A Local Real Estate Expert’s Guide To Top Neighborhoods to Rent for Students in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is known for its bridges, breathtaking views, culture, and bustling nightlife. Though not every part of Steel City is perfect, each neighborhood, from the North Shore to the South Side, has a unique charm. And after experiencing much of the city alongside my family, I, Christine — a local expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com — recommend these 10 neighborhoods to call your home. I feel they offer the ideal balance between quality of life and affordable living.

I'd like to note that despite the steel mills closing many years ago, jobs are still bountiful here, particularly in healthcare, retail, and food service.

South Allegheny

South Allegheny is a quiet suburb of Pittsburgh, close enough to the big city that enjoying a spur-of-the-moment day downtown is always possible.

My favorite attraction in South Allegheny is the scenic, 63-mile Montour Trail for hikers and bicyclists. The Clairton section is in South Allegheny, while the rest extends into the surrounding communities. The trickling streams along the trail provide superb fishing opportunities. I have yet to see much wildlife besides squirrels, chipmunks, and birds, but the locals say they regularly spot deer and an occasional fox.

Kennywood and Sandcastle aren't far from South Allegheny. With Kennywood recently extending its season to include a winter schedule and opening before Easter, you'll be able to get the most out of a season pass.

The highlight of this area is the school district, as noted by my friend. She said their programs are exceptional, and the high school has a hospitality club and varied opportunities for her kids to develop technology and science skills.

Mount Lebanon

If I had to do it all over again, I'd choose here. Located about six miles from downtown, living in Mount Lebanon is convenient if you work in town but want the joys of calm, suburban living.

The school district ranks highly compared to many others on the list. And from what I've heard from family, the district is known for academic rigor and its various extracurriculars.

What stands out to me is its green spaces. For instance, when my son was younger, I spent a great deal of time at Lebanon Park. It's an ideal place to let kids burn off steam while parents benefit from the tranquil surroundings and fresh air. Everyone in the community is super welcoming, so my son made many friends here, despite not being from Mount Lebanon.

I highly recommend Bird Park. I spend many Sundays here taking a stroll on one of the nature paths. You can even build a fire and enjoy a cookout or participate in their conservation efforts — two activities on my to-do list.

Green Tree

Green Tree, located about five miles from downtown, is another Pittsburgh neighborhood where I'd plant my roots in a heartbeat. My all-time favorite spot here is the Green Tree Swimming Pool. It's extremely cost-friendly for residents to get a pass for themselves and their guests.

After a fun-filled day of swimming, we always stop at Antney's Ice Cream. Their menu is ever-changing, and the ice cream is homemade, so it's popular with locals and non-locals alike.

While I haven't visited yet, Green Tree is home to the Pittsburgh Barbecue Company, and I've heard wonderful things about their brisket and pulled pork.

East Carnegie

Small but mighty describes East Carnegie to a T. In fact, it's so small — measuring less than half a square mile — that if you blink, you might miss it. That said, from what I've been told, it's a close-knit community, with everyone knowing everyone.

Homes in this neighborhood tend to be on the older side, and some need a little TLC, but that only adds to its appeal while helping to keep prices low.

I often see kids at the local park playing basketball, making it a great place for your child to socialize.

Moreover, while this neighborhood isn't overflowing with businesses, it's near places that are, such as Green Tree.

About five or six miles from the area is a place I loved when my son was younger — the Carnegie Science Center. The exhibits are always changing, and plenty of them are interactive.

Especially if you have children, the Pittsburgh Paintball Park is a place to spend an afternoon. It's about five miles from East Carnegie, has various courses, and offers all-day passes.

Oakwood

Situated on the east end, Oakwood is a small, laid-back residential community. It, however, is near cities like Crafton and Green Tree — where shopping and eateries are more abundant. This is also close to Antney's Ice Cream. But when I was in Oakwood, I made it a point to try Angkor Restaurant, which I heard so much about. The green curry didn't disappoint, might I add.

The zoo isn't far from Oakwood, and it's worth the short drive there. Pittsburgh Zoo is highly acclaimed, with animals living in environments mimicking their natural biomes.

Luckily, if you prefer a car-free lifestyle or your vehicle breaks down, the bus line runs throughout Oakwood, making commuting easy.

Scott Township

Scott Township offers a traditional suburban vibe but is just three miles from downtown. The community pool, complete with water slides to make a splash, is the spot to be in summer. This area also has sprinklers.

I read the park has a playground, walking paths, and a tennis court, but we have yet to visit them.

You'll only find a few restaurants in Scott Township, but with so many dining choices downtown, don't let that deter you.

North Allegheny

The North Allegheny School District is highly regarded, ranked #1 in Pittsburgh and #2 in the state. While children can participate in all the extracurricular activities there, like cross-country, volleyball, and swimming, anyone can get all the physical activity they need on the Montour Trail that crosses through the area.North Alleghen

North Park is a destination where people of all ages can exercise, as it features a pool, tennis courts, and ice skating. Though ice skating was our family's favorite, I've been told they also have a golf course that's just as enjoyable and is always well-maintained.

Downtown Pittsburgh

You don't typically think of a big city's downtown as having affordable apartments, but Pittsburgh does! With ample public transportation and a highly walkable layout, you could easily live without a car downtown, whether by choice or not.

As a former ballet dancer, seeing the Nutcracker at the Benedum Center each winter has been a tradition of mine for years. Heinz Hall, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Fort Pitt Museum are other must-visits.

Gambling isn't my thing, but several friends and family can't stop talking about their evenings at the Rivers Casino, located on the North Shore.

FYI: If you become a Pittsburgh resident, it's practically a rite of passage for you to see a Steelers game at Heinz Field at least once, also on the North Shore.

The Duquesne Incline, though not technically downtown, is close enough to deserve a mention.

Allentown

If I had to pick another area in Pittsburgh to live, Allentown would make my top three. It's no longer a thriving industrial town as much as it's an evolving cultural hub. It's relatively walkable and has public transportation that takes residents downtown and to the nearby communities.

Coming from an Italian background, I can't tell you how many times my family celebrated special occasions at the upscale restaurant, Alla Famiglia.

Truth be told, Allentown lacks green spaces, but the 257-acre Emerald View Park more than makes up for that. This sprawling park spans over the rolling hillside and then some, supplying plenty of opportunities for those in the community to enjoy nature. My son and I went hiking and swimming here countless times. Sometimes, we visited the playground or struck up a ball game with friends.

Middle Hill

I've spent quite a bit of time here because my cousin lived not far from Middle Hill in Bloomfield. Overall, there's a good mix of old and new here. Over the years, I've witnessed the city gradually transforming into a more modern area, but some homes still haven't been given any well-needed attention.

My friends and cousin tell me the Crawford Grill is a place to check out if I ever return to Middle Hill.

This is more of a residential neighborhood, but if you're looking for good eats or some entertainment, downtown is only about a mile or so away.

Pittsburgh isn't short on culture, history, businesses, and outdoor activities, which makes it hard to see myself ever relocating. Fortunately, the city has numerous neighborhoods that are easy on the budget but big on amenities, including North and South Allegheny and Middle Hill. And you'll be welcomed with open arms by current residents from the day you get the key to your new home!