Pittsburgh's Academic Gems: A Local Expert's University & Housing Guide

Besides Pittsburgh's yearly homage to pickles, nationally recognized football team, and coinage of the word "yinz," the city is also known for its renowned higher education opportunities. We're famous for our medical and tech/engineering schools. That said, learners seeking opportunities outside those realms can also benefit from a quality education in this city.

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As a lifelong Pittsburger, only moving closer with time, Christine, a local expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com, would like to share some of the schools in the area that produce the best and brightest and provide a wealth of opportunities for those looking to advance their educations and careers. And I'll give you some hints on the best places to call home when you're in school, while I'm at it.

Carnegie Mellon University

What to Know About the School

In "Steel City," you can't have a list that doesn't include something related to Carnegie. He created most of the steel industry here and used his wealth to keep the city evolving in education and technology.

One of his greatest contributions to schooling was donating a sizable amount of money in 1900 to create the Carnegie Technical Schools — now known as Carnegie Mellon University. Today, the school still focuses on computer science, engineering, and robotics. However, it has expanded to include business and art programs and an array of other science-based options.

From what I've seen, the alumni achieve once they're outside Carnegie's doors. I went to school with a girl who attended this college, and from her profile on Facebook, she seems to be doing well for herself.

School Accolades

Interesting fact: 21 Carnegie Mellon alumni and staff members have won Nobel Peace prizes throughout the years, along with a number of students winning Pulitzer prizes, Emmys, Grammys, Tonys, and Academy Awards.

U.S. News has its eyes on the school as a whole and various areas of study, earning it all the following top spots:

• 21st in National Universities
• 8th in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs
• 10th in Chemical
• 2nd in Computer
• 8th in Electrical / Electronic / Communications
• 5th in Mechanical
• 1st in Management Information Systems
• 1st in Artificial Intelligence

Nearby Destinations

Carnegie Mellon's 90-acre campus, located in the suburb of Oakland, sits adjacent to Schenley Park — a large green space ideal for taking your mind off your studies or a place to sit and enjoy nature while you're cramming for that upcoming exam. The park has trails, a golf course, and even a sports complex.

You're also within walking distance to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, where you can use your student ID to get in at a discounted rate or choose to become a member.

It's also near the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where you'll find an extensive collection of botanicals from around the world. You may enter for a discounted rate with your student ID or choose to become a member here.

Besides all the educational destinations, some not mentioned above, the area is also plentiful with eateries so you can treat yourself on busy days.

Housing Near Carnegie Mellon

Because the area is student-centric, you'll find an array of housing options in Oakland for students, either for you alone or with friends. If you aren't keen on living directly in Oakland, you could look for Pittsburgh student housing in the following neighborhoods:

Squirrel Hill

If you'd like to escape the busyness of Oakland but remain close to campus, Squirrel Hill is where it's at. You'll benefit from a supportive community on almost every street, and without all the craziness of a larger city, you'll have no problem finding peace and quiet to study.

Plus, with its older buildings, you can get more bang for your buck and live in a space with more character than you'd find on campus.

The school is just a 5- to 10-minute bus ride or a 10- to 15-minute walk away.

Shadyside

Shadyside is a neighborhood near and dear to my heart, but it's on the pricier side, so it's more of a choice if you plan on sharing a space with multiple friends. That aside, it's a trendy part of the city with plenty of shopping outlets and social opportunities.

Recommendation: You have to visit Coffee Tree Roasters every now and then on study breaks. The espresso is a must-try — trust me.

East Liberty

It's technically an old town, but many parts have undergone facelifts throughout the years. As a student, you'll find the price most appealing. The city is still bringing its share of amenities, like cultural destinations, a branch of the Carnegie Library, and a YMCA.

Garfield

Affordable is the first thing that comes to mind for me with Garfield. But the benefits of living here don't stop there. It's a historical area that's retained much of its original working-class community feel.

On the first Friday of every month, Garfield hosts an art crawl. You'll find a range of restaurants there. My personal favorite is People's Indian Restaurant. Try the vegetable samosa. It's a must!

Friendship

If quiet with a dash of historic appeal is your desired vibe, check out Friendship. It's small, quaint, and endearing. You'll have no problem hitting the books every night without any disruption, though you'll find yourself wanting to head to Baum Grove Parklet to decompress during finals week.

And Shadyside, with all its shopping and allure, is just a short walk away.

University of Pittsburgh

Although the University of Pittsburgh (UOP) has locations in Johnstown, Greensburg, Bradford, and Titusville, its main branch is in the heart of Oakland on bustling Forbes Ave.

The school has a long history in the city of producing world-class minds since 1787. Originally called the Pittsburgh Academy, the UOP is one of the oldest higher learning institutions in the country. In 1819, it had another name change to Western University of Pennsylvania. In 1908, it dropped its clunky name and took on its permanent title, which is often shortened to Pitt by the residents.

