For renters who prioritize peace, security, and a slower pace of life, Pittsburgh offers several neighborhoods and suburbs that provide a respite from the energy of the city’s trendier districts. These areas are characterized by low crime rates, well maintained housing stock, established communities, and easy access to parks and amenities. While they may not have the same nightlife or walkable commercial districts as Lawrenceville or the South Side, they deliver a quality of life that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees.
This guide highlights safe and quiet areas to rent in Pittsburgh and its surrounding suburbs, focusing on neighborhoods where stability and tranquility are the defining features.
What Makes a Neighborhood Safe and Quiet
Safe and quiet neighborhoods typically share several characteristics:
- Low crime rates compared to city averages
- Residential character with limited through traffic
- Well maintained housing stock and public spaces
- Established community with long term residents
- Access to parks and green space for recreation
- Good schools that anchor communities
- Limited nightlife which reduces late night noise and activity
City Neighborhoods with Quiet Character
Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill is one of Pittsburgh’s most established and desirable neighborhoods. Known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and self sufficient commercial district, Squirrel Hill attracts families, professionals, and long term residents who value stability.
Safety and Quiet:
Squirrel Hill has consistently low crime rates compared to other city neighborhoods. The residential streets off Forbes and Murray Avenues are quiet, tree lined, and well maintained. The area has a strong community watch presence and engaged residents.
Rental Housing:
The rental market includes a mix of apartment buildings and converted homes. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,200 to $1,800 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,600 to $2,500. Larger units suitable for families are available.
Amenities:
The commercial district along Forbes and Murray Avenues offers grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and a variety of dining options within walking distance. Frick Park provides extensive trails and green space.
Considerations:
Squirrel Hill is one of the more expensive city neighborhoods. Rental inventory can be competitive, and parking in areas close to the commercial district can be challenging.
Highland Park
Named for the 378 acre park that defines the neighborhood, Highland Park offers a residential setting centered around one of Pittsburgh’s finest green spaces. The neighborhood has a quiet, family friendly character.
Safety and Quiet:
Highland Park has lower crime rates than many city neighborhoods. The residential streets are quiet, with limited through traffic. The park attracts visitors during daylight hours but does not create late night noise.
Rental Housing:
The rental market includes converted historic homes and smaller apartment buildings. One bedroom apartments typically range from $900 to $1,400 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,200 to $1,800.
Amenities:
Highland Park offers the park itself, with walking trails, a swimming pool, athletic fields, playgrounds, and the Pittsburgh Zoo. The Bryant Street business district provides a grocery store, pharmacy, coffee shop, and dining options.
Considerations:
The rental inventory is more limited than in larger neighborhoods. Some areas are farther from commercial amenities, requiring a drive for services.
Point Breeze
Point Breeze, located east of Shadyside, is known for its large historic homes, tree lined streets, and quiet residential character. The neighborhood is one of the city’s most desirable for those seeking tranquility.
Safety and Quiet:
Point Breeze has very low crime rates. The neighborhood is almost entirely residential, with limited commercial activity. Streets are wide, tree lined, and quiet.
Rental Housing:
The rental market consists primarily of converted historic homes. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,500 to $2,200.
Amenities:
Point Breeze has a small commercial district along Penn Avenue. The neighborhood is within walking distance of Shadyside’s commercial district and Squirrel Hill’s amenities.
Considerations:
Rental inventory is limited. The neighborhood’s quiet character means fewer amenities within walking distance.
Greenfield
Greenfield, located between Squirrel Hill and the South Side, offers a residential character with more moderate rental rates than its neighbors. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community and good park access.
Safety and Quiet:
Greenfield has lower crime rates than neighborhoods closer to downtown. The residential streets are quiet, particularly away from the commercial corridor. Greenfield Park provides green space.
Rental Housing:
The rental market includes converted homes and smaller apartment buildings. One bedroom apartments typically range from $800 to $1,200 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,000 to $1,500.
Amenities:
Greenfield has a small commercial district along Greenfield Avenue with a grocery store, pharmacy, and dining options. The neighborhood is adjacent to Schenley Park and within walking distance of Squirrel Hill.
Considerations:
The commercial district is limited compared to Squirrel Hill. Some areas are hilly, which may affect walkability.
Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill, located on a hilltop overlooking the Allegheny River, is one of the city’s quietest neighborhoods. The area is named for the Allegheny Observatory, a historic landmark.
Safety and Quiet:
Observatory Hill has very low crime rates. The neighborhood is almost entirely residential, with winding streets and limited traffic. The hilltop location provides separation from busier areas.
Rental Housing:
The rental market includes smaller apartment buildings and converted homes. One bedroom apartments typically range from $700 to $1,100 per month, while two bedroom units range from $900 to $1,400.
Amenities:
The neighborhood has a small commercial district on Perrysville Avenue. Riverview Park provides walking trails, athletic fields, and the Allegheny Observatory.
