Most people don’t realize this, but Ted and I didn’t grow up in Pittsburgh.
Yes, I was born here, but I primarily grew up in Kansas and Texas (where Ted and I met at the school bus stop).
We’re fortunate to call Pittsburgh home, and we’re even luckier to help people from all over the country move here.
But we both know how tricky it is to find the perfect neighborhood to match your lifestyle, income, budget, and other priorities.
After all, we love our home in Swissvale, but it’s certainly not the best fit for everyone!
That’s why we’re explaining everything you need to know about moving to our wonderful city:
Who’s Moving to Pittsburgh?
From our experience working with transplants, the local Tech scene is attracting the largest wave of out-of-towners.
And the research supports that. The industries driving Pittsburgh’s growth are all tech-related:
Robotics & AI
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Advanced Manufacturing
Education Technology
Clean Energy & Sustainability
Cybersecurity & IT Services
We’ve seen them come from all over the United States. Most recently, we’ve worked with people moving from LA, Houston, Boston, and Chicago.
Related Reading: How to Juggle Buying and Selling A Home At the Same Time
What Are The Best Pittsburgh Neighborhoods to Move to From Other Cities?
So, where should everyone move to? It’s a complicated question based on personal preferences, needs, budget, and much, much more.
Popular Neighborhoods For Transplants
In general, we’re seeing new Pittsburghers prioritize the East End, especially in neighborhoods close to Bakery Square and Robotics Row.
Two neighborhoods especially stand out:
North Point Breeze - The development of Bakery Square and Rockwell Park have made North Point Breeze a favorite, and have made the busy road of Penn Ave less of a burden. These houses are rich in character and offer a lot of space, and the proximity to Mellon Park, Frick Park, and soon-to-be renovated Westinghouse Park is a great bonus. Read our Point Breeze Neighborhood Report to learn more.
Squirrel Hill - For those with extra budget, Squirrel Hill is a popular choice for its great schools, cultural diversity, and easy access to Oakland and other neighborhoods. Plus, Squirrel Hill is a walkable neighborhood with great restaurants and niche shopping opportunities.
Other Neighborhoods to Check Out
Of course, there are many other places to check as well. We’re seeing many people from other areas of the country move to:
Bellevue - This cute neighborhood has undergone a major transformation in recent years, and locals love it for its blend of affordability, walkability, and urban feel—while still offering a simple drive to Downtown. Bellevue’s business district is on the upswing, and groups like Bellevue Forward are working to spur additional growth.
Mt. Lebanon - This is a prime destination for families. As the East End grows more expensive, Mt. Lebanon provides beautiful homes at relatively affordable prices—with a wonderful community, great schools, and a thriving downtown area.
The Suburbs - I know, that’s such a general, non-committal statement, but we do see people move to the North Hills or South Hills (and rarely to the west or east of the city). North of the Allegheny River, families love areas like North Allegheny, Gibsonia, Fox Chapel, and Hampton. In the South, we see people move to Mt. Lebanon (as we mentioned), and Upper St. Clair.
If someone does move beyond the city limits—like Penn Hills or Monroeville—it’s usually because of the relatively low cost of living. You can still get that classic Pittsburgh affordability in these areas!
Related Reading: Six Beautiful & Unique Homes of Pittsburgh
Quick Hitters: Best Pittsburgh Neighborhoods Based On Interests
We’ve created a quick list of the best Pittsburgh neighborhoods to move to depending on your interests:
For Nightlife: Lawrenceville
For Schools: North Allegheny
For the Food Scene: Lawrenceville or Bloomfield
For Shopping: Sewickley
For Nature: Regent Square
For Sports: Mexican War Streets (North Side)
For Public Transportation: Dormont
For Diversity: Swissvale
For Overall Value: Bellevue
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer. The City of Pittsburgh is home to 90 distinct neighborhoods, and Allegheny County has even more.
Each one offers its own unique personality, features, and attractions—so it’s worth poking around to see which one could be the best fit for you, your family, and your priorities.
Find the Right Home For You
If you’re ready to start your Pittsburgh journey, contact us!
We’d be happy to help you explore Pittsburgh and find the ideal home for you.
Cheers,
J&T