Moving from LA to Univ. of Pittsburgh for graduate school - where should I live? (Monongahela: apartment)

[summer081]

I am reluctantly moving away from Los Angeles to go to the University of Pittsburgh for grad school, and I don't know anyone in/anything about Pittsburgh. I don't want to be isolated in the suburbs, because I don't know anyone yet, but I don't want to be surrounded by undergrads - I've done that already. I'm looking for an apartment and am willing to pay around $700/month.

Also, I'd like to live in a safe and pretty neighborhood with things to do, both in the daytime and night. Would Shadyside and Bloomfield fit this profile? And what is "South Side"? Is it South Oakland?

Thanks so much - I could really use some help.

[Maaz]

Shadyside and Bloomfield would fit the profile, though rentals in Shadyside will likely be more than $700/month. You can look at neighborhoods of Friendship, Greenfield, and Squirrel Hill as well. I live in Greenfield; it's a safe neighborhood but there isn't much going on here at night as it is primarily residential.

I would stay away from Oakland and South Oakland if you don't want to be around a lot of undergradate students. South Side is the area across the Monongahela river from South Oakland. There is South Side Flats and South Side Slopes. South Side Flats has a lot of nightlife and activity during the day but because of a large number of bars, it can be loud there. It is also somewhat expensive. South Side Slopes is a hilly area and is primarily residential. I would look into the slopes if you want to walk to the flats for nightlife. You will find both undergraduates and graduate students there.

Maaz

[Elder18]

I moved here to go to grad school this fall and we ended up in Squirrel Hill, the part really close to I-376 and Greenfield.

I like Squirrel Hill, but I would say to try and find something in Bloomfield. Shadyside is very bourgoise and stuffy and you'll pay out the nose to live there. Parts of Squirrel Hill are like that too, but my area is pretty edgy and cool.

Bloomfield has alot going on there, cheaper rents, it's mostly safe (as is most of Pittsburgh) and you get a nice urban feel missing from places like Shadyside and Greenfield.

Friendship is a small neighborhood near Bloomfield that is virtually the same. The western part of East Liberty would work as well.

I like where I live, but I think Bloomfield is a really cool neighborhood.