Pittsburgh Apartments and Rentals

While you may hear the name Pittsburg and think of steelworkers and smoke, that impression is ready to be put out of its misery. This city along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers is regularly ranked as one of the most livable in the United States. If you rent yourself a Pittsburgh apartment, you'll quickly discover just how fun, hip, and surprisingly beautiful this hilly metropolis can be.

Pittsburgh was named in 1758 to honor the English statesman, William Pitt. At first there was just an army fort and a small settlement between the rivers. After those lean early years, however, Pittsburgh began growing with industry, specifically metalworks. By the 20th century, Pittsburgh was the eighth largest city in the country, producing up to half of the nation's steel. In the late 1980s, the supremacy of steelwork declined and Pittsburgh's economy diversified. Today, even as its old industrial reputation proves hard to shake, Pittsburgh continues to win acclaim as an extremely engaging city.

If Pittsburgh is still a mystery to you, get to know some of its neighborhoods and you'll soon feel at home. Shadyside gets its name from its leafy streets, making it an excellent location for a sunset stroll. You can check out all the universities and big brains in Oakland or blow off some steam on the South Side. If it's business you're after, Downtown is the financial heart of the city. For a lower-key community experience, try Squirrel Hill.

While historically Pittsburgh was big on steel, its modern economy thrives with healthcare, education, technology, robotics, and financial services. Google, Intel, RAND, and Apple all operate campuses in Pittsburgh, as do plenty of smaller start-ups. You'll find major law firms, global financial institutions, and big businesses all taking advantage of the city's healthy economic climate. Major area companies include U.S. Steel, H. J. Heinz Company, and Bayer USA.

The best-known schools in Pittsburgh are Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and the University of Pittsburgh-commonly known as "Pitt." That's just the top of the heap, however. Prospective students will also have access to other institutions of higher education, such as Carlow University, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and Point Park University.

Pittsburgh is just about even with the national norm in terms of cost of living. That's good news, particularly when you consider how pricey other area cities can be. A two-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh rents for an average of $1,064 a month. The residential vacancy rate in Pittsburgh is at 17 percent.

Pittsburgh is a great city for sports fans. You can go between Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins home games without changing your outfit-each of these teams wears the official city colors of black and gold as a point of Pittsburgh pride. For your dose of culture, visit the Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art, or the Frick Art & Historical Center. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Science Center are popular stops as well. If you're an animal lover, check out the Pittsburgh Zoo, PPG Aquarium, or the National Aviary.

If you find yourself with the weekend itch, Pittsburgh has you covered. The Distinctively Dutch Festival honors Netherlands culture. The Pittsburgh Jazzlive International Festival will have you snapping your fingers to international and local acts. You can watch rowers compete in the Head of the Ohio race or score some tickets to the Three Rivers Film Festival in town. And, in the category of "only in Pittsburgh," test your skill sledding down a 160-foot snow covered slope in the Annual Snow Shovel Riding Championship-if you dare!

If a Pittsburgh apartment calls your name, Rent.com® is ready to help. Our rental listings represent some of the best housing in town, so dive on in.