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City Cast Pittsburgh

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

Now that the season is officially here, tell us what’s on YOUR summertime Pittsburgh bucket list!

Maybe you want to take in a Buccos game and get gorgeous views of the city. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Mia Natoli at Walnut Capital

One of the best things about living in Pittsburgh is that every neighborhood has its own personality. Whether you're looking for a walkable community near major employers, easy access to dining and entertainment, or a quieter neighborhood with plenty of local charm, there's a Pittsburgh neighborhood that fits your lifestyle.

, Pittsburgh offers a variety of places to call home—all with unique amenities, local businesses, and attractions that make everyday living convenient and enjoyable.

Here's a closer look at some of Pittsburgh's most popular neighborhoods and nearby Walnut Capital communities.

If convenience is at the top of your list, Bakery Square is hard to beat.

Located in Pittsburgh's East End, Bakery Square has become one of the city's most dynamic mixed-use destinations. The neighborhood combines office space, shopping, dining, fitness studios, entertainment, and residential living into one highly walkable community.

Major employers such as Google Pittsburgh, Duolingo, and nearby UPMC offices have helped transform Bakery Square into a center for innovation and business. But what truly makes the neighborhood stand out is how easy it is to enjoy daily life.

Grab coffee before work, meet friends for dinner after hours, stop by a fitness class, or run errands without needing to travel far from home. The neighborhood's walkability and convenience make it easy to fit more into your day.

 places residents steps from shopping, dining, entertainment, and fitness options.

Residents enjoy easy access to neighborhood amenities while living in a modern apartment community designed for convenience and connectivity. Whether you're heading to work, grabbing coffee, or enjoying a night out, everything you need is right outside your front door.

East Liberty: Walkable and Full of Energy

 offers a vibrant mix of historic character and modern development.

Over the last decade, East Liberty has evolved into one of Pittsburgh's most active neighborhoods, filled with local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, grocery stores, and entertainment options. The neighborhood's central location also provides easy access to nearby destinations including Shadyside, Oakland, Lawrenceville, and Bakery Square.

East Liberty's walkability makes it easy to enjoy everything the neighborhood has to offer. Residents can spend the day shopping locally, meeting friends for brunch, or exploring the area's growing dining scene.

 provides convenient access to everything East Liberty has to offer.

Located near neighborhood restaurants, shopping destinations, grocery stores, and public transportation, the community makes everyday errands and activities easily accessible. Residents enjoy a comfortable residential setting while remaining connected to some of Pittsburgh's most popular destinations.

Downtown Pittsburgh: The Center of It All

For those who enjoy being in the middle of Pittsburgh's action, Downtown offers unmatched convenience.

Home to major employers, restaurants, cultural attractions, sports venues, and entertainment destinations, Downtown Pittsburgh provides a truly walkable urban lifestyle.

Living Downtown means having easy access to Market Square, the Cultural District, public transportation, and some of Pittsburgh's most iconic destinations. Whether you're attending a concert, catching a Pirates game, meeting friends for dinner, or simply enjoying the city skyline, there's always something happening nearby.

The neighborhood's accessibility also makes commuting simple, with multiple public transit options and easy connections to surrounding neighborhoods.

 offers convenient access to Downtown Pittsburgh's restaurants, employers, entertainment venues, and public transit options.

Residents enjoy living within walking distance of many of the city's most popular destinations while experiencing the character and charm of a historic building.

 combines historic architecture with modern apartment living.

Located in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, residents enjoy easy access to Market Square, local dining, sporting events, entertainment venues, and business districts. The building's preserved architectural details create a unique living experience while maintaining all the conveniences of city living.

South Side: Riverfront Living, Local Favorites, and City Convenience

 is one of Pittsburgh's most recognizable neighborhoods, known for its mix of historic character, riverfront views, local businesses, and vibrant energy.

Stretching along the Monongahela River, the neighborhood offers a unique blend of old and new. Historic architecture sits alongside modern developments, while local restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, fitness studios, and entertainment venues create a lively atmosphere throughout the year.

Located near the South Side Works district, 

 offers convenient access to shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation.

