11 Safest Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh
By: ROS Team
Pittsburgh, a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods, has become an attractive place to live for many individuals and families. Safety is a top priority for residents, making it essential to identify the safest neighborhoods within the city.
As of 2023, we have compiled a list of the 11 safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, taking into account crime rates, community engagement, and overall livability.
Is Pittsburgh Safe at Night?
Pittsburgh is generally safe at night, especially in the areas around Point State Park, the Cultural District, and the Strip District. There are often police officers on patrol in these areas, and there are also many people around, which can help deter crime.
Is Pittsburgh Safe to Live?
Pittsburgh is safe compared to most cities, and walking throughout the city should be no problem. In addition, Farmers Insurance ranked Pittsburgh as the 3rd “most secure” big city in the United States.
Safe Pittsburgh Neighborhoods
1. Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh’s most secure neighborhood, has a crime rate in both property and violence that are half of the average seen nationwide.
Its inner region, Squirrel Hill North, is famous for the delightful green spaces of Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham University.
This neighborhood is merely a five-minute commute from the heart of the city. It combines peaceful, tree-filled residential areas, an active commercial sector, globally-known universities, and two large city parks.
2. Point Breeze
Point Breeze is renowned for being the second safest city in the area, providing a secure and welcoming atmosphere for its 5,572 residents. Crime rates here are impressively 60% lower than the Pittsburgh average, ensuring the utmost safety and well-being of its community members.
One of the neighborhood’s standout features is Clayton, a historic mansion that belonged to Henry Clay Frick, nestled within a 5.5-acre space, adding a touch of cultural richness.
Moreover, Point Breeze boasts excellent public schools such as the Linden International Magnet for K-5 and Allderdice High School for grades 9-12, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a peaceful and nurturing community.
3. Regent Square
Regent Square is a small but remarkable neighborhood in Pittsburgh. It is known for being a safe place to live, with crime rates 60% lower than the city average. In 2017, Niche.com ranked Regent Square as the best neighborhood in Pittsburgh and the 17th best neighborhood in the United States, highlighting its great livability.
Despite its size, Regent Square has wide streets, unique stores, and borders the expansive Frick Park. The median rent in this neighborhood is $993, making it an affordable and vibrant place to live.
4. Shadyside
Shadyside is renowned as one of the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Its crime rate is impressively 48% lower than the national average, making it safer than 97% of all neighborhoods in Pennsylvania.
What sets it apart is its diverse architectural landscape, where charmingly restored Victorian mansions harmoniously coexist with modern homes and condos. Shopping enthusiasts will find delight in the abundance of upscale stores and boutiques lining the neighborhood’s three main corridors: Walnut Street, Ellsworth Avenue, and S. Highland Avenue.
For easy transportation, both residents and visitors can conveniently access the Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus system.
5. Highland Park
Highland Park, Pittsburgh, stands out as the 5th safest place to live in the city, boasting an impressively low overall crime rate of 744 per 100,000 people—nearly 68% lower than the Pennsylvania average of 1,762 per 100,000 people.
Home to approximately 6,395 residents, Highland Park was initially established as a “streetcar suburb,” where residents engaged in work and shopping activities in nearby East Liberty. Today, the neighborhood maintains its predominantly residential character, characterized by larger homes with more spacious layouts compared to other parts of the city.
6. Mount Lebanon
Established on February 6, 1912, Mount Lebanon is a charming community nestled across more than six square miles in the western Pennsylvania hills, with a population of 34,075.
The town has an exceptionally low violent crime rate of 9, very much lower than the national average of 22.7. It also has a property crime rate 18.2, well below the US mean of 35.4. Along the bustling Washington Road, residents and visitors alike can explore a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Keep an eye on this small town’s calendar. Mount Lebanon hosts festivals and events throughout the year in downtown Mount Lebanon, PA, adding to the town’s lively and community-focused atmosphere.
7. Aspinwall
Aspinwall, a borough in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is a safe and welcoming place with a population of 2,876. The crime rates here are 82% lower than the state average, making it a secure choice for residents.
One of the charms of Aspinwall is its well-preserved architecture, featuring beautifully maintained rowhomes and Victorians that reflect its history. In the late 1800s, young upper-middle-class families settled here and played a crucial role in developing the area.
Despite its small size, Aspinwall offers a diverse range of retail options along Commercial Avenue, Brilliant Avenue, and Freeport Road.
8. Fox Chapel
Fox Chapel is our next featured safe neighborhood. With a population of 5,343, it offers a secure place to call home, as its crime rates are an impressive 67% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
Incorporated in 1934, Fox Chapel spans nearly eight and a half square miles and is a residential area. Many of Pennsylvania’s wealthiest and most powerful families reside here, contributing to its tranquil ambiance, affluent homes, and commitment to safety.
9. Edgewood
Edgewood, a charming neighborhood in Pittsburgh, is known for its safety. The crime rates here are an impressive 73% lower than the Pennsylvania average. This residential area combines the beauty of an old Pennsylvania town with the advantages of a great suburban location.
Edgewood is also home to the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra, which is one of Pennsylvania’s top community symphonies. It provides residents with cultural enrichment. Another pride of the community is the C.C. Mellor Memorial Library, which offers a wide range of resources and programs for residents of all ages to enjoy.
10. Greenfield
Located just five miles east of Downtown Pittsburgh, Greenfield is the penultimate city on our list. Crime rates here are 27% lower here than the average in Pittsburgh, contributing to its secure environment.
With its narrow streets and steep hills offering occasional picturesque views of the city, Greenfield is known for its tranquility. The community highly values recreation and places like Schenley Park and Magee Playground provide ample outdoor space for families to enjoy.
11. Dormont
Dormont, a delightful neighborhood in Pittsburgh, is home to 8,117 residents. It is known for its safety, with crime rates 4% lower than the Pennsylvania average. The name Dormont means “mountain of gold,” which reflects the community’s value.
Despite its small size, Dormont offers a surprising variety of culinary options. You can enjoy delicious Thai dishes at Thai Spoon and My Thai, savor Chinese delights at Amazing Wok, or indulge in flavorful Vietnamese cuisine at Mekong Pho Gourmet.
In addition to its culinary delights, Dormont takes great pride in its Dormont Public Library, a valuable resource treasured by history enthusiasts and residents alike.
Safe Pittsburgh Neighborhoods: Takeaway
Choosing a neighborhood to call home involves considering various factors, with safety being a top priority for many individuals and families. The 11 neighborhoods highlighted here offer a combination of low crime rates, community engagement, and overall livability, making them some of the safest places to live in Pittsburgh.
Read Also: Safest Cities in Pennsylvania
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