Pittsburgh is known for its friendly residents, rich history, and breathtaking architecture. It is also home to a diverse range of neighborhoods, each one unique in its way.
While there is no such thing as a completely crime-free area, some neighborhoods in Pittsburgh are known for their safety and security.
Low crime rates, well-maintained homes and properties, and vibrant community life characterize Pittsburgh’s safest neighborhoods. Residents in these neighborhoods can enjoy a peaceful and secure lifestyle without worrying about walking around at night.
Whether you’re a young professional looking for a safe, trendy neighborhood or a family seeking a quiet and friendly community to raise your children, Pittsburgh has something for everyone. So let’s explore some of the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh and why they stand out from the rest.
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The Safest Neighbourhoods of Pittsburgh Area
Here are the safest neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh area as of 2023:
Squirrel Hill North
Squirrel Hill North is a cozy and diverse neighborhood located in Pittsburgh, PA. It boasts two prestigious universities in Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham University, which attract a vibrant student population. The neighborhood is also renowned for its indie clothing boutiques, decor shops, and bookstores that attract a broad range of residents.
Squirrel Hill North has a relatively low crime rate compared to the rest of the city, making it an excellent place to live. Its population consists of families and young professionals who appreciate the neighborhood’s safety. Furthermore, the community is family-oriented and has high-performing public and private schools.
Squirrel Hill North has a vast array of restaurants, ranging from Thai and Indian cuisine to pizza joints and delis. The neighborhood has its fair share of green space, with several parks for outdoor activities.
Swisshelm Park
Swisshelm Park is a charming neighborhood located in the southeast corner of Pittsburgh that boasts a tight-knit community and a range of amenities. The area is known for its top-rated schools, such as Dickson Elementary STEAM Academy, which offers a comprehensive education program. The neighborhood also has easy access to the Parkway (I-376), which provides convenient transportation options.
What makes Swisshelm Park stand out is its low crime rate. Crime rates in this area are 73% lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. Additionally, residents enjoy a range of local amenities, such as restaurants and parks.
Fairywood
Fairywood is a charming neighborhood located at the west end of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is a safe and good neighborhood due to its low crime rates, excellent schools, and affordable housing options. The population of Fairywood is 4,875, and the median home value is $151,172.
The neighborhood is surrounded on three sides by non-city boroughs, which adds to its peaceful and serene environment. Fairywood has a rich history, dating back to the early 1900s, and is known for its beautiful parks and restaurants.
Crime rates in Fairywood are 14% lower than the national average, making it a safe place to raise a family or settle down. If you are looking for a peaceful and affordable place to call home, Fairywood is an excellent choice.
East Carnegie
East Carnegie is known for its safety and excellent quality of life. The neighborhood is situated in the West End of Pittsburgh, adjacent to the Oakwood neighborhood, and has a population of 1,917.
One of the standout features of East Carnegie is its low crime rate, which is 78% lower than the national average. This is partly due to the community’s strong unity and active neighborhood watch programs. The neighborhood also boasts excellent schools, including the highly-rated Carlynton School District.
East Carnegie is home to several parks and large tracts of wooded land, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Additionally, the neighborhood has a variety of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to live for those who value convenience and accessibility.
Point Breeze
Point Breeze is located in the East End of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The neighborhood’s population is 3,784, and it has a mix of urban-suburban feel.
The median rent in Point Breeze is $1,349, which is affordable for young professionals and retirees. The area is known for its low crime rates, making it a safe neighborhood. The schools in Point Breeze are highly rated, making it a great place to raise a family.
The neighborhood also has several parks, including Mellon Park, a great place to enjoy outdoor activities. Many restaurants are in the area, including the popular Point Brugge Cafe, which serves Belgian cuisine.
Regent Square
Regent Square’s history dates back to the late 1800s when it was developed as a streetcar suburb. Today, the neighborhood is home to a diverse population of 3,095 residents.
Regent Square is known for its excellent schools, including the highly ranked Pittsburgh Public Schools and private schools such as The Ellis School and Winchester Thurston School. Crime rates in the area are low, making it a safe place to live.
The neighborhood is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as several parks, including Frick Park and Fern Hollow Nature Center. Regent Square’s unique location, nestled between four different municipalities, makes it a true gem in Pittsburgh.
Highland Park
Highland Park is a peaceful neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known for its leafy Highland Park. The park features trails, a lake, picnic areas, and the Victorian-style Entry Garden home to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
This neighborhood has several relaxed bistros, cafes, and Thai and Italian restaurants. Highland Park is a very walkable neighborhood with plenty of shops and amenities within easy reach. The crime rate in the area is low, making it a safe place to live.
The population is diverse, with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees. The schools in the area are highly rated, making it an ideal place for families with children.
Ridgemont
Ridgemont is a neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Pittsburgh, PA. It has a population of 906 and was formerly known as Clifton and always Union Township. The median rent in the area is $1,645, and it has a sparse urban feel.
Ridgemont has a rich history and is home to several schools, including the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Crime rates in the area are relatively low, making it a safe neighborhood. Ridgemont is also known for its diverse population, with residents from different ethnic backgrounds living together harmoniously.
The area has an array of restaurants, parks, and other amenities that make it an attractive place to live.
Upper Lawrenceville
Upper Lawrenceville has a population of 2,651. The area has a rich history and is home to several schools, including UPMC Children’s Hospital. The neighborhood is known for its low crime rates, making it one of the safest places to live in the city. It has the lowest total crime rate of any neighborhood in Zone 2’s jurisdiction.
The median rent in Upper Lawrenceville is $1,386, making it an affordable option for young adults and students. The neighborhood is also known for its vibrant restaurant scene, with several popular eateries. Additionally, there are several parks in the area, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Conclusion
Pittsburgh has several neighborhoods that are considered the safest in the city. These neighborhoods offer a variety of amenities, including great schools, low crime rates, and attractive housing options.
Whether you are looking to raise a family, start a business, or retire in Pennsylvania, there is a neighborhood in Pittsburgh that will meet your needs. So, if you plan to move to Pittsburgh, consider exploring these neighborhoods to find the one that suits your lifestyle and budget.
