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Best Areas to Live

Neighborhood rankings for families, professionals, and students — sample data to help you start researching.

neighborhoods
6neighborhoods
categories
3categories

Scores, rent, and home prices are sample data. Verify with current listings and local sources.

Top Rated Neighborhoods

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
Top-rated schoolsSafe neighborhoodsWalkable downtown
View guide →
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
Upscale shoppingFine diningClose to universities
View guide →
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
Diverse communityExcellent schoolsWalkable
View guide →
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
University districtAffordable housingMuseums
View guide →
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
Arts districtCraft breweriesHistoric architecture
View guide →
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
Urban livingWalkableCultural attractions
View guide →

Best for Families

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
View neighborhood guide

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
View neighborhood guide

Best for Young Professionals

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
View neighborhood guide

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
View neighborhood guide

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
View neighborhood guide

Best for Students

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
View neighborhood guide