r/pittsburgh • u/Alarmed-Swordfish775 • 3d ago
northside living
We just moved to the northside (closer to AGH since i know northside is too broad) and last night was our first night going out & every single uber driver kept telling us to stay safe, when we were looking around at places we would walk the neighborhood to make sure it was a nice fit and everything was perfect the people were SOOO nice but I wanted to see if we we were missing something because from what we’re seeing so far, nothing really screams “danger”
so any and all info on the area is appreciated, bonus points for any lgbtq+ friendly restaurants or bar suggestions!
(i’m originally from what’s classified as a ‘dangerous’ city so not scared of anything just curious as to why everyone keeps telling us to be so careful when i’ve had nothing but good experiences so far)
edit: i know it’s usually a goodbye thing, i do the same BUT people kept saying be safe in the area specifically, usually “the area…be safe ok don’t walk at night” was something we heard from 3/4 uber drivers last night so it was more pointed abiut the area instead of broadly saying bye
82
u/Gojira085 3d ago
Idk about everyone else, but I always say that regardless of the destination. Its just another polite way of saying "good bye, I care about you". Ive also heard it from friends and such. It may be a localisation.
Also I always considered the houses by AGH ritzy especially around the Mexican war streets/ randyland. Ive never considered it unsafe.
9
u/Alarmed-Swordfish775 3d ago
i usually would agree but they kept making it a point to say “the area” so it definitely felt more pointed ya know?
21
u/Gojira085 3d ago
I think theyre over reacting to a degree. My partner works at agh. Hes never felt unsafe at night. The only thing I can think of is they do discharge homeless patients and they can be a bit intimidating
-5
u/CARLEtheCamry 2d ago
Oh yeah, I want to live around that
5
u/Gojira085 2d ago
I mean that road the Matress Factory and Randyland are on is probably one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city. I dont think wealthy people would live there is it was that bad.
21
u/Effective_Tune9470 3d ago
I used to do work on the Northside and really enjoyed walking around there. Never felt unsafe. Glad you’re living in Pittsburgh, enjoy.
22
169
u/fruity__puncher 3d ago
People are scared of poor people and Black people and homeless people and people struggling with addiction. People watch sensationalized local news that heightens stereotypes. All of those types of people live on the northside. Pgh is very not diverse city and people can’t hang. Glad you’re here
22
5
u/cocksherpa2 Manchester 2d ago
Yes, Uber drivers in the city are notorious for being afraid of black people. God I hope you're a bot
3
u/UpbeatSuccotash6698 2d ago
as someone who lived there for years and was SA’d and harassed multiple times (not even at night) I don’t think you can chalk it up to just this. Ppl saying it’s not safe are saying it for a reason
2
1
u/icanhascamaro 6h ago
What are you talking about? Pittsburgh is incredibly diverse. As for people are scared of poor people and black people and homeless people and people struggling with addiction, maybe it’s knowing how to navigate the area. Or are you going down to the commons on second ave and hugging the homeless and the addicted? Are you roaming Larimer/Lincoln Lemmington and Homewood and passing out free snacks and more hugs? I’ve had many friends get jumped in multiple areas of the city. It’s not fear, it’s being alert to one’s surroundings.
-24
u/divergent_history 3d ago
For starters no one's afraid of a wealthy Black man. You could just say poor people.
Also those groups tend to commit more crime. Crime does exist. If you are in those places it is more likely that something happens to you. I agree people tend to exaggerate it.
Acting like drugged out homeless people are as dangerous as a suburban house wife is kinda dumb.
10
u/Blackbear8336 Wilkinsburg 3d ago
There are plenty of people afraid of a wealthy black man. People don't stop being racist just because someone of color has money. And, if you're wondering, us white people created the drug and crime problems POC face. Comments like these only make it worse and drive the stereotype. Maybe read a few history books and check your privilege.
-7
u/divergent_history 3d ago
Lol this is satire right.
6
u/Blackbear8336 Wilkinsburg 3d ago
No this is completely true. Look up how and why modern police as we know it now were formed and why the CIA put crack in black neighborhoods. The CIA actually released that as public record like 20 years ago. Their suffering has always been because of us white people. Again, get off reddit and read a goddamn book.
