For professionals working in Pittsburgh’s growing technology and corporate sectors, the location of an apartment can significantly affect daily life. The city’s major job centers including the Strip District, Bakery Square, the Robotics Hub in Lawrenceville, and the corporate offices in the South Hills each have distinct rental markets and neighborhood characters. Understanding where to live relative to these employment hubs helps professionals minimize commute times while finding housing that fits their lifestyle and budget.
This guide covers the rental markets near Pittsburgh’s primary tech and office hubs, highlighting neighborhoods with convenient access and a range of housing options.
Overview of Pittsburgh’s Job Centers
Pittsburgh’s technology and corporate employment has spread across several distinct districts. The Strip District has become a hub for tech offices and startups. Bakery Square in Larimer houses major corporate offices including Google. Lawrenceville’s Robotics Hub has attracted engineering and automation firms. The South Hills corporate corridor along the Parkway West hosts numerous office parks. Oakland remains a center for healthcare and university employment.
Each of these hubs has a different character, and the best neighborhoods for commuting vary by location.
Strip District Tech Hub
The Strip District has transformed into a significant tech and startup hub, with offices including Uber, Apple, and numerous technology companies. The neighborhood’s new development has attracted a mix of residential buildings, restaurants, and retail.
Apartments in the Strip District
Living in the Strip District itself provides the shortest commute for tech workers. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,700 to $2,300 per month, with newer luxury buildings commanding the highest rates. Two bedroom units range from $2,200 to $3,000. These units feature high end finishes, floor to ceiling windows, fitness centers, roof terraces, and concierge services. Parking is available in garages for an additional $100 to $200 per month.
The Strip District appeals to professionals who want to walk to work and value new construction and amenities. The neighborhood offers walking access to downtown, the terminal market, and the riverfront trail.
Alternative Nearby Neighborhoods
For renters who want to be close to the Strip District without paying premium rents, adjacent neighborhoods offer more moderate options.
Lower Lawrenceville is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the Strip District. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,300 to $2,000 per month, with some units under $1,500. The neighborhood offers walkable access to Butler Street’s dining and nightlife.
The North Shore is a 10 to 15 minute walk or a 5 minute drive from the Strip District. One bedroom apartments range from $1,500 to $2,200 per month. The neighborhood offers river views and walking access to downtown.
Polish Hill is a 5 to 10 minute drive from the Strip District. One bedroom apartments range from $800 to $1,200 per month, making it one of the most affordable options near the tech hub.
Bakery Square (Larimer/East Liberty)
Bakery Square is a mixed-use development in Larimer that houses Google’s Pittsburgh offices and other technology companies. The campus includes retail, dining, and residential units within walking distance.
Apartments at Bakery Square
Living at Bakery Square puts professionals within walking distance of their offices. One bedroom apartments in the Bakery Square complex typically range from $1,600 to $2,200 per month. The development offers modern finishes, fitness centers, and direct access to the campus’s amenities. Parking is available for an additional fee.
Alternative Nearby Neighborhoods
Several neighborhoods provide easy access to Bakery Square at different price points.
East Liberty is adjacent to Bakery Square. One bedroom apartments range from $1,500 to $2,200 in newer luxury buildings, but more moderate options are available in older buildings for $1,000 to $1,400 per month. The neighborhood has a revitalized commercial district with a grocery store, cinema, and dining.
Shadyside is a 5 to 10 minute drive or bus ride from Bakery Square. One bedroom apartments range from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. The neighborhood offers a walkable commercial district along Walnut Street and tree lined residential streets.
Highland Park is a 5 to 10 minute drive from Bakery Square. One bedroom apartments range from $900 to $1,400 per month. The neighborhood offers a quiet, residential character and access to Highland Park.
Lawrenceville Robotics Hub
Lawrenceville has become a center for robotics and automation companies, including the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) institute and numerous startups. Butler Street is the neighborhood’s main commercial corridor.
Apartments in Lawrenceville
Living in Lawrenceville provides a walkable commute to the Robotics Hub. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,300 to $2,000 per month, with newer luxury buildings at the higher end. Two bedroom units range from $1,800 to $2,800. Units in renovated industrial buildings feature exposed brick and large windows.
Lawrenceville appeals to professionals who want to live in a vibrant neighborhood with acclaimed dining and nightlife. Parking can be challenging, so off street parking is valuable.
Alternative Nearby Neighborhoods
Upper Lawrenceville offers more moderate rents than Lower and Central Lawrenceville. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month. The neighborhood is quieter and less developed than Lower Lawrenceville but still within walking distance of Butler Street amenities.
Bloomfield is adjacent to Lawrenceville. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. The neighborhood has a commercial district along Liberty Avenue with Italian restaurants and local businesses.
Garfield is adjacent to Lawrenceville. One bedroom apartments typically range from $900 to $1,400 per month. The neighborhood is emerging, with new businesses opening along Penn Avenue.
Oakland (University and Medical Hub)
Oakland is home to the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and UPMC, making it one of the region’s largest employment centers. Medical, research, and academic professionals make up a significant portion of the workforce.
Apartments in Oakland
Living in Oakland provides a walking commute for university and medical professionals. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month, with units in Central Oakland at the higher end. Two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $2,000.
The neighborhood is dense and walkable, with a concentration of restaurants, cafes, and services oriented toward the student and medical population. Parking is limited, and many residents rely on walking or transit.
