We love having an office in Squirrel Hill! This is a vibrant neighborhood with plenty of personality and a rich history to boot. Here are some of the best things the neighborhood has to offer (courtesy of Courtney Patterson over at Yinzperation.com):
As long as I’ve lived in Pittsburgh, I’ve lived in Squirrel Hill--that sprawling neighborhood on the East End hugged on either side by Frick and Schenley Parks.
In my eight years here, I’ve watched friends who were once neighbors migrate to “up and coming” areas of the city, tempted by more affordable rents, home ownership, and perhaps a grittier view outside their windows. I’ve been tempted too. But whenever I consider leaving, I think about what I’ll miss: incredible parks and green space, dozens of restaurants (and about eight ice cream shops), beautiful homes, and some of my favorite streets to stroll down.
My good friend and talented photographer, Anna Lee Fields, spent an afternoon playing with me in Squirrel Hill. A big thanks to her for the photos.
Here are some of the reasons I’ve made this place home for so long:
1. Parks
2. Diversity
A friend said that standing in the Squirrel Hill Post Office at mid-day is the closest you'll come to experiencing Ellis Island today. While Pittsburgh might not draw the immigrant population it once did, nearby CMU and Pitt attract hundreds of international students every year. The neighborhood is a mish mash of families and college students, Jews and Christians, renters and million-dollar home owners.
3. Convenience
If you want space to stretch out, park your car, plant a garden or walk your dog, Squirrel Hill's got plenty of it. Consider Squirrel Hill the closest experience to living in the suburbs while living in the city. With easy access to 376 and major bus lines, you're not far from downtown and the city's urban core.
4. Jerry's
One of the largest vinyl record stores in the country resides right here in Squirrel Hill. A must-see for any music lover, Jerry’s carries a couple million used records—from the rarest soul to the most mainstream pop. The store regularly draws touring musicians, collectors and DJs from around the world. Rolling Stone Magazine even named it one of the best record stores in the U.S.
5. Walkable
I like to think of Squirrel Hill as its own self-contained town within Pittsburgh. I can walk to the grocery store, tons of restaurants, the drycleaner, my dentist's office, the post office—all within blocks of my home. Even when my only desire is to wander, I love exploring its pretty tree-lined streets.
You can’t miss the big stately yellow house that sits on the hill at the corner of Fifth and Shady Avenues. By day, the gallery and shop welcomes visitors to browse the work of talented local artists. By night, it’s a party venue, aglow with paper lanterns, buzzing with laughter and live music.
7. The Manor
Want the old-time movie experience? Buy your ticket and popcorn here. The Manor turned 90 years old this year, and it’s still kicking. Recent renovations have added a new bar, so you can sip your favorite cocktail while watching the latest summer blockbuster or indie film.
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