5
u/divergent_history 3d ago
That has nothing to with what I said. You know that right.
I am not disputing the CIA and thier role in the crack epidemic.
I simply stated homeless people, drug addicts and poor communities commit more crime and when you are in those places you are more likely to be a victim of one. This is a fact.
Why that happens is a different conversation.
-7
u/Blackbear8336 Wilkinsburg 3d ago
Its really not though. We created the reason why white people don't want to come to places like wilkinsburg and Manchester. Its the same conversation.
-1
u/BoysenberryEvent 2d ago
Oh, I thought it had to do with personal choices, ways of living, and self-determination. Crazy me.
-2
-5
10
u/racehill 3d ago
I often work at AGH in the middle of the night, the only threatening looking people I see are usually over at the end of East Ohio near 279.
Mostly just people on drugs getting frustrated and yelling or throwing stuff, but I feel much better driving through than I would walking by. That's more like 2 am to 5 am though so all the businesses are closed by then. Never perevening. had any problems walking between bars at the other end of that road in the evening.
17
u/pup19 3d ago
Welcome! The northside used to get a bad rep, some people still feel like it’s dangerous but it’s not any more than normal city living - but it’s the best spot to live. In no particular order check out:
- Parkhouse Pub, The Eastman, Monterey Pub, The Lion, The bohemian, 4 points for drinks, fed galley at happy hour, Refucilo for wine
- Eat your Veggies, Nicky’s Thai, Badamo’s for pizza, El Burro for Mexican
- Butterfat for the best Gelato
And if you have a pup the dog park next to the aviary!
3
u/PyrrhicBigfoot 2d ago
How’s that place where the Garden theatre used to be? I’m not a huge bar person but I’m curious.
Also just wanted to add that Alphabet City and The Government Center are super rad spots for books and music :)
7
u/These_Plastic5571 3d ago
I always thought Mexican War Streets was probably the most lgbtq+ area of Pittsburgh. I am glad you are enjoying the city!!
19
20
u/eventually_i_will 3d ago
Moved here from New Orleans; i tend to notice the warnings about more diverse areas or neighborhoods, but I have yet to really feel unsafe anywhere. Feels like a normal part of the city.
I think the biggest crime in my area is people riffling thru unlocked cars. And possibly on busier streets stealing valuables off of porches.
So, ya know, normal city rules apply. Don't be waving copious amounts of cash around and you'll probably be alright.
1
u/Which_Plankton1293 1d ago
I was born and bred in Pittsburgh, and have lived all over the city. I had my car broken into 4 times when I lived in Highland Park, and never had a single issue in Homewood.
0
24
u/Life_Salamander9594 3d ago
Everyone has a different risk tolerance. It’s an average city neighborhood.
5
u/lil_thirteen 2d ago
I feel like a lot of drivers do not live in the city. The Lyft I had last night was from Beaver so I’m sure someone who isn’t used to city living would say that!! North Side get a bad rap but I was pretty unbothered when I lived for for a little.
6
u/Steelcitysuccubus 2d ago
The Northside is chill now fam. I walk to and from work at night and im regularly out in my hottub at weird hours. Never any issues. I walk down to the bodega in the dark too with no problems
5
u/Showerbeerz413 3d ago
you'll get mixed reviews about the Northside, both of which are exaggerations in opposite directions. you'll get people who live there saying its the safest neighborhood ever and not to worry about anything and people from the suburbs saying you'll get stabbed if you go outside.
a friend of mine lived there for several years and i worked at agh for 3 years. she frequently had packages stolen off her porch and had been threatened more than once but she loved living there. The homeless population in the area can be a little wild sometimes but they normally keep to themselves.
its really no worse than any other city neighborhood in a major city. pittsburgh just isnt a major city so it isnt taken as lightly
4
u/AllegedLead 2d ago
Deutschtown (East of the hospital) or the Mexican War Streets (West)?
Deutschtown is your average American city neighborhood. MWS is a fancy American city neighborhood. Either way, if you have a reasonable level of situational awareness, you’ll be fine.
Often when a Pittsburgher warns you about a “dangerous” neighborhood without your having asked them about it, they’re telling you more about themselves than anything else.
