If you’re a student at Carnegie Mellon or the University of Pittsburgh hunting for off-campus housing, one Pittsburgh neighborhood keeps coming up: Squirrel Hill. Just minutes from the Oakland campuses, it offers the rare combination of a short commute, a safe and walkable setting, and apartments that actually feel like home. Here’s why so many CMU and Pitt students choose to rent in Squirrel Hill — and what to know before you sign a lease.
How Close Is Squirrel Hill to CMU and Pitt?
Squirrel Hill sits right next to Oakland, Pittsburgh’s university district. Depending on where your apartment is, you can walk to Carnegie Mellon in about 15–25 minutes, or hop a quick bus to the University of Pittsburgh and Chatham University. For students who’d rather skip the dorms without moving far from campus, it’s one of the most convenient neighborhoods in the city.
Getting to Campus Without the Hassle
You don’t need a car to live here. Squirrel Hill is served by frequent bus routes into Oakland and Downtown, the streets are bike-friendly, and much of daily life is walkable. Between transit, biking, and your own two feet, getting to class, the library, or a lab is genuinely easy — even in a Pittsburgh winter.
What Student Renters Love About the Neighborhood
Beyond the commute, Squirrel Hill just makes student life better:
- Food and coffee everywhere. Murray and Forbes Avenues are packed with cafes, international restaurants, bakeries, and late-night bites — perfect for study breaks.
- Everyday essentials on foot. Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and shops are all within walking distance.
- Green space to reset. Frick Park and Schenley Park are right nearby for runs, walks, and fresh air between deadlines.
- A safe, established community. It’s a friendly, diverse residential neighborhood — not a party-strip — which is exactly what a lot of students and grad students want.
What Kind of Apartments Can Students Find?
Squirrel Hill has options for nearly every situation and budget. Solo students often go for a studio or one-bedroom, while roommates can split a larger two- or three-bedroom to bring the per-person cost down. Many units have been recently renovated with modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, and hardwood floors — a big step up from a typical dorm.
Tips Before You Sign a Lease
- Start early. The best student apartments for a fall move-in get claimed months ahead, so begin your search in the spring or early summer.
- Know your commute. Check the walking and bus time to your specific campus building, not just the neighborhood.
- Ask about what’s included. Find out how heat, water, and other utilities are handled, and whether the unit is pet friendly if that matters to you.
- See it in person. Photos help, but a quick in-person or video tour tells you the most.
Find Your Apartment Near Campus
Ready to live minutes from CMU and Pitt? Browse our current available rentals in Squirrel Hill to see what’s open now. Questions or want to schedule a viewing? Call us at (412) 918-1638 — we help students find the right apartment every semester.
