10 Historic Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh That Will Transport You To The Past
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
Pittsburgh is a melting pot with its diverse cultural neighborhoods, many of which have a long and storied history. Embrace the cultural diversity and history by visiting these 10 historic neighborhoods in Pittsburgh that will transport you back to the past.
Best known as Pittsburgh's Little Italy, Bloomfield's rich Italian heritage goes back more than half a century. The charming neighborhood features eclectic shops, restaurants, and the popular Bloomfield Saturday Market. Bloomfield leaps alive every summer when it celebrates the annual Little Italy Days, a multi-day festival.
Step back to Victorian times, as you find yourself surrounded by Victorian architecture, when you visit the Mexican War Streets neighborhood on the North Side. Homes in the neighborhood date back as far as the 1820s. The Mexican War Streets Society regularly hosts events in the neighborhood.
Advertisement
The Hill District, known as the oldest African-American community in Pittsburgh, boasted a vibrant jazz scene in the early 20th century. The historic neighborhood went through a depressed period in the late 20th century, with residents and businesses leaving for other parts of town. Today, however, revitalization plans for the neighborhood are underway.
Advertisement
Allegheny West holds distinction as Pittsburgh's tiniest neighborhood with a population of only 462 (as of 2010). Visitors to the small neighborhood will feel as though they've stepped back in time as they discover the neighborhood, which dates back to the 19th century, with picturesque porches and a close knit community.
The Manchester neighborhood of Pittsburgh is dotted with historic buildings, some dating back to the 1830s. The quaint neighborhood boasts a little over 2,000 residents and, due community efforts and the Manchester Historic Society, the homes in the neighborhood are slowly being restored to their former glory.
Related Stories
11 Rare Photos Taken In Pittsburgh During The Great Depression
This Home In Pittsburgh Has A Dark And Evil History That Will Never Be Forgotten
9 Retro Places In Pittsburgh That Will Take You Back In Time
Arguably the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, Market Square was first conceived by city developers in 1784. Market Square went through several transformations before it earned historic district status in 1972. Today, Market Square is home to numerous businesses, shops, and restaurants, including the city's oldest restaurant, the Original Oyster House which dates back 144 years.
Nestled in the North Side, Deutschtown first appeared in Pittsburgh in the late 1890s. Commonly referred to as Dutchtown, the neighborhood was home to a predominately German population. The neighborhood of a little over 2,100 residents is reminiscent of a German neighborhood, dotted with quaint shops, restaurants, and businesses.
Murray Hill Avenue has been a part of the Pittsburgh landscape since the early 20th century when many of its homes were built. The neighborhood earned historic district status in April of 2000.
Advertisement
Part of Oakland, including much of the University of Pittsburgh, belongs to the Schenley Farms Historic District. The neighborhood - which includes Heinz Chapel, the Cathedral of Learning, and the Mellon Institute - became a historic district in 1982.
Approximately 25 row houses in East Liberty comprise the Alpha Terrace Historic District, which earned its status in 1985. The row houses date back to 1889 and were built with a Romanesque influence.
Our beautiful city boasts a rich history that you can experience with a visit to the 10 most historic neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.