September 18, 2026
By: Mia Panichella
Moving But You Don't Have a Car? Keep Reading!
If you're planning a move to Pittsburgh, you might be wondering if owning a car is really necessary. The answer depends on where you choose to live, but the good news is that many of Pittsburgh's most popular neighborhoods are surprisingly easy to navigate without one.
Whether you're commuting to work, heading to class, grabbing groceries, or meeting friends for dinner, several neighborhoods offer everything you need within walking distance or just a short bus ride away. With reliable public transportation, growing bike infrastructure, and highly walkable business districts, it's entirely possible to enjoy city living without worrying about parking, gas, or daily traffic.
If living a car-free lifestyle sounds appealing, here are some of the best Pittsburgh neighborhoods to consider.
Can You Live in Pittsburgh Without a Car?
Yes! While Pittsburgh is known for its hills and bridges, many neighborhoods are designed around walkability and convenient public transit. Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) operates an extensive bus system throughout the city, making it easy to travel between neighborhoods, Downtown, universities, hospitals, and major employers.
Many residents also rely on rideshare services, bicycles, scooters, or simply walking for their daily routines. Choosing a neighborhood with nearby grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and entertainment can make day-to-day life much more convenient without the added expense of owning a vehicle.
If you're searching for an apartment in Pittsburgh, where you live can make all the difference.
Shadyside
Shadyside is often considered one of Pittsburgh's most walkable neighborhoods, and it's easy to see why. Walnut Street serves as the heart of the neighborhood, lined with locally owned boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, fitness studios, and everyday conveniences.
Many residents find they can complete most errands on foot, making it an ideal choice for anyone hoping to reduce their reliance on a car. The neighborhood is also well connected by multiple PRT bus routes, offering convenient access to Downtown, Oakland, East Liberty, and other nearby neighborhoods.
Walnut Capital offers several apartment communities throughout Shadyside, including Centre Lofts, Elmer Street Apartments, South Negley Avenue Apartments, 808 South Negley Avenue, and Bellefonte Street Apartments. Whether you're looking for a cozy studio or a spacious apartment, living in Shadyside means you'll be just steps from some of Pittsburgh's best shopping and dining.
Oakland
Home to the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, UPMC, and Carnegie Museums, Oakland is one of the city's busiest and most connected neighborhoods.
Because thousands of students, faculty, researchers, and healthcare professionals live and work here, Oakland offers some of the best public transportation access in Pittsburgh. Numerous bus routes run through the neighborhood, making it easy to travel throughout the city without driving.
Beyond transit, Oakland also offers grocery stores, cafés, libraries, museums, parks, and plenty of study spaces, all within walking distance. Whether you're walking to class, heading to work, or meeting friends for lunch, it's easy to get around on foot.
For those searching for apartments near Pitt or Carnegie Mellon, Walnut Capital offers communities like University Commons and The Caroline, making it easy to stay close to campus while enjoying modern apartment living.
Best for: Students, healthcare workers, university employees, interns, and anyone looking for exceptional public transportation.
Downtown Pittsburgh
If you'd rather live in the center of the action, Downtown Pittsburgh offers unmatched convenience.
Living Downtown means you're within walking distance of Market Square, Point State Park, PPG Paints Arena, restaurants, coffee shops, sporting events, entertainment, and countless office buildings. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring the city after hours, you'll rarely need a car.
Downtown also serves as Pittsburgh's transportation hub. The neighborhood offers access to dozens of bus routes as well as the light rail system, making travel throughout the city simple.
For those looking for a move-in-ready apartment, The Jones Tower offers furnished apartments in a prime Downtown location. It's an excellent option for professionals relocating to Pittsburgh, interns, graduate students, or anyone looking for flexibility and convenience.
Best for: Professionals, commuters, and anyone wanting to experience city living at its most convenient.
East Liberty
Over the last decade, East Liberty has become one of Pittsburgh's fastest-growing neighborhoods. Today, it's known for blending everyday convenience with modern shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Residents enjoy easy access to grocery stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Target, along with dozens of restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, fitness studios, and local businesses. Bakery Square is also just minutes away, offering additional dining, shopping, offices, and community events throughout the year.
East Liberty's strong transit connections make commuting simple, whether you're heading Downtown, to Oakland, or neighboring communities.
Living nearby means having many of your daily necessities within walking distance while still enjoying quick access to the rest of the city.
Best for: Residents who value convenience, shopping, dining, and an active neighborhood atmosphere.
Squirrel Hill
If you're looking for a quieter neighborhood without sacrificing walkability, Squirrel Hill is an excellent choice.
Centered around Forbes and Murray Avenues, the neighborhood offers a mix of locally owned restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, grocery stores, bookstores, and specialty markets. Daily errands can often be completed on foot, while multiple bus routes connect residents to Downtown, Oakland, and surrounding neighborhoods.
One of Squirrel Hill's biggest advantages is its proximity to Frick Park and Schenley Park. Residents enjoy easy access to miles of walking trails, green spaces, and outdoor recreation without leaving the city.
Walnut Capital communities like Walnut Towers at Frick Park and Forbes Terrace place residents close to both neighborhood conveniences and Pittsburgh's largest parks.
Best for: Nature lovers and residents looking for a quieter, community-focused neighborhood with plenty of nearby amenities.
What Makes a Neighborhood Great Without a Car?
Walkability is about more than sidewalks. The best neighborhoods for car-free living make everyday life easier by putting essentials close to home.
When choosing where to live, consider whether the neighborhood offers:
- Grocery stores nearby
- Public transportation access
- Restaurants and coffee shops
- Pharmacies and healthcare services
- Parks and green spaces
- Fitness centers
- Entertainment options
- Safe, walkable streets
- Easy access to work or school
The more of these amenities available within walking distance, the less you'll find yourself needing a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsburgh a walkable city?
Many Pittsburgh neighborhoods are highly walkable, particularly Shadyside, Oakland, Downtown, Lawrenceville, Squirrel Hill, and East Liberty. Choosing the right neighborhood can make daily errands, dining, and commuting much easier without a vehicle.
Does Pittsburgh have good public transportation?
Yes. Pittsburgh Regional Transit provides bus service throughout the city, connecting many neighborhoods to Downtown, universities, hospitals, and employment centers. Several neighborhoods also offer excellent bike access and rideshare availability.
What is the best Pittsburgh neighborhood without a car?
The best neighborhood depends on your lifestyle. Shadyside is ideal for shopping and dining, Oakland is perfect for students and healthcare professionals, Downtown offers unmatched convenience for commuters, East Liberty combines modern amenities with transit access, and Squirrel Hill is a great choice for those looking for parks and a quieter atmosphere.
Find the Right Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle
Living without a car in Pittsburgh is more than possible when you choose the right neighborhood. From the lively streets of Shadyside and Lawrenceville to the convenience of Downtown and Oakland, each community offers its own mix of walkability, public transportation, and everyday amenities.
At Walnut Capital, our apartment communities are located throughout many of Pittsburgh's most walkable neighborhoods, making it easier to spend less time commuting and more time enjoying everything the city has to offer. Whether you're relocating for work, starting school, or simply looking for a neighborhood where everything is close by, you'll find plenty of options that fit your lifestyle.