For renters seeking a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to downtown Pittsburgh, the North Hills region offers a compelling collection of communities. Stretching north from the city line through Allegheny and Butler counties, this corridor features a range of rental options, from established suburbs with quick commutes to growing communities with new construction and expanding amenities.
The North Hills encompasses several distinct areas, each with its own character, price point, and lifestyle considerations. From the convenience of Ross Township to the growth of Cranberry Township and the established character of Wexford, this guide provides a practical comparison to help renters navigate the options.
The North Hills Overview
The North Hills region is defined by its location north of Pittsburgh and its access to major transportation corridors. Interstate 279, known locally as the Parkway North, provides a direct connection to downtown, while Interstate 79 offers access to the airport corridor and points north. The region’s development pattern includes older suburbs close to the city and newer communities farther out that have grown along the highway corridors.
Commute and Transportation
The commute to downtown Pittsburgh varies significantly across the North Hills. Ross Township, which borders the city line, offers a 15 to 20 minute drive under normal conditions. Wexford, located about 15 miles north, typically requires 20 to 30 minutes. Cranberry Township, approximately 20 miles north, requires 30 to 40 minutes.
Public transit options are available along the corridor, with Port Authority bus service connecting the North Hills to downtown. Service frequency is highest in Ross Township and decreases farther north. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting and daily travel.
Ross Township: Convenience and Established Suburbs
Ross Township, located just north of the Pittsburgh city line, offers the closest suburban option to downtown. With approximately 31,000 residents, this established community provides a practical balance of accessibility and suburban amenities.
Rental Housing Stock
The rental market in Ross Township is dominated by garden style apartment complexes and townhome communities. These properties typically feature dedicated parking lots, on site maintenance staff, and communal amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses. Unit layouts emphasize functionality and square footage, with one, two, and three bedroom floor plans available.
The rental stock includes properties built from the 1970s through the 1990s, with many complexes having undergone renovations to update interiors with modern finishes. Newer construction is less common but appears as infill development on remaining parcels.
Rental Prices
Ross Township offers moderate rental rates compared to closer city neighborhoods and premium suburbs. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $1,900. Townhome rentals command higher rates, generally from $1,600 to $2,200 for two bedroom units.
Retail and Convenience
Ross Township serves as a retail hub for the North Hills, with McKnight Road functioning as the primary commercial corridor. The area features a dense concentration of big box stores, grocery chains, and service businesses. Ross Park Mall provides additional shopping and dining options. For renters, this means errands such as grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, and home goods purchases can be accomplished with short drives.
Considerations
Car ownership is essential for residents of Ross Township. While bus service exists, the suburban layout makes walking to most destinations impractical. The trade off for this car dependency is convenience in daily errands and generally lower rental rates per square foot compared to city neighborhoods. The demographic includes families, young professionals seeking more space, and retirees.
Wexford: Established Character and Growing Options
Wexford, located in Pine Township about 15 miles north of Pittsburgh, offers a blend of established neighborhoods and newer development. The area has cultivated a reputation for good schools and a suburban character that appeals to families and professionals.
Rental Housing Stock
The rental market in Wexford includes a mix of garden style apartment complexes, townhome communities, and newer luxury apartments. The area has seen significant residential development in recent years, with several new apartment communities built along the Route 19 corridor. These newer properties offer modern finishes, open floor plans, and amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, and community spaces.
Older rental properties in Wexford include garden style complexes and townhome communities dating from the 1980s and 1990s, many of which have been updated. The variety of housing stock provides options across price points.
Rental Prices
Rental rates in Wexford are generally higher than in Ross Township, reflecting the area’s desirability and newer housing stock. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,300 to $1,800 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,700 to $2,400. Newer luxury apartments command the higher end of these ranges, while older complexes offer more moderate options.
Retail and Convenience
Wexford’s commercial development is concentrated along Route 19, which features grocery stores, shopping centers, and a growing collection of restaurants and services. The area offers a mix of national chains and locally owned businesses. For daily needs, residents have convenient access to retail within a short drive.
Considerations
Wexford’s location requires car ownership for all activities. The commute to downtown ranges from 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The area is served by the Pine-Richland School District, which has a strong reputation and is a draw for families. Rental inventory is substantial, with a mix of established and newer properties.
Cranberry Township: Growth, New Development, and Employment
Cranberry Township, located approximately 20 miles north of Pittsburgh in Butler County, represents one of the region’s fastest growing communities. With roughly 33,000 residents, Cranberry has transformed from a rural crossroads into a thriving suburban center with its own employment base and extensive amenities.
Rental Housing Stock
The rental market in Cranberry Township is characterized by new construction and modern amenities. Luxury apartment communities dominate the landscape, featuring contemporary architecture, professional management, and resort style amenities. Unit layouts include studio, one, two, and three bedroom floor plans with modern finishes such as granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and in unit washers and dryers.
Amenities at these communities often include resort style swimming pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, business centers, and pet facilities. Townhome communities and garden style complexes provide additional options at more moderate price points.