Several people I attended high school with chose to make this their academic home, and I haven't heard one complaint yet. In fact, one classmate has gone quite far as a department head of nursing in a local hospital.

School Accolades

UOP is known as a mecca for health and science education, leading the way with groundbreaking research and training medical professionals who assist patients from all over the country — and world — who come for the specialty care provided.

We don't think much about polio today, thanks to Dr. Jonas Salk and his team at UOP, who created the first polio vaccine in 1955.

The team that discovered cortisone both graduated from Pitt as well.

And these achievements of alumni aren't considering all the strides researchers from the university have made with organ transplants.

The school has an 85 percent four-year graduation rate. And of all the nursing programs in the U.S., UOP's program ranks fourth.

Nearby Destinations

Though it's a little more pricey, check out The Porch. The tiramisu is exquisite. You'll also be near The Ritual House and Union Grill. I have no experience with either, but they're both highly rated on Google.

This neighborhood is also near green spaces (Frick Park, Liberty Green Park, and Mellon Green), where you can lie a blanket down and get in a last-minute study session.

Student Housing Near the University of Pittsburgh - Oakland/Pittsburgh Campus

You can find housing right in Oakland near the school, making the college and various other locations within walking distance.

All the same neighborhoods for Carnegie Mellon are options for Pitt students, too. Some other excellent choices include:

Bloomfield

I want to start by saying I love this area — so many fond memories of hanging out here with my cousin. It's a perfect location for you to make memories as well since it's an affordable neighborhood. The homes (and apartments) tend to be older, but they're full of personality and potential. Plenty of Italian eateries are here, and you can walk to pretty much anything you want. Except for the school — you'll need to take a five- to 15-minute bus ride there. (Hint: Ask if you can ride for free with your student ID.)

The Hill District (Crawford)

Crawford is only part of The Hill District; Lower Hill and Middle Hill, for instance, also make up the area and are only a short jaunt to the main UOP building. Public transit is readily available in this area, so you can commute through this section and throughout the city easily. This portion of the Burgh offers a mix of modern and classic housing for Pitt students. This area has plenty of public outdoor spaces, by the way.

Lawrenceville

If you choose to plant your roots here, at least while you're in school, I recommend heading to Butler St. It's the hangout of Lawrenceville. So you know, while much of the city is calm and peaceful, certain sections wake up at night.

Duquesne University

My stepson went here, so maybe I'm a bit biased. (Go Dukes!) He, however, is thriving after college, and he had no gripes while in school.

School Accolades and General Information

Located near downtown Pittsburgh, the 48-acre campus is where all the action is in Pittsburgh. The school has a long history in the city, dating back to 1878. Interestingly enough, founded by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, it's the only Spiritan institute of higher education in the nation.

The campus contains 10 schools, allowing you to major in liberal arts, engineering, business, law, nursing, and more.

FYI: The university boasts a 79 percent acceptance rate and a 67 percent four-year graduation rate.

Nearby Destinations

The school is only about a mile from Point State Park, a top pick for wasting an afternoon walking on the trails, fishing, or biking. This section of Pittsburgh is also known for its food places, like Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room — an Italian joint with pasta dishes and traditional bar foods.

Student Housing Near Duquesne

There's plenty of student housing near Duquesne, but if you'd like a bit of separation from school and home, several nearby neighborhoods can accommodate.

Uptown Pittsburgh

If I had to describe this part of the city with one word, it would be "urban."

You'll hear people call this "The Bluff" because it sits high and overlooks the Mon. River (Get used to saying it that way. All of us locals do.)

Uptown is right near the school, so your commute will be nothing.

PPG Paints Arena is nearby, so you can catch concerts whenever they're going on. Though you'll be near Ghost Coffee Collab and other hot spots, the public transportation system from Uptown is superb, taking you nearly anywhere you want to go in the area.

North Duquensne Heights

North Duquesne offers easy access to The Strip. If you visit, be sure to check out Mon Aimee Chocolate, Wholey's Fish Market, and Pennsylvania Macaroni Company. They're all favorites of Pittsburgh natives.

Overall, this is a very residential area, and you'll enjoy the views overlooking the river.

South Duquesne Heights

Like with North Duquesne Heights, the south side of it has breathtaking views. It's a calm area outside the commotion. Plus, you have quick access to the Monongahela Incline from here.

Polish Hill

This is also highly walkable. Like with the west side of the neighborhood, the east side is equally inexpensive, so you can save your money while you're in school and try to pay those loans off a little quicker.

Getting a quality education in Pittsburgh is possible at one of the many colleges in the area. These schools stand out for their rigorous academics, program options, and campus life. Fortunately, you can choose to be close to the university or discover other areas of "Sixburgh."