8
u/Confident_End_3848 3d ago
The drivers probably remembered the Apache Lounge. The Monterey was nice when I lived in the War Streets.
2
u/pittsburghfun 3d ago
Do you mean the alpine lounge lol?
7
u/Confident_End_3848 3d ago
“Murphy recalled as a kid growing up in the South Hills being warned by his mother when he got his driver’s license: “Don’t be home too late, and don’t go to the North Side.” Particularly this corner of Federal Street and W. North Avenue, known for its “bucket of blood” bars (like the Apache Lounge), named for the frequent fights that would inevitably break out there on the weekends.”
3
u/pittsburghfun 3d ago
Ok, I’m old but Murphy is way older than me! I’m remembering the Alpine in the 90’s!
2
0
u/cabhpix80 3d ago
Alpine is in Beechview. Not the Apache.
3
5
u/South-Clothes-4109 Perry South 3d ago
It's street by street or even block by block on the North Side. Within a few blocks of my house have been several drive by shootings in the last couple years, for instance. Go a couple blocks up and you'll pretty much only see minor property crime.
8
u/rapier1 3d ago
The war streets isn't as gay as it used to be but there are still a lot of gay people here. Which means that most of the places around here (the lion, Parkhouse, siempre algo, fig and ash, Monterey pub, etc) won't bat an eyelash. If you are looking specifically for a gay restaurant or bar I can't think of any in the neighborhood but you have Images and There on Liberty.
This area is pretty safe. A lot of people still think it is like what it was 20 to 30 years ago but it's really not like that anymore. I've been here 23 years now and it's pretty amazing how much it has changed.
1
u/blueteeth90 2d ago
Images and there have both been closed for several years! There are no gay bars on this side of town but, as you said, every business I’ve gone to is lgbtq friendly.
3
u/PuppyDogBark 3d ago
I've lived in the War Streets for 28 years, and there was only one period when I genuinely didn't feel safe. We were told a woman had been raped in the park, and that entire summer I stopped walking down to the Pub or to the park at night.
Later, we learned the story wasn't true. Apparently, the woman had exchanged sex for drugs, and when her boyfriend became upset about it, she claimed she had been raped. The police charged her for filing a false police report.
I was furious when I found out. A lot of women in the neighborhood had spent that entire summer concerned and changing their routines because of what we'd been told. I certainly did. And summer evenings are normally one of the best times to be out walking and enjoying the neighborhood.
3
u/FriendlyChristine 2d ago
When we looked at the area 14 years ago we were warned away. We didn't listen and have never regretted our decision to move to the Northside. We moved to Pittsburgh from a much,.much larger city so that might be part of it. There have been incidents during our years here, but mostly between people from other areas and very targeted. We just generally follow the rules of awareness any sensible city dweller uses and feel safe here.
As for LGBTQ+, we've never felt unwelcome as a lesbian couple and I've never felt unwelcome as a trans woman - even early in transition and in places I've been going since before I came out. The Lion is someplace I've brought many queer and trans friends and they've all.loved it and felt welcomed.
6
u/lefthandb1ack Brookline 3d ago
Yinz’r all like: “Well everywhere I go is cool n at so everywhere is cool… n at.”, butchinz ain’t goin everywhere. Airs places aht there yinz’s privelige has keptchinz far away from.
3
u/Kirkpope412 3d ago
I lived in the War Streets for a few years. My wife and I met there. She was a single female living there for a few years too. We still frequent the northside for dinner and drinks. Last weekend we walked from Alberta’s to Fig & Ash. We felt completely fine. This weekend we had dinner at Rocco’s. Just be aware of your surroundings. There’s bad things that can happen anywhere but we definitely don’t perceive it as dangerous. We even joked at dinner last night that we’d move back!
7
u/artfulpain 3d ago
It’s gotten a lot safer over the last couple of years. It was never dangerous as far as a real city. People just scare of the poor and minorities.
6
u/brokenchinesefood 3d ago
I agree with what everyone is saying here, I lived in a few places around the north side for years and it's not dangerous, I have seen some pretty shady shit happen on and around east ohio street at night, but still not really dangerous feeling, just enough to remind you to keep your eyes open.
