SQUIRREL HILL
#2 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Pittsburgh
#4 Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family In Pittsburgh
The city officially divides Squirrel Hill into North and South neighborhoods, but it is almost universally treated as a single neighborhood. Locally owned businesses along the main thoroughfares of Murray and Forbes avenues reflect the neighborhood diversity, offering variety of international dining options and everything from indie clothing boutiques, tribal drums, chic decor shops and old-fashioned toys to high-tech bikes, independent films, Bikram yoga, unique gifts stores as Ten Thousand Villages and Contemporary Concepts, vintage clothing at Avalon Exchange, or a mind-boggling amount of vinyl at Jerry’s Records. If you’re in the mood for a movie, head to Manor, landmark theater featuring independent films & documentaries.
Squirrel Hill has long been hub for Jewish community and is home to 20+ synagogues and temples, the Jewish Community Center, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. Squirrel Hill is also home to Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham University campuses. It is sandwiched between Frick Park and Schenley Park, giving residents and visitors easy access to hiking, cycling, playgrounds, tennis, swimming, golf, picnics, and free outdoor concerts. The Frick Environmental Center and the Schenley Park Visitor Center offers welcoming guidance.
Median Home Value
North $530,929 South $379,629
Population
North 10,671 South 14,428
Area Feel
Old-School Urban
Must Go Places in Squirrel Hill
The neighborhood is home to a diverse and impressive array of casual eateries. Try Everyday Noodles or Chengdu Gourmet for Chinese and Aladdin’s for Middle Eastern food. For pizza, choose wisely between rivals Aiello’s and Mineo’s. NU Modern Jewish Bistro offers traditional Jewish dishes like potato latkes and matzo ball soup, while you can find a small kosher grocery store Murray Ave Kosher. For dessert, try a liege waffle at Waffallonia, French macarons at Gaby et Jules or a gluten-free brownie at Gluuteny.
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The Commonplace Coffeehouse roasts their beans just a couple miles away, while Dobra Tea or Té Café offers tea. Squirrel Hill has several divey neighborhood bars, including the Squirrel Hill Café (the Squirrel Cage). But one of the most incredible spots to drink is Independent Brewing Company.