Residents are steps from riverfront trails, local restaurants, fitness studios, and neighborhood attractions while remaining connected to major employment centers throughout Pittsburgh. The location makes it easy to enjoy both everyday conveniences and weekend activities without traveling far from home.

 combines modern apartment living with a location rooted in Pittsburgh history.

Named after the historic Jones & Laughlin Steel Company, the property pays tribute to the neighborhood's industrial heritage while offering contemporary conveniences. Residents enjoy easy access to South Side restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, entertainment venues, and riverfront trails.

With its central location and connection to one of Pittsburgh's most iconic neighborhoods, Jones Tower offers convenient access to everything that makes the South Side a popular place to live.

Squirrel Hill: Neighborhood Charm and Everyday Convenience

 offers a different pace while still providing easy access to the city.

Weekends in Squirrel Hill often involve visits to local cafés, exploring neighborhood shops, or spending time outdoors at nearby parks and recreation areas.

The neighborhood's balance of local amenities and green spaces makes it a popular destination for those seeking both convenience and neighborhood character.

Known for its tree-lined streets, local businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, Squirrel Hill remains one of Pittsburgh's most beloved neighborhoods. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, walkable commercial districts, and convenient access to nearby universities, hospitals, and East End employment centers.

 offer a convenient home base within one of Pittsburgh's most established neighborhoods.

Residents enjoy easy access to parks, coffee shops, restaurants, universities, hospitals, and everyday essentials. The location provides a balance of neighborhood charm and city accessibility, making daily routines simple and convenient.

 offers a convenient location near both Squirrel Hill and Shadyside, providing easy access to shopping, dining, fitness studios, and entertainment.

With nearby public transportation options and walkable access to neighborhood amenities, residents can easily enjoy everything the surrounding area has to offer. The location places some of Pittsburgh's most popular destinations within easy reach while maintaining a comfortable residential atmosphere.

 offers a unique opportunity to live near one of Pittsburgh's most iconic green spaces.

Residents enjoy easy access to walking trails, outdoor recreation, local restaurants, coffee shops, and nearby business districts. The property's location combines urban convenience with direct access to park amenities, creating a lifestyle that makes it easy to enjoy both city living and the outdoors.

Shadyside: Shopping, Dining, and Walkability

 continues to be one of Pittsburgh's most sought-after neighborhoods thanks to its walkability, dining options, shopping destinations, and central location.

The neighborhood features a mix of historic charm and modern convenience, with bustling commercial districts lined with boutiques, cafés, fitness studios, and restaurants.

Shadyside's location provides easy access to Oakland, East Liberty, Bakery Square, and Downtown Pittsburgh, making it a convenient place to live while staying connected to the rest of the city.

Whether you're grabbing coffee on Walnut Street, shopping locally, or enjoying dinner with friends, Shadyside offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy city living close to home.

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guide: Finding the Right Fit for Your Lifestyle

Tips and tricks for living your best Pittsburgh life, by locals, for locals.

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

Francesca Dabecco

Laura Tsutsui

⏪ Looking for a previous Pittsburgh crossword? Find it here:

A crossword puzzle all about Pittsburgh news and fun facts. 

Can You Fill Out This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle?

Try This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle

What Pittsburghers have been wondering. We break down why things in Pittsburgh are the way they are and how they work.

Pittsburgh, Explained

Allegheny County has identified 11 cases of 

 (so far), and reports of the parasite running rampant in other states might give you pause when it comes to eating fresh fruits and vegetables; the parasitic infection has been linked to uncooked produce. Fear not: we’ve compiled our favorite places to grab cooked veggie dishes around town so you can indulge — and get your fiber in — without fear of getting sick.

There’s lots to love at this seasonally-focused North Side space, but I’m going to call out 

. Topped with ricotta, almonds, and brown sage butter? 😍 Chef’s kiss.

, and the szparagi (asparagus in white pepper and smoked onion sauce) is going to satisfy. The entire menu is vegan, and changes regularly so there’s lots for veggie-lovers to enjoy.

