For renters who prioritize peace and quiet over nightlife and urban energy, the Pittsburgh region offers several neighborhoods and suburbs where tranquility is the defining feature. These areas are characterized by low traffic, limited commercial activity, established residential streets, and access to parks and green space. While they may lack walkable commercial districts and vibrant nightlife, they provide a calm environment that appeals to families, remote workers, retirees, and anyone who values a good night’s sleep.
This guide covers the quietest neighborhoods and suburbs near Pittsburgh, with insights on rental prices, amenities, and lifestyle considerations.
What Makes a Neighborhood Quiet
A quiet neighborhood has several key features:
Low traffic volume. Streets with little through traffic, few commercial vehicles, and limited cut through routes.
Residential character. The area is primarily single family homes or low density apartments, with no bars, clubs, or late night venues.
Limited commercial activity. Retail is concentrated in nearby corridors rather than scattered throughout residential streets.
Setbacks and landscaping. Homes set back from the street and mature trees absorb sound.
Parks and green space. Large parks provide buffer zones between residential areas and busier roads.
No highway or rail noise. Distance from interstates, busy roads, and rail lines reduces background noise.
Quiet City Neighborhoods
Highland Park
Highland Park is one of the quietest neighborhoods within Pittsburgh city limits. The neighborhood is centered around the 375 acre Highland Park, which provides a green buffer and recreational space. Residential streets are tree lined and have very low traffic volume.
Noise level. Very low. The neighborhood is removed from major commercial corridors. Weekend nights are quiet.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $900 to $1,400 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,800. Units are in older buildings and converted homes.
Amenities. The Bryant Street business district provides a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining within walking distance. Highland Park offers trails, a swimming pool, athletic fields, and the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Commute to downtown. 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Best for. Renters who want a quiet, residential setting with park access. Families who want space and safety.
Point Breeze
Point Breeze is known for its large historic homes, tree lined streets, and quiet residential character. The neighborhood has limited commercial activity, which reduces traffic and noise.
Noise level. Very low. The neighborhood is almost entirely residential. Streets are wide and quiet.
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 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 historic architecture and quiet streets. Families who value safety and space.
Greenfield
Greenfield offers a quiet, residential character with proximity to Schenley Park. The neighborhood has a mix of single family homes and small apartment buildings.
Noise level. Low. The neighborhood is primarily residential. Commercial activity is limited to Greenfield Avenue.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $800 to $1,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500.
Amenities. Small commercial district on Greenfield Avenue with a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining. Schenley Park is adjacent.
Commute to downtown. 10 to 15 minutes by car. 5 to 10 minutes to Oakland.
Best for. Renters who want affordability and park access in a quiet setting.
Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill, located on a hilltop overlooking the Allegheny River, is one of the city’s quietest neighborhoods. The area is almost entirely residential, with winding streets and limited traffic.
Noise level. Very low. The neighborhood is removed from major thoroughfares. The hilltop location provides separation from busier areas.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $700 to $1,100 per month. Two bedroom units range from $900 to $1,400.
Amenities. Small commercial district on Perrysville Avenue. Riverview Park provides walking trails, athletic fields, and the Allegheny Observatory.
Commute to downtown. 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Best for. Renters who want the lowest rents and a very quiet, residential setting.
Quiet Suburbs Near Pittsburgh
Upper St. Clair
Upper St. Clair is a premium suburb known for its excellent schools, large lots, and quiet residential character. The township is almost entirely residential, with limited commercial activity.
Noise level. Very low. The township has very low traffic volume on residential streets. Commercial activity is concentrated along Route 19.
Rental market. Rental inventory is limited. Two bedroom apartments and townhomes range from $1,800 to $2,500 per month.
Amenities. South Hills Village mall and Route 19 retail are a short drive away. The township has extensive parks.
Commute to downtown. 20 to 30 minutes by car.
Best for. Families who prioritize excellent schools and a quiet, safe environment.
Mt. Lebanon
Mt. Lebanon offers quiet residential streets combined with a walkable Uptown commercial district. While Uptown itself can be busy, the residential areas away from Washington Road are very quiet.
Noise level. Low in residential areas. Uptown can be busy during the day but quiets down at night.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $1,400 to $2,200 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,800 to $2,800.
Amenities. Uptown commercial district with shopping, dining, and services. The T provides downtown access.
Commute to downtown. 15 to 20 minutes by car or T.
Best for. Renters who want a balance of quiet residential living and walkable amenities.
Bethel Park
Bethel Park offers quiet residential neighborhoods with garden style apartment complexes and single family homes. The area has a suburban, family friendly character.
Noise level. Low. Residential streets have low traffic volume. Commercial activity is concentrated along Route 19 and Library Road.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $2,100.
Amenities. South Park provides extensive trails, athletic fields, and a wave pool. The T provides downtown access.
Commute to downtown. 25 to 35 minutes by car or T.
