbacoa Tacos, and a Paloma to drink at Gordo’s Tacos & Tequila.
Shadyside
- Home Price: $352,892 median purchase price; $1,283 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
Located on the East End of Pittsburgh, Shadyside is a highly-walkable area known for its array of eclectic boutiques, interesting restaurants, and exciting nightlife, making it one of the best places to live in Pittsburgh for young professionals and singles. Residents can take walks along charming Roslyn Place, the last wooden street in Pennsylvania. This neighborhood also offers fun community events and things to do while still remaining a quieter area to live in Pittsburgh. In terms of housing options, this safe, affordable Pittsburgh neighborhoods has Foursquare homes, modern apartments, and condos to rent or buy. And job opportunities are plentiful as well, thanks to the presence of major Pittsburgh employers like UPMC Shadyside and PNC Bank – Shadyside!
Things to Do in Shadyside
Participate in enjoyable neighborhood events—like the Shadyside Art Festival where you can see and buy cool art, and the summer outdoor concert series Jam on Walnut. Show off your swing during a tennis match with friends or take lessons to improve your skills at the indoor Mellon Park Tennis Center (aka Mellon Tennis Bubble). Rent skates, play hockey, and ice skate in the winter at Hunt Armory Seasonal Ice Rink. Laugh along at shows such as Totally Free Thursdays and the Scit Supershow! or take improv classes at Steel City Improv Theater. Wake up with a Spinach & Feta Crepe or Walnut Street French Toast and an organic House Coffee at Cafe Moulin. Discover Indian cuisine with Pakora, Gutti Vankaya, and Onion Naan at Masala House Indian Bistro. Get your fill of authentic Japanese dishes including Pork & Chive Gyoza, Kaisen Ramen, and Chicken Yakitori at Fujiya Ramen. Or grab a White Cranberry Cosmo, a stout or IPA, or a Shaken Espresso in a cool, open setting at The Urban Tap.
Squirrel Hill
- Home Price: $318,800 median purchase price; $1,249 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 81% of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
Are you looking for a pet-friendly, low-key neighborhood in Pittsburgh? Squirrel Hill is a classy, diverse area that’s great for young adults—and if you’re considering starting a family in the future, the northern part of the neighborhood is also one of the City of Bridges’ top neighborhoods for families. While Squirrel Hill South has a higher percentage of renters and is slightly more affordable than Squirrel Hill North—as a whole, residents are drawn to this neighborhood by its varied culinary scene, chic decor and book shops, and all the pleasant green spaces in the area, including the vast Schenley Park! It’s also a great spot for students, with Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham University located in Squirrel Hill, and the University of Pittsburgh slightly west of the neighborhood.
Things to Do in Squirrel Hill
Watch the latest blockbusters and engaging independent films while enjoying a cocktail at the historical Manor Theatre. Explore the Frick Environmental Center, play with your pup at the dog park, go lawn bowling, and more at Frick Park, Pittsburgh’s largest park. Become a member to dive into the pool, take yoga classes, and play squash at Pittsburgh Golf Club—and though you can’t actually play golf there, the public Bob O’Connor Golf Course is right next door. Ride your bike, hike, or walk your dog along the Monongahela River on Duck Hollow Trail. Kick the morning off with French Rolls, a Chocolate Croissant, or Seasonal Danish at Five Points Artisan Bakeshop. Munch on a Chicken Parm Hoagie or create your own pizza with toppings like homemade sausage, shrimp, hot banana peppers, and pineapple at Mineo’s Pizza House. See hand-pulled noodles made fresh, then try them in dishes like Pork Rib Noodle Soup or Taiwanese Sesame Cold Noodles at Everyday Noodles. Or go Kosher with Vegan Carrot Lox, a Veggie Sandwich, or a Garlic & Seasalt Bagel with schmear options including the House Hummus at Pigeon Bagels.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
