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Top 8 Safest Areas in Manhattan for Students to Explore in 2025
July 4, 2025
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5 min read
Thinking of settling down in Pittsburgh? You’re not just picking a city—you’re unlocking a lifestyle.
With over 20 areas earning an A-rating in Niche’s 2025 rankings for safety, amenities, and overall quality of life, it’s no wonder more people are exploring the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. From the walkable charm of Carrick and the artsy pulse of Oakland to the cultural richness of Bloomfield, each pocket of the city brings something unique to the table.
Top 10 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Pittsburgh
Let’s check out the best places to live in Pittsburgh PA — from lively city spots to quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods, there’s a perfect place here for everyone.
1. Squirrel Hill
Average Rent: USD 1,527/month
Crime Rate: 2.714 per 1,000 residents
Squirrel Hill is easily one of the best places to live in Pittsburgh, offering a rare mix of city convenience and neighborhood warmth. Known for its leafy streets, it’s home to Frick Park, the city’s largest green space, and the historic Manor Theatre — a local favorite since 1922.
What makes it one of Pittsburgh PA best neighborhoods is its strong sense of community, excellent public schools, abundance of student housing in Squirrel Hill, and unbeatable food scene, with everything from iconic bagel shops to global eats.
2. Banksville
Average Rent: USD 1,400/month
Crime Rate: Low to moderate
Banksville is one of the best Pittsburgh suburbs for those who crave a quiet, suburban feel. The neighborhood's Irish and Italian background and convenient access to local favorites such as Café Delhi and Rockwood Dairy Bar give it a welcoming, friendly community vibe.
Just a short 10-minute drive from downtown, Banksville has a loyal following because of its mid-century homes, tree-lined streets, and green spaces like Banksville Park and nearby Hale Park, making it an appealing choice for families, commuters, and students.
3. Carrick
Average Rent: USD 1,162/month
Crime Rate: 28.21 per 1,000 residents
Carrick is one of the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh for those seeking affordability, diversity, and a welcoming community vibe. Just five miles from downtown, it offers a suburban atmosphere with easy city access, making it a great option for student housing in Carrick as well.
Locals love Phillips Park — a popular green space known for sports fields, walking trails, and summer movie nights. Brownsville Road is lined with family-owned shops and eateries that give the neighborhood its charm. Carrick is also home to a thriving Nepali and Bhutanese community, adding rich cultural flavor to the area.
4. South Side
Average Rent: USD 1,650/month
Crime Rate: Lower than 2%
South Side is one of Pittsburgh PA best neighborhoods for those who enjoy a mix of city energy and history. With its lively East Carson Street, the area is filled with great restaurants, local shops, and bars.
Known for its unique mix of historic row houses and modern lofts, along with convenient options for student housing in South Side, the neighborhood offers a distinctive living experience. Plus, it’s just minutes away from downtown and features scenic spots like Point Park along the Monongahela River.
For anyone who loves being close to the action while having access to green spaces, the South Side is definitely one of the best places to live in Pittsburgh.
5. Beltzhoover
Average Rent: USD 1,277/month
Crime Rate: 3.787 per 100,000 residents
Often regarded as the best area to live in Pittsburgh PA, Beltzhoover is perfect for those seeking affordability and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy green spaces like McKinley Park and a variety of local shops and eateries.
Beltzhoover is currently undergoing revitalization efforts, making it an attractive option for newcomers, including those looking for student housing in Beltzhoover. With its rich history and diverse population, it's no surprise that Beltzhoover is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh for families and young professionals alike.
6. Bloomfield
Average Rent: USD 1,489/month
Crime Rate: 31.21 per 1,000 residents
Bloomfield is one of the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh for those seeking a walkable community with rich cultural roots. Known as Pittsburgh’s “Little Italy,” Bloomfield boasts a lively atmosphere filled with authentic Italian eateries, cozy cafes, and unique boutiques along Liberty Avenue.
The neighborhood's proximity to major universities like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University makes it a popular choice for students and young professionals, with student housing in Bloomfield offering convenient access to campus life.
7. Swisshelm Park
Average Rent: USD 978/month
Crime Rate: 622 per 100,000 residents
Swisshelm Park is one of the best places to live in Pittsburgh PA, for those seeking a tranquil, family-friendly environment with easy access to nature and city amenities. Tucked into the southeastern corner of the city, this neighborhood is largely surrounded by Frick Park, offering residents a serene backdrop of wooded trails and green spaces.
The area is characterized by its classic early 20th-century homes, many with front porches and well-maintained yards, alongside a growing selection of student housing in Swisshelm Park. With a population of just over 1,200, Swisshelm Park maintains a tight-knit community feel, making it an ideal choice for families and individuals seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.
8. Oakland
Average Rent: USD 2,812/month
Crime Rate: 32.98 per 1,000 residents
Oakland is a dynamic neighborhood that blends culture, education, and energy, making it one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Pittsburgh. The presence of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University brings a creative vibe to the area, with plenty of student-run galleries, music ensembles, and theater performances.
Plus, there’s plenty of student housing in Oakland, so the campus energy really spills into the neighborhood. It’s also home to the Carnegie Museums, where visitors can explore art and natural history exhibits.
With Schenley Park offering green space and easy access to downtown Pittsburgh, Oakland provides a lively, intellectual environment perfect for students, professionals, and families. It truly stands out as one of the best suburbs of Pittsburgh PA.
9. Perry North
Average Rent: USD 1,759/month
Crime Rate: 25.96 per 1,000 residents
Often regarded as the best area to live in Pittsburgh PA, Perry North is perfect for those seeking a blend of historic charm and suburban tranquility with easy access to urban amenities. Situated in the northern part of the city, Perry North is home to the Allegheny Observatory, a notable landmark for stargazing enthusiasts.
The neighborhood features a variety of architectural styles, including Victorian and Colonial Revival homes, many of which are being updated by investors. Riverview Park, a 259-acre green space, offers residents walking trails, sports fields, and playgrounds, contributing to the area's family-friendly atmosphere.
10. Marshall-Shadeland
Average Rent: USD 1,162/month
Crime Rate: 4,004 per 100,000 residents
Located on the city's North Side, this neighborhood offers a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
Residents enjoy the proximity to Riverview Park, providing ample green space for outdoor activities. The area is predominantly residential, featuring early 20th-century foursquare and frame homes.
With ongoing revitalization efforts, including the upcoming Esplanade project featuring a Ferris wheel and marina, Marshall-Shadeland is poised for growth.
Safe Off-Campus Student Housing in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is perfect for students looking to balance their studies with an active city lifestyle. From the university hub of Oakland to the scenic North Shore, Pittsburgh offers plenty of safe, student-friendly areas to call home.
Student housing in Pittsburgh comes with all the essentials—furnished units, study lounges, fitness centers, and close access to major campuses like the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon. If you are looking for the perfect student housing in Pittsburgh, let amber help you.
With a wide range of student-friendly options and expert guidance, your ideal home in Pittsburgh is just a click away.
1. 333 Lawn Street, Pittsburgh
3. HERE Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
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