Squirrel Hill (North and South)

Pittsburgh, PA

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$520,000 (Squirrel Hill overall, May 2025); $888,000 (Squirrel Hill North, June 2025); $438,000 (Squirrel Hill South, May 2025)
Median Home Price
74 (Walk Score: Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Generally above average to excellent; Colfax K-8 and Taylor Allderdice are highly rated.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Forbes Ave (north), Beechwood Blvd (east), Forward Ave and Murray Ave (south), and Schenley Park (west). Squirrel Hill North and South are often considered distinct sub-neighborhoods, with North generally north of Forbes Ave and South generally south of Forbes.

Zip Codes

1521715232

Market Data Summary

Price Range$275,000 (2BR) to $902,000+ (5+BR) as of May/June 2025
Price per Sq Ft$326 (Squirrel Hill North, June 2025)
Inventory LevelsLow to moderate; slight decrease in homes for sale compared to previous month.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomesCondosDuplexes

Architectural Styles

Colonial RevivalTudorVictorianCraftsmanMid-century modernContemporary infill

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.1 to 0.25 acres (urban lots, some larger in Squirrel Hill North)
Home Age RangeEarly 1900s to 1960s, with some newer infill and renovations
Construction QualityGenerally high, especially in Squirrel Hill North; many homes feature original details and quality materials.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a strong Jewish community, professionals, academics, and families. High educational attainment and above-average household incomes.

Community Vibe

Active, intellectual, and community-oriented. Strong neighborhood associations and cultural institutions.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Academics
  • Students (proximity to universities)

Family Friendly

Very; parks, playgrounds, and top-rated schools attract families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Schenley Park
  • Frick Park
  • Blue Slide Playground
  • Community pools

Dining Options

  • Kosher delis
  • International cuisine (Asian, Middle Eastern, Italian)
  • Upscale bistros
  • Cafés

Shopping Centers

  • Murray Avenue business district
  • Forbes Avenue retail corridor

Local Businesses

  • Independent bookstores
  • Boutique shops
  • Coffee houses
  • Synagogues and community centers

Education & Schools

Generally above average to excellent; Colfax K-8 and Taylor Allderdice are highly rated.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Colfax K-8
  • Minadeo Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Colfax K-8
  • Community Day School (private/Jewish)

High Schools

  • Taylor Allderdice High School

Private Schools

  • Community Day School
  • St. Edmund's Academy
  • Yeshiva Schools

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • Port Authority bus lines (61, 64, 67, 69, 74)

Major Roads

  • Forbes Ave
  • Murray Ave
  • Beechwood Blvd
  • Forward Ave

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times15-20 minutes to Downtown Pittsburgh by car or bus; 10-15 minutes to Oakland/Universities.
WalkabilityVery walkable, especially near Murray and Forbes corridors.
ParkingStreet parking can be challenging near business districts; many homes have driveways or garages.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Families with children
  • University faculty/staff
  • Medical professionals
  • Investors (long-term rental)

Key Selling Points

  • Top-rated schools
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Historic architecture
  • Proximity to universities and hospitals

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively in mid-range; luxury homes require patience and targeted marketing.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need updates or repairs.

Response Strategy:

Highlight recent renovations, quality construction, and potential for customization.

Objection: Parking is difficult near business districts.

Response Strategy:

Emphasize homes with off-street parking or proximity to public transit.

Objection: Property taxes are high.

Response Strategy:

Compare taxes to other premium Pittsburgh neighborhoods and emphasize value retention.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Strong in Squirrel Hill North (26.9% YoY price growth); stable in Squirrel Hill South. Long-term demand due to schools and amenities.

Rental Demand

High, especially for university-affiliated renters and families seeking top schools.

Buyer Competition

Moderate; luxury segment less competitive, mid-range homes see multiple offers.

Best For

  • Families
  • University professionals
  • Investors seeking stable appreciation
  • Buyers seeking walkability

Potential Concerns

  • High property taxes
  • Older homes may require updates
  • Parking limitations

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage school and amenity data in marketing materials.

2

Network with university and hospital HR departments for relocation leads.

3

Stage homes to highlight flexible spaces and outdoor living.

4

Educate buyers on long-term value and appreciation trends.

5

Prepare for inspection-related negotiations on older homes.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Shadyside
  • Point Breeze
  • Regent Square

Market Positioning

Premium, family-friendly, walkable urban neighborhood with strong community ties.

Competitive Advantages

  • Superior walkability
  • Diverse housing stock
  • Top public schools

Price Comparison

Squirrel Hill North is more expensive than Shadyside and Point Breeze; Squirrel Hill South is competitive with Regent Square.

Investment Metrics

3.5% - 4.5% (single-family rentals)
Cap Rates
4% - 5% gross yield typical
Rental Yields
18-20 (higher than city average, reflecting owner-occupant demand)
Price-to-Rent
Moderate; best for long-term appreciation and stable tenants.
Cash Flow
Steady, with Squirrel Hill North likely to outperform city averages.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

May face affordability challenges but benefit from strong community and amenities.

Move-Up Buyers

Attracted by larger homes, top schools, and neighborhood prestige.

Downsizers

Appreciate walkability and proximity to culture, but may find limited condo inventory.

Investors

Stable returns, high-quality tenants, but moderate cap rates.

Relocators

Drawn by schools, parks, and access to universities/hospitals.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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