Best Pittsburgh Neighborhoods by Lifestyle
Pittsburgh is a city of distinct neighborhoods — over 90 of them — each with its own character, price point, and community feel. Here's a breakdown of the most popular areas by lifestyle type to help you narrow down where to live.
For Young Professionals
Pittsburgh's most buzzed-about neighborhood, with a thriving restaurant scene, boutique shops, art galleries, and easy access to Downtown. Particularly popular with 25–40 professionals. Housing ranges from renovated rowhouses to newer apartments.
Adjacent to Lawrenceville and Shadyside, East Liberty has undergone significant revitalization with new apartments, restaurants, and the Google Pittsburgh office. Great transit access and a diverse, energetic community.
Famous for its weekend market, specialty food vendors, and proximity to Downtown. Growing residential development is making it increasingly attractive for professionals who want to be close to the action.
East Carson Street is Pittsburgh's busiest entertainment corridor. South Side is fun, walkable, and conveniently located. Great for those who want an active social scene within steps of their front door.
For Families
One of Pittsburgh's most desirable neighborhoods for families, with excellent public and private schools, walkable shopping corridors, Frick Park access, and a strong community culture. Among the most in-demand — and pricey — neighborhoods in the city.
Walnut Street offers upscale shopping and dining, with beautiful Victorian architecture and tree-lined residential streets. Close to UPMC and Carnegie Mellon University, making it popular with healthcare and academic professionals with families.
Consistently ranked among Pennsylvania's top school districts. Quiet, safe, and suburban with a strong community identity. Popular with families relocating from other metro areas who prioritize school quality and neighborhood safety.
Located in Washington County south of Pittsburgh, Peters Township offers spacious lots, excellent schools, and lower property taxes than Allegheny County. A top choice for families seeking suburban space with easy access to Pittsburgh.
For Retirees
- Bethel Park — A quiet, established suburb with excellent healthcare access, walkable commercial areas, and a strong senior community
- Green Tree — Compact, safe, and conveniently located near medical centers including West Penn Hospital and UPMC Mercy
- Robinson Township — Growing western suburb with excellent retail access, newer housing stock, and lower traffic congestion than eastern suburbs
Pittsburgh's neighborhoods are hilly and some have extremely limited parking. If a car is essential to your daily routine, visit your prospective neighborhood on a weekday evening before committing to a lease or purchase — the parking reality can be very different from what you expect.
Pittsburgh Public and Private Schools Overview
Education is a major factor for families relocating to Pittsburgh. Here's a quick overview of your options:
Pittsburgh Public Schools (Pittsburgh Public Schools District)
The Pittsburgh Public Schools district serves the city of Pittsburgh and includes magnet programs, specialized high schools, and International Baccalaureate programs. The district's selective programs — including Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy, Pittsburgh CAPA (performing arts), and Pittsburgh Gifted Center — are highly regarded. For families in the city proper, researching your assigned school and available transfers is important before choosing where to live.
Top-Rated Suburban School Districts
- Mt. Lebanon School District — Consistently among Pennsylvania's highest-rated districts, with a strong college preparatory track
- Upper St. Clair School District — Excellent academic reputation, south of Pittsburgh
- North Allegheny School District — Large, high-performing district in the northern suburbs
- Peters Township School District — Newer district with strong academics and modern facilities in Washington County
- Bethel Park School District — Well-regarded district with strong extracurricular programs
Private and Catholic Schools
Pittsburgh has a strong Catholic school tradition, with diocesan schools spread throughout the city and suburbs. Notable private schools include The Ellis School, Winchester Thurston, and Shady Side Academy — all offering competitive college preparatory programs.
Relocating to Pittsburgh from out of state? Diversity Movers specializes in long-distance moves to Western PA.
