Squirrel Hill is the safest neighborhood in Pittsburgh, but it’s not the only safe place in the city.
Pittsburgh is generally a good place to live, with many safe neighborhoods. Let’s check them out!
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Is Pittsburgh Safe?
Pittsburgh stands as a notable example of a city that’s managed to maintain safety over the years.
While some might argue that it’s become a little less secure, it’s still considered a haven compared to many other cities.
The portrayal of Pittsburgh as an unsafe place is often exaggerated by the media, possibly to draw more attention or viewership.
In reality, random acts of violence in Pittsburgh are extremely rare. Most of the crimes committed are targeted acts of violence, making up a small percentage of incidents in the city.
To put it in perspective, even a city known for its crime like Chicago has safe areas, so the situation in Pittsburgh is far from alarming.
The city is mostly calm and secure, with around 90% of its areas being relatively trouble-free. However, like any urban area, there are neighborhoods to be cautious of.
Places like Garfield, parts of East Liberty, Homewood, or the Hill District may pose more risk and should be approached with care.
The Safest Neighbourhoods of Pittsburgh Area
Here are the safest neighborhoods in the Pittsburgh area as of 2024:
Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh is recognized as one of the safest and most popular neighborhoods in the city. It has a relatively low crime rate with about 35 violent crimes and 421 property crimes per 100,000 people. This statistic places Squirrel Hill as 84% safer than other areas in the United States.
In terms of overall safety, Squirrel Hill South’s crime rates are 50% lower than the national average. Violent crimes in Squirrel Hill South are also 50% lower than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 87 chance of becoming a victim of crime. This makes Squirrel Hill South safer than 86% of the cities in Pennsylvania.
Swisshelm Park
Crime rates in this area are 73% lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live.
The area is known for its top-rated schools, such as Dickson Elementary STEAM Academy, which offers a comprehensive education program.
The neighborhood also has easy access to the Parkway (I-376), which provides convenient transportation options.
Fairywood
Crime rates in Fairywood are 14% lower than the national average, making it a safe place to raise a family or settle down.
Fairywood is a neighborhood located at the west end of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
It is a safe and good neighborhood due to its low crime rates, excellent schools, and affordable housing options. The population of Fairywood is 4,875, and the median home value is $151,172.
The neighborhood is surrounded on three sides by non-city boroughs, which adds to its peaceful and serene environment.
Fairywood has a rich history, dating back to the early 1900s, and is known for its beautiful parks and restaurants.
East Carnegie
East Carnegie is known for its safety and excellent quality of life.
The neighborhood is situated in the West End of Pittsburgh, adjacent to the Oakwood neighborhood, and has a population of 1,917.
One of the standout features of East Carnegie is its low crime rate, which is 78% lower than the national average.
This is partly due to the community’s strong unity and active neighborhood watch programs.
The neighborhood also has excellent schools, including the highly-rated Carlynton School District.
East Carnegie is home to several parks and large tracts of wooded land, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The neighborhood has a variety of restaurants and shops, making it a great place to live for those who value convenience and accessibility.
Point Breeze
Point Breeze is located in the East End of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The neighborhood’s population is 3,784, and it has a mix of urban-suburban feel.
The median rent in Point Breeze is $1,349, which is affordable for young professionals and retirees.
The area is known for its low crime rates, making it a safe neighborhood. The schools in Point Breeze are highly rated, making it a great place to raise a family.
The neighborhood also has several parks, including Mellon Park, a great place to enjoy outdoor activities.
Many restaurants are in the area, including the popular Point Brugge Cafe, which serves Belgian cuisine.
Regent Square
Regent Square’s history dates back to the late 1800s when it was developed as a streetcar suburb. Today, the neighborhood is home to a diverse population of 3,095 residents.
Regent Square is known for its excellent schools, including the highly ranked Pittsburgh Public Schools and private schools such as The Ellis School and Winchester Thurston School.
Crime rates in the area are low, making it a safe place to live.
The neighborhood is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as several parks, including Frick Park and Fern Hollow Nature Center.
Regent Square’s unique location, nestled between four different municipalities, makes it a true gem in Pittsburgh.
Highland Park
Highland Park is a peaceful neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known for its leafy Highland Park.
The park features trails, a lake, picnic areas, and the Victorian-style Entry Garden home to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
This neighborhood has several relaxed bistros, cafes, and Thai and Italian restaurants.
Highland Park is a very walkable neighborhood with plenty of shops and amenities within easy reach. The crime rate in the area is low, making it a safe place to live.
The population is diverse, with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees.
The schools in the area are highly rated, making it an ideal place for families with children.
Ridgemont
Ridgemont is a neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Pittsburgh, PA.
It has a population of 906 and was formerly known as Clifton and always Union Township. The median rent in the area is $1,645, and it has a sparse urban feel.
Ridgemont has a rich history and is home to several schools, including the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Crime rates in the area are relatively low, making it a safe neighborhood. Ridgemont is also known for its diverse population, with residents from different ethnic backgrounds living together harmoniously.
Upper Lawrenceville
Upper Lawrenceville has a population of 2,651. The area has a rich history and is home to several schools, including UPMC Children’s Hospital.
The neighborhood is known for its low crime rates, making it one of the safest places to live in the city. It has the lowest total crime rate of any neighborhood in Zone 2’s jurisdiction.
The median rent in Upper Lawrenceville is $1,386, making it an affordable option for young adults and students. The neighborhood is also known for its restaurant scene, with several popular eateries.
There are several parks in the area, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Mount Lebabon
Mount Lebanon has been considered one of the safer areas in the Greater Pittsburgh region, with relatively low crime rates compared to both national and city averages.
Today it also has exceptionally low crime rates, with violent crimes occurring at a rate of just 55.8 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national average of 282.7. Notably, there are no reported murders, and rates for rape and robbery are significantly lower than national averages, at 6.2 and 9.3 per 100,000 people, respectively.
When it comes to property crimes, Mount Lebanon again shows impressive figures. The burglary rate is 55.8 per 100,000 residents, markedly lower than the national average of 500.1. The rates for theft and motor vehicle theft are 660.7 and 31 per 100,000 residents, respectively, both significantly below national averages.
The Bottom Line
Pittsburgh has several neighborhoods that are considered the safest in the city. These neighborhoods offer a variety of amenities, including great schools, low crime rates, and attractive housing options.
Whether you are looking to raise a family, start a business, or retire in Pennsylvania, there is a neighborhood in Pittsburgh that will meet your needs.
So, if you plan to move to Pittsburgh, consider exploring these neighborhoods to find the one that suits your lifestyle and budget.