, is sure to hit alongside baby bok choy with black mushrooms and mapo tofu. Find Chengdu Gourmet – and many other amazing Chinese restaurants – in Squirrel Hill. Just make sure you’ve got water on hand; like much Sichuan food, some dishes bring a spicy kick.

 plus the Guanciale & Leek Pie, and you’ve got yourself a full meal with leftovers from this Mt. Lebanon pizzeria.

Order the Italian Greens & Beans and Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tart with your wine and call it a day at 

 in Robinson. Now's the time to go: they’re celebrating their fifth anniversary tomorrow night with live entertainment, complimentary wine tastings, and giveaways throughout the evening!

Pittsburgh Veggie Plates

 What veggie plates are you craving?

5 Cooked Veggie Dishes To Try in Pittsburgh Right Now

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Pittsburgh. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Pittsburgh Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Morningside’s quaint, residential streets are sandwiched between Highland Park and Stanton Heights and stretch along the Allegheny River. When I stopped by the local coffee shop, there was a bevy of older men smoking cigars and sipping their morning brew. I asked if they’re regulars and one responded: “We come here every day and talk about things that happened 50 years ago.”

 is a sweet little shop on Chislett Street that serves coffee, tea, and smoothies alongside breakfast and lunch bites like quiche, crumpets, and salads. Don’t pass on their desserts like the honey corn cake.

Want a fun spot to watch a World Cup game? Head to 

 on Morningside Avenue, named after the legendary 

 of the 1950s-1970s. This unpretentious bar is great for craft beers, “sammitches,” wings … and feeding your soccer obsession. Televisions line the wall so everyone has a great view, and the energy is unmatched as you’re standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow fans.

Whether you’re looking for patterns, supplies, or textiles, 

 offers a variety of materials to meet your sewing needs. Follow their 

 to stay up to date on offers like scissor sharpening and other services. Want to sew but don’t know how? Take a class with 

And while you can’t buy chocolates on site, 

 is based in Morningside, and their classic-meets-adventurous flavors make the perfect gift for any occasion. Head to their 

Grab coffee at Kafair, take a sewing class, watch a soccer game, and more in Pittsburgh's Morningside.

Get To Know Morningside Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Get To Know Morningside

Everything to know about Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Sensitive bellies don’t have to miss out on this sweet summer treat! I sampled a selection of vegan flavors from local shops to bring you my picks for the creamiest plant-based scoops Pittsburgh has to offer.

This Butler Street shop serves ice cream from Penn State’s famous on-campus creamery, made through their Department of Food and Science. So it makes sense that they’ve totally mastered vegan ice cream, too. They use a blend of milks — like coconut, oat, and almond — and the texture is superior to all other vegan ice creams I've tried! Plus, the flavors are always standouts. My go-to is the pistachio, but I’ve also devoured blueberry lavender, dulce de leche, strawberry PopTarts, blueberry pancake, and Oreo peanut butter fudge.

Leona’s is already super friendly to customers with dietary restrictions — all of their dairy ice cream is lactose free, making it easier to digest. But did you know that they have delicious non-dairy ice cream too? I tried the coffee flavor made with coconut milk for an afternoon pick-me-up. It was so smooth and the perfect amount of sweet. Stop by the Garfield shop for a scoop or one of their famous ice cream sandwiches. (I’m eyeing up the black sesame ice cream on salted tahini chocolate chunk cookies.)

Imagine my surprise when I walked into Posman Books to find an ice cream stand with some of the most interesting flavors like coconut caramel chip, coconut pandan, grasshopper (mint) made with cashew milk, and chocolate chunk. I tried the coconut mango sticky rice and it had delightful little surprises of mochi swirled throughout! It’s the perfect treat to enjoy while window shopping in the Strip.

📍Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, West View, Robinson & 

Bruster’s has chains all across the country, but it started in Bridgewater in Beaver County. I’ve sampled flavors at a few locations, but somehow the oatmilk-based scoops from their truck are always better — with unique flavors like black raspberry chocolate chip, cold brew, peanut butter Oreo, and raspberry truffle. You can find me going back for seconds at 

This family-run shop is known for small-batch scoops and ice cream sandwiches made with Better Maid donuts — and they always have a couple of really tasty vegan gelato flavors, like peanut butter and chocolate coconut. They’re made with almond milk, which I was skeptical of at first — sometimes the texture isn’t quite right — but I was pleased to be proven wrong! The peanut butter was shockingly creamy, and I’d stand in the long line to get a cone again and again.

