Steel City beckons with its bridges, inclines, and distinct neighborhoods – each telling its own story through architecture, culture, and community spirit. Whether you’re eyeing a Victorian rowhouse in Mexican War Streets or a modern loft in the Strip District, finding your perfect Pittsburgh neighborhood feels like solving a thrilling puzzle.
I learned this firsthand when helping my sister relocate from Squirrel Hill to Lawrenceville last spring. Those steep hills and narrow streets taught us valuable lessons about moving in Pittsburgh – lessons that now shape how local moving companies like Don Farr tackle each unique neighborhood challenge.
Let’s explore Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods together, uncovering the character and charm that make each area special. This guide, with practical moving tips and insider knowledge, will help you confidently navigate your Pittsburgh move.
North Side: Where History Meets Modern Living
Pittsburgh’s North Side doesn’t just offer housing – it serves up stories. Walking through the Mexican War Streets Historic District, you’ll spot residents tending to their window boxes, carefully preserving the neighborhood’s Victorian charm. Young professionals chat over coffee at Commonplace while families head to the Children’s Museum for weekend adventures.
Must-Know North Side Areas
Mexican War Streets: Originally known as the “Buena Vista Tract,” this historic district in Central Northside captures Pittsburgh’s preservation spirit. These colorful row houses aren’t just Instagram-worthy – they’re home to artists, historians, and families who cherish their piece of Pittsburgh history. The narrow streets require experienced movers who understand the delicate balance of preserving historic properties while managing modern moving equipment.
Deutschtown: Think beer gardens, authentic German architecture, and a growing arts scene. First-time visitors often mistake Deutschtown for a quiet residential area, but locals know it’s buzzing with energy, especially during weekend festivals at Allegheny Commons Park.
North Shore: Baseball fans, note that living near PNC Park means game days become your neighborhood block party. The energy shifts with the seasons, from summer baseball crowds to winter riverside walks with stunning downtown views.
Observatory Hill: Perched high above the city, Observatory Hill offers suburban peace with urban convenience. The sloping streets challenge moving trucks, but the panoramic city views make the climb worthwhile.
South Side: Vibrant Living on Pittsburgh’s Slopes
Life in Pittsburgh’s South Side feels like part of an ever-evolving story. Here, century-old churches stand alongside modern brewpubs, and longtime residents share sidewalks with college students discovering their first favorite coffee shop.
Neighborhood Highlights
South Side Flats: Carson Street pulses as South Side’s main artery, where Victorian-era storefronts house everything from vintage boutiques to craft cocktail bars. Living here means having Pittsburgh’s most eclectic dining scene at your doorstep. The flat terrain along Carson simplifies moving day logistics, but the real challenge comes when you venture toward the slopes.
South Side Slopes: These steep hillsides offer more than just killer calves – residents enjoy some of Pittsburgh’s most spectacular city views. The neighborhood’s signature city steps (some climbing the equivalent of a 15-story building) create unique moving challenges. Local tip: always check whether your new home is accessible by vehicle or if you’ll need specialized moving equipment for those famous Pittsburgh steps.
Mount Washington: Perched atop the city’s most famous overlook, Mount Washington delivers those postcard-perfect views you see in every Pittsburgh tourism photo. Beyond the Grandview Avenue restaurants and inclines, you’ll find a close-knit community where neighbors still bring welcome cookies to newcomers. Moving trucks navigate the winding roads with care, especially during winter months.
Allentown: This up-and-coming gem combines affordability with accessibility. Young entrepreneurs breathe new life into Warrington Avenue’s storefronts while long-time residents maintain the neighborhood’s authentic Pittsburgh character. The moderate hills here offer a gentler introduction to South Side living.
East End: Neighborhoods to Know
Shadyside: Walnut Street’s boutique shopping district tells only part of Shadyside’s story. Quiet residential streets reveal architecturally stunning homes, from Victorian mansions to modern apartments. The neighborhood’s mix of housing styles demands movers who can handle everything from historic hardwood floors to contemporary high-rise elevators.
