Neighborhoods such as Braddock and McKeesport fully embody the progressive spirit that has made the ’Burgh what it is today and what it will be in the future.
Beginning at the south shore of the Monongahela River and climbing the undulating geography surrounding Mount Washington, this area boasts iconic views of the city skyline and many neighborhoods.
A few miles southeast of downtown, on a bend of the Monongahela River, this area is in the midst of a pivot, moving away from its industrial history and toward a mash-up of parks, homes and revitalized main streets.
These townships and boroughs may not seem like much on the map, but we assure you that each is full of tucked-away treasures. They’ve got everything you need for a day or a weekend outside of the city.
There’s good reason to envy those who commute downtown from the South Hills. They get to take in the beauty of Pittsburgh’s skyline every time they emerge from the Fort Pitt and Liberty tunnels. Add to that all of the myriad pleasures of these thriving suburbs, and you have plenty to rave about.
Don’t let the lack of shiny veneer on these hardworking communities fool you. Some of Pittsburgh’s most exciting hidden gems lie west of the Ohio River.
There’s more to do between downtown and Washington County than a drive south on Interstate 79 would suggest. From day trips to afternoon jaunts, this region has plenty to explore off the beaten path (sorry — the beaten highway).
At (and beyond) the southwestern border of Allegheny County, rolling hills cradle a group of easygoing communities. Search for the small surprises and picturesque streets that are drawing more and more residents to these suburbs.
Taking the long way down Route 65 will provide plenty of opportunities for a little bit of shopping, a little bit of learning and a whole lot of fresh air.
Home to Pittsburgh's instantly recognizable skyline, rivers and bridges, the area around Point State Park once was the bleeding (literally) western frontier of the United States. Today, it remains the economic heart of the region.
Museums, historical landmarks, entertainment venues and elegant 19th-century homes pack this section of Pittsburgh’s North Side. The neighborhoods boast a combination of walkable neighborhoods and trendy restaurants.
You’d be hard-pressed to traverse one of these North Side neighborhoods without going up or down a hill. Take in vistas from high above the city, wander along trails, admire nature and eat to your heart’s content.
From historic communities a stone’s throw from the city proper to spacious, booming suburbs with a rural mindset, there’s a hometown for everyone in northern Allegheny County.
The inner ring of Pittsburgh’s suburbs blends some of the best features of the city and the ’burbs — it has good schools and more affordable home prices but also is just a quick jaunt to downtown for work.
The communities along the Allegheny River are known for natural beauty as well as shopping at Pittsburgh Mills and taking on the course at Oakmont Country Club.
These wealthy suburbs of the Gilded Age now are a series of self-contained communities defined by massive city parks, steep tree-lined hillsides and the Monongahela River.
While most people overlook this region of the East End for the better-known neighborhoods of Squirrel Hill and Shadyside, the area we call the Hidden East End slowly is reshaping its future via green space, history-rich buildings and new businesses.
With plenty of things to do (and even more interesting things to look at), Pittsburgh’s eastern neighborhoods serve as a reminder of the region’s character and history.
Why in the world was Abraham Lincoln trying to hide his hands when he visited our city in 1861? PittGirl's history obsession provides the answer to that question and seven more.