📍Oakland, Downtown, Lawrenceville, Shadyside & 

No matter what corner of Pittsburgh you’re in, there’s likely a Millie’s chain nearby, serving seasonal flavors in their signature homemade waffle cone. You can grab a scoop of vegan flavors like mango, mint chip, and brownie batter from a scoop shop — or find them in the freezer aisle at some Giant Eagle locations. Tip: Are you a snowbird? They now have 

You can find this Ohio-based ice cream in grocery stores or stop by their scoop shops in Bakery Square and SouthSide Works. Try Jeni’s vegan flavors like cold brew with coconut cream, banana cream pudding, caramel pecan sticky buns, and lemon bar. I went for the Texas sheet cake, a super rich and decadent flavor made for chocolate fiends like me! Tip: this is a great spot for a late-night treat. They don’t close until 12 a.m.!

Sensitive bellies don't have to miss out on this sweet summer treat. Try these dairy-free ice creams in Pittsburgh.

Where To Get The Best Vegan Ice Cream in Pittsburgh

The Best Non-Dairy Ice Cream in Pittsburgh

America’s 250th birthday is a huge milestone for Pittsburgh. Our region was a crucial site during the French and Indian War, which set the stage for the American Revolution. Later, our city’s industrial, medical, and technological advances helped to shape the country.

Celebrate Pittsburgh’s pivotal role at these events that educate, entertain, and inspire.

‘We Hold These Truths’: American Potluck

RealTime Arts invites guests into local living rooms for short, original plays, followed by potluck-style meals and guided conversations about food, health, and American identity. Get to know your neighbors, your city, and your country from new angles at these Equitable Dinners, scheduled for 

The Heinz History Center is showing an art display focused on freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity. It’s a unique mix of watercolor, portraiture, sculpture, and cartoons. See which beloved Pittsburghers you can spot in the works, like environmentalist Rachel Carson, public television icon Fred Rogers, and civil rights activist Daisy Lampkin. 

 outside of their normal stage at Heinz Hall. Catch an evening of American classics at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, an outdoor concert and drone show at Hartwood Acres, and more.

Learn about Western PA’s critical role in the American Revolution with 

, the Fort Pitt Museum, and Fort Pitt Block House on the Fourth of July. There will be costumed re-enactors, a flag-raising ceremony, cannon firings, martial music, and hands-on family fun throughout the site.

Art Rooney Avenue on the North Side, July 1- 5

. Take in the city skyline and three rivers from high above. 50% of ticket sales benefit Veterans Leadership Program. It’s a fun way to honor veterans and celebrate the popular amusement ride designed by Pittsburgh engineer George Ferris Jr. in 1893.

Looking for fireworks? Have a blast at these Fourth of July 

Fireworks, an American potluck, freedom-inspired art, Ferris Wheel rides, and more ways to celebrate American 250 in Pittsburgh.

How To Celebrate American 250 in Pittsburgh

5 Ways To Mark America 250 in Pittsburgh

How do you get through the ups and downs of living in Pittsburgh? No, really — we have one of the hilliest cities in the U.S.

The answer: a network of hundreds of public stairways locally referred to as “city steps.” This unique infrastructure was the first public transportation system in Pittsburgh.

Today, locals can walk these paths of the past to connect with our city’s history, explore neighborhoods, and get free outdoor exercise.

City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide

 to share a field kit to these steep and storied staircases.

If you’re just getting acquainted with city steps, here are author 

’s recommendations for the best flights for urban hikes ⬇️

 are the city's longest walkable flight. They're connected to trails that lead to the South Busway and Brookline Memorial Park. (You can catch 

 is the fourth-longest flight in the city. It's walkable, but it has a severe case of scoliosis! This flight once led residents to the East Street Valley neighborhood, which is now I-279. 👟 Want more Fineview fun? Sign up for the 

 from Shaler Street, and you'll find yourself surrounded by Emerald View park trails. Follow the half-mile 

 for a gorgeous tree canopy and sweeping views of the West End.

