How to Find an Apartment in Pittsburgh, PA 2021

Pittsburgh offers renters a chance to enjoy scenic views, experience the city’s historic charm, and take advantage of the plethora of entertainment and recreation opportunities. Moreover, the city is experiencing economic growth and new development.

If you’re interested in moving to Pittsburgh, you’ll need to get your moving strategy straightened out. Finding an apartment isn’t always easy, but having a solid strategy can help simplify the process.

Luckily, you’re already in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about how to find an apartment in Pittsburgh.

How to Find the Best Pittsburgh Neighborhood

Pittsburgh is home to a collection of unique neighborhoods that share the city’s gritty reputation alongside distinct characteristics that draw in new renters.

That said, it can be challenging to choose the best neighborhood for you. Whether you’re concerned with cost, location, or something else, choosing the right neighborhood is essential.

Here’s a look at some of the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh to help you start your search.

The Strip District

The Strip District is one of the many Pittsburgh neighborhoods that provides its residents with tons of entertainment and recreation opportunities.

The restaurants, shops, apartments, and mixed-use spaces in The Strip District are housed in old warehouses and older buildings.

This neighborhood is home to an excellent collection of individuals, from hipster artists to young professionals.

You’ll also find the streets lined with street stands, eateries filled with satisfied customers, and shoppers filling the many small shops.

It’s a great place to live!

Beechview

Beechview is a looker of a neighborhood with gorgeous murals that adorn the sides of buildings throughout this neighborhood creating a stunning cityscape.

It’s not just a great home for those who want to feel like they’re walking through an outdoor art gallery, Beechview is a great destination for those who want quick access to the heart of Pittsburgh.

The Beechview’s light rail delivers riders directly to the business district. When you arrive, you’ll note how walkable the neighborhood is, especially when you explore the new businesses cropping up.

Southside Flats

Southside Flats is a Pittsburgh neighborhood that should boast the motto “The party never stops in Southside Flats!”

The neighborhood is home to a dense collection of bars, nightclubs, and entertainment. If you want to be right in the thick of things, then Southside Flats is where it’s at.

Beyond the vibrant nightlife scene in the neighborhood, Southside Flats offers residents easy access to the riverfront. Outdoor enthusiasts can picnic, walk, canoe, or enjoy the view at the riverfront park.

Mount Washington

Mount Washington is named for the nation’s founder, but it’s come a long way since his time.

The neighborhood is a fun mix of the ultra-wealthy and, well, everyone else. That’s why visitors get a high-class vibe when walking through Mount Washington’s streets.

The neighborhood is primarily known for its incredible views of Pittsburgh and its awesome architecture.

Many of the upscale restaurants in the area, namely Italian and seafood hotspots, offer seating that allows visitors to dine and enjoy the view.

Fortunately, there are tons of rental options in the neighborhood, though you should expect to pay rent that’s higher than that of nearby neighborhoods.

Shadyside

Shadyside sounds like a sleepy little town in the middle of nowhere, but it’s actually a boisterous, lively neighborhood situated east of Downtown Pittsburgh.

Fortunately, Shadyside offers lots to do for any prospective renter. Whether you’re into art, consider yourself a foodie, or just love exploring urban cityscapes, Shadyside is a great place to live.

If you plan on moving with a furry four-legged friend, Shadyside is a dog lover’s heaven. Most businesses are pet-friendly, so you’re sure to meet an adorable pup or two when out on the town.

How Much are Apartments in Pittsburgh?

Already booking your flight to Pittsburgh? You’ll need to make sure your bank account is well-prepared for the move. Here’s a look at the average rent prices in Pittsburgh.

• The average rent for a Pittsburgh studio apartment is $1,424.
• The average rent for a Pittsburgh 1-bedroom apartment is $1,472.
• The average rent for a Pittsburgh 2-bedroom apartment is $1,770.
• The average rent for a Pittsburgh 3-bedroom apartment is $1,822.

Fortunately, a move to the city won’t break the bank. Rent in Pittsburgh is a fraction of the price of rent in other major cities like San Francisco.

That said, rent in Pittsburgh has seen a 9.5% increase compared to the same time last year.

However, that increase marks a rebound from the pandemic’s effect on the Pittsburgh rental market and is not a sign that Pittsburgh is quickly turning into a high cost of living city.

Now that you have an idea of what prices you can expect in the Pittsburgh rental market, you’ll want to know how those rent prices are distributed throughout the market.

Here’s a look at the price distribution of Pittsburgh’s apartment inventory.

