For renters who want to live close to downtown Pittsburgh without paying premium rates, a budget of $1,500 per month opens up several practical options. While downtown itself and the Strip District typically exceed this price point, neighborhoods within a 10 to 15 minute commute offer one and two bedroom apartments at attainable rates. Understanding where to look and what to expect helps renters find the right balance of proximity, price, and quality.
This guide covers neighborhoods near downtown where apartments under $1,500 are available, along with commute insights and practical considerations.
Understanding the Downtown Rental Market
Downtown Pittsburgh is the city’s most expensive rental market. One bedroom apartments in downtown typically range from $1,800 to $2,500 per month, well above a $1,500 budget. The Strip District and North Shore are similarly priced, with one bedroom units starting around $1,700. Renters with a $1,500 budget need to look just outside these premium areas to find affordable options within a short commute.
The good news is that several neighborhoods within a 10 to 15 minute drive or transit ride offer one and two bedroom apartments under $1,500. These areas provide easy access to downtown while maintaining more moderate rental rates.
Best Neighborhoods Near Downtown Under $1,500
Crafton
Crafton is one of the closest and most affordable options near downtown. Located just west of the city, this borough offers a 10 to 15 minute drive to downtown via the West End Bridge. The route avoids the tunnel congestion that affects other corridors.
One bedroom apartments in Crafton typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. Units are in older buildings and converted homes, often with character features such as hardwood floors and front porches. The business district along Crafton Boulevard provides a grocery store and local businesses.
Crafton offers excellent value for renters who want a short, tunnel free commute and are willing to accept an older building with basic amenities.
Bellevue
Bellevue, located along the Ohio River just northwest of downtown, offers a 10 to 15 minute drive via Route 65 and the West End Bridge. The borough has a walkable business district along Lincoln Avenue with a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining options.
One bedroom apartments in Bellevue typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. The neighborhood has a quiet, residential character with a short commute.
Bellevue appeals to renters who want a short commute, walkable amenities, and affordable rents. Parking is generally available, with many properties offering off street spaces.
Millvale
Millvale, located just north of the city across the Allegheny River, offers one of the shortest commutes to downtown. The drive via Route 28 and the 31st Street Bridge or 16th Street Bridge takes approximately 10 minutes. Millvale has a walkable commercial district with a growing collection of restaurants and businesses.
One bedroom apartments in Millvale typically range from $900 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,100 to $1,500. Units are in converted homes and smaller apartment buildings. The neighborhood has an emerging character with new businesses opening along the main corridor.
Millvale appeals to renters who want an affordable, close-in location with a neighborhood feel and a short commute.
Dormont
Dormont, located just south of the Liberty Tunnels, offers a 10 to 15 minute drive to downtown via the Liberty Tunnels. More importantly, the T light rail provides a 10 to 15 minute ride to downtown, eliminating parking costs for commuters.
One bedroom apartments in Dormont typically range from $900 to $1,300 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,800, with some two bedroom units available under $1,500. Units are in apartment buildings, converted homes, and duplexes. The West Liberty Avenue commercial district provides a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining options.
Dormont appeals to renters who want transit access to downtown and a walkable commercial district. Parking can be challenging near the T stations, so renters with vehicles should prioritize properties with off street parking.
Greenfield
Greenfield, located between Squirrel Hill and the South Side, offers a 10 to 15 minute drive to downtown via Second Avenue or the Parkway East. The neighborhood is also well connected to Oakland for those who work at the universities or medical center.
One bedroom apartments in Greenfield typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. The neighborhood has a residential character with access to Schenley Park. The commercial district along Greenfield Avenue provides basic services.
Greenfield appeals to renters who want a residential neighborhood close to both downtown and Oakland.
Carnegie
Carnegie, located southwest of downtown, offers a 10 to 15 minute drive via the West End Bridge, avoiding tunnel congestion. The borough has a walkable business district along West Main Street with a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining options.
One bedroom apartments in Carnegie typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. Parking is generally available, with many properties offering off street spaces.
Carnegie appeals to renters who want a short, tunnel free commute and a walkable business district at affordable rents.
West End
The West End, located just across the Ohio River from downtown, offers one of the shortest commutes of any neighborhood. The drive via the West End Bridge takes 5 to 10 minutes. The neighborhood is often overlooked by renters, which keeps prices moderate.
One bedroom apartments in the West End typically range from $700 to $1,000 per month. Two bedroom units range from $900 to $1,300. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. The commercial district along West Carson Street provides basic services.
The West End appeals to renters who want the shortest possible commute and the lowest possible rents. The neighborhood has a more industrial character than other options.
Troy Hill
Troy Hill, located on a hill overlooking the Allegheny River north of downtown, offers a 10 minute drive via Route 28. The neighborhood has a quiet, residential character with city views.
One bedroom apartments in Troy Hill typically range from $800 to $1,100 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,400. Units are in older buildings and converted homes. Street parking is typical.
