Abisola SalahuPittsburgh is becoming a top choice for young professionals and families looking to put down roots in a new area; the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh are some of the areas with the most vibrant real estate markets in the whole of Pennsylvania. Of course these neighborhoods did not randomly become so safe; it took a lot of work and planning to achieve this.
The Pittsburgh area was a crime hot-spot controlled by the Mafia from the 1920’ down to the 1990’s. However, thanks to increasing gentrification, the city is now an enclave for working class families; largely out of reach of the more unsavory type of people.
This is a presentation of the neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, arranged in a manner that ranks those with the lowest crime rates first.
Safest Neighborhoods In Pittsburgh
1. Maryknoll – Crime Index 18 (82% below national average)
Maryknoll is one of Pittsburgh’s safest neighborhoods, earning an A+ crime safety grade for the current year. With an overall crime index of 18, it is 82% below the national average and 125% lower than Pittsburgh’s city average of 143. The neighborhood has a violent crime index of 78 and property crime index of 22 . While robbery is the highest concern at index 129 (29% above average), burglary is the lowest risk at index 10.
Maryknoll’s population of 73 residents enjoys a median income of $124,405 and a home value of $212,951. Its demographics are 92.4% White, with 87% owner-occupied housing and 53% of residents holding bachelor’s or graduate degrees. Nearby safe neighborhoods include Banksville, Ridgemont, Westwood, and Beechview.
2. South Hills Heights – Crime Index 52 (48% below national average)
South Hills Heights has a crime safety grade of A+ as, with an overall crime index of 52—48% below the national average . It is 91% lower in overall crime than the Pittsburgh average of 143, making it significantly safer than the city as a whole. Violent crime sits at index 31 (69% below national), while property crime is at index 9 (91% below national).
The most elevated concern is murder (index 79, 21% below average), while larceny/theft is the lowest risk with an index of 0. The neighborhood has a median income of $102,619, home value of $169,310, and a population density of 3,082 per square mile. Owner-occupied housing is 89%, and 90.6% of residents are White. Nearby safe neighborhoods include Mt. Oliver, Carrick, Hays, and Arlington.
3. Windsor Place – Crime Grade A+
Windsor Place earned a crime safety grade of A+, with violent crime 73% below the national average and property crime 95% below average . This extremely safe neighborhood has a population of just 146 residents, with a median household income of $98,204 and a median home value of $346,080.
The most common concern is assault (index 46, 54% below average), while burglary is the lowest risk at index 0 . Housing is 90% owner-occupied, and the neighborhood features a highly educated population with 54.7% holding bachelor’s or graduate degrees. Its demographics are 88.9% White. Nearby safe neighborhoods include Summer Hill, Perry North, Brighton Heights, and Upper Lawrenceville.
4. Royal Oak – Crime Index 80 (20% below national average)
Royal Oak has a crime safety grade of A+ with an overall crime index of 80, which is 20% below the national average and 63% lower than Pittsburgh’s city average. Violent crime is at index 48 (52% below national), and property crime is at index 54 (46% below national). Murder is the most elevated concern at index 89 (11% below average), while rape is the lowest risk at index 13.
The neighborhood has a population of 97, a median income of $108,974, and a median home value of $243,752. Housing is 88% owner-occupied, and 44.7% of residents hold bachelor’s or graduate degrees . Demographics are 92.3% White. Nearby safe neighborhoods include Banksville, Beechview, East Carnegie, and Brookline.
5. Squirrel Hill North – 90% Safer Than Pittsburgh Average
Squirrel Hill North is widely cited as one of Pittsburgh’s safest neighborhoods, with a violent crime rate of only 35 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 421 per 100,000. The neighborhood is 90% safer than other Pittsburgh neighborhoods , with just 20 assaults and 14 robberies per 100,000 residents annually, compared to national averages of 282.7 for assaults and 136 for robberies.
Located 15 minutes from Downtown, it is home to a diverse population, large Orthodox Jewish community, and a flourishing small business community . The active foot traffic and strong neighborhood watch programs contribute to a constantly supervised street life that keeps crime low .
6. Squirrel Hill – 84% Safer Than Typical U.S. Neighborhood
Squirrel Hill has a violent crime rate of 35 per 100,000 residents and property crime of 421 per 100,000, making it about 84% safer than the typical U.S. neighborhood. The area is known for its university presence (near Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh), strong foot patrols, and active neighborhood watch programs.
Its close proximity to top schools and universities makes it a top choice for families and professionals . The neighborhood’s green spaces and strong community engagement help maintain its reputation as one of Pittsburgh’s best places to live.
