For renters who want daily access to one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved green spaces, living near Frick Park is a significant draw. At 644 acres, Frick Park is the city’s largest regional park, offering over 10 miles of hiking and walking trails through wooded ravines and meadows, athletic fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and the Frick Art and Historical Center. The park has a natural character that makes it feel far removed from the city, despite being located in the heart of the East End.
This guide covers the best neighborhoods and apartments near Frick Park, with insights on rental prices, walkability to the park, and lifestyle considerations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Overview of Frick Park
Frick Park is located in the eastern part of Pittsburgh, spanning the neighborhoods of Squirrel Hill, Regent Square, and Point Breeze. The park’s main entrance is at the intersection of Braddock Avenue and Forbes Avenue.
Key features of the park include:
- Hiking and walking trails. Over 10 miles of trails ranging from easy paved paths to rugged woodland trails. The popular Nine Mile Run trail runs through a restored stream valley.
- Frick Environmental Center. A hub for outdoor education and community programs.
- Athletic fields. Soccer and baseball fields at the park’s lower edge.
- Tennis courts. Multiple courts available on a first come basis.
- Playgrounds. Several playgrounds throughout the park.
- Frick Art and Historical Center. Clayton mansion, art museum, and café adjacent to the park.
- Blue Slide Park. A popular playground named for its blue slide.
The park is particularly popular with runners, hikers, dog walkers, and families. The trails are busy on weekends but never feel overcrowded.
Best Neighborhoods for Frick Park Access
Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill is the best neighborhood for access to Frick Park. The park’s main entrance at Braddock Avenue and Forbes Avenue is within walking distance of many Squirrel Hill apartments. The neighborhood’s commercial district along Forbes and Murray Avenues provides grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and dining.
Walkability to the park. 5 to 15 minutes on foot, depending on the apartment’s location. Apartments east of Forbes Avenue near the park entrance offer the shortest walks.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,600 to $2,500. Units in converted homes near the park offer character features such as hardwood floors and front porches.
Amenities. The Forbes and Murray Avenue commercial district is walkable from most apartments. The park provides recreation.
Commute to downtown. 10 to 15 minutes by car or bus.
Best for. Runners, hikers, dog owners, and families who want daily park access with walkable commercial amenities.
Considerations. Parking near the commercial district can be challenging. Rental rates are higher than in more distant neighborhoods.
Regent Square
Regent Square is located on the eastern edge of Frick Park. The neighborhood is smaller and quieter than Squirrel Hill, with a strong sense of community.
Walkability to the park. 5 to 10 minutes on foot from most Regent Square apartments. The park entrance on South Braddock Avenue is directly accessible.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,300 to $1,900. Units include converted homes, apartments, and townhomes.
Amenities. The small commercial district along Braddock Avenue provides a coffee shop, dining, and services. The park is the primary amenity.
Commute to downtown. 15 to 20 minutes by car.
Best for. Renters who want a quiet, community oriented neighborhood with direct park access at moderate rents.
Considerations. Commercial amenities are limited compared to Squirrel Hill. Rental inventory is smaller.
Point Breeze
Point Breeze is adjacent to Frick Park’s northern edge. The neighborhood is known for its large historic homes and quiet, tree lined streets.
Walkability to the park. 10 to 15 minutes on foot from most Point Breeze apartments. The park entrance at Reynolds Street is accessible from the neighborhood’s southern edge.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,500 to $2,200. Units are primarily in converted historic homes.
Amenities. Limited commercial district on Penn Avenue. The neighborhood is within walking distance of Shadyside’s commercial district.
Commute to downtown. 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Best for. Renters who want a quiet, residential neighborhood with historic character and park access.
Considerations. Walkability to the park depends on location. Apartments closer to the park’s northern entrance have the best access.
Swissvale
Swissvale is located east of Frick Park, across Braddock Avenue. The neighborhood is more affordable than Squirrel Hill or Regent Square.
Walkability to the park. 10 to 20 minutes on foot, depending on location. The park’s eastern edge is accessible from the Swissvale side.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $700 to $1,000 per month. Two bedroom units range from $900 to $1,300. This is the most affordable neighborhood near Frick Park.
Amenities. Limited commercial district on Noble Street. The park is the primary amenity.
Commute to downtown. 10 to 20 minutes by car or East Busway.
Best for. Renters on a budget who want access to Frick Park and the East Busway.
Considerations. Walkable commercial amenities are limited. The neighborhood has a more industrial character than Squirrel Hill or Regent Square.