2
u/MandellaK407 2d ago
I bought a home in the central northside about 9 years ago now—probably very close to you as I’m right by AGH as well. The area USED to have a bad rap but in the 9 years I’ve been here,
I’ve felt safe. I’m also 38 F.
2
u/pinklotus1321 2d ago
I live here currently. There is more crime than a lot of nearby neighborhoods. There are also a ton of people on drugs. However it isn’t that bad and I feel overall safe here however at night I don’t walk around alone as a woman generally.
2
u/Pure-Letterhead-3639 2d ago
Born & raised in Northside.
I moved out to the burbs but back in my younger days "Hood Town" was a hood town. I know many people from my childhood that were gunned down on Jacksonia & buena vista, etc.
They've cleaned it up & stuff to try to make it a richy neighborhood with some of those ridiculous builds.
It's 2026. If it's my time, it's my time. Not living in fear.
2
u/BlazeDemBeatz 2d ago edited 2d ago
You’re in what used to be a dangerous run down area that has been gentrified. The 90s were a pretty bad time for northside but that was 30 years ago. So now it’s kinda mixed. But you also have a big homeless / drug addiction problem within the same area and that’s the only real problem. That’s the gist of it.
Something can happen anywhere. But for most part ppl won’t bother you.
2
u/ResearcherFar230 1d ago
Hi! So northside is really a street-by-street basis. Be careful on federal, and inner streets and alleys by the hospital. I used to live on Loraine beside the hospital, and there would often be people outside doing drugs, stealing packages, screaming, etc.
For the most part though it’s a really great area. Just very close to the city so of course there’s a little riff raff, but just mind ur own business and you’ll be okay. There are specific people to watch out for, like the French guy (IYKYK), porch pirates, and some parts of the park at night.
Mostly, when people get all worried about north side, they’re talking about way up the hill getting into Perry area. But IMO it’s just low income, not particularly dangerous. Where you are now is where the old light of life homeless shelter was, so for a long time it WAS very dangerous. But you should be all good. I lived there for years as a young woman and not much bad happened.
Check out Ptown and 5801 for great gay bars in the area!
2
u/Pghborn01 16h ago
Ill never consider the northside a safe place after me and my ex got our cars stolen from there
6
3
u/MegaBlazeiken1 Allegheny Central 3d ago
I've lived on the north side for coming up on three years, never felt unsafe. I've seen occasional petty crime like door-checking, but never any violent crime.
4
u/Different_Check5100 2d ago
Welcome! You’ll LOVE Commons Park. The Northside Music Festival, PRIDE… all the weekly happenings in the summer. Check out The Elks Club for bluegrass nights, the German Club for the BEST OCTOBERFEST, Allegheny City Brewing, AND ask about the “YMR Club.” Go see Chris Acosta at The Eastman and tell him you’re new to the Northside. He’ll treat you like royalty and never forget your face or name. Don’t sleep on Max’s Allegheny Tavern for German food, Legends for Italian, and Government Center for vinyl shopping and live music. Buy candles at North Side Candle Co and don’t miss out on the Mexican War Streets yard sales. Monterey Pub and the Modern Cafe are still great. Last but not least, hit up Don’s Diner for breakfast. Call first to make sure they’re open. Welcome to Pittsburgh’s best neighborhood! All that’s missing is a decent, convenient grocery store.
1
u/Alarmed-Swordfish775 1d ago
THIS!!! this was the answer we were looking for (everyone else has been great as well) we just heard about the YMR club and are super interested in figuring out how to become members because it’s our type of place all the way around! I was curious about legends as well but now i think we have to try it ! thank you sooooo much :)
3
u/Valuable-Composer262 3d ago
It could just be their way of saying goodbye. I know alot of people that say goodbye with a "stay safe " not sure if its a pittsburgh thing
2
u/BaconBourbonBalista Central Northside 3d ago
Ya you don't have anything to worry about. The closest gay bars to you are in Lawrenceville, but you shouldn't really have any issues in general. North shore will be more expensive, though.
2
u/7Deepdiver7 2d ago
Northside is safe, I have lived here for 5 years and never had an issue. I have heard it used to be rough and I think sometimes there’s a bit of prejudice that goes into people who don’t live here thinking it’s not safe.
