Pittsburgh summers bring warm temperatures, humidity, and long daylight hours. From June through August, temperatures regularly reach the 80s and 90s, with humidity levels that can make the heat feel oppressive. For renters, the right apartment can mean the difference between a comfortable summer and weeks of restless nights. Apartments with air conditioning, outdoor space, and proximity to parks or riverfront trails offer the best summer living experience.
This guide covers what to look for in a summer friendly apartment, which neighborhoods and building types perform best in warm weather, and how to evaluate a rental before signing a lease.
What Makes an Apartment Summer Friendly
A summer friendly apartment has several key features:
Air conditioning. Central air conditioning is the most effective cooling system. Ductless mini splits are also effective. Window units can cool individual rooms but are noisier and less efficient.
Outdoor space. A balcony, patio, yard, or roof terrace allows you to enjoy warm evenings without leaving home. Shared outdoor spaces such as courtyards or roof decks also add value.
Cross ventilation. Apartments with windows on opposite sides of the building allow breezes to flow through, reducing reliance on AC during mild summer days.
Window treatments. Blinds, shades, or curtains that block sunlight reduce solar heat gain. South and west facing windows benefit most from light blocking treatments.
Proximity to parks or water. Living near a park, riverfront trail, or pool provides recreation and cooling opportunities during heat waves.
Building orientation. North facing units receive less direct sunlight and stay cooler than south or west facing units. East facing units get morning sun but shade in the afternoon.
Best Building Types for Summer Living
Newer Luxury Buildings with Central AC
Newer buildings, particularly those constructed within the last 15 years, consistently offer central air conditioning. These buildings maintain comfortable temperatures even during heat waves. Many also feature roof terraces, courtyards, or pools that provide outdoor space.
Buildings in the Strip District, North Shore, downtown, and Cranberry Township fall into this category. Renters in these buildings can expect consistent cooling and summer amenities.
Renovated Industrial Buildings
Renovated industrial lofts in Lawrenceville and the Strip District have thick brick and concrete walls that naturally insulate against heat. These walls keep interiors cooler than wood frame construction. Many of these buildings have large windows that can be opened for ventilation, though central AC is also standard in renovated units.
The downside is that large, south facing windows can let in significant solar heat. Good blinds or shades are essential.
Garden Style Complexes with Central AC
Suburban garden style apartment complexes built in the 1980s or later typically have central air conditioning. These complexes often have outdoor space such as patios, balconies, or shared courtyards. Some have swimming pools.
Complexes in Ross Township, Bethel Park, Monroeville, and Cranberry Township offer these features at moderate rents.
Older Buildings with Window Units
Many older buildings in city neighborhoods rely on window units for cooling. These can be effective for cooling individual rooms, but they are noisier and less efficient than central air. Window units also block window views and must be installed seasonally.
Some older buildings have no air conditioning at all. Renters should avoid these during summer months unless they are on a very low floor with cross ventilation.
Neighborhoods with Summer Friendly Apartments
Strip District
The Strip District’s newer luxury buildings are excellent for summer living. Central air conditioning is standard. Many buildings have roof terraces with river and city views, providing outdoor space for warm evenings. The riverfront trail is steps away for walking, running, or biking.
One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,700 to $2,300 per month. The premium rents include central AC and amenities.
North Shore
The North Shore’s newer buildings offer central AC and roof terraces. The riverfront trail is directly accessible, and the open space near the stadiums provides recreation. Apartments with river views can catch breezes off the water.
One bedroom units range from $1,500 to $2,200 per month.
Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville offers a mix of summer friendly options. Renovated industrial lofts have central AC or mini splits and thick walls that stay cool. Some buildings have roof terraces or courtyards. The Allegheny Riverfront trail is accessible at the neighborhood’s edge.
One bedroom units in renovated buildings range from $1,600 to $2,000 per month. Older buildings without AC rent for less but are not recommended for summer.
Shadyside
Shadyside has a mix of summer friendly options. Newer luxury buildings near Walnut Street have central AC and sometimes roof terraces. Older buildings may have window units or no AC. The neighborhood’s tree lined streets provide shade when walking.
One bedroom units in buildings with central AC range from $1,600 to $2,200 per month.
Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill offers proximity to Frick Park, which provides significant outdoor recreation and cooler microclimates than paved city streets. However, many older buildings in Squirrel Hill rely on window units rather than central AC.
One bedroom units with central AC or mini splits range from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. Units with window units only rent for $1,200 to $1,600.
Dormont
Dormont’s older buildings typically rely on window units. Central AC is rare. The neighborhood’s walkable commercial district is convenient, but summer cooling is less reliable than in newer buildings.
One bedroom units with window units range from $900 to $1,300 per month.
Cranberry Township
Cranberry Township’s newer luxury apartment communities all have central AC. Many have swimming pools, which are a significant summer amenity. The communities also have outdoor space and walking trails.