Rental Price Comparison for Frick Park Access
| Neighborhood | One Bedroom Rent | Two Bedroom Rent | Walk to Park | Walk to Grocery | Overall Walkability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel Hill | $1,200-1,800 | $1,600-2,500 | 5-15 min | 5-10 min | Excellent |
| Regent Square | $1,000-1,500 | $1,300-1,900 | 5-10 min | 10-15 min | Good |
| Point Breeze | $1,100-1,600 | $1,500-2,200 | 10-15 min | 15-20 min | Moderate |
| Swissvale | $700-1,000 | $900-1,300 | 10-20 min | 15-20 min | Limited |
Types of Apartments Near Frick Park
Converted Historic Homes
Many apartments near Frick Park are in converted historic homes. These units offer character features such as hardwood floors, high ceilings, fireplaces, and front porches. They are common in Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, and Regent Square. Square footage is generous, but amenities such as central air and in unit laundry are not guaranteed.
Apartment Buildings
Several apartment buildings are located within walking distance of the park. These range from mid century buildings to newer developments. They often have off street parking and on site laundry. One bedroom units are common.
Townhomes and Duplexes
Regent Square and Swissvale have townhomes and duplexes near the park. These offer multi level living and often include small yards or patios. Some have off street parking.
Amenities to Look For in Park-Adjacent Apartments
Walkability to the Park Entrance
The value of living near the park depends on being able to walk there. Look for apartments within a 10 minute walk of a park entrance. The main entrances are at Braddock Avenue and Forbes Avenue (Squirrel Hill), South Braddock Avenue (Regent Square), and Reynolds Street (Point Breeze).
Bike Storage
If you plan to bike to the park or use the trails, secure bike storage is valuable. Some buildings offer indoor bike racks or storage rooms.
Outdoor Space
A balcony, patio, or small yard extends your living space outdoors. After a walk or run in the park, sitting outside is a pleasure.
Pet Friendly Features
If you have a dog, Frick Park is an excellent resource. Look for buildings with dog washing stations, pet waste stations, or easy access to the park.
In Unit Laundry
After a muddy hike or rainy run, having in unit laundry is convenient. Many newer buildings include it, while older converted homes may not.
Questions to Ask About Park Access
How far is the walk to the nearest park entrance? Map the distance from the apartment to the nearest entrance. A 5 to 10 minute walk is ideal.
What trails are accessible from that entrance? Different entrances provide access to different trail networks. Ask which trails are nearby.
Are dogs allowed on the trails? Frick Park allows dogs on leashes. Confirm that the building is pet friendly.
Is there bike storage? If you plan to bike to the park, ask about secure storage.
What is the parking situation? If you drive to the park, ask about parking at the apartment and at the park entrances.
Living Near Frick Park: Lifestyle Considerations
Four Season Recreation
Frick Park is active year round. Spring brings wildflowers and flowing streams. Summer offers shaded trails that stay cooler than city streets. Fall provides spectacular foliage colors. Winter transforms the park into a quiet, serene landscape for winter walks.
Daily Walks and Runs
For residents living near the park, a morning run or after work walk becomes part of daily routine. The trail network provides enough variety that you can take a different route each day.
Dog Walking
Frick Park is one of Pittsburgh’s best dog walking destinations. The trails provide ample space for exercise, and the park is popular with responsible dog owners.
Community Events
The Frick Environmental Center hosts community events, workshops, and educational programs throughout the year. The Frick Art and Historical Center offers concerts, lectures, and seasonal events.
Making the Decision
Frick Park is one of Pittsburgh’s greatest recreational assets, and living near it transforms daily life for outdoor enthusiasts. The best neighborhoods for park access are Squirrel Hill, Regent Square, Point Breeze, and Swissvale.
For renters who want the best combination of park access, walkable amenities, and community character, Squirrel Hill is the top choice. One bedroom rents range from $1,200 to $1,800, and the commercial district provides everything you need within walking distance.
For renters on a budget who still want park access, Swissvale offers one bedroom apartments from $700 to $1,000, with a 10 to 20 minute walk to the park and East Busway access to downtown.
For renters who want a quiet, community oriented neighborhood, Regent Square offers moderate rents with direct park access.
By prioritizing walkability to the park entrance, considering your budget, and evaluating the neighborhood’s overall amenities, you can find an apartment that puts one of Pittsburgh’s best parks just outside your door. For many renters, the ability to walk to Frick Park is worth the premium.