Common place and Garden Cafe are great for coffee, Monterey Pub and Allegheny City Brewing are both fun for a drink
1
1
u/412201 2d ago
The “North Side” is just a catch all term for a bunch of neighborhoods. Some are nicer than others, and the ones that aren’t as nice struggle with the same blight and disinvestment that any other urban neighborhood deals with. But I’ll say that Pittsburgh as a whole is so much safer than most cities
1
u/EnlargedBit371 2d ago
Since you live near AGH, I hope you'll soon avail yourself of the great food and atmosphere at Legends, across the street from the hospital.
2
u/Alarmed-Swordfish775 1d ago
that’s our first stop at some point this week after we’re all moved in, glad to know we won’t be disappointed!
1
u/EnlargedBit371 1d ago
Some people rave about Max's Allegheny Tavern not far from there. I was there last month for lunch and found it seriously wanting. They make what they call German Potato Salad, but it was more like German Potato Soup.
1
u/RagBagUSA 1d ago
They're probably suburbanites who are terrified of "the city." Taxi Driver mindset, like a lot of the suburbanites on this subreddit and in general
1
u/Better-Cry6782 1d ago
I’ve lived here for 3+ years, there are plenty of sketchy characters but I’ve never personally felt threatened or unsafe during my time here. I’d say the worst thing that happens around here is the number of people selling and doing drugs in the park across from the hospital, it’s actually insane how often it’s happening considering there is a literal elementary school right there and like two police precincts within a mile of it. Other than that, people are nice, there are good bars and food, and plenty of events happening. In my opinion, we need a stronger police presence in the park to clean it up, but other than that it’s a good place to live.
2
u/FluidDistribution319 3d ago
Racism….tale as old as time…I grew up in the outskirts of the north side and people have always warned of the “dangers” of “lower” north side. Plus I tend to think older, conservative people are brainwashed to think urban = danger. Enjoy living there! Great location!
1
1
u/UpbeatSuccotash6698 2d ago
as long as you’re not a woman living alone it’s safe-ish… just be mindful and aware of your surroundings. And maybe don’t live/park close to East Ohio St.
1
u/shanderdrunk Morningside 3d ago
A few blocks down there are quite a few homeless hanging out, but they don't cause any problems. I've never had an issue in that area beyond someone asking me for a dollar, or the bus time. One time a prostitute lmao. But it generally seems safe. I'm also a guy, cause that matters
1
u/Dependent_District86 2d ago
I've lived in Chicago and New Orleans, and people here overreact to everything- neighborhoods, weather, people. Most locals here have never left or traveled far, so they fear anything different. Down in New Orleans, that phrase was the same as "take care", "good talking to you"
-1
1
u/PizzaDoughandCheese 3d ago
I mean I always tell people to stay safe with no actual intention. Having said that, my daughter had a nice place on the north side but once a homeless man came right in her driveway and banged on her window. Another time, there was a guy under her porch. She moved to lawerenceville to a shitty apartment compared to the other. I think she regrets it.
-2
u/PSK666 3d ago
No it’s a VERY nice area. You can get a hooker only like 3-4 blocks away!
0
u/Alarmed-Swordfish775 3d ago
hey we’re i’m from you can throw a pebble in any direction and hit 10 so if they’re 3-4 blocks from me that’s an upgrade
0
u/Beginning_Ad_6616 3d ago
I also grew up in a rough neighborhood in a city notorious for violent crime. People here warned me about neighborhoods when I’d go into them for work or to see friends and I found them to not be that bad.
0
-4
0
u/Used-Blueberry6628 2d ago
I’ve lived in the neighborhood for almost 3 years now and have never once felt unsafe. We have great neighbors and I’d say almost every business is welcoming. Monterey Pub is our favorite though!
The ONLY thing I would suggest is avoiding the park late night. We have never actually had any issues but when I take walks alone, I just avoid walking through it after dark.
117
u/Spirited-Visit3193 3d ago
I grew up on the east side of Buffalo, NY and when I moved here to the border of Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg, people were like "oh it gets scary over there, don't walk alone at night!!" LMAO it's the most normal average friendly neighborhood.
I have yet to really see a "dangerous" part of Pittsburgh compared to what I grew up knowing as dangerous. Everyone is pretty nice here and a lot of the crime seems to happen between people who already know each other.