For renters who want to live close to both nature and the city’s academic and medical core, Schenley Park offers an ideal location. Located at the edge of Oakland, this 456 acre park provides a green escape within walking distance of the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and UPMC. The park features golf courses, trails, the Phipps Conservatory, and the Schenley Park Ice Rink, making it a year round destination for recreation.
This guide covers the best neighborhoods and apartments near Schenley Park, with insights on rental prices, walkability, and lifestyle considerations for students, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Overview of Schenley Park
Schenley Park is located in the eastern part of Pittsburgh, bordering the neighborhoods of Oakland, Greenfield, and Squirrel Hill. The park is easily accessible from the universities and medical centers, making it a popular destination for students, faculty, and medical professionals.
Key features of the park include:
- Schenley Park Golf Course. An 18 hole public golf course.
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. A historic glasshouse with seasonal flower shows and garden displays.
- Schenley Park Ice Rink. An outdoor ice skating rink open during winter months.
- Running and walking trails. Paved and unpaved trails throughout the park, including the popular Panther Hollow Trail.
- Athletic fields. Soccer and baseball fields near the park’s lower edge.
- Tennis courts. Multiple courts available on a first come basis.
- The Oval. A large open lawn used for events and recreation.
- Panther Hollow Lake. A small lake with walking paths.
The park is particularly popular with runners, cyclists, and families. The proximity to the universities means the park is active year round.
Best Neighborhoods for Schenley Park Access
Oakland
Oakland is the neighborhood closest to Schenley Park. The park’s main entrance is at the intersection of Schenley Drive and Forbes Avenue, directly adjacent to the University of Pittsburgh campus. For students, faculty, and medical professionals, living in Oakland provides the shortest walk to both the park and campus.
Walkability to the park. 5 to 10 minutes on foot from most Oakland apartments. Apartments near the intersection of Forbes Avenue and Schenley Drive have the best access.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $1,000 to $1,500 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $2,000. The market is dominated by student housing, with many units in older buildings.
Amenities. The commercial district along Forbes Avenue and Fifth Avenue provides grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and dining. The park provides recreation.
Commute to downtown. 10 to 15 minutes by car or bus.
Best for. Students, faculty, and medical professionals who want to walk to both campus and the park.
Considerations. Parking is limited. Noise levels can be higher than in other neighborhoods due to student activity.
Greenfield
Greenfield is adjacent to Schenley Park’s southern edge. The neighborhood is more residential and quieter than Oakland, with lower rental rates.
Walkability to the park. 5 to 15 minutes on foot from most Greenfield apartments. The park entrance at the junction of Greenfield Avenue and the park’s lower trails is accessible from the neighborhood.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500. This is one of the most affordable neighborhoods near Schenley Park.
Amenities. Small commercial district on Greenfield Avenue with a grocery store and dining. The park provides recreation. Squirrel Hill’s commercial district is a 10 minute drive or bus ride away.
Commute to downtown. 10 to 15 minutes by car. 5 to 10 minutes to Oakland.
Best for. Renters on a budget who want park access and a quiet, residential setting.
Considerations. Walkable commercial amenities are limited. The walk to the park includes a hill in some areas.
Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill is adjacent to Schenley Park’s eastern edge. The neighborhood offers a complete commercial district and park access, though the walk to the park is longer than from Oakland or Greenfield.
Walkability to the park. 10 to 20 minutes on foot, depending on location. Apartments near the park’s eastern edge have the best access.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,600 to $2,500.
Amenities. The Forbes and Murray Avenue commercial district provides grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and dining. The park provides recreation.
Commute to downtown. 10 to 15 minutes by car or bus. 10 to 15 minutes to Oakland.
Best for. Renters who want a complete commercial district and park access. Families and graduate students.
Considerations. Rental rates are higher than in Greenfield. The walk to the park is longer.
South Oakland
South Oakland is located south of the main university campus, closer to the park’s Panther Hollow area. The neighborhood has a mix of student housing and long term residents.
Walkability to the park. 5 to 10 minutes on foot from most South Oakland apartments. The Panther Hollow entrance to the park is directly accessible.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,800. Rates are lower than Central Oakland.
Amenities. Limited commercial amenities. The park provides recreation. Central Oakland’s commercial district is a 10 to 15 minute walk away.
Commute to downtown. 10 to 15 minutes by car or bus. 10 to 15 minutes to Oakland.
Best for. Students and renters who want lower rates and park access.
Considerations. Commercial amenities are limited. The area has a mix of student and residential character.
