Moving to Pittsburgh for graduate school is exciting — but figuring out where to live can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never set foot in the city.
Pittsburgh’s East End is home to Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Chatham University. The neighborhoods surrounding these campuses offer some of the best urban living in the state — but each has a different personality, price range, and commute.
This guide breaks down the top five neighborhoods for graduate students in Pittsburgh so you can find the right fit for your budget, lifestyle, and program.
1. Squirrel Hill — Best Overall for Graduate Students
Squirrel Hill is where graduate students come to stay. It consistently ranks as one of Pittsburgh’s most desirable neighborhoods, offering a rare combination of affordability, walkability, green space, and a true neighborhood feel.
Why grad students love it:
- Tree-lined residential streets with a quieter, more mature atmosphere than Oakland
- Walk Score of 74 with essentials on Forbes and Murray Avenue
- Home to Frick Park (644 acres, 17 miles of trails and recreation areas)
- Strong public transit to CMU (10 min), Pitt (15 min), and Downtown (20 min)
- CMU shuttle (C Route) and NightSafe service
- Diverse dining scene with 20+ restaurants
- One of the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh
Average rent:
- 1-bedroom: $1,200 – $1,500/month
- 2-bedroom: $1,400 – $1,800/month
Best balance of cost, space, and quality of life.
Browse rentals: squirrelhillrentals.com/rentals
2. Oakland — Closest to Campus
Oakland is the academic heart of Pittsburgh. If your program requires late nights at the lab or library, living nearby is hard to beat.
What to know:
- 5 to 15 minute walk to Pitt and CMU
- Most student-dense neighborhood with a younger, louder atmosphere
- North Oakland is quieter and more popular with grad students
- South Oakland has more undergraduates and can be noisy
- Walkable to groceries, cafes, and restaurants
- Major public transit hub
Average rent:
- 1-bedroom: $800 – $1,200/month
- 2-bedroom: $1,100 – $1,500/month
Most affordable option, with a stronger college-town feel.
3. Shadyside — Upscale and Walkable
Shadyside offers a more polished, professional atmosphere with boutique shopping and well-maintained apartments.
What to know:
- Walnut Street features top dining, shopping, and nightlife
- Close to UPMC Shadyside Hospital
- About a 20-minute bus ride to Pitt
- Near Chatham University
- Generally newer and better-maintained apartments
- Safe and well-lit streets
Average rent:
- 1-bedroom: $1,100 – $1,400/month
- 2-bedroom: $1,500 – $1,900/month
Best for those who want a higher-quality living environment.
4. Bloomfield — Affordable and Full of Character
Known as Pittsburgh’s “Little Italy,” Bloomfield offers a strong sense of community and affordability.
What to know:
- Liberty Avenue is the main commercial strip
- More affordable than Squirrel Hill and Shadyside
- Short commute to CMU and Pitt
- Close to Lawrenceville’s dining and arts scene
- Active community with events and markets
- POGOH bike-share access
Average rent:
- 1-bedroom: $900 – $1,200/month
- 2-bedroom: $1,200 – $1,500/month
A great mix of affordability and character.
5. Lawrenceville — Social and Trendy
Lawrenceville is one of Pittsburgh’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its restaurants, nightlife, and creative scene.
What to know:
- Butler Street is a major hub for dining and entertainment
- Divided into Lower, Central, and Upper sections
- Mix of historic and modern housing
- Near UPMC Children’s Hospital
- 20 to 30 minute commute to campus
- Strong nightlife and social scene
Average rent:
- 1-bedroom: $1,000 – $1,400/month
- 2-bedroom: $1,300 – $1,700/month
Best for students who prioritize lifestyle and social activity.
Quick Comparison
| Neighborhood | 1BR Rent | Commute | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel Hill | $1,200–$1,500 | 10–15 min bus | Overall balance |
| Oakland | $800–$1,200 | 5–15 min walk | Budget and proximity |
| Shadyside | $1,100–$1,400 | 15–20 min bus | Upscale living |
| Bloomfield | $900–$1,200 | 15–20 min bus | Affordable and unique |
| Lawrenceville | $1,000–$1,400 | 20–30 min bus | Social lifestyle |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best neighborhood for CMU graduate students?
Most CMU graduate students live in Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, or Oakland.
Squirrel Hill offers the best overall balance, Oakland is the closest, and Shadyside provides a more upscale option.
Where do University of Pittsburgh grad students live?
Pitt graduate students typically live in Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Bloomfield.
Many move out of Oakland after their first year for more space and a quieter environment.
How much does it cost to rent near CMU or Pitt?
- Oakland: $800 to $1,200
- Squirrel Hill: $1,200 to $1,500
- Shadyside: $1,100 to $1,400
- Shared housing: about $600 to $900 per person
Do I need a car?
No, not if you live in the East End. Public transit and university access make it easy to get around.
When should I start looking?
Start 2 to 3 months before your move-in date. The busiest season is May through August.
Is Pittsburgh affordable?
Yes. It is significantly more affordable than cities like Boston, New York, or San Francisco.
Helpful Resources
Ready to Find Your Apartment?
Squirrel Hill offers everything a graduate student needs — walkability, green space, great food, and reliable transit.
Browse rentals: squirrelhillrentals.com/rentals
Contact: squirrelhillrentals.com/contact
