My daughter is considering Pitt for graduate school so we are taking a ride next week to check it out. Any advice on best places to live there - she's going for Audiology so will be there (if all goes well) for at least 3-4 years so I want to try to get it right the first time. She is looking for the usual stuff: safety, convenience to school, affordable, shops, restaurants, bars, etc. Someone told me Mt. Lebanon was a great place that checks all the boxes, but just looking at the map it doesn't look to be convenient? For all you Pittsburgh folks, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
OT: Pitt graduate school advice, where to live?
- Thread starter TMurph
- Start date
I live in Squirrel Hill. There’s a whole load of graduate students from both Pitt and CMU who live in the neighborhood. Lots of apartments to choose from at all different price ranges. Shadyside is another popular option for grad students, but it’s probably a little pricier on average than Squirrel Hill. North Oakland (NOT South Oakland) could work, too, and would be walkable to campus. The South Side and Lawrenceville are also popular options, but they’re a little more nightlife heavy and a little further from Oakland.
Definitely wouldn’t recommend Mt. Lebanon for a Pitt grad student. It’s a very nice area and easy to get to downtown on the trolley, but it’s not a straight shot into Oakland by public transit. Pitt and CMU students get a free bus pass with tuition, so it doesn’t make financial sense to drive in every day. All of the neighborhoods I listed are an easy, 15 minute bus ride from central Oakland and the middle of campus.
I don't want to sound like a wise guy but why not ask this on the Pitt board? Some folks there would likely have better insight into the current housing situation in and around Oakland. Maybe you're banned there in which case I say, "Good job!!" 
My son lived in Squirrel Hill when he went to Pitt. Right next door to the Tree of Life synagogue. God rest their souls.
He loved the area. Took the bus into Pitt on Forbes. Great food nearby. Excellent pizza and bagels.
Mt Lebo too far for commuting. Either Squirrel Hill or Shadyside should have reasonable housing/dining/transportation options. SH a little safer (Tree of Life notwithstanding) and more residential. SS more students, trendier. Might want to look at Lawrenceville - undergoing revitalization and also quite close.
Lawrenceville is honestly pretty well revitalized at this point, with new construction going on all down Butler. Not sure what the rental market is like over there, but you’d be hard pressed to find a listing in that neighborhood for under $250,000. That would have been unfathomable even five years ago.
Mt Lebanon is not an option. It's way too far for her needs. The suggestions here for Squirrel Hill and Shadyside are definitely on point, however. You could also add the Point Breeze neighborhood, which is sort of wedged in-between, as well.
Squirrel Hill would be perfect, in my estimation.
Squirrel Hill would be perfect, in my estimation.
East Liberty is in the midst of a huge renewal that has been driven by the large Google presence over in that area. Won't be cheap, but has more bars/restaurants than some other areas.
Last time I had to look for grad apt was in the 90's for my brother The internet and options relating to apt. rentals info has increased. But it took longer to find suitable housing within the price range than I thought. So maybe allow another day or so if possible. It would be easier if it was your son, you could just say Oakland would be good for you.
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