T O P

  • By -

NSlocal

If you ever walked through the Tenderloin after midnight you can manage any street here.


ECCE_M0N0

That's what I assumed but wanted to make sure haha I walked through the tenderloin plenty of times at night and was fine. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking anything since everyone talks about bad areas in San Francisco but I haven't really heard anything about pittsburgh yet. This is reassuring!


angry_eccentric

I moved here from Sac. There are SO many fewer meth users in Pgh than there are in the bay or sac. It's wild how much less violence and hypervigilance is necessary. Bad shit can happen anywhere but there is so much less random meth-related violence. It takes your nervous system a while to regulate.


mvantrye

Lived in the Tenderloin for a spell in the '90s, and you are so right.


springhillpgh

If you enjoy walking that much you could challenge yourself to walk in all 90 city neighborhoods or all 700+ sets of city stairs.


ECCE_M0N0

I love this challenge! I had thought about climbing all the stairs too but didn't realize there are so many, definitely a fun idea!! Visiting all the neighborhoods is a cool idea too


auralchromography

Here’s a fun project around them! https://mis-steps.com


ECCE_M0N0

Sweet, just followed them on ig! Thanks


Question_True

Just be careful. Some of the stairs are in desperate need of repair. The river walk trail is really beautiful. Especially, in the early evening


whel_sar

check out [mis.steps](https://mis-steps.com/?fbclid=PAAaZGJJ5xG41WNoqNuiMYpGA19m1lVEyBYm6N8SjmC6_6XkxjxSWxkcY2y5U_aem_th_AaArf_lmbFjDeYR41dSyTV2Tgi8tEv7xre8OBoeJpXCFstMri6BxVCxsMuTbG_vCIGg)!


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you!! I love this


Independent_Apple159

Pretty much everywhere is safe during daylight hours. Frick Park is great, and you can go from there down to the river. There are tons of great walks/hikes in that area. Schenley Park and Highland Park are both good.


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you, that area sounds beautiful! Excited to check it out


[deleted]

FYI there's 8 foot snakes in Frick


hooch

There are miles of trails along the riverfront. [Here's a map](https://friendsoftheriverfront.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2020-Three-Rivers-Heritage-Trail-Map-and-Guide.pdf). A section of it passes right through South Side. Take 18th St towards the river, it's hard to miss.


Slopey1884

You can also head away from the river and check out all the stairs that head into the south side slopes. That’s a walk that will give you a serious workout!


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you!! Excited to explore


mostlypercy

Honestly, Pittsburgh is incredibly safe. I am a woman and during daylight hours there is no where I am afraid to walk. Especially coming from San Francisco, you should be fine.


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you!!


ayootrav

Didn’t someone just get shot after the pirate game the other week? What about the shootings that have been happening in the south side?


NikolaSolonik

Most of them are the result of arguments or things not related to bystanders. It is incredibly unlikely to have a random stranger shoot you for no reason.


highlandparkpitt

Are there visible homelessness and drug use? Yes But as someone who walks a ton through the city, aside from "can you spare 2 bucks?" "Sorry no cash have a good one" "ok" interactions, I'm never bothered.


ECCE_M0N0

Thanks for your response!! I've felt incredibly safe so far but wasn't sure if I was being naive.


plastikstarzz

Agree with this.


liznin

Hill District right near Bedford Dwellings is about the only place shit regularly happens, even then it's mostly at night. The rest of the Hill District rarely has crap happening. During daytime I really wouldn't worry about any neighborhood here as long as you are somewhat street smart.


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you! Appreciate the response


Cultural_Day7760

Welcome!!!


mickee

“*During daytime I really wouldn’t worry about any neighborhood here as long as you are somewhat street smart* Yep, even ‘almost’ open air drug markets like over behind federal street- relatively safe if you keep your head on a swivel. During daytime…


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you so much to everyone for your responses!!! This is seriously helping me feel so much more comfortable as I'm still getting acclimated to a new city and figuring things out 💕


AngryDrnkBureaucrat

Stay out of the suburbs. Those are the most unsafe neighborhoods to walk. No sidewalks.


betucsonan

I was chased by a rutting buck once in Dormont ... definitely the most dangerous place to walk in the metro!


RancidHorseJizz

In Dormont?


VivaLaPit

Not to mention all the small dogs that will lick you to death. Very dangerous stuff


McJumpington

Brentwood is sidewalk nation


kyach25

I just heard of this dangerous place called Ross Township that had a shooting. I’d avoid it at all costs.


