For renters seeking affordable housing within a short commute of downtown Pittsburgh, Glen Hazel offers a practical option in the city’s east end. Located on a hilltop along the Monongahela River, this small neighborhood provides a 10 to 15 minute drive to the city center while maintaining rental rates that are significantly below the city average. With a strong sense of community and convenient access to public transit, Glen Hazel is a practical choice for budget-conscious renters.
Glen Hazel is primarily a residential community with a mix of public housing, senior living facilities, and private rentals. The neighborhood has a quiet, close-knit feel and is known for its affordability and peaceful atmosphere.
Location and Commute
Proximity to Downtown
Glen Hazel is located approximately 4 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh, with a typical commute of 10 to 15 minutes by car via Interstate 376.
Public Transit Options
The neighborhood is well served by the Port Authority bus system. Direct bus service connects Glen Hazel to downtown Pittsburgh, with travel times of approximately 14 to 15 minutes. Buses run hourly, providing a reliable commuting option for residents without cars. Approximately 10 percent of residents use public transportation to get to work.
The Glen Hazel Rental Market
Rental Prices
Glen Hazel offers some of the most affordable rental rates in the Pittsburgh area. The average rental price in the neighborhood is approximately $1,000 per month. This is significantly lower than the national average and well below many Pittsburgh neighborhoods. A studio apartment is available for under $900 per month.
Rental Housing Stock
The rental market in Glen Hazel is primarily made up of medium-sized to small single-family homes and apartment complexes. Many of the residences were built before 1939, giving the neighborhood a historic character.
Housing Authority Properties
Glen Hazel was developed during World War II as a government housing project for defense workers. The original development was replaced in the 1970s with new public housing projects and senior living facilities. Today, the neighborhood continues to provide affordable housing to aging and disabled residents through various housing authority properties.
Community Character
Small-Town Feel
Glen Hazel has a quiet, close-knit community atmosphere. Residents describe the neighborhood as peaceful and friendly, with a mix of families and retirees. The neighborhood is bordered by densely wooded areas, and wildlife can often be seen near the main drag.
Affordability
Glen Hazel is a very affordable place to live. Residents rate the neighborhood highly for affordability, with median rents significantly below the city and national averages.
Demographics
The neighborhood has a population of approximately 700 residents. The median age is approximately 52, and the average income is lower than the city average. Homeownership rate is low, reflecting the neighborhood’s character as a renter-oriented community.
Diversity
Glen Hazel has a diverse population with residents identifying with various ancestries including German, Irish, Polish, Puerto Rican, and Italian.
Amenities and Services
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Glen Hazel Park is located in the neighborhood, providing a place for outdoor activities like picnics, jogging, or enjoying nature. The neighborhood’s hilltop location along the Monongahela River provides access to wooded areas and green space.
Senior Center
The Glen Hazel Senior Healthy Active Living Center offers daily meals, activities such as board games, cards, fitness, pool, puzzles, a reading library, tech assistance, and volunteer opportunities.
Nearby Shopping and Dining
Glen Hazel is within walking distance of grocery stores and is close to the Waterfront shopping complex in Homestead. Shopping and dining options are also accessible in nearby Squirrel Hill and Hazelwood.
Transportation
Car Ownership
Car ownership in Glen Hazel is lower than the national average, with approximately 30 percent of households not owning a car. Most residents drive alone to work, while a significant number ride the bus.
Bus Routes
The Port Authority bus network serves Glen Hazel, connecting the neighborhood to downtown Pittsburgh and other areas. Direct bus service from downtown to Glen Hazel takes approximately 15 minutes. About 10 percent of residents take public transportation to work.
Practical Considerations for Renters
Affordability
Glen Hazel is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Renters can find studio apartments for under $1,000, and the average rental price is approximately $1,000 per month.
Car-Free Living
Given the high percentage of households without cars and the availability of public transit, Glen Hazel is a practical option for renters who do not own a vehicle.
Quiet Residential Atmosphere
Glen Hazel is a quiet, residential neighborhood, which may appeal to renters seeking a peaceful environment away from the city’s busier commercial districts.
Who Should Consider Glen Hazel
Glen Hazel is best suited for renters who:
- Prioritize affordability and value
- Want a quiet, close-knit community atmosphere
- Use public transit for commuting
- Appreciate historic character and green space
- Are comfortable with a neighborhood that has a high proportion of public housing
Making the Decision
Glen Hazel serves renters who prioritize affordability, a quiet residential atmosphere, and convenient access to downtown Pittsburgh. For those seeking rental rates significantly 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 value a peaceful environment with access to public transit. It suits those who are comfortable with a neighborhood that is primarily residential and has a mix of public housing and private rentals. It accommodates renters who prefer a quiet setting with convenient access to the city’s amenities.
For renters considering Glen Hazel, visiting the neighborhood during weekdays and weekends provides a complete picture. Taking the bus to downtown, exploring the local parks, and touring available apartments helps determine whether the hilltop lifestyle aligns with personal preferences. For many renters in the Pittsburgh region, Glen Hazel offers an affordable option that delivers on value, community, and convenience.