Rental Prices
Rental rates in Cranberry Township reflect the area’s new construction and desirability. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,400 to $2,000 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,800 to $2,600. Luxury apartments command the higher end of these ranges, while garden style complexes and older properties offer more moderate options.
Retail and Employment
Cranberry Township has developed into a regional retail hub with a concentration of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The intersection of Route 19 and Route 228 features a dense concentration of big box stores, grocery chains, and restaurants. The UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex adds recreational amenities.
Significantly, Cranberry has also developed as an employment center, with corporate offices including Westinghouse Electric Company and numerous businesses along the Route 228 corridor. For renters who work in the area, the ability to live close to employment is a significant advantage.
Considerations
Car ownership is essential in Cranberry Township. The commute to downtown Pittsburgh takes 30 to 40 minutes, which is a consideration for those working in the city. The area is served by the Seneca Valley School District. The rapid growth means that construction is ongoing, which can affect traffic patterns in some areas.
McCandless: Residential Character and Convenient Access
McCandless, located north of Ross Township, offers a residential character with convenient access to the North Hills commercial corridors. This community of approximately 30,000 residents provides a balance of suburban living and accessibility.
Rental Housing Stock
The rental market in McCandless includes a mix of garden style apartment complexes and townhome communities. The area has a range of properties built from the 1970s through the 2000s, with some newer construction. Many complexes offer amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and dedicated parking.
Rental Prices
Rental rates in McCandless are generally moderate, falling between Ross Township and Wexford. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $2,000. Properties near the commercial corridors command higher rates.
Considerations
McCandless offers convenient access to the retail along McKnight Road and provides a shorter commute to downtown than communities farther north. The North Allegheny School District serves the area and has a strong reputation. Car ownership is essential for residents.
Hampton Township and Allison Park: Suburban Tranquility
Hampton Township, including the Allison Park area, offers a more residential character than the commercial corridors of Ross and Cranberry. This community emphasizes residential neighborhoods, parks, and schools.
Rental Housing Stock
The rental market in Hampton Township includes a mix of garden style apartment complexes and townhome communities, with some converted homes. The inventory is more limited than in larger townships, reflecting the area’s residential character.
Rental Prices
Rental rates in Hampton Township are generally moderate to above average. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,500 to $2,200.
Considerations
Hampton Township is served by the Hampton School District, which has a strong reputation. The area offers a quieter, more residential environment than the retail corridors of Ross or Cranberry. Car ownership is essential, and the commute to downtown is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Comparing North Hills Communities
For renters considering options across the North Hills, understanding the trade offs between different communities helps clarify priorities.
Commute and Accessibility
Ross Township offers the shortest commute to downtown, typically 15 to 20 minutes. McCandless follows at 20 to 25 minutes. Wexford requires 20 to 30 minutes. Cranberry Township requires 30 to 40 minutes. Renters should consider their tolerance for commuting when selecting a location.
Price and Value
Rental rates generally increase with distance from the city, with Cranberry and Wexford commanding higher rates due to newer construction and amenities. Ross Township and McCandless offer more moderate rates with shorter commutes. Renters should evaluate whether the newer construction and amenities of communities farther north justify the higher rent and longer commute.
Amenities and Lifestyle
Cranberry Township offers the most extensive retail and employment options within the community. Ross Township provides convenient access to retail along McKnight Road with a shorter commute. Wexford and McCandless offer a balance of residential character and access to services. Hampton Township emphasizes residential tranquility and schools.
Schools
For renters with children, the school district is a significant consideration. The North Hills communities are served by several districts: Ross Township by North Hills School District, McCandless by North Allegheny School District, Wexford by Pine-Richland School District, Cranberry by Seneca Valley School District, and Hampton by Hampton School District. Each has its own reputation and characteristics.
Practical Considerations for North Hills Renters
Before selecting a rental property in the North Hills, potential residents should consider several practical factors.
Car Dependency
Car ownership is essential for residents of all North Hills communities. While bus service is available along major corridors, the suburban layout makes walking to most destinations impractical. Most households require at least one vehicle, and families with two working adults may need a second.
Rental Inventory
The North Hills offers substantial rental inventory, with numerous apartment complexes and townhome communities across the region. Renters have options across price points and amenity levels. The variety of housing stock means that renters can typically find properties that meet their needs within their budget.
Traffic Considerations
Traffic on the Parkway North and major corridors can be significant during peak hours. Renters should consider their commute times and evaluate whether alternative routes or transit options are available. Those who work outside standard business hours may experience less congestion.
Making the Decision
The North Hills offers a range of options for renters seeking suburban living with access to Pittsburgh. For those who prioritize the shortest commute, Ross Township provides convenience with moderate rental rates. For renters seeking newer construction and extensive amenities, Cranberry Township offers modern living with a longer commute. For those balancing commute, schools, and residential character, Wexford, McCandless, and Hampton Township provide compelling options.
By defining priorities around commute, budget, schools, and lifestyle, renters can navigate the North Hills and find a community that meets their needs. Visiting each area during weekdays and weekends provides a complete picture, and experiencing the commute during peak hours helps ensure that the chosen location aligns with daily life expectations.