Alternative Nearby Neighborhoods
Shadyside is adjacent to Oakland. One bedroom apartments range from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. The neighborhood offers a more polished environment with walkable shopping and dining.
Squirrel Hill is a 5 to 10 minute drive or bus ride from Oakland. One bedroom apartments range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. The neighborhood offers a complete commercial district and access to Frick Park.
Greenfield is a 5 to 10 minute drive from Oakland. One bedroom apartments range from $800 to $1,200 per month. The neighborhood offers one of the most affordable options near Oakland with a residential character.
South Oakland is within walking distance of campus but offers more moderate rents than Central Oakland. One bedroom apartments range from $800 to $1,200 per month.
South Hills Corporate Corridor
The Parkway West corridor from the Fort Pitt Tunnels to the airport is home to numerous corporate offices, including the Southpointe business park in Cecil Township. Companies in this area include energy, technology, and financial services firms.
Apartments Near the South Hills Corporate Corridor
Several suburbs provide convenient access to this employment corridor.
Mt. Lebanon offers one bedroom apartments ranging from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. The T light rail provides downtown access, but driving to the Parkway West corridor is also convenient. The neighborhood has a walkable Uptown commercial district.
Dormont offers one bedroom apartments ranging from $900 to $1,300 per month. The T provides transit access, and the Parkway West is accessible via the Liberty Tunnels. The neighborhood has a walkable commercial district.
Bethel Park offers one bedroom apartments ranging from $1,100 to $1,600 per month. The T provides downtown access, and the Parkway West is accessible via Route 19 and the Fort Pitt Tunnels. South Park provides recreational amenities.
Carnegie offers one bedroom apartments ranging from $800 to $1,200 per month. The borough provides a short, tunnel free drive to the Parkway West via Route 50. The West Main Street business district offers walkable amenities.
Robinson Township offers one bedroom apartments ranging from $1,100 to $1,600 per month. The township is located directly on the Parkway West corridor, providing a short commute to area offices. Extensive retail and dining are within the township.
Comparison Table by Job Center
| Job Center | Best Neighborhood for Commute | One Bedroom Rent | Commute Time | Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strip District | Strip District | $1,700-2,300 | Walk | Luxury, urban |
| Strip District | Lower Lawrenceville | $1,300-2,000 | 5-10 min walk | Trendy, dining |
| Strip District | Polish Hill | $800-1,200 | 5-10 min drive | Affordable, quiet |
| Bakery Square | Bakery Square | $1,600-2,200 | Walk | Luxury, convenient |
| Bakery Square | East Liberty | $1,000-1,400 | 5 min drive | Revitalizing |
| Bakery Square | Highland Park | $900-1,400 | 5-10 min drive | Quiet, park access |
| Lawrenceville | Lawrenceville | $1,300-2,000 | Walk | Trendy, dining |
| Lawrenceville | Bloomfield | $1,000-1,500 | 5-10 min drive | Quiet, Italian heritage |
| Lawrenceville | Garfield | $900-1,400 | 5-10 min drive | Emerging |
| Oakland | Oakland | $1,000-1,500 | Walk | Dense, student focus |
| Oakland | Greenfield | $800-1,200 | 5-10 min drive | Affordable, residential |
| South Hills | Dormont | $900-1,300 | 10-15 min drive | Transit, walkable |
| South Hills | Carnegie | $800-1,200 | 10-15 min drive | Affordable, tunnel free |
| South Hills | Robinson | $1,100-1,600 | 10-15 min drive | Suburban, retail |
Factors to Consider for Your Commute
Driving vs. Transit
For professionals working in the Strip District or Bakery Square, driving may be less practical than walking or transit due to limited downtown parking and traffic. The T light rail serves the South Hills but not the East End or Strip District. Buses serve most areas, but frequency and reliability vary.
Parking Costs
If you drive to work, factor parking costs into your housing budget. Downtown and Strip District parking typically costs $150 to $300 per month. Some employers provide subsidized parking or transit passes. The T eliminates parking costs for South Hills commuters.
Walkability to Work
Living within walking distance of your office eliminates commuting costs and time. The Strip District, Bakery Square, Lawrenceville, and Oakland all offer walkable options. These neighborhoods command premium rents, but the savings on parking and the time saved may justify the premium.
Off-Peak Commuting
Some tech and corporate jobs offer flexible hours. Commuting outside peak times (before 7:30 AM or after 9:00 AM) significantly reduces travel time. If you have flexible hours, neighborhoods with longer commutes become more practical.
Making the Decision
The best neighborhood for professionals near Pittsburgh’s tech hubs depends on your employment location, budget, and lifestyle preferences.
For those working in the Strip District, living in the Strip District itself or Lower Lawrenceville provides a walkable commute with urban amenities. For Bakery Square employees, East Liberty and Shadyside offer easy access at moderate rents. For Lawrenceville workers, the neighborhood’s own rental market provides walkable options with a vibrant dining scene. For Oakland employees, Greenfield and South Oakland offer affordable alternatives to the dense student housing market. For South Hills corporate workers, Dormont and Carnegie provide tunnel free drives or T access at reasonable rents.
By prioritizing your budget, commute preferences, and desired lifestyle, you can find an apartment that puts you close to work without sacrificing quality of life. The Pittsburgh region offers options across price points, making it possible to live near the office whether you work in technology, healthcare, or corporate services.