Pittsburgh is a patchwork of neighborhoods, many of which still retain an ethnic character reflecting the city’s immigrant history. An example is Squirrel Hill, which has one of the nation’s larger Jewish populations. These neighborhoods are often characterized by local restaurants, places of worship, and bars that reflect the people’s heritage. Other communities typical of the city are African American, Irish American, Italian American, German American and Eastern European, such as Polish. Some neighborhoods, such as Oakland, have a more diverse, urban feel.
Bloomfield
Just east of Downtown Pittsburgh, Bloomfield’s colorful mix of shops and restaurants attracts thousands of visitors from around the region. The Liberty Avenue district boasts more than 200 businesses, including several dozen retail shops and two dozen food establishments – many with Italian cuisine. And, with Italian roots that go back five generations or more, Bloomfield is designated as “Pittsburgh’s Little Italy.” Yet, the historic mix also includes German and Polish ancestries, all of which share strong ethnic pride, customs and commitment to family and neighborhood.
East Academia
Not only is the east side a cultural and medical hub, the East is also home to the area’s most well known academic institutions, the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Not to be hidden in the shadows of these major schools, Carlow College is quickly making a name for itself as the nation’s fastest growing women’s college, and Chatham College of Shadyside has established itself as a quality liberal arts school.
Not quite in the East (downtown), but just as noteworthy, Duquesne University has been rated in the Top 5 percent of best values in college education by Money Magazine and in the Top Half of all national universities by U.S. News and World Report. Robert Morris College is also making headlines with its downtown location and its 230-acre campus in Moon Township. Last but not least, Point Park College offers its students the campus of Downtown Pittsburgh, within walking distance to the best features of this wonderful city.
Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville, one of the city’s largest neighborhoods, is also one of Pittsburgh’s oldest neighborhoods. Though it bills itself as a “back to the basics” neighborhood, Lawrenceville’s 11,000 residents represent a changing mix of established families, whose parents and grandparents moved to Pittsburgh in the late 1800s to work in the factories, and young professionals, artists and musicians attracted by the architectural gems and affordable homes.
North Shore
Beginning with Pittsburgh’s North Side and traveling up I 279 to Ross Township and Wexford, or out Route 28 to Shaler and Fox Chapel, the Northern part of Pittsburgh is a popular location for entertainment and shopping as well as a great place to live.
Heinz Field and PNC Park stand on the North Shore, across the river from Downtown Pittsburgh. More family fun awaits at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Science Center, UPMC Sports Works and the National Aviary. The homes in Allegheny West, also on the North Side, were the estates of some of Pittsburgh’s most prestigious families. In 1990, the City designated the residential sections of the neighborhood as an historic district, encompassing about 210 buildings. North Shore is lined with streets full of historic homes and beautiful architecture. Take a walk down the famous Mexican War Streets, now completely renovated capturing the essence of the time the houses were built.
Point Breeze
East of Downtown is Point Breeze, an attractive neighborhood with gracious homes set back along wide streets. Point Breeze is also the magnificent home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick, Clayton, the focal point of the Frick Art & Historical Center. The Frick also includes the Car & Carriage Museum, Art Museum, and an award winning café. The residents of Point Breeze are generally young professionals with families, many of whom are associated with the city’s educational and health care institutions.
Regent Square
Regent Square is on the city’s border, east of Downtown. The neighborhood’s proximity to parks, especially Frick Park, and a compact commercial area add to its appeal. The heart of Regent Square on South Braddock Avenue includes an area of village-like shops, including a high-end florist, coffee shop, bakery, salon, theater, restaurants, Laundromat, dentist, doctor and auto service – all within a two-block area! Regent Square’s attractive family homes which sit along wide streets offer residents an array of architectural styles. The abundance of trees gives the neighborhood a park-like quality.
Strip District
Along the Allegheny River, just northeast of Downtown, is the mile-long stretch known as The Strip District. Dripping with character, the Strip District is the kind of place that’s seen hard use and can handle it. You can sense what the Strip must have been like in the past – rugged and purposeful – with all the old warehouses and factories.
Located at the entrance to The Strip, the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center profiles the people and events that shaped the region, from times of hardship to times of prosperity. There is no better place to grasp a sense of Pittsburgh’s continued renaissance.
This neighborhood is bustling with businesses where you can find fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, spices, house wares and sports paraphernalia of all kinds at affordable prices. People from all ethnic and social classes can be found on the crowded sidewalks, squeezing between sidewalk sellers displaying their wares and food vendors making made-to-order hot dogs.
Mt. Washington
Mt. Washington, located directly to the south of Downtown, boasts a view to beat all views. In fact, USA Weekend magazine named it one of the top 10 most beautiful views in the country. And getting there is half the fun. Every year nearly one million residents and visitors ride the historic Duquesne or Monongahela Inclines up from bustling Station Square to Mt. Washington. This scenic overlook, which provides a breathtaking view of Downtown and the Golden Triangle, is also home to many of Pittsburgh’s most elegant restaurants, unique shops and memorable places. A visit to the neighborhood business district is like returning to the charm of a small town – penny candy and all.
Oakland
Oakland is alive with art museums, history centers, prestigious universities, grand architecture, quaint coffee shops and international cuisine. Long considered the cultural center of Pittsburgh, Oakland houses the Carnegie Library Main Branch, the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Carnegie Music Hall and Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum & Memorial, which offers a vast collection of military memorabilia. For shopping and dining, cruise down Craig Street business district.
South Side
From the flats of historic South Side, up the hills or through the tunnels to close-knit ethnic city neighborhoods, the southern part of Pittsburgh offers a variety of activities. Narrow winding streets and a network of steps connect the hillside community known locally as the ’Slopes.’ A climb up the Slopes will reward you with spectacular views of the city and an abundance of green space.
The one thing Pittsburgh is best known for is its beautiful skyline view from Mt. Washington’s Grandview Avenue overlooks. The best way to get there is on one of the famous inclines available on Carson Street. One, the Monongahela Incline, is available directly across from Station Square and will take you to the beginning of the Grandview Avenue strip. The other, the Duquesne Incline, is further down Carson street heading west, and it will take you to all of the famous fine restaurants overlooking the beautiful city.
Western Neighborhoods
The western part of the city is one of Pittsburgh’s best kept secrets. Beginning within city limits at the West End, it expands to suburban boroughs such as Crafton with its fabulous old homes, to Robinson Township, a huge shopping district and large residential neighborhood. Most commonly known for the Pittsburgh International Airport located in Findlay Township, the west is in the middle of an economic development boom that’s making it an attractive location for shopping, entertainment and living.
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
In 1966 Reverend Frederick McFeely Rogers moved his show, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood to WQED in Pittsburgh. Distribution of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood began on National Educational Television in 1968. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood has the distinction of being the longest running program on PBS.
Teresa Heinz (who personally knew him) said, “He never condescended, just invited us into his conversation. He spoke to us as the people we were, not as the people others wished we were.’
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