Squirrel Hill: This family-friendly enclave centers around Forbes and Murray avenues, where kosher delis share blocks with Asian fusion restaurants. Tree-lined streets lead to Frick Park, Pittsburgh’s largest green space. The varied housing stock – from Tudor revivals to mid-century apartments – means moving needs can differ dramatically even within a few blocks.
Lawrenceville: Once a working-class haven, Pittsburgh’s poster child for urban revival. Butler Street buzzes with craft breweries and indie shops, while side streets showcase row houses in various stages of renovation. Moving tip: Always check parking permits and street cleaning schedules – Lawrenceville’s narrow streets can complicate moving day logistics.
Oakland: Home to universities, museums, and the famous Cathedral of Learning, Oakland pulses with academic energy. Students and professionals alike appreciate the proximity to cultural attractions and hospitals. The constant flow of semester moves means parking can be challenging—experienced local movers know the best times and routes.
Moving Insight: East End neighborhoods often require coordinating with multiple entities – from university housing offices to apartment building managers. Working with movers who understand these local dynamics can save hours of headaches.
West End: Hidden Gems with Classic Pittsburgh Character
The West End offers some of Pittsburgh’s best-kept secrets, combining affordability with stunning city views that rival Mount Washington. This often-overlooked area preserves Pittsburgh’s character while welcoming new residents seeking value and community.
West End Highlights
Elliott: West End Overlook Park provides breathtaking views of Pittsburgh’s three rivers converging downtown. The neighborhood’s mix of longtime residents and newcomers creates a welcoming atmosphere. Housing options range from historic single-family homes to modern apartments, typically more affordable than similar properties in trendier areas.
Crafton: This streetcar suburb turned commuter-friendly neighborhood offers small-town charm with city convenience. Tree-lined streets showcase well-maintained homes from various architectural periods. The relatively flat terrain makes moving day more manageable than in Pittsburgh’s hillier districts.
West End Village: Main Street maintains its historic character while embracing new businesses and residents. The neighborhood’s strategic location offers easy access to downtown and the airport. Moving trucks appreciate the wider streets here – a rarity in Pittsburgh – though some side streets still present typical city challenges.
Making Your Pittsburgh Move Smooth: Essential Tips for Success
Relocating within Pittsburgh requires more strategy than a typical city move. The charming features that make Pittsburgh unique—the hills, narrow streets, and historic architecture—can transform moving day into an interesting challenge.
Before You Move
Know Your Neighborhood’s Quirks
Each Pittsburgh neighborhood comes with its own set of moving considerations. Schedule a walk-through of your new area, noting:
- Street width and parking availability
- Stairs, hills, or city steps between parking and your door
- Building access points and elevator availability
- Permit requirements for moving trucks
Time Your Move Strategically
Pittsburgh’s weather and events calendar can impact your move significantly:
- Avoid moving during major sports events if you’re near stadiums
- Check university schedules if moving near campus areas
- Consider weather patterns – Pittsburgh’s winters can make steep streets treacherous
- Book early for summer months when moving demand peaks
Conclusion
Each Pittsburgh neighborhood tells its story through historic architecture, cultural landmarks, and tight-knit communities. Every area offers unique opportunities and challenges for new residents, from the artistic spirit of Mexican War Streets to the academic energy of Oakland, South Side’s vibrant slopes, and West End’s hidden gems.
Local expertise matters more in Pittsburgh than in flatter, grid-layout cities. Don Farr Moving & Storage brings over 35 years of moving experience navigating Pittsburgh’s unique landscape. Our family-owned business understands that moving to Pittsburgh isn’t just about transporting belongings – it’s about protecting historic properties, respecting neighborhood dynamics, and carefully handling the city’s architectural challenges.
Contact Don Farr Moving & Storage today for a free consultation. Our family looks forward to helping you transition to your new Pittsburgh neighborhood, whether moving up Mount Washington’s slopes or into Lawrenceville’s historic row houses.