• 12% of apartments in Pittsburgh cost less than $1,000 per month.
• 68% of apartments in Pittsburgh cost between $1,000-$1,999 per month.
• 18% of apartments in Pittsburgh cost between $2,000-$2,999 per month.
• 2% of apartments in Pittsburgh cost over $3,000 per month.

How to Find Cheap Apartments in Pittsburgh

Although apartments in Pittsburgh aren’t exorbitantly priced, finding a cheap Pittsburgh apartment will make you and your wallet happy.

Moreover, there’s nothing better than snagging a deal on a good apartment.

That said, finding a cheap apartment means fine-tuning your apartment-hunting strategy. Whether it’s chasing move-in specials or renting from a private landlord, knowing what to look for is half the battle.

We’re here to help. Here are some of the best ways to find cheap apartments in Pittsburgh.

• Look for Move-in Specials: Move-in specials are deals offered by landlords or property managers to attract new tenants. Incentives offered through move-in specials include discounted or waived fees (application, pets, etc.), reduced or waived security deposits, and free or reduced rent (usually one month).
• Look for Long-Term Leases: Many landlords and property managers prefer long-term tenants. This saves landlords and PMs the time and effort associated with finding new tenants. So, if you’re looking for a deal on an apartment, offer to sign a lease for a longer-term, such as 24 months.
• Look for “For Rent By Owner” Units: Private landlords are often more willing to negotiate with tenants. They may be more likely to provide flexible rent rates, especially if you are willing to provide additional services such as lawn maintenance or making unit repairs. So, keep an eye out for “for rent by owner” units to catch a good deal.
• Rent with a Roommate: If you don’t mind sharing your space, renting with a roommate can have a major impact on how much you pay in rent. When splitting rent with a roommate, you can usually expect discounts of 50%, or more, if you’ll be renting with multiple roommates.

The bottom line? Finding an apartment you can afford takes time and effort, but the (literal) payoff is worth it.

What’s the Best Time to Find an Apartment in Pittsburgh?

Understanding the impact of seasonality in the rental industry is the best way to improve your chances of finding a cheap apartment. You can time your search to benefit from a larger inventory (more options) or the lowest rent rates. Here’s a look at how seasonality affects the rental industry.

• Largest Rental Inventory: The warmer months )during late spring and summer) coincides with peak moving season. As a result, the rental market’s inventory sees its highest boost of the year. There are tons of apartments on the market, so you’ll have more options to choose from.
• Lowest Rental Prices: Renting during the winter months, starting in late November to the end of February, grants renters the lowest rent rates. The reduced demand for apartments in the colder months results in landlords offering lower rental rates and other incentives to attract new tenants.

That said, the best time of year to rent an apartment depends on your priorities. So, if you can time your search right, you can get the most out of your Pittsburgh apartment hunt.

How to Find an Apartment?

If you’re ready to make the move to Pittsburgh, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step walkthrough to help you find a Pittsburgh apartment.

Determine Your Budget

Setting your budget before starting your apartment search will help get you into an apartment you can afford.

First, you’ll need to consider the cost of living in Pittsburgh. Fortunately, Pittsburgh is an affordable city, though you’ll need to set your budget accordingly.

When you’re ready to look at apartment units, use the 30% rule, where an individual should spend no more than 30% of their pre-tax income on rent.

Here’s how the 30% budgeting rule would play out for a renter in the Pittsburgh rental market.

• If you rent an average-priced studio apartment in Pittsburgh, your annual salary should be around $56,960 or higher.
• If you rent an average-priced 1-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh, your annual salary should be about $58,880 or higher.
• If you rent an average-priced 2-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh, your annual salary should be around $70,800 or higher.
• If you rent an average-priced 3-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh, your yearly salary should be about $72,880 or higher.

If you want to avoid all the math, you can use our rent calculator tool to determine how much you can afford to pay in rent.

Once you’ve got your apartment budget set, you’ll need to consider moving costs.

Expenses associated with furnishing your new apartment, transporting your belongings, and getting your apartment set up can add up.

Add security deposits, application fees, pet deposits, the first month’s rent, and other associated fees on top of those expenses.

Fortunately, a good apartment budget that takes your financial situation into account can help you manage these expenses.

Set Your Apartment Priorities

Deciding which Pittsburgh neighborhood is best for you and which apartment suits your lifestyle comes down to your preferences, which is why it’s essential to set your apartment priorities before heading to apartment listing sites.

If you’re active and love to work up a sweat outdoors, you may prefer an apartment that’s within walking distance of one of Pittsburgh’s larger parks.

Or you may want to commute via public transportation when you make the move to the Steel City. In that case, an apartment that is near a stop on a major bus route would likely be ideal for you.

Beyond location, you’ll need to determine which apartment amenities you want in your unit or building.

Whether you want to avoid trekking through the Pittsburgh cold with your laundry in tow or you want to park your car off-street, knowing which apartment amenities you want can help you narrow down your apartment options.

Make a list of must-have apartment amenities and features (such as location). Use this list to guide your apartment search.

Consider Your Commute Time

According to data from the Census Bureau, Pittsburgh residents spend just over 24 minutes commuting to work on average. That’s a pretty sweet deal.

That said, most residents get around via private vehicles, rather than via public transport. With a 63 walk score, a 56 transit score, and a 57 bike score, Pittsburgh is a certified car city.

Though, if you live closer to downtown Pittsburgh or the city’s center, you’ll likely be able to get around on foot more easily.

Prepare for Apartment Tours

If you’re ready to start viewing apartments, it’s important to do a little prep work before embarking on an apartment tour.

Your apartment tour will allow you to view the apartment in person or virtually if you’re renting sight unseen.

You can assess whether the unit is what you are looking for and evaluate its condition. Beyond that, you’ll have an opportunity to pose questions to your landlord.

If you’re not sure what questions to ask, start with questions about rent, parking, and pets. Those are the basics.

You can check out our post on the best questions to ask on an apartment tour for more guidance.

Since you’ll already be in the neighborhood, try to schedule your apartment tour at a time that enables you to walk around the neighborhood afterward.

You want to get a feel for the neighborhood’s noise levels, amenities nearby, parking availability, and your potential neighbors.

Weekends are the best time for this, so aim for a Saturday morning around noon.

Applying for Your Pittsburgh Apartment

The apartment application process is an unavoidable part of renting an apartment. That said, it’s not a particularly challenging part of the rental process.

So long as you take the time to gather and prepare everything you need for your application, the application process is no worse than a day trip to the DMV.

Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your apartment application and land your dream Pittsburgh apartment.

Asking for an Apartment Application

If you find an apartment you love, don’t hesitate to apply. In a hot market, hesitation can cause you to lose out, so be quick!

Be prepared to pay up to $50 to cover your apartment application fee. These funds typically go toward the background and credit check landlords and property managers run during the tenant screening process.

As application costs can add up, limit your applications only to apartments that you love.

Filling Out Your Apartment Application

Filling out your apartment application is the easy part. It’s a simple matter of providing information and answering questions.

Ensuring you have all the information you need to answer those questions can be challenging. So, we’re here to help.

Here’s what you’ll need to fill out your apartment application.

• Identity Verification: Social Security Card/Number, Name, Current Address, ID or Driver's License, Passport, etc.
• References: Previous Landlord or Property Manager Contact Information, Professional References (Supervisor, Manager, etc.),
• Proof of Income: Paystubs, Bank Statements, Tax Returns, etc.
• Permission to Run Credit and/or Background Check: Signature to Confirm Your Approval
• Rental History: Previous Rental Addresses and Time Periods

Approval (or Rejection)

Once your landlord or property manager has completed the tenant screening process for you and other applicants (if applicable), they’ll send you their decision.

If you are approved for the rental unit, you’ll be asked to sign a lease agreement and pay a security deposit, first month’s rent, and other applicable fees.

The most important part of this step is ensuring that you read and re-read the lease agreement.

You need to know what you’re signing up for, so ask your landlord or property manager to walk you through the lease agreement and bring up any questions or concerns you may have.

Once you’ve gone through the lease agreement and feel comfortable committing to its terms, you can sign it. Congrats! You’ve landed your Pittsburgh apartment.

If you are rejected from an apartment, ask why.

If you missed filling out an item on your application or your references were negative, you’ll have to consider and resolve those issues on your next application.

Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

Taking care to avoid rental scams can save you the trouble of counting yourself among the one-in-three renters who have lost over $1,000 to rental fraud.

Fortunately, using legitimate rental listing sites, avoiding paying any money upfront, and avoiding using wire transfer services (think: PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, etc) are all simple ways to avoid becoming a victim of rental fraud.

Ready to move to Pittsburgh? Apartment List is here to help you find your dream home.

Here’s how it works: First, we get to know you. You’ll answer a few simple questions and we’ll find the best matches – just for you. Then, we mix and match your personalized results, making it easy to discover places with the perfect combination of price, location, and amenities.