A Breakdown Of Pittsburgh's Neighborhoods
Pittsburgh neighborhoods each encompass a diverse and dynamic element through sports, culture and community. When entering the city through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, the skyline bursts into view. Sports are a major part of the city and the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and Riverhounds have their stadiums in Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Art, history and science have been a staple in the city forever, offering a diverse cultural experience. The neighborhoods are continually developing their community involvement and striving to keep a clean and attractive appearance. Here is a breakdown of some Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Uptown (Credit: Diane Straka)
Uptown
www.uptownpartners.org
Located southeast of the Central Business District, Uptown is also known as the bluff, and its major anchors are UPMC Mercy Hospital, Duquesne University and CONSOL Energy Center. It has experienced major growth from the Pittsburgh Penguins who play their home games at CONSOL and have also contributed to the opening of Cambria Suites Hotel and the Blue Line Grille. The Penguins are a part of the Lower Development Project and are expected to develop one-tenth of the site each year, for 10 years.
Photo Credit: Diane Straka
Strip District
www.neighborsinthestrip.com
Just northeast of the Central Business District is the Strip District. It consists of three main streets: Liberty, Penn and Smallman. The strip is a quarter mile between the Allegheny River and a mountain of a hill that has a district of shops, restaurants, markets and vendors. It is a gritty and authentic neighborhood. While authentic shops and restaurants currently line the strip, the land was originally constructed in a grittier industrial time.
Photo Credit: Diane Straka
Station Square
www.stationsquare.com
This riverfront site on the south shore offers restaurants, shopping and entertainment and is home to the Highmark Stadium, home of the Riverhounds – a USL Pro soccer team. In the heart of the neighborhood is Bessemer Court which has over 60 stores in the Station Square Complex which is anchored by the Sheraton Hotel. The neighborhood offers a grand get-together throughout the summer called Summer Jam, which offers free concerts every Friday night through August 22.
Photo Credit: Diane Straka
North Shore
www.pittsburghnorthside.com
The North Shore neighborhood is sporty and cultural. It is home to Heinz Field, PNC Park, Rivers Casino, Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum and Science Center and the Northshore Trail. Pittsburgh is a fantastic sports town and this is where the Steelers and Pirates play. It is experiencing growth as two light rail stations were added in 2012 through the Allegheny River Tunnel. This is a free fare zone, enabling passengers to go for a bike ride or jog on the trail, catch a game or experience history, science and the arts.
Photo Credit: Diane Straka
Mount Washington
www.mwcdc.org
Mount Washington is known for its spectacular views of Pittsburgh's skyline, Duquesne and Monongahela inclines and the row of upscale restaurants on Grandview Avenue. The neighborhood to the south of Pittsburgh proper serves as a feast for the eyes and stomach and it was a central part in Pittsburgh's and the nation's history. The area was once known as "Coal Hill" for the prosperous mines located in the area. The name Mount Washington originated from George Washington as he mapped the rivers and lands standing along what is now known as Grandview Avenue.
Diane Straka is a freelance writer whose work can be found on http://www.examiner.com/finance-in-pittsburgh/diane-straka