Rental Price Comparison for Schenley Park Access
| Neighborhood | One Bedroom Rent | Two Bedroom Rent | Walk to Park | Walk to Grocery | Overall Walkability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland | $1,000-1,500 | $1,400-2,000 | 5-10 min | 5-10 min | Excellent |
| Greenfield | $800-1,200 | $1,000-1,500 | 5-15 min | 10-15 min | Moderate |
| Squirrel Hill | $1,200-1,800 | $1,600-2,500 | 10-20 min | 5-10 min | Good |
| South Oakland | $800-1,200 | $1,200-1,800 | 5-10 min | 15-20 min | Moderate |
Types of Apartments Near Schenley Park
Oakland Apartment Buildings
Oakland has a high concentration of apartment buildings, many dating from the early to mid-20th century. These buildings offer studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units. Amenities are basic: on site laundry, street or limited off street parking, and window air conditioning in many units. The buildings are functional and well located.
Greenfield Converted Homes
Greenfield has many converted single family homes divided into apartments. These units offer character features such as hardwood floors, high ceilings, and front porches. Square footage is generous. Parking is often off street.
Squirrel Hill Apartments and Converted Homes
Squirrel Hill offers a mix of apartment buildings and converted homes. Units near the park’s eastern edge are in older buildings with character features. Parking is typically street parking or off street for a fee.
South Oakland Row Houses
South Oakland has row houses and converted homes. The area is less dense than Central Oakland, with more residential character. Parking is challenging, but some properties offer off street spaces.
Amenities to Look For in Park-Adjacent Apartments
Walkability to the Park Entrance
The value of living near Schenley 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 Schenley Drive and Forbes Avenue (Oakland), Greenfield Avenue (Greenfield), and the Panther Hollow area (South Oakland).
In Unit Laundry
After a run or hike in the park, having in unit laundry is convenient. Many newer or renovated units include it, while older buildings may have on site laundry.
Outdoor Space
A balcony, patio, or small yard extends your living space outdoors. After a walk in the park, sitting outside is a pleasure. Some Greenfield converted homes have front porches or small yards.
Off Street Parking
Parking in Oakland can be challenging. If you have a car, prioritize apartments with off street parking. Greenfield and South Oakland have more available parking than Central Oakland.
Pet Friendly Features
If you have a dog, Schenley Park is an excellent resource. Look for buildings with dog friendly policies and easy access to the park.
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 amenities are accessible from that entrance? Different entrances provide access to different park features. Ask which trails, fields, or facilities are nearby.
Are dogs allowed on the trails? Schenley Park allows dogs on leashes. Confirm that the building is pet friendly.
What is the parking situation? If you drive to the park, ask about parking at the apartment and at the park entrances.
Is the apartment near bus lines? If you commute to campus or downtown, transit access matters.
Living Near Schenley Park: Lifestyle Considerations
Four Season Recreation
Schenley Park is active year round. Spring brings blooming flowers at Phipps Conservatory. Summer offers shaded trails and the golf course. Fall provides foliage colors. Winter brings ice skating at the Schenley Park Ice Rink.
Proximity to Campus
For students and faculty, living near Schenley Park means being able to walk to campus through the park. The walk from Greenfield or South Oakland to the universities through the park is pleasant and avoids traffic.
Running and Cycling
Schenley Park is popular with runners and cyclists. The paved roads within the park are closed to traffic at certain times. The Panther Hollow Trail provides a natural surface for trail running.
Study and Relaxation
The park provides a place to study outdoors, read, or relax between classes. The Oval and Phipps Conservatory are popular spots.
Making the Decision
Schenley Park is one of Pittsburgh’s most accessible and versatile parks, and living near it provides both recreation and convenience for those affiliated with the universities and medical centers. The best neighborhoods for park access are Oakland, Greenfield, Squirrel Hill, and South Oakland.
For renters who want the shortest walk to both campus and the park, Oakland is the top choice. One bedroom rents range from $1,000 to $1,500, and the neighborhood is dense and walkable. Parking is limited, but many residents do not need cars.
For renters on a budget who still want park access, Greenfield offers one bedroom apartments from $800 to $1,200, with a quieter, residential setting and a short walk to the park’s southern entrance.
For renters who want a complete commercial district and park access, Squirrel Hill offers one bedroom rents from $1,200 to $1,800 with excellent amenities, though the walk to the park is longer.
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. Whether you are a student, medical professional, or outdoor enthusiast, living near Schenley Park enhances daily life.