Considerations:
Observatory Hill is farther from downtown than many neighborhoods. The hilltop location can be challenging in winter weather. Rental inventory is limited.
Suburban Communities with Quiet Character
Mt. Lebanon
Mt. Lebanon, located just south of the city, combines suburban tranquility with excellent schools and a walkable commercial district. The township is one of the region’s most desirable communities.
Safety and Quiet:
Mt. Lebanon has very low crime rates. The residential streets are quiet and tree lined. The community has a strong sense of civic engagement.
Rental Housing:
The rental market includes apartment buildings, converted homes, and newer developments. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,400 to $2,200 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,800 to $2,800.
Amenities:
Uptown, the commercial district along Washington Road, offers walkable shopping and dining. The T light rail provides transit access to downtown.
Considerations:
Rental rates are among the highest in the region. The rental market is competitive.
Upper St. Clair
Upper St. Clair, located south of Mt. Lebanon, offers a premium suburban environment with excellent schools and spacious properties. The township is known for its residential character.
Safety and Quiet:
Upper St. Clair has very low crime rates. The township is almost entirely residential, with large lots and quiet streets.
Rental Housing:
The rental market is limited compared to other communities. Two bedroom apartments typically range from $1,800 to $2,500 per month.
Amenities:
The township has parks and recreational facilities. Commercial amenities are located along Route 19 and in nearby South Hills Village.
Considerations:
Rental inventory is limited. Car ownership is essential. The commute to downtown is 20 to 30 minutes.
Bethel Park
Bethel Park, located approximately 10 miles south of downtown, offers a family friendly environment with good schools and access to parks and transit.
Safety and Quiet:
Bethel Park has low crime rates. The residential areas are quiet, with established neighborhoods and limited through traffic.
Rental Housing:
The rental market includes garden style apartment complexes and townhome communities. One bedroom apartments typically range from $1,100 to $1,600 per month, while two bedroom units range from $1,400 to $2,100.
Amenities:
South Park provides extensive trails, athletic fields, and a wave pool. The T light rail provides transit access to downtown.
Considerations:
Car ownership is essential. The commute to downtown is 25 to 35 minutes.
Franklin Park
Franklin Park, located north of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, offers a quiet suburban environment with excellent schools and larger residential lots.
Safety and Quiet:
Franklin Park consistently has among the lowest crime rates in the region. The township is almost entirely residential, with winding roads and wooded lots.
Rental Housing:
The rental market is limited, with fewer apartment complexes than other suburbs. Two bedroom apartments typically range from $1,500 to $2,200 per month.
Amenities:
The township has parks and walking trails. Commercial amenities are located in nearby Wexford and Cranberry.
Considerations:
Rental inventory is limited. Car ownership is essential. The commute to downtown is 25 to 35 minutes.
Comparing Quiet Neighborhoods
| Area | 1 Bedroom Rent | Crime Rate | Park Access | Commute to Downtown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel Hill | $1,200-1,800 | Low | Frick Park | 10-20 min |
| Highland Park | $900-1,400 | Low | Highland Park | 10-15 min |
| Point Breeze | $1,100-1,600 | Very low | Mellon Park | 10-15 min |
| Greenfield | $800-1,200 | Low | Schenley Park | 10-15 min |
| Observatory Hill | $700-1,100 | Very low | Riverview Park | 10-15 min |
| Mt. Lebanon | $1,400-2,200 | Very low | Various parks | 15-20 min |
| Bethel Park | $1,100-1,600 | Low | South Park | 25-35 min |
Tips for Finding Quiet Rentals
Visit at Different Times
A neighborhood that seems quiet during a daytime visit may be noisy at night. Visit potential apartments on a weekday evening and on a weekend to assess noise levels. Pay attention to traffic, neighbors, and nearby commercial activity.
Look for Dead End Streets
Apartments on dead end streets or cul de sacs typically have less traffic than those on through streets. The lack of pass through traffic reduces noise and increases safety.
Consider Upper Floors
Upper floor apartments are generally quieter than ground floor units. They have fewer neighbors walking above and less street level noise. They also provide more privacy.
Evaluate Building Construction
Buildings with brick or concrete construction transmit less noise between units than wood frame buildings. When touring apartments, pay attention to whether you can hear neighbors or street noise.
Ask About Neighbors
Ask the landlord or property manager about the building’s tenant mix. Buildings with more long term residents and families tend to be quieter than those with many short term renters or students.
Making the Decision
Pittsburgh offers a range of safe and quiet neighborhoods for renters who prioritize tranquility over nightlife and urban energy. Within the city, Squirrel Hill, Highland Park, Point Breeze, Greenfield, and Observatory Hill provide residential character with good access to parks and amenities. In the suburbs, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and Franklin Park offer very low crime rates, excellent schools, and quiet residential streets.
By visiting neighborhoods at different times of day, evaluating building construction, and asking about neighbors, renters can identify a location that provides the peace and security they seek. For many renters, the quiet comfort of these stable neighborhoods is well worth the premium or the commute.