For renters who want to be near the amenities of Shadyside and East Liberty without paying premium prices, Friendship offers a quiet, residential alternative. Located just east of Shadyside and south of East Liberty, this small neighborhood is known for its tree lined streets, historic architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. Friendship provides easy access to bus lines, parks, and commercial districts while maintaining a low key, community oriented character.
This guide covers apartments in Friendship, with insights on rental prices, walkability, architecture, and lifestyle considerations.
Overview of Friendship
Friendship is a compact neighborhood named for Friendship Avenue, its main thoroughfare. The neighborhood is bordered by Shadyside to the west, East Liberty to the north, and Garfield to the east. Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Friendship features a high concentration of Victorian and Colonial Revival homes, many of which have been converted into apartments.
Key features of Friendship include:
- Historic architecture. The neighborhood is known for its well preserved Victorian homes with wrap around porches, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork.
- Friendship Park. A small neighborhood park with a playground and green space.
- Proximity to Shadyside. A 10 to 15 minute walk to Walnut Street’s boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
- Proximity to East Liberty. A 5 to 10 minute walk to East Liberty’s commercial district, including a grocery store, cinema, and dining.
- Bus transit. Frequent bus routes along Friendship Avenue, Penn Avenue, and Negley Avenue connect to downtown, Oakland, and other neighborhoods.
Friendship is quieter than its neighbors. The neighborhood has limited commercial activity, which reduces traffic and noise. Most residents walk or take a short bus ride to Shadyside or East Liberty for shopping and dining.
Rental Market in Friendship
Converted Historic Homes
The majority of Friendship’s rental inventory consists of converted single family homes. These properties retain original character features such as hardwood floors, high ceilings, fireplaces, stained glass windows, and wrap around porches. Apartments are typically one, two, or three bedroom units with generous square footage.
Typical units. One, two, and three bedroom layouts. Square footage is larger than in newer buildings.
Amenities. Limited. Off street parking is available at some properties. Laundry may be in unit or on site. Window air conditioning is standard. Some units have been updated with modern kitchens and bathrooms.
Rental prices. One bedroom units range from $900 to $1,400 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Three bedroom units range from $1,500 to $2,200.
Best for. Renters who want historic character, generous space, and a quiet setting at moderate rents.
Smaller Apartment Buildings
Friendship has a handful of smaller apartment buildings, typically two to six units. These buildings offer similar character to the converted homes but with more standardized layouts.
Typical units. One and two bedroom layouts.
Amenities. Limited. Off street parking may be available.
Rental prices. One bedroom units range from $800 to $1,300 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,100 to $1,700.
Best for. Renters who want a simple, functional apartment in a quiet neighborhood.
Newer Developments
Friendship has seen very little new construction. The neighborhood’s character is defined by its historic homes, and most rentals are in older buildings.
Rental Price Comparison: Friendship vs. Neighbors
| Neighborhood | One Bedroom Rent | Two Bedroom Rent | Character | Walk to Shopping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendship | $900-1,400 | $1,200-1,800 | Historic, quiet | 10-15 min |
| Shadyside | $1,400-2,200 | $1,800-3,000 | Polished, upscale | 0-5 min |
| East Liberty | $1,000-1,400 (older) | $1,500-2,000 (older) | Revitalizing | 0-5 min |
| Garfield | $800-1,200 | $1,000-1,500 | Emerging | 10-15 min |
Friendship is significantly more affordable than Shadyside, with one bedroom rents often $300 to $800 lower per month. It is comparable to East Liberty’s older housing stock but offers a quieter, more residential setting.
Walkability and Amenities
Friendship has limited commercial amenities within its boundaries. The neighborhood’s primary amenity is its quiet, residential character. Most residents walk or take a short bus ride to adjacent neighborhoods for shopping, dining, and services.
Proximity to Shadyside
Shadyside’s Walnut Street commercial district is a 10 to 15 minute walk from Friendship. This provides access to boutique shopping, restaurants, cafes, and services.
