The Greater Pittsburgh area presents renters with a distinct set of choices that extend far beyond the amenities of a single building. When searching for an apartment, the decision of where to live geographically is just as important as the decision of what to live in. The region is defined by its dense, historic urban neighborhoods and a collection of established suburban townships, each offering a different rhythm of daily life.
For those navigating the rental market, understanding the functional differences between Pittsburgh city proper and its surrounding suburbs is essential. This guide provides a clear comparison of renting in the city versus townships like Ross, Sewickley, and Crafton, focusing on the practical aspects of commute, cost, and community.
The Urban Experience: Renting in Pittsburgh City
Pittsburgh’s city limits encompass a series of distinct neighborhoods, from the bustling tech hub of Oakland to the historic rowhouses of the Mexican War Streets. Choosing to rent in the city typically means prioritizing proximity and a denser living environment.
Commute and Transportation
One of the primary advantages of city living is the commute. For professionals working at the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC, or downtown, a city residence can mean a walkable commute or a short bus ride. The Port Authority’s bus system is most comprehensive within the city, and the T light rail provides access to the South Hills from downtown. Renters in the city often find they can manage with one car or no car at all, factoring in the cost of city parking permits or monthly garage fees where street parking is limited.
Rental Housing Stock
The urban rental stock is characterized by diversity. You will find historic pre-war buildings with large rooms and original details, converted lofts in former industrial buildings, and a growing number of new high-rise luxury apartments in neighborhoods like the Strip District and East Liberty. Rent prices vary significantly by neighborhood, often correlating with walkability and access to entertainment.
Lifestyle Considerations
Living in the city places you in the center of cultural institutions, professional sports venues, and a dense concentration of restaurants and nightlife. However, this comes with the typical trade offs of urban density. Outdoor space is often at a premium, with many apartments offering balconies or access to communal rooftops rather than private yards. Noise is a more consistent factor, and the pace of life is generally faster.
The Suburban Townships: Ross, Sewickley, and Crafton
Venturing into the suburbs of Allegheny County changes the parameters of the rental search. Townships like Ross, Sewickley, and Crafton each offer distinct personalities while sharing common suburban advantages.
Ross Township: Convenience and Space
Located just north of the city, Ross Township is often described as a suburb of convenience. It is crisscrossed by major arteries like McKnight Road, providing easy access to a high concentration of big box retail, grocery stores, and services. The rental market here is largely comprised of garden style apartment complexes and townhome communities. These complexes typically offer dedicated parking lots, on site maintenance, and amenities like pools or fitness centers. For renters, the value proposition in Ross is space and practicality: larger square footage for the price compared to the city, and proximity to everyday errands.
Sewickley: Walkable Village Life
Sewickley offers a different suburban archetype. This Ohio River town has a well preserved, walkable commercial district. Renting in Sewickley often means being within walking distance of independent shops, cafes, and a movie theater, a level of walkability usually associated with city neighborhoods. The housing stock leans towards older homes converted into multi unit apartments and carriage houses. It appeals to renters who want a quiet, small town atmosphere with a strong sense of community, but it comes at a price point that is often competitive with pricier city neighborhoods.
Crafton: In Between Character
Crafton sits just west of the city, bordering the West End. It represents a transitional style of suburb. Developed as an early streetcar suburb, its housing stock consists largely of older, character rich homes, many of which have been subdivided into apartments. Crafton offers a compromise: it has a small, walkable main street of its own, but it is also a very short drive or bus ride into the city. For renters, Crafton provides access to the architectural charm of the city with a quieter, residential feel and slightly more accessible parking.
Comparing the Key Factors
To make an informed decision, it helps to compare these locations side by side on the factors that matter most in daily life.
Cost and Space
Generally, the suburban townships offer more square footage for the same monthly rent as a city apartment. A one bedroom apartment in a luxury building in Pittsburgh might rent for the same price as a two bedroom garden style apartment in Ross Township. However, this calculation must include transportation. A renter in the suburbs will almost certainly need a vehicle, and the costs of gas, insurance, and maintenance must be factored into the total cost of living. In Sewickley and Crafton, the walkable portions may allow for a slight reduction in car dependency, but it is rarely eliminated entirely.
Community and Demographics
The social fabric differs between the two environments. City neighborhoods often have a transient population fueled by students and young professionals, creating a constantly evolving social scene. The suburbs tend to have more long term residents. Ross Township has a family oriented feel, with its school district and community parks being central to the area. Sewickley has a deep sense of local history and a more established, multigenerational population. Crafton attracts a mix of young families and long time residents who value its proximity to the city.
Access to Amenities
This is where the distinction becomes a matter of preference rather than volume. The city provides access to major museums, concert venues, and a high density of dining options. The suburbs provide access to different amenities: larger chain stores, ample free parking, movie multiplexes, and easy access to state and county parks for outdoor recreation. For a renter in Ross, a trip to a big box store is a five minute errand. For a city renter, it may be a planned drive.
Making the Choice
The decision between renting in Pittsburgh and its surrounding townships ultimately comes down to how you want to structure your time and budget.
Choose a city neighborhood if your priority is a walkable lifestyle, a short commute to a city center job, and immediate access to a dense concentration of entertainment and cultural venues. Be prepared for higher parking costs, less private outdoor space, and the ambient noise of urban life.
Choose a township like Ross if you prioritize space, convenience for daily errands, and a quieter residential setting, with the understanding that you will rely on a car for nearly all activities.
Choose Sewickley if you desire a walkable, small town atmosphere with a strong sense of community and are willing to pay a premium for that specific village experience.
Choose Crafton if you want a balance of suburban peace and urban proximity, seeking the charm of older architecture without the intensity of the densest city neighborhoods.
The Greater Pittsburgh rental market is robust enough to accommodate all these lifestyles. By defining your priorities regarding commute, space, and community, you can navigate the options and find the right fit for your next lease.