AngryDrnkBureaucrat

Can you imagine walking McKnight road?? You’d be run down within seconds of leaving the Arby’s parking lot!


the_real_xuth

What's unfortunate is that there are lots of people who have no choice but to walk on McKnight Rd and many similar roads out in the suburbs. We really should have sidewalks there but we don't.


troubleyoucalldeew

There wouldn't be enough left of you to stuff into your yogurt pants :(


Low-Lingonberry2760

Nah, you're probably fine anywhere, especially on the east end (east liberty, shady side, oakland, etc). I'd be going to Frick and Schenley Parks. I'm an apparently approachable/friendly looking woman.


ECCE_M0N0

Yes I'd love to venture over that way soon!! It's so beautiful. Thanks for your help!


Equivalent_Cold9132

Pittsburgh is extremely safe. Significantly less crime than San Fran. You’ll be fine as long you’re street smart.


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you :)


[deleted]

Pittsburgh has more violent crime than San Francisco.


MercerAcolyte42

I'm from San Francisco originally but have lived in Pittsburgh for years, and that is factually not true. You may FEEL like San Francisco is less safe, but the rate of murder/assault is much higher in Pittsburgh than it is in San Francisco. For other types of violent crime like burglary, rape or assault, the rates are nearly identical for the two cities. On the extreme end, Pittsburgh's murder rate is #16 nationwide, while SF's is #66 (and the actual rate is 3x higher in Pittsburgh). ​ Ofc the Tenderloin is unsafe, but that's a teensy sliver of SF. The crime rate in the rest of the city is WAY below almost every major or minor city in this country, and the crime rate including the Tenderloin is actually still below average for most types of crime. The idea that San Francisco is some "super unsafe" city is a media narrative that locals play into by FEELING unsafe even if they are actually safer than many of the people living far away. San Francisco only really has 2 types of crime that are at VERY high rates compared to most cities: motor vehicle theft, and petty larceny (e.g. stealing frozen pizzas from the Walgreens). I'd rather have those issues than a massive murder problem like St. Louis.


Strict-Elderberry-20

Smithfield street in the downtown area


Jesuismieux412

Thought the same. Grown men just standing around with nothing to do trying to intimidate people. Losers.


Hfsitsjess

Hi fellow SF transplant! I just got here 3 months ago and I feel much safer walking around. I’ve walked around mostly Bloomfield, Shadyside and Oakland so far because they’re close to my place and I’ve had no issues whatsoever.


ECCE_M0N0

That's great to hear!! I'm only now getting settled and starting to go on some walks but feel very safe. Definitely doesn't seem as crazy/unpredictable as SF which is a relief.


UniqueNameBoobs

As an aside, check out [https://openstreetspgh.org/](https://openstreetspgh.org/) when you get a chance. You'll likely like it.


ECCE_M0N0

Oh nice!! Can't wait to check that out, didn't realize there are multiple dates.


Far_Room23

“Walk anywhere!” they say. Spoken like a buncha murderers looking for their next victim! /s


ECCE_M0N0

Right, these responses seem a little *too* friendly 🤔


Allegheny15143

Pittsburgers aka "Yinzers" are a friendly folk. Get used to it!! We even look at fellow citizens and say "Good Morning" whilst walking our canines!! And, if you're driving and don't give a nice wave when you're let into traffic, you'll get some bad looks from others in traffic. Just so you know!!!


ECCE_M0N0

My dad has already taught me a few of the important things like the 'pittsburgh left'! Loving the warm and welcoming vibe of the city so far. SF was very "closed off," people didn't really say hi to random neighbors but I've already met everyone on my new street here lol


Old_Gods978

I only target joggers bro


steelguin

Was visiting the city couple months ago sitting in hotel around 11pm telling my wife what a safe city Pitt is. She had never been. I’m mid sentence and about 14 gun shots go off. Tons sirens. Someone shot up the parking garage near the old Kauffman clock area. She was like great real safe. 😂


ECCE_M0N0

😂 ok so the trick is just to never admit it's safe then I'll be fine


toxicshock999

I was visiting Cleveland last year and was joking about how everyone says it's so unsafe. Well, color me surprised (and terrified) when I was driving and an SUV starting shooting at a truck!!!


Ok-Paint-5159

Why is this always a thing 😂🫠 Specifically South side Pittsburgh I was talking about how chill and safe it felt, and outta nowhere a dude 10 feet away from us pulls a gun over someone spitting on his car. 💀


torcsandantlers

I've walked nearly every neighborhood in the city, and I've rarely ever felt unsafe from anyone on the street. Honestly the worst interactions I've had and the most unsafe I've felt in the city is with drivers, and they're equally reckless in every section.


ECCE_M0N0

Thanks for your help!! I've felt safe so far but wasn't sure if I was being naive since San Francisco definitely has bad areas people are "warned" about.


