After extensively researching the Pittsburgh area for the perfect neighborhood, you've come to one irrevocable conclusion: Squirrel Hill Pittsburgh is the place for you. Whether you were drawn to this community because of its vibrant and multicultural community, its varied ethnic and exotic dining options, or its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, you've chosen well. Squirrel Hill sits directly to the east of downtown Pittsburgh, making it the perfect location for commuting to the city without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of a completely urban environment. Locally, it is known as a hub for unique cultural experiences, tasty food, and small business shopping experiences.
Squirrel Hill is probably one of the most active cultural centers in the entirety of Pittsburgh. Because of its proximity to several major universities, it is a popular choice for students from all nations to live, making it an amalgam of different cultures and peoples. While 89 percent of its residents are Caucasian, don't let this fool you, because 17 percent of people in Squirrel Hill are foreign born residents. 36 percent of all foreign born residents come from Eastern Europe and around 35 percent come from somewhere in Asia. Overall, the total Asian population accounts for six percent of the total population, which is several ticks higher than the city of Pittsburgh Asian population of 4.4 percent. With all of these different cultures comes a mix of interesting religions, but the main and most pervasive religion Squirrel Hill is known for is Judaism. According to the 2010 census, nearly 40 percent of all Squirrel Hill residents are Jewish, making it a truly centralized hub for the religion in the Pittsburgh area. It contains 33 percent of the entire Jewish population in all of Pittsburgh, with another 14 percent living in bordering neighborhoods. If you are Jewish, Squirrel Hill is the perfect place to move to in order to live near like-minded people. There are over 10 synagogues in the area, meaning you have plenty of choices for finding a new religious community to join.
Unfortunately, most of Pittsburgh lacks a strong international cultural presence, as many of its residents are long-term Pennsylvanians. Squirrel Hill is one of several strong exceptions, and is home to numerous Asian cafes, Mediterranean eateries, middle Eastern bistros, with nearly all managed by non-native residents. Places like the Rose Tea Cafe and Aladdin's Eatery are local favorites, both located on the hotspot of Forbes Avenue, and attract large crowds on a nightly basis. After you've had your fill of tasty treats, you might be interested in many of the Jewish cultural aspects of town. For those looking to pick up necessary religious supplies, Pinskers is Pittsburgh's top Judaism bookstore. Or, if you're looking for kosher foods for your family, you can stop at the nearby Murray Avenue Kosher meat shop. When you're all done shopping, you should probably stop in at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. which offers a variety of wellness, child, and senior activities to keep the community active and together, regardless of their religion. You can also check out the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch to check out a good book or go to an event organized by the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the quality of life in the town. If you're feeling generous, you could volunteer your time to the Children's Institute of Pittsburgh, which is a great non-profit organization which helps special needs children throughout the area.
With all of the different cultures and groups living in Squirrel Hill, you might think it could get a bit hectic, but that's typically not the case. Squirrel Hill is a laid back town of around 26,000 people covering 3.893 square miles of land. In North Squirrel Hill, that is a density of 9,300 people per square mile, and in South Squirrel Hill, that equates to about 5,700 per square mile. While that may seem like a lot, it is because many of its residents are students living in apartment buildings. About 47 percent of the population rents their home, with 45 percent of people living in a space with two bedrooms or less. Of course, the best option is to buy a home, as real estate in Squirrel Hill is a premium luxury you can always get a good return on.