Best for. Families who want good schools, park access, and quiet streets.
Ross Township
Ross Township offers quiet garden style apartment complexes and residential neighborhoods. The township is largely residential, with commercial activity concentrated on McKnight Road.
Noise level. Low. Apartment complexes are set back from main roads. Residential streets are quiet.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $1,100 to $1,500 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $1,900.
Amenities. McKnight Road provides extensive shopping. North Park is a short drive away.
Commute to downtown. 15 to 20 minutes by car.
Best for. Renters who want quiet suburban living with convenient shopping access.
Franklin Park
Franklin Park is a quiet, residential suburb located north of Pittsburgh. The township has large lots, wooded properties, and very low traffic volume.
Noise level. Very low. The township is almost entirely residential with winding roads and limited through traffic.
Rental market. Rental inventory is limited. Townhomes and single family homes range from $1,500 to $2,500 per month.
Amenities. Commercial amenities are located in nearby Wexford and Cranberry Township.
Commute to downtown. 25 to 35 minutes by car.
Best for. Renters who want a rural suburban feel with very low noise levels.
Hampton Township and Allison Park
Hampton Township, including the Allison Park area, offers a quiet, residential character with good schools and parks.
Noise level. Low. The township is primarily residential with low traffic volume.
Rental market. One bedroom apartments range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month. Two bedroom units range from $1,500 to $2,200.
Amenities. Local parks and retail along Route 8. North Park is a short drive away.
Commute to downtown. 20 to 30 minutes by car.
Best for. Families who want good schools and a quiet suburban environment.
Comparison of Quiet Neighborhoods
| Area | One Bedroom Rent | Noise Level | Parks | Walkable Amenities | Commute to Downtown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Park | $900-1,400 | Very low | Highland Park | Limited | 10-15 min |
| Point Breeze | $1,100-1,600 | Very low | Mellon Park | Limited | 10-15 min |
| Greenfield | $800-1,200 | Low | Schenley Park | Limited | 10-15 min |
| Observatory Hill | $700-1,100 | Very low | Riverview Park | Limited | 10-15 min |
| Upper St. Clair | $1,800-2,500 | Very low | Yes | Limited | 20-30 min |
| Mt. Lebanon | $1,400-2,200 | Low | Bird Park | Excellent (Uptown) | 15-20 min |
| Bethel Park | $1,100-1,600 | Low | South Park | Limited | 25-35 min |
| Ross Township | $1,100-1,500 | Low | North Park (drive) | Limited | 15-20 min |
| Franklin Park | $1,500-2,500 | Very low | Limited | Limited | 25-35 min |
| Hampton | $1,100-1,600 | Low | North Park (drive) | Limited | 20-30 min |
Questions to Ask About Noise Levels
Is the apartment on a busy street? Apartments facing main roads are louder than those on side streets. Ask about traffic volume.
What floor is the unit on? Upper floor units are quieter than ground floor units, which are closer to street noise.
Are the windows double pane? Double pane windows reduce noise transmission from outside.
Is there commercial activity nearby? Bars, restaurants, and late night venues create noise. Check for nearby commercial properties.
Is the building near a hospital, fire station, or police station? Emergency vehicle sirens can be frequent near these facilities.
What are the neighbors like? In smaller buildings, ask about the tenant mix. Buildings with families and long term residents tend to be quieter than those with students or short term renters.
Tips for Finding a Quiet Apartment
Visit at Different Times
A neighborhood that seems quiet during a daytime tour may be noisy at night. Visit potential apartments on a weekday evening and on a weekend to assess noise levels.
Look for Dead End Streets
Apartments on dead end streets or cul de sacs have less traffic than those on through streets. The lack of pass through traffic reduces noise.
Choose an Upper Floor
Upper floor apartments are generally quieter than ground floor units. They have fewer neighbors walking above and less street level noise.
Evaluate Building Construction
Buildings with brick or concrete construction transmit less noise between units than wood frame buildings. During tours, listen for sounds from neighboring units.
Ask About the Tenant Mix
Buildings with families and long term residents tend to be quieter than those with students or short term renters.
Look for Setbacks
Buildings set back from the street, with landscaping or trees between the building and the road, have less street noise.
Making the Decision
Pittsburgh and its suburbs offer numerous quiet neighborhoods for renters who prioritize peace and tranquility. Within the city, Highland Park, Point Breeze, Greenfield, and Observatory Hill provide quiet residential settings with reasonable commutes to downtown and affordable rents.
For renters who prefer suburban living, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, Ross Township, Franklin Park, and Hampton Township offer very low noise levels, good schools, and safe streets. These areas have less walkable amenities but provide a calm environment that many families and remote workers value.
By visiting neighborhoods at different times, assessing noise levels, and asking the right questions, renters can find a quiet apartment that provides the peace they need. Whether within the city limits or in the surrounding suburbs, the Pittsburgh region offers options for renters who value a good night’s sleep.