Squirrel Hill: Pittsburgh's Most Walkable Neighborhood

April 13, 2025

Squirrel Hill is best known for its long-established Jewish community, its two commercial corridors on Forbes and Murray Avenues, its extraordinary access to greenspace, and — perhaps most importantly to Pittsburghers of a certain age — being the real-life home of Fred Rogers, better known as Mister Rogers. He lived and worked in the neighborhood for decades, and his presence shaped its character in ways both visible and invisible.

Forbes and Murray: The Commercial Heart

The two main streets of Squirrel Hill intersect at a busy corner near the Landmark Building that locals simply call "the corner of Forbes and Murray." From this hub, both avenues radiate outward with independent shops, restaurants, delis, and cafes that have been feeding the neighborhood for generations.

• Milky Way Restaurant: A kosher dairy and lunch spot that has been a Squirrel Hill fixture for decades. The blintzes are excellent.
• Gullifty's: A neighborhood dessert institution famous for outrageous sundaes and a menu that hasn't needed to change much in 40 years.
• Panda Chinese Restaurant: A no-frills, authentic Chinese spot with a ferociously loyal local following.
• Jerry's Records: One of the best used record stores in Western Pennsylvania, stuffed floor-to-ceiling with vinyl, in an old church building on Forbes. A pilgrimage for music lovers.
• Classic Lines Bookshop: An excellent used and rare bookshop for serious readers.
• Eat Unique: A neighborhood café and lunch spot beloved by Squirrel Hill regulars.

The Jewish cultural presence on Murray Avenue is unmistakable and deeply rooted — kosher delis, Judaica shops, and community institutions have anchored this block for generations, making Squirrel Hill one of the most vibrant Jewish neighborhoods in the United States outside of New York.

Tree of Life and Community Resilience

On October 27, 2018, the Tree of Life synagogue on Wilkins Avenue became the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. The neighborhood's response — and the response of all of Pittsburgh — was one of profound solidarity and quiet, determined resilience. The phrase "Stronger Than Hate" was born here, and the Star of David alongside the Steelers logo became a symbol recognized worldwide. Visiting the Tree of Life memorial site is a solemn but important part of understanding Squirrel Hill and the city it belongs to.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Fred Rogers was not just from Pittsburgh — he was from Squirrel Hill. He and his wife Joanne lived in the neighborhood throughout his life, attending services at Sixth Presbyterian Church on Forbes Avenue. He could regularly be spotted walking the streets, stopping to talk to neighbors, or swimming laps at the Jewish Community Center on Forbes. After his death in 2003, the neighborhood commissioned a bronze statue of Mister Rogers on the corner near the JCC — a tribute that draws visitors from around the world, many of them moved to tears.

Frick Park: Pittsburgh's Best Backyard

At the eastern edge of Squirrel Hill sits Frick Park, a 644-acre natural reserve donated to the city by Henry Clay Frick's estate in 1919. With miles of wooded hiking and mountain biking trails, a restored blue-ribbon stream (Fern Hollow Run), a clay tennis facility, and a historic fieldhouse, Frick Park functions as Squirrel Hill's enormous communal backyard.

The Frick Environmental Center, opened in 2019, is a net-zero-energy building that serves as both a nature education center and a model of sustainable architecture — a distinctly Pittsburgh combination of industrial legacy and forward-thinking reinvention.

Getting There

Squirrel Hill is easily reached by taking Forbes Avenue east from Oakland (about 15 minutes), or via the 61A, 61B, 61C, or 61D bus routes that run frequently from Downtown through Oakland and into Squirrel Hill. Parking is available on residential streets and in a few lots near the Forbes/Murray intersection.

Squirrel Hill doesn't make a lot of noise about itself — it doesn't need to. It just keeps being one of the best urban neighborhoods in the country, decade after decade. Come for the food, stay for the park, and leave understanding a little more about what makes Pittsburgh different. Find your perfect Pittsburgh home base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Squirrel Hill worth visiting?

Absolutely. Squirrel Hill is one of Pittsburgh's most distinctive neighborhoods, offering a combination of history, dining, and local character that rewards visitors who take time to explore beyond the main streets.

Are there outdoor activities nearby?

Yes — Pittsburgh's neighborhoods are generally well connected to the city's extensive park system. See the parks section above for specific recommendations.

How do I get around Pittsburgh without a car?

Pittsburgh Port Authority (PAT) buses connect all major neighborhoods. The free T light rail covers Downtown and the South Hills. Many East End neighborhoods — Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Lawrenceville — are walkable once you arrive.

Where should I stay when visiting Pittsburgh?

Downtown and the North Shore put you within walking distance of the stadiums and major attractions. For a more neighborhood feel, look for accommodation in the East End near Oakland or Shadyside. Browse Pittsburgh hotel options here.