Troy Hill appeals to renters who want a quiet neighborhood with city views and a short drive to downtown.
Commute Comparison
| Neighborhood | Drive Time to Downtown | Transit Options | Parking | One Bedroom Rent | Two Bedroom Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crafton | 10-15 min | Bus | Often included | $800-1,200 | $1,000-1,500 |
| Bellevue | 10-15 min | Bus | Often included | $800-1,200 | $1,000-1,500 |
| Millvale | 10 min | Bus | Street/off street | $900-1,200 | $1,100-1,500 |
| Dormont | 10-15 min | T light rail | Street/fee | $900-1,300 | $1,200-1,800 |
| Greenfield | 10-15 min | Bus | Street/off street | $800-1,200 | $1,000-1,500 |
| Carnegie | 10-15 min | Bus | Often included | $800-1,200 | $1,000-1,500 |
| West End | 5-10 min | Bus | Often included | $700-1,000 | $900-1,300 |
| Troy Hill | 10 min | Bus | Street | $800-1,100 | $1,000-1,400 |
What $1,500 Gets You in These Neighborhoods
One Bedroom Apartments
With a $1,500 budget, renters have excellent one bedroom options across all of these neighborhoods. At the lower end of the budget, renters can find well maintained one bedroom units for $800 to $1,000. At the higher end, renters can access larger one bedroom units or units with updates and off street parking.
Typical one bedroom units in these neighborhoods offer 500 to 700 square feet, hardwood floors, older kitchens and bathrooms, on-site laundry or in-unit in some buildings, and street parking or off street parking depending on the property.
Two Bedroom Apartments
With a $1,500 budget, renters can find two bedroom apartments in most of these neighborhoods. Crafton, Bellevue, Greenfield, Carnegie, West End, and Troy Hill all offer two bedroom units under $1,500. In Dormont, two bedroom units under $1,500 are available but less common.
Typical two bedroom units in these neighborhoods offer 700 to 1,000 square feet, features similar to one bedroom units but with an extra bedroom, and parking that is often included.
Trade Offs to Expect
Older Buildings
Apartments under $1,500 near downtown are almost exclusively in older buildings, many built before 1950. These units have character features such as hardwood floors, high ceilings, and fireplaces, but may lack modern updates. Kitchens and bathrooms are typically functional but not renovated. Window air conditioning units are standard rather than central AC.
Limited Amenities
Buildings in this price range rarely have amenities such as fitness centers, roof decks, pools, or concierge services. Laundry may be on-site rather than in-unit. These trade offs are expected at this price point.
Parking Varies
Parking availability varies by neighborhood and property. Crafton, Carnegie, Bellevue, and the West End often include off street parking. Dormont and Millvale have more limited parking, with street parking or additional fees. Renters with vehicles should prioritize neighborhoods and properties with included parking.
Commute Considerations
While all these neighborhoods offer reasonable commutes, traffic patterns differ. The Liberty Tunnels can add time to the Dormont commute during peak hours. The West End Bridge and Route 28 generally have more predictable traffic. Renters should test their commute during the times they would be traveling.
Tips for Finding Apartments Under $1,500 Near Downtown
Expand your search to these neighborhoods. Avoid limiting your search to downtown or the Strip District, where $1,500 is not a realistic budget. Focus on the neighborhoods listed above.
Consider transit access. For renters who work downtown, neighborhoods with T or bus access can eliminate parking costs. Dormont’s T access is particularly valuable, as downtown parking typically costs $150 to $300 per month.
Prioritize parking if you have a car. In neighborhoods where parking is challenging, such as Dormont, prioritize properties with off street parking. The convenience is worth a moderate rent premium.
Inspect properties carefully. Given the age of these buildings, inspect each unit for signs of water damage, pest issues, and the condition of mechanical systems. Ask about average utility costs, particularly for heating in winter.
Act quickly when you find a good unit. Affordable units near downtown rent quickly. Be prepared to tour and apply within 24 to 48 hours of a listing appearing.
Making the Decision
A budget of $1,500 per month is sufficient to rent a one bedroom or two bedroom apartment within a 10 to 15 minute commute of downtown Pittsburgh. The best options are in neighborhoods such as Crafton, Bellevue, Millvale, Dormont, Greenfield, Carnegie, West End, and Troy Hill.
For renters who want the shortest commute, the West End and Millvale offer drives of 5 to 10 minutes. For those who want transit access to avoid parking costs, Dormont’s T light rail is a strong advantage. For renters who want a walkable business district, Bellevue, Carnegie, and Dormont provide grocery stores and dining within walking distance. For those who prioritize the lowest rents, the West End and Troy Hill offer one bedroom units under $1,000.
By focusing on these neighborhoods, testing the commute during peak hours, and touring properties in person, renters can find an affordable apartment within easy reach of downtown Pittsburgh.