Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Oakland

As home to the campus of the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Oakland is the academic and health care center of Pittsburgh. Many local landmarks can be found here, including the Cathedral of Learning and Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Monument. The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Phipps Conservatory and Schenley Park are also located in Oakland, which was named for the abundance of oak trees that grow in the area. Today, this urbanized neighborhood is a main international hub for medical research and is home to both the Falk Institute and Carnegie Mellon University. The homes of Pittsburgh’s early professional sports teams, including Forbes Field and Pitt Stadium, were also located in Oakland. onlyinoakland.com

Southside

The South Side is less than 5 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh and runs along the Monongahela River. This neighborhood is near three universities, making it a favorite for college students. The historic Victorian neighborhood of South Side Flats is one of the largest examples of Victorian-age architecture in the US. The area’s early settlers were European immigrants who came to work in the steel industry. Sections of the neighborhood utilize public staircases to offer panoramic views of the hilly countryside, and many of the original row houses located along East Carson Street, the main artery for travel along the South Side, have been converted into restaurants and nightclubs, making this area a very active and important part of Pittsburgh nightlife. southsidechamber.org

North Shore

The North Shore neighborhood, known as Allegheny City until 1907, is just north of downtown and is a hub for entertainment and sports related activities. From bird watchers to baseball fans, North Shore has something of interest for all visitors. The National Aviary features an extensive collection of more than 600 birds from locales around the world. At the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Science Center, an assortment of exhibits and interactive activities are geared towards kids, while art enthusiasts will enjoy the Andy Warhol Museum. The Rivers Casino is another popular destination located here, and North Shore is home to both Heinz Field and PNC Park for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pitt Panthers and Pirates baseball games. northsidenow.com

Mt. Washington

Many of the breathtaking photos of the Pittsburgh skyline and the Point that you find were taken atop Mt. Washington. This small neighborhood is located approximately five minutes from downtown just above the Southside neighborhood. It is well known for its steep hill overlooking the Pittsburgh skyline and has been rated the second most beautiful vista in America by USA Weekend. Both the Monongahela and Duquesne inclines are located here, the oldest continually operating inclines in the world. A series of restaurants featuring unbelievable views of the city are located along Grandview Ave. facebook.com/MountWashingtonPA

Bloomfield

Known as Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, Bloomfield is only 10 minutes from downtown and near several universities. It features a very colorful mix of shops, restaurants, salons, bakeries and bars. Treelined streets compliment restored Victorian and Edwardian homes originally built in the 1800’s. Little Italy Days is a three day festival held every September to salute the neighborhood’s history and heritage attracting over 25,000 attendees. Their annual Halloween and Columbus Day parades are also must-see events. bloomfieldnow.com

Oakland

Southside

North Shore

Mt. Washington

Bloomfield

Strip District

Lawrenceville

Shadyside

Squirrel Hill

Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Strip District

You’ll find the Strip District, or the “Strip” as its known locally, a very short ride of about three minutes from downtown Pittsburgh along Penn and Liberty Aves. This narrow “strip” of land is one of the most festive and active areas in Pittsburgh. The Strip is home to many vendors of fresh produce and meats, open air markets, souvenirs, clothing, candy, antiques,and list goes on. Nestled in between these merchants, you’ll find many restaurants offering cuisine of all types in many different settings and a few nightclubs, as well.

This area’s location and access to transportation made it ideal for industrial development in the early 1800’s. In fact, Andrew Carnegie got his start in the iron and steel industries at the Upper and Lower Union Mills at Smallman and 33rd Streets. ALCOA began in this area and George Westinghouse built his first factory here on Liberty Ave. In the late 1800’s local wholesale produce companies relocated in this area. Today, the character and history is still intact here co-mingling with all things current creating an exciting and festive environment making it a great place to spend an afternoon. neighborsinthestrip.com

Lawrenceville

The Lawrenceville community has ties to William Barclay Foster, one of the foremost composers in the United States, who founded Lawrenceville in 1814. He was the father of composer Stephen Foster, born in 1826, whose musical compositions include Suwanee River, My Old Kentucky Home, and the ever-popular Oh! Susanna. Located along the riverfront less than three miles from downtown and right next to the Strip District, Lawrenceville features stylish row houses lining the streets where old Pittsburgh charm meets a modern edge. Lawrenceville has become popular among young professionals in recent years, and is the site of many renovations and projects to preserve original architecture and turn-of-the century houses, bringing new restaurants, boutiques, shopping venues and coffee shops to the neighborhood. lvpgh.com

Shadyside

The mid-nineteenth century affluent Shadyside neighborhood blends elegant Victorian architecture with modern structures, maintaining the history and ambiance of times past with the current atmosphere of a robust city. Originally named for the local railroad station, Shadyside remains true to its roots as a bustling hub for shopping, dining and nightlife. Boutiques, galleries and shops can be found next to national retailers in a neighborhood of tree lined streets and historic homes. University students, aspiring artists, corporate executives and young professionals make their home in the Shadyside neighborhood, which is located approximately 12 minutes east of downtown. thinkshadyside.com

Squirrel Hill

Located just 10 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, Squirrel Hill offers everything from vintage taverns to trendy cafes plus easy access to college campuses. It is also home to many high end boutiques and a fine jewelry store that make for an enjoyable afternoon of shopping and sampling the flavors of the neighborhood. Native Americans may have named the area “Squirrel Hill” due to the large numbers of grey squirrels in the vicinity. Several nature related points of interest can be found in the community, which is bordered by Frick Park, a popular place for sledding in winter, and Schenley Park, where the annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix takes place each July. squirrelhillhistory.org

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