One bedroom units range from $1,400 to $2,000 per month.
Ross Township
Ross Township’s garden style complexes typically have central AC. Some have swimming pools. The suburban location provides more green space than city neighborhoods.
One bedroom units range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month.
Summer Amenities to Look For
Swimming Pool
A swimming pool is the ultimate summer amenity. Luxury buildings in the Strip District, downtown, Cranberry Township, and some suburban complexes have pools. Access to a pool without leaving your building is a significant convenience.
Roof Terrace
Roof terraces provide outdoor space for warm evenings. Many new buildings in the Strip District, North Shore, and downtown have roof terraces with seating, grills, and skyline views. These are excellent for socializing or simply enjoying a summer evening.
Balcony or Patio
A private balcony or patio allows you to step outside without going downstairs. Even a small balcony provides a place for morning coffee or evening relaxation. In suburban complexes, ground floor units may have patios.
Courtyard
Shared courtyards provide outdoor space in denser neighborhoods. Some older buildings and converted homes have courtyards with seating and plantings.
Proximity to Parks
Frick Park, Schenley Park, Highland Park, and the riverfront trails provide extensive green space for recreation. Living near a park gives you easy access to shade, trails, and cooler microclimates.
Proximity to Water
The Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers create breezes that can cool nearby neighborhoods. Apartments with river views or locations near the water may catch these breezes.
Price Comparison for Summer Friendly Apartments
| Neighborhood | One Bedroom Rent | Cooling Type | Outdoor Space | Pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strip District | $1,700-2,300 | Central AC | Roof terrace | Some |
| North Shore | $1,500-2,200 | Central AC | Roof terrace | Some |
| Lawrenceville (renovated) | $1,600-2,000 | Central AC/mini split | Some roof terraces | No |
| Shadyside (newer) | $1,600-2,200 | Central AC | Some courtyards | No |
| Squirrel Hill (with AC) | $1,400-1,800 | Central AC/mini split | Yards in some | No |
| Cranberry Township | $1,400-2,000 | Central AC | Patios, trails | Many |
| Ross Township | $1,100-1,500 | Central AC | Courtyards | Some |
| Bethel Park | $1,100-1,600 | Central AC | Patios | Some |
| Dormont | $900-1,300 | Window units | Limited | No |
Questions to Ask About Summer Comfort
What type of air conditioning does the apartment have? Central air, mini splits, window units, or none. Confirm before signing.
If window units, are they included? Some landlords provide window units. Others expect tenants to provide their own. Confirm.
Are there restrictions on window units? Some newer buildings do not permit window units because they affect the building’s exterior appearance. In these buildings, central air is provided.
What is the apartment’s exposure? North facing units stay cooler than south or west facing units, which receive afternoon sun.
Is there outdoor space? Ask about balconies, patios, roof terraces, courtyards, or shared outdoor areas.
What are the typical summer electric bills? Central air and window units both increase electric bills. Ask for average summer costs.
Tips for Staying Cool Without Central AC
Use Window Units Strategically
Place window units in the bedroom and main living area. Run the bedroom unit at night and the living area unit during the day.
Use Fans to Circulate Air
Ceiling fans, floor fans, and box fans help circulate cool air. In the evening, place a fan in a window facing outward to pull hot air out of the apartment.
Close Blinds and Curtains
Sunlight streaming through windows heats rooms significantly. Close blinds, shades, or curtains during the hottest parts of the day, particularly on south and west facing windows.
Cook Outside or Use Small Appliances
Using the oven or stove adds heat to the apartment. Grill outside, use a slow cooker, or prepare no cook meals during heat waves.
Take Advantage of Cooler Spaces
If your apartment gets hot, spend time in cooler spaces such as a basement, a friend’s apartment with AC, a library, or a coffee shop.
Use Cross Ventilation
If the temperature drops in the evening, open windows on opposite sides of the apartment to create cross breezes.
Making the Decision
Summer in Pittsburgh requires an apartment that can keep you cool and provide opportunities to enjoy the warm weather. The most summer friendly apartments are newer luxury buildings in the Strip District, North Shore, and downtown, which offer central AC, roof terraces, and proximity to riverfront trails. These buildings command premium rents but provide the best summer experience.
For renters on a budget, suburban complexes in Cranberry Township, Ross Township, and Bethel Park offer central AC and pools at moderate rents. The trade off is a longer commute to the city’s summer events.
For renters who prefer city neighborhoods, renovated buildings in Lawrenceville and newer buildings in Shadyside offer central AC and some outdoor space at moderate to high rents. Renters should avoid older buildings without AC, as summer heat and humidity will make them uncomfortable.
By confirming the cooling type, assessing outdoor space, and considering proximity to parks or water, renters can find an apartment that keeps them comfortable through Pittsburgh’s warmest months. The region offers options across price points, making it possible to enjoy summer whether you are in a luxury high rise with a pool or a well ventilated older building with window units.