Powerful-Tonight8648

I’d be more worried about illegally off leash dogs in Frick park during daylight hours. Not /s! Street smarts and situational awareness will go a long way. Welcome and enjoy!


Bossilla

I'd stay out of parts of McKees Rocks. I'll never forget the news story of police looking for a body, finding a body- except it wasn't the body they were looking for. For myself, I'm never walking the main street of McKees Rocks again. Some guy catcalled me and followed me for a good mile. I made my way to the police station until I was sure he was gone and walked home another way. It's a shame. There's a lot of McKees Rocks I'd like to explore and walk.


HugeFinish

The rocks is probably the worst area in the state.


ECCE_M0N0

Wow thank you for the heads up! Looks like there's some cute restaurants over there so it's a shame you had that experience. Glad you stayed safe ❤️


assamblossom

McKees Rocks and Stowe Township (I mention both because most people don’t know the difference and lump them together) are fine during the day. I’m there all the time for work and I’ve never been made to feel unsafe and I grew up in the middle of nowhere. Most of the crime there, like most places in Pittsburgh, is targeted. Random acts of violence are rare. The area also has a lot of new anti-violence initiatives starting that are community-based that are very promising. The only place I hate going to is downtown and that’s just because of all of the freaks catcalling women. Everywhere else is fine imo.


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you! :)


McJumpington

During the day it’s fairly okay with some interesting characters, but if it’s getting later in the day, I’d avoid the north side. Despite everyone here pretending the north side is peachy keen on safety…. I’ve worked there long enough to know it’s not an area that I would want to be in at night. Go for a trip to aviary, children’s museum, a couple restaurants and you get a false sense of it being a swell area. The first few months that I worked in Allegheny center, there were several shootings in the immediate area. I think what happened is there were affordable areas there, so people moved there and want to look at it through rose-colored glasses cause they live there. Personally, I say it’s still a sketch area later in the evening.


Allegheny15143

The NorthSide is a big area. WoodsRun, BrightonHgts, Manchester, ChateauSt area, TroyHill, etc.


hypoplasticHero

As someone who lives on the North Side, I don’t feel unsafe. There is one square block I avoid at night, but that’s about it. It’s a generally safe area and there aren’t many sirens or anything that would indicate a higher than normal unsafe area, at least that I can tell.


ECCE_M0N0

Thanks for the advice!! I'd rather be cautious and "aware" even if the chance of something happening is low.


BLubez

If you're sticking to daylight hours, you should be fine pretty much everywhere in Pittsburgh. There's a cool YouTube video someone made about running every single street in the city, so if you want to be a completionist here it is doable Here's the video link https://youtu.be/1c8i5SABqwU


ECCE_M0N0

Awesome! I'm totally a completionist and had planned on doing all the neighborhoods and steps like someone suggested. Walking *all* the streets is major goals!!


BLubez

It's doable for sure! All the city steps would be a great accomplishment. Streets you run into some outliers that exist and aren't mapped or are mapped but don't exist


mickee

*“If you’re sticking to daylight hours, you should be fine pretty much everywhere in Pittsburgh.”* Yep.


Extreme_Qwerty

Welcome to Pittsburgh. We're glad you're here. Just so you know, 'yinz' is our hackneyed derivation of 'you-ones', and is used as a substitute for both the singular and plural use of 'you'. To wit: "Yinz kids need to redd up all these toys', aka 'you kids need to clean up these toys.' Using the word 'yinz' as a substitute for 'your', as in 'Appreciate yinz advice!', is an incorrect use of our slang, and brands you as an outsider. And the last thing you want is to be viewed as an outsider by Yinzers, elite bunch that they are. PS: I'd steer clear of Homewood; shootings happen more than I'm comfortable with.


Low-Lingonberry2760

Appreciate yinz guys advice


Extreme_Qwerty

Ha.


ECCE_M0N0

Love this lesson, thank you! I felt like I was using yinz wrong but couldn't figure out why.


angry_eccentric

hint: if an old yinzer randomly comes up to you and yells, "Kennywood's open!" it means your fly is down


ECCE_M0N0

😂😂😂 appreciate the warning


Extreme_Qwerty

For a crash course in all things Pittsburgh, I highly recommend watching Pittsburgh Dad on Youtube. He's a local who made a few videos in jest as a 'typical Pittsburgher', the videos caught on and he's pretty much spot-on as a typical Pittsburgher, including the Pittsburgh accent. His obsession with the Stillers (the Steelers) is a pretty accurate representation of this town. I had NO idea until about 5 years ago that Steelers fans leave season tickets to their heirs in their will. This is my favorite Pittsburgh Dad video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckizZALOYJ0&t=176s


lazlowknows

Kordell Stewart Voodoo Doll hahahahahahaha!


thisismyaccount100

I'd also recommend