Quiz: Which Pittsburgh Neighborhood is Right for You?
Find out where you should plant your roots.
If you’ve never stepped foot in Pittsburgh, you probably associate the city with its sports teams, Andy Warhol, or maybe even the large role it played in the country’s steel industry. But ask any local, and you’ll soon find out that this Pennsylvania city is not only the perfect place to visit, but also to plant roots.
The cost of living here is very affordable for a big city, and when it comes to housing, the median listing home price is about $225,000, while the median rent is $1,400 per month, both according to Zillow. Throw into the mix the fact that Pittsburgh has water features like Chicago, museums and parks like New York City, and some of the best schools in the nation, and you’ll start to understand why residents are buzzing about their city.
One of the best things about Pittsburgh is that it has a variety of diverse neighborhoods — though they can feel overwhelming for people who aren’t familiar with them. Thinking Pittsburgh might be the right city for you? We developed a quiz to help you figure out which neighborhood suits you best.
Your ideal Saturday looks like…
- Perusing one-of-a-kind shops, grabbing a delicious bite and catching a movie — all in the same area.
- A cappuccino followed by a bookstore followed by a delicious pasta dish.
- A hike followed by a picnic in the park.
- Exploring a farmers market during the day, then grabbing dinner at a tapas restaurant in the evening.
Your friends would describe you as…
- A hipster. Living in an urban area is a must for you, and you love exploring unique places that come with a history.
- Laid-back, yet energetic. You are always at ease and the first person your friends call when they want to do something fun.
- A people person. You love being around others, and you feed off their energy.
- Classy and sophisticated, yet down to earth.
Your idea of fun is…
- Trying out a trendy restaurant or bar with friends.
- Learning about and exploring other cultures.
- Fine dining that comes with a gorgeous view.
- Spending time within your community – whether that be walking your neighborhood, supporting local businesses or attending an event.
The shoes that adorn your feet are most likely…
- A pair of Converse or Chelsea boots.
- You don’t have a favorite — your shoe collection is pretty eclectic.
- Sneakers or heels/dress shoes — you don’t have an in between.
- You’re always wearing the latest must-have.
If you answered mostly A, you might like Lawrenceville.
Located in northeast Pittsburgh, this lively urban neighborhood exudes a fun, hipster vibe that residents love. Lawrenceville’s Butler Street, which has industrial roots, will become your go-to spot for shopping, dining and entertainment. The street is home to the popular Arsenal Bowl, a bowling alley that’s been part of the community since 1938, where folks can find great food, bowling and music. Plus, people flock to Row House Cinema, an 84-seat theater that says it shows “new, old, popular, weird, amazing and obscure” movies. A few other great places in Lawrenceville include Mello & Sons, where you can peruse vintage treasures, and Inkwell Coffee Shop.
If you answered mostly B, you might like Bloomfield.
Also known as Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, Bloomfield is a vibrant, laid-back neighborhood, whose Italian roots go back more than five generations. Every year, the neighborhood hosts Little Italy Days, which began in 2002 to celebrate Bloomfield’s heritage. The four-day event provides attendees with music, food and fun. In addition to the festival, the area is still home to a few Italian businesses, like The Pleasure Bar, which opened in 1941. Here, you can pair classic Italian favorites — think chicken parmigiana or linguini — with fresh cocktails and beer. Though it still gives off an Italian vibe, the area has diversified over the years, adding things like Tram’s Kitchen, a Vietnamese restaurant, and APTEKA, which serves up Central and Eastern European fare, as well as cute shops, like White Whale Bookstore, Clothes Minded (a consignment store), and YINZ Coffee, where you can grab a latte and pastry.
If you answered mostly C, you might like Mount Washington.
Mount Washington is a stylish neighborhood in Pittsburgh that overlooks downtown — meaning nearly everything comes with a pretty view of the city (Point State Park, restaurants, houses, high-rises, etc.) This area isn’t just loved by residents, it’s also a tourist destination. Everyone flocks to Restaurant Row on Grandview Avenue, which has several fine-dining establishments, such as Altius, which serves contemporary American cuisine, like vegan wild mushroom papillote, and a full menu of delicious cocktails (try A Sip With a View). Also popular in the area are cable car rides along the two inclines — Duquesne and Monongahela — as well as Emerald View Park, where you can enjoy hiking trails, overlooks, wooded hillsides, picnic areas, playgrounds and ballfields.
If you answered mostly D, you might like Sewickley.
Elegant, sophisticated and charming, this high-end neighborhood is made up of quaint, tree-lined streets as well as art galleries, bookstores, jewelry shops and a variety of restaurants. You’ll love The Hotel & Rosa’s Cantina, where The Hotel serves American comfort food, like brisket burgers and salad, while its outdoor dining area — Rosa’s — serves mouthwatering Tex-Mex. Another local favorite is the causal and chic Lula, where you’ll find delicious tapas (like grilled cheese and soup) and wine. As far as shops, the neighborhood has Gather, a home goods store, and Spoiled Chics, which sells a collection of jewelry, clothes and bags. Plus, the neighborhood hosts plenty of fun events throughout the year, from Sewickley Farmers Market to Sewickley Night Mart, which combines handcrafted items, music and food.
This article was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
