Welcome to Squirrel Hill
A thriving and energetic community minutes from downtown Pittsburgh
The accessible and vibrant business district of Squirrel Hill is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. This residential neighborhood, split by Squirrel Hill North and Squirrel Hill South, offers easy access to two large public parks and is home to one of Pittsburgh’s most affluent and well-educated communities. Residents enjoy countless treasures in this area - from hundreds of diverse dining options to eclectic shops and activities. Squirrel Hill offers something for all.
The area of Squirrel Hill, named for the abundance of black squirrels who originally called this area home, is a spirited community of people from many backgrounds. This district is famous for its international food scene, and it provides a wealth of cultural opportunities, thanks to its proximity to Carnegie Mellon University and Chatham University. The neighborhood boasts gorgeous, tree-lined streets with single-family homes and ample green space. Squirrel Hill is the ideal place to live for a family-friendly life of culture, community, and accessibility.
What to love
- The rich international food scene
- Commuter-friendly neighborhood with easy access to downtown
- Over 1,100 acres of beautiful parks
Local Lifestyle
Residents of Squirrel Hill enjoy the walkability of the neighborhood and the ample green spaces, which are perfect for outdoor recreation. The area is community and family-focused, offering dozens of special events and festivals throughout the year. The culture is accommodating and accepting, and residents place high value in their local businesses and diverse experiences. With roughly 36,000 residents, young professionals, students, and families make up the largest percentage of local demographics in Squirrel Hill, making this neighborhood the perfect place to raise a family.
Dining, entertainment, and shopping
Squirrel Hill’s sense of community emanates from ample local businesses and restaurants throughout the neighborhood. Whether trying on a new pair of shoes or searching for the best slice of pizza, Squirrel Hill is the place to go for remarkable customer service and authentic connection in a compassionate community.
Little’s Shoes is a family-owned, full-service shoe shop that has been in business since 1932. Residents call this spot the “Cheers” of the neighborhood for its excellent customer service. Co-owners of the shop, Justin Sigal, and his father, Joel Sigal, know everyone’s name and pride themselves on connecting with the community. Little’s isn’t just another place to purchase shoes - they offer personalized experiences and authentic relationships with their customers.
The international food scene in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood is extraordinary. Visit Aiello’s or Mineo’s for the best slice of pizza - but make sure to pick a side! These pizza joints have an ongoing, friendly rivalry when it comes to naming the “best of the best” on Murray Avenue. Another great spot is NU Modern Jewish Bistro for traditional Jewish latkes, bagels, and kugel made from scratch and modern meals for brunch and lunch on the weekends. For dessert (or another lunch alternative), Waffallonia offers large Liège waffles, the original sugar waffle from Belgium. Try them with Nutella, strawberries, bananas, or a Belgian chocolate drizzle. They also offer a nice selection of milkshakes in addition to their waffle menu.
Things to do
With a population of 36,000, the Squirrel Hill neighborhood affords plenty of options for recreation. For a fun evening out, the Squirrel Hill Night Market is a free outdoor festival for all ages. Inspired by pop-up night markets around the world, Squirrel Hill Night Market offers over 75 local market stands with handmade goods, live music, and local restaurant vendors. Other outdoor activities in the area include the sprawling Schenley Park and Frick Park, which bookend the neighborhood of Squirrel Hill. Schenley Park to the west offers 400 acres of green space, including Phipps Conservatory, the PNC Carousel, and Schenley Oval Sportsplex. Frick Park, to the east of Squirrel Hill, is Pittsburgh’s largest historic regional park, boasting another 400 acres of trails, green space, and the Frick Environmental Center.
For over 90 years, Manor Theater has provided Squirrel Hill residents with timeless entertainment. This neighborhood staple is Pittsburgh's oldest and best-known theater, offering a variety of films across all genres in a historic building that is bursting with old charm. They recently updated their menu to include beer and cocktails paired with appetizers like potstickers and Gouda cheese bites. The Jewish Community Center, another staple, is one of the largest social service, recreational, and educational organizations in the Pittsburgh area. They offer activities and classes for all ages and feature state-of-the-art fitness equipment and wellness facilities.
Schools
There are several notable high-achieving schools in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood. A few schools include:
