Highland Park. Photo by Erika Gidley
A street view of Highland Park homes. Photo by Erika Gidley
Highland Park bench. Photo by Erika Gidley
Boasting historic houses and tons of green space, this centrally located neighborhood is a dream for residents and visitors alike.
Stats (from Niche)
- Population: 6,031
- Size: 1 square mile
- Median Rent: $796
- Median Home Value: $172,302
- Income Levels: Average
- Education Levels: Very high
Don’t Miss
- No visit to the neighborhood would be complete without exploring Highland Park. Built around two large reservoirs, this 380-acre park includes a bike track, swimming pool and several playgrounds.
- Also inside the park is the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, home to more than 400 species, including 22 that are threatened or endangered. The newest section of the zoo, Water’s Edge, includes two large underwater viewing tunnels.
- E2 (pronounced “E squared”), a tiny restaurant on Bryant Street, serves approachable, Italian-inspired fare that highlights quality local ingredients. Their justifiably packed brunch includes an entire menu of zeppoli, beignets and other delicious forms of fried dough.
- Down the street, Park Bruges serves up another beloved brunch. The charming bistro, which also offers lunch and dinner, features comfort food with Belgian and French influences, including hearty waffles and poutine.
- While you’re waiting for a table at one of Bryant Street’s eateries, head around the corner for an espresso at Tazza D’Oro. The neighborhood coffee shop features rotating roasts from Counter Culture, a wide selection of teas and a handful of panini and baked goods.
- Located at the corner of Negley and Stanton, Union Project is a community space and a hub for creativity. Housed in a renovated church, Union Project hosts all sorts of workshops, events and community meetings.
Fun Facts
- Highland Park was named after surveyor Robert Hiland, though all instances of “Hiland” were changed to “Highland” in 1890.
- The Pittsburgh Zoo is one of only six major zoo and aquarium combinations in the U.S.
- Highland Park was originally a “streetcar suburb,” with residents working and shopping in nearby East Liberty. It remains a predominantly residential neighborhood to this day, and the homes are larger and more spaced out than in many other parts of the city.
- In 2007, the federal government listed Highland Park as a Residential Historic District for its interesting variety of 19th and 20th century architecture.
More Highland Park News
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