Proximity to East Liberty
East Liberty’s commercial district along Penn Avenue and Highland Avenue is a 5 to 10 minute walk from Friendship. This includes a full service grocery store, cinema, restaurants, and shops.
Friendship Park
The neighborhood’s small park provides green space, a playground, and a place for community gatherings.
Bus Transit
Frequent bus routes serve Friendship. The 71B bus runs along Friendship Avenue, providing service to downtown and Oakland. The 75 bus runs along Ellsworth Avenue, providing service to Shadyside and East Liberty.
Architecture and Character
Friendship is known for its well preserved Victorian homes. The neighborhood has a high concentration of architecturally significant buildings, many with:
- Wrap around porches. Large porches that invite sitting outdoors.
- Stained glass windows. Original windows add character and color.
- Hardwood floors. Original floors are common in converted homes.
- Fireplaces. Many units have decorative or functional fireplaces.
- High ceilings. Ceilings are often 10 feet or higher.
For renters who appreciate historic architecture, Friendship offers some of the most character rich apartments in Pittsburgh. The neighborhood has a cohesive, well maintained appearance.
Living in Friendship: Lifestyle Considerations
Quiet Residential Character
Friendship is one of the quietest neighborhoods in the East End. There is almost no commercial activity within the neighborhood. Streets are peaceful, and weekend nights are very quiet. For renters who want a calm environment after work, Friendship is an excellent choice.
Walkability
While Friendship has limited commercial amenities, it is very walkable to adjacent neighborhoods. A 10 to 15 minute walk puts you in Shadyside or East Liberty. The neighborhood itself is pleasant for walking, with tree lined streets and well maintained sidewalks.
Parking
Parking in Friendship is generally easier than in Shadyside or East Liberty. Street parking is typically available. Some buildings offer off street parking. The neighborhood’s lower density reduces parking competition.
Transit
Bus routes provide convenient access to downtown and Oakland. For renters who commute, the 71B bus along Friendship Avenue is a reliable option.
Groceries
A full service grocery store is located in East Liberty, a 5 to 10 minute walk from most Friendship apartments. This is a significant advantage over neighborhoods without walkable grocery access.
Types of Renters in Friendship
Friendship attracts a diverse mix of renters:
- Young professionals who want access to Shadyside and East Liberty at lower rents.
- Graduate students who want a quiet place to study near the universities.
- Medical residents who want a short commute to nearby hospitals.
- Artists and creatives drawn by affordable rents and historic character.
- Long time residents who have lived in the neighborhood for years.
Questions to Ask Before Renting
Is off street parking available? Street parking is generally available, but off street parking adds convenience. Ask about availability and cost.
Are there laundry facilities? In unit laundry is rare. Ask whether there is on site laundry or if you will need to use a laundromat.
What is the heating system? Older buildings may have radiator heat. Ask about average winter heating costs.
How far is the walk to the grocery store? The East Liberty grocery store is a key amenity. Confirm the walking distance from the apartment.
What updates have been made? Some converted homes have been updated with modern kitchens and bathrooms. Others retain original features. Ask about recent renovations.
Making the Decision
Friendship offers one of the best combinations of affordability, character, and location in Pittsburgh’s East End. One bedroom rents from $900 to $1,400 and two bedroom rents from $1,200 to $1,800 are significantly lower than Shadyside, while still providing walkable access to both Shadyside and East Liberty.
The neighborhood’s historic architecture, quiet streets, and strong community character create a living environment that is increasingly rare in the East End. For renters who appreciate historic homes, want a peaceful setting, and value proximity to amenities, Friendship is an excellent choice.
The trade offs are limited commercial amenities within the neighborhood itself. Most shopping and dining require a 10 to 15 minute walk to Shadyside or East Liberty. For many renters, this is a reasonable compromise for lower rents and a quieter atmosphere.
For renters seeking a balance of affordability, character, and convenience, Friendship deserves serious consideration. The savings compared to Shadyside can be substantial, and the quality of life is exceptional.