Pittsburgh is a city full of surprises. Beyond the bridges and skyline, the football fandom and the food scene, it’s a city deeply rooted in nature. What makes Pittsburgh special isn’t just its hills or rivers; it’s the way green space winds through nearly every neighborhood, creating pockets of calm, beauty, and recreation at every turn.

The city is home to nearly 200 parks, offering everything from wooded hiking trails and riverside lawns to busy playgrounds and scenic overlooks. And no matter where you live, you’re never far from a place to get outside, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the moment.

Some of Pittsburgh’s most desirable apartments are just steps away from these green spaces, offering the perfect blend of city living and outdoor access. Whether you’re headed to Frick Park for a trail run, planning a weekend picnic in Schenley Park, or catching the fountain spray at Point State Park, there’s a neighborhood (and a home) that puts you right where you want to be.

Let’s explore a few of Pittsburgh’s most iconic parks, and the Walnut Capital properties that give you front-row access.

Schenley Park: Urban Escape in Oakland

Schenley Park is one of the city’s most beloved green spaces. Located between the Oakland and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods, it spans over 450 acres and offers a little bit of everything. There are wooded trails, athletic fields, a public golf course, tennis courts, a seasonal ice rink, and sweeping lawns for lounging or playing frisbee. Nearby, the Schenley Plaza area is perfect for grabbing a bite, people-watching, or relaxing with a good book.

Living near Schenley Park means having access to both outdoor adventure and cultural landmarks, including Phipps Conservatory, the Carnegie Museums, and the University of Pittsburgh. It’s a vibrant, walkable area where the energy of the city blends seamlessly with nature.

For those looking to live in this prime location, Walnut Capital offers several great options. University Commons is just a few blocks from the park and ideal for students, young professionals, and anyone who wants to live steps from campus life, dining, and endless green space. A little farther south, 1 Darlington Court offers a quieter, more residential setting that still puts you close to everything Schenley Park has to offer. Walnut on the Park is another gem nestled near the park’s border, making it easy to take morning walks, weekend jogs, or spontaneous afternoon strolls without ever getting in a car.

Frick Park: A Wooded Wonderland

While Schenley Park shines as a city centerpiece, Frick Park offers a deeper dive into nature. It's the largest park in Pittsburgh and feels like a forest hidden inside the city. With over 600 acres of trees, creeks, and trails, Frick Park is perfect for hikers, bird watchers, and anyone who wants to get lost in the woods for a while. It's a peaceful, shaded retreat that offers something new with every visit.

Frick is home to the beloved Blue Slide Park, made famous by Pittsburgh's own Mac Miller, as well as dog parks, environmental education centers, and open fields for playing or relaxing. The park connects several neighborhoods and is a cornerstone of outdoor living for Squirrel Hill residents.

One of the most sought-after places to live near Frick Park is Walnut Towers at Frick Park. This high-rise community offers sweeping views of the park's treetops, plus convenient access to trails, neighborhood shops, and public transit. You can walk from your apartment straight into the woods in minutes, then be back home with takeout from Murray Avenue in hand.

Just a short distance from the park are Hempstead Road Apartments and Hobart Court, both located in the residential areas of Squirrel Hill. These properties offer quieter living with charming surroundings, all while keeping Frick Park just a few blocks away. It's the perfect balance for anyone who wants a calm, community-oriented neighborhood with plenty of nature to explore.

Point State Park: Riverfront Views in the Heart of the City

In the center of Downtown Pittsburgh, Point State Park is where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet to form the Ohio. The park’s location at the tip of the city’s famous triangle makes it a popular spot for everything from daily jogs to festivals and Fourth of July fireworks.

The sprawling lawn is perfect for lunch breaks, sunset views, or people-watching, and the park’s iconic fountain is a true city landmark. It’s also the starting point for a number of riverfront trails, making it a favorite for walkers, bikers, and runners who want a scenic route through the city.

For those who want to live where the action is but still enjoy access to fresh air and outdoor space, there are a few standout options. The Commonwealth Building is a historic high-rise that offers modern apartment living just blocks from the park. Whether you work downtown or simply love being in the middle of it all, it gives you the best of both worlds.

Another great option is The Washington at Chatham, located a short walk from Point State Park and the Cultural District. With beautiful views, quick access to transit, and a walkable neighborhood full of restaurants and entertainment, it’s ideal for those who thrive in an urban setting but still want an easy escape to the outdoors.

The Value of Park Access

Living near a park is about more than just pretty scenery. Studies consistently show that access to green space improves physical and mental health, encourages more daily movement, and even contributes to better sleep. For families, parks are places for kids to play and explore. For dog owners, they’re essential for regular walks. For professionals, they’re quiet spots to decompress after a busy day.

Parks also play an important environmental role. They help filter air, absorb stormwater, provide habitat for wildlife, and reduce the heat that builds up in dense urban areas. In cities like Pittsburgh, which experience all four seasons in full force, parks provide a place to enjoy every one of them - whether you’re leaf hunting in the fall or sledding in the winter.

But perhaps most importantly, parks build community. They’re where neighbors meet, where festivals happen, where weekend yoga classes take place, and where a city feels like home.

A City That Balances It All

Pittsburgh does an incredible job of blending city life with outdoor living. From the wooded trails of Frick Park to the cultural lawns of Schenley to the riverside serenity of Point State Park, it’s a city that puts nature within reach.

And with so many Walnut Capital properties positioned near these green spaces, residents don’t have to choose between convenience and calm. You can live close to the energy of the city while still having your favorite park right outside your door.

So whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Squirrel Hill, the academic buzz of Oakland, or the vibrant pace of downtown, you can find your perfect corner of Pittsburgh, and a green space to match.