7. Regent Square – Crime 50% Below National Average
Regent Square is a neighborhood of about 4,000 residents where violent and property crime rates are 50% lower than the national average . Its location bordering Frick Park, one of Pittsburgh’s largest parks, provides residents with excellent outdoor recreation opportunities .
Multiple highly regarded public schools, including Pittsburgh Capa 6–12, serve the area. While overall crime is low, bike theft near park trailheads is a noted concern . Its low crime rates, educational opportunities, and access to green space make it a highly desirable neighborhood for families.
8. Shadyside – 45% Safer Than U.S. Average
Shadyside is a walkable neighborhood in Pittsburgh’s East End where residents feel comfortable taking evening walks and morning jogs. With a dense retail presence and a police substation nearby, the neighborhood stays busy and well-patrolled. It registers under 150 violent crimes per 100,000 and about 1,300 property crimes, making it 45% safer overall than the U.S. average.
The area is popular among young professionals and retirees who appreciate its quiet, secure, and residential feel . Most issues here are related to shoplifting, with serious crimes being rare.
9. East Carnegie – 78% Below National Crime Rate
East Carnegie is a small, tight-knit community of around 600 people. With 209 violent crimes and 299 property crimes per 100,000 residents, it sits 78% below national crime rates. The neighborhood features a unique layout with just one road in and out, plus security cameras, creating a controlled and cozy feel. This natural bottleneck effect contributes to the area’s strong safety record. Its small size and community-oriented atmosphere make it a hidden gem for safety-conscious residents.
10. Swisshelm Park – Crime 73% Below National Average
Swisshelm Park is quiet enough that violent crime numbers are too low to calculate accurately . Overall crime here is about 73% lower than the average U.S. neighborhood, and the area has one of the city’s lowest burglary rates. With a median home price of $155,450, it offers excellent value for families seeking serenity and safety . Its peaceful residential streets and strong community ties make it an ideal choice for those prioritizing safety above all else.
Comparison Table
| Rank | Neighborhood | Crime Grade | Crime Index | Key Safety Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryknoll | A+ | 18 | 82% below national avg; 125% below city avg |
| 2 | South Hills Heights | A+ | 52 | 48% below national avg; 91% below city avg |
| 3 | Windsor Place | A+ | — | Violent crime 73% below avg; property 95% below avg |
| 4 | Royal Oak | A+ | 80 | 20% below national avg; 63% below city avg |
| 5 | Squirrel Hill North | — | — | 90% safer than Pittsburgh average |
| 6 | Squirrel Hill | — | — | 84% safer than typical U.S. neighborhood |
| 7 | Regent Square | — | — | Crime 50% below national average |
| 8 | Shadyside | — | — | 45% safer than U.S. average |
| 9 | East Carnegie | — | — | 78% below national crime rates |
| 10 | Swisshelm Park | — | — | 73% below national average |
Tips For Understanding Pittsburgh Neighborhoods
Use Multiple Data Sources: Crime data from NeighborhoodScout (FBI data) and DoorProfit can vary. DoorProfit provides more recent local data, while NeighborhoodScout offers broader national comparisons. Cross-reference multiple sources for the most accurate picture.
Safety Is Neighborhood-Specific: While Squirrel Hill North is 90% safer than Pittsburgh average , other areas like Southside Flats have assault rates higher than the national average . Focus on specific neighborhoods rather than citywide statistics.
Look for Active Community Engagement: Neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill benefit from active foot patrols, neighborhood watch programs, and strong community organizations that help maintain safety .
Visit at Different Times: Every neighborhood looks safe at noon on a Tuesday. Visit potential areas at night and on weekends to get a true feel for the environment.
Check Official Crime Data: The Pittsburgh Police Bureau provides regular updates on violent crimes. City Council also requires quarterly reports on violent crime data disaggregated by neighborhood .
Related:
- Safest Neighborhoods In Phoenix
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Conclusion
Pittsburgh’s safest neighborhoods are concentrated in the East End and select residential pockets where high owner-occupancy, active community engagement, and stable demographics contribute to low crime rates. Maryknoll, South Hills Heights, Windsor Place, and Royal Oak stand out with A+ crime safety grades and crime indices well below national and city averages . Squirrel Hill and its northern section are widely recognized as among the safest areas in the city, with violent crime rates far below national averages.
While Pittsburgh’s overall crime rate is higher than many U.S. communities, the city has seen significant improvements—homicides are down more than 50% compared to 2022 levels. For those considering a move to Pittsburgh, focusing on neighborhoods with strong community ties, active police presence, and high owner occupancy provides the best foundation for a secure living environment. The neighborhoods on this list represent the safest options in the Steel City – for now at least.