Enter at either Cowley-Goettman Park or Province Street to get a stunning view of the city at the 

. There’s a bench where you can relax and take in the vista. 👟Explore more of 

 span the hill in, well … the Hill District. These stairs are near the 

, the grand Victorian home of a well-known bootlegging family from the 1920’s and 30’s. 👟 Explore more of 

The National Negro Opera House, currently undergoing preservation, sits directly across from the 

➡️ All of these flights appear on the 1923 city maps, so you can literally "walk in the footsteps" of those from 100 years ago.

) for taking a field trip with the City Cast Pittsburgh team!

Discover Pittsburgh’s best city steps for urban hikers.

The Best City Step Hikes in Pittsburgh

A Guide to Touring Pittsburgh’s City Steps

In which neighborhood can you meet Vivien, a two-toed sloth?

Where did Mister Rogers raise his family?

What neighborhood has the second-tallest education building in the world?

This neighborhood has a popular overlook perched more than 700 feet above the Ohio River, offering a unique view of Downtown.

Pittsburgh's only public indoor pool, Oliver Bath House, just reopened after years of renovations. Where can you find it?

Famous actor Jeff Goldblum grew up in this Pittsburgh neighborhood.

This neighborhood has a ceramics studio located inside of an old church

Which Pittsburgh neighborhood has the steepest street in the U.S.?

This borough is surrounded on all sides by city neighborhoods

How well do you know Pittsburgh neighborhoods and the surrounding areas? Take our quiz to find out!

Pop Quiz: Fun Facts About Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Think You Know Pittsburgh Neighborhoods? Take This Quiz

People, places, and scenes from Pittsburgh's past.

Pittsburgh History

Tell us your goals, plans, and dreams for summer 2024.

What's on Your Summertime Bucket List in Pittsburgh for 2024?

What's on Your Summertime Pittsburgh Bucket List?

Find the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

If you’re hoping to reach new heights (pun intended), then Pittsburgh is a great place to rock climb. Here’s a look at where you can climb year-round in the Steel City.

 Most gyms aren’t just for climbing! Some offer yoga and fitness classes and have traditional gym equipment like squat racks, treadmills, and stationary bikes to keep you moving.

On your first visit, you’ll sign a waiver and get a tour from a staff member who will point out basic gym do’s and don’ts and where to find equipment and classes. From there, staff will review how to fall safely (there is a 

If you’re ready to hop on the walls, then bouldering – a climbing style that doesn’t use ropes or harnesses – is a great place to start. Just grab your shoes and go!

If you want to top rope (aka, climb with ropes), you can use auto-belays that let you clip in and climb, or climb with a friend who’s passed the gym’s belay test.

What’s the difference between top roping and bouldering? I like to think of top rope climbing like running a 5K: It requires endurance, stamina, and a comfort with heights. Bouldering is more like sprinting: you need power and technique to stay on the (much shorter) walls.

 Gyms usually have shoes and harnesses for rent. You can also buy your own in most gyms’ pro shops, or find a good deal on a secondhand pair online or at an outdoor store like 

Ascend ushered in the city’s latest climbing wave in 2017. Both its facilities have walls for bouldering and top roping, though the walls in Point Breeze are higher (up to 42 feet for top roping) and offer lead climbing for more advanced folks. Ascend regularly hosts free climb time for affinity groups, like women and femmes and LGBTQ+ climbers, and organizes interest clubs such as “Sustainability Club” and “Peak Parents” where climbers can take turns belaying kids. Check the 

Look for bouldering and yoga classes, plus private coaching if you’re interested in one-on-one support. ICB hosts great events including monthly “

” where day passes are discounted to $15 and the gym invites food and drink vendors, musicians, and more for a block-party vibe. ICB also offers 

 for PPS students and the occasional “Student Rush” discount night for college students.

Pittsburgh's Best

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City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

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