Hazelwood is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in Pittsburgh. For decades, the neighborhood was defined by the massive steel mill that dominated its riverfront. Today, that 178-acre site, now known as Hazelwood Green, is being reimagined as a hub for technology, robotics, and residential living. For renters, this means a neighborhood in transition, with new housing options emerging alongside long-standing affordable rentals, and a community working to ensure that growth benefits existing residents.
Location and Riverfront Setting
Hazelwood is located approximately 4 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh, along the Monongahela River. The neighborhood’s riverfront setting is a defining feature, with Hazelwood Green planned to include urban open space and trails connecting to the broader Three Rivers Heritage Trail system.
The neighborhood is bordered by Greenfield to the north, Glen Hazel to the east, and the river to the west and south. This location provides convenient access to Squirrel Hill, Oakland, and the Waterfront shopping complex in Homestead.
Major Development: Hazelwood Green
Hazelwood Green is the centerpiece of the neighborhood’s transformation. Master plans for the site call for between 3,000 and 4,000 new housing units, with full build-out estimated near 2040. The development is guided by a commitment to equitable growth, with developers emphasizing “development without displacement” and ensuring that “equity and inclusion is a big part of our focus here.”
Tech and Innovation Hub
Hazelwood Green is already home to Mill 19, a tech-focused business park housing a University of Pittsburgh biomanufacturing facility and Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Innovation Center, which opened in spring 2026. A youth sports complex also opened in the area.
The Hazelwood Rental Market
Hazelwood currently offers a mix of older, affordable housing stock and newly constructed or planned apartments. The median rent for a studio apartment is approximately $1,095 per month, while the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,253 per month. This is below the national median rent and below the Pittsburgh city average, making Hazelwood a relatively affordable option for renters.
Roughly 53 percent of households in Hazelwood are renter-occupied, higher than the national average, reflecting the neighborhood’s strong rental market.
New Housing Developments
Several apartment projects are underway or have been approved at Hazelwood Green:
Lytle Street Building
The first residential development at Hazelwood Green, a 50-unit apartment building now under construction, will include 33 one-bedroom and 17 two-bedroom units. Construction started in 2025, with tenants expected by early 2027. Thirteen of the 14 two-bedroom units are reserved for single parents pursuing college degrees through Pittsburgh Scholar House.
Eliza Street Modular Building
Module, a Garfield-based developer, received approval for Pittsburgh’s first modular multi-family apartment building on Eliza Street. The project will deliver 30 apartments for middle-income renters, with construction expected to begin in 2026.
HG Blair (Eliza and Blair Streets)
A five-story, 46-unit building on Eliza Street and Blair Street was approved in March 2026. The project includes 29 one-bedroom, 10 two-bedroom, and 7 three-bedroom units, with 44 units affordable for those earning at or below 60% of the area median income. The ground floor will include a fitness center, reading room, community room, and ground-floor commercial space. Development plans were developed with input from the Hazelwood Initiative, a community advocacy organization.
Existing Affordable Housing: Hazelwood Towers
Hazelwood Towers provides 95 Section 8 housing units for low-income residents, with rents ranging from $275 to $481 per month. This existing affordable housing stock serves the neighborhood’s long-term residents.
Rezoning and Future Growth
A proposed zoning change in 2026 would rezone portions of Hazelwood between Hazelwood Green and the river, opening that land to new housing types including multi-unit residential buildings. This signals that Pittsburgh’s plans for Hazelwood extend well beyond the original site boundaries.
Practical Considerations for Renters
Affordability and Rental Inventory
Hazelwood remains an affordable option, with median rents below the national average. However, inventory is currently limited, with approximately 5 to 10 rentals available on major platforms. Renters should monitor listings regularly and be prepared to act when units become available. New developments will increase inventory over the next few years.
Walkability and Car Dependency
Hazelwood is a walkable neighborhood with sidewalks and trail access to Squirrel Hill and Greenfield via the Junction Hollow trail network. Car ownership is still advisable for most residents, though the neighborhood’s proximity to Squirrel Hill, the Waterfront, and downtown makes car usage efficient.
Community Engagement
Hazelwood has an active community development organization, the Hazelwood Initiative, which advocates for residents and works to ensure that development benefits the community. Renters who value being part of a neighborhood in transition may find opportunities for engagement.
Making the Decision
Hazelwood serves renters who value affordability, proximity to the city’s East End, and the opportunity to be part of a neighborhood undergoing significant transformation. For those seeking rental rates below the city average and a community with a strong sense of place, it represents a practical option.
The neighborhood works well for renters who appreciate proximity to Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, and the Waterfront. It suits those who are comfortable with a neighborhood in transition and who value community engagement. It accommodates renters who prefer a residential setting with convenient access to shopping and entertainment.
For renters considering Hazelwood, visiting the neighborhood during weekdays and weekends provides a complete picture. Exploring the riverfront, visiting the Hazelwood Green site, and touring available apartments helps determine whether the neighborhood’s character and trajectory align with personal preferences. For many renters in the Pittsburgh region, Hazelwood offers an affordable option in a neighborhood with significant potential.