Long Distance Moving Services →Cost of Living in Pittsburgh Compared to Other US Cities
One of Pittsburgh's most compelling advantages for relocating residents is its cost of living — significantly lower than comparable cities, especially for housing.
| Cost Category | Pittsburgh | Washington DC | Chicago | Boston |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$225,000 | ~$650,000 | ~$340,000 | ~$700,000 |
| 1BR Apartment (avg) | ~$1,200/mo | ~$2,400/mo | ~$1,900/mo | ~$2,800/mo |
| Overall Cost of Living | 8–12% below national avg | 38% above avg | 7% above avg | 47% above avg |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% (flat) | 8.95% top rate | 4.95% | 5.0% |
Pennsylvania's flat 3.07% income tax rate is one of the lowest in the northeast, and Pittsburgh's housing affordability is exceptional compared to coastal metros. For remote workers or those with location-independent income, the financial case for relocating to Pittsburgh is genuinely compelling.
"We moved from Washington DC to Pittsburgh for Pitt Med and were shocked at how much more space we got for our money. Diversity Movers handled our long-distance move perfectly — everything arrived on time and in perfect condition."
— Dr. Marcus H., Pittsburgh PA
Setting Up Utilities, Internet, and Local Services
When you arrive in Pittsburgh, you'll need to set up a handful of essential services. Here's the practical breakdown:
Electricity
Duquesne Light Company is the primary electric utility in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh and most surrounding areas). Set up service at duquesnelight.com or by calling (412) 393-7100. Schedule your service start date to coincide with your move-in date.
Natural Gas
Peoples Natural Gas serves most of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Equitable Gas serves some surrounding areas. Set up at peoples-gas.com or contact your property manager to confirm your gas provider.
Water & Sewer
City of Pittsburgh residents are served by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA). Suburban residents should contact their local municipality directly — service providers vary significantly by borough and township.
Internet Service
- Comcast Xfinity — Available throughout most of Pittsburgh and suburbs; widely used and generally reliable
- Verizon Fios — Available in select Pittsburgh neighborhoods and some suburbs; fiber-based with strong speeds
- T-Mobile Home Internet — A wireless alternative that has expanded availability significantly; increasingly competitive pricing
Pittsburgh Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Pittsburgh has a genuine four-season climate. New residents — especially those coming from warmer parts of the country — should understand what to expect before and after their move.
Warm and humid. Occasional thunderstorms. Pittsburgh summers are genuinely enjoyable with outdoor festivals, sports, and parks.
Beautiful foliage across the hillside neighborhoods. Cooling temperatures. Light rain increases through November.
Cold with regular snowfall (avg 28 inches/year). Pittsburgh is hilly — winter driving requires care. Diversity Movers handles cold-weather moves safely.
Mild and rainy. Trees and city parks come alive. Pittsburgh is gorgeous in spring — a great time to explore your new neighborhood on foot.
Pittsburgh is famously cloudy — the city averages only about 59 sunny days per year. Many new residents are surprised by the persistent overcast weather, particularly in winter and early spring. Stock up on vitamin D and embrace the city's indoor cultural scene during the grey months.
Why Diversity Movers Is the Go-To for Interstate Moves to Pittsburgh
If you're relocating to Pittsburgh from another state, you need a mover that understands both the logistics of a long-distance move and the nuances of Pittsburgh itself — its neighborhoods, its hills, its parking constraints, and its apartment building requirements.
Diversity Moving Company is Pittsburgh-based, Pittsburgh-experienced, and Pittsburgh-committed. We've been handling long-distance moves into Western Pennsylvania for over 15 years, and we bring that local knowledge to every job. Our long-distance service includes:
- Binding quotes with no surprise fees on delivery day
- Direct delivery — your belongings don't sit in a warehouse or get transferred between trucks
- Full packing services available for complete door-to-door relocation
- Certificate of Insurance provided for any Pittsburgh apartment building that requires it
- Storage options if your new home isn't ready on your move date
Learn more about our long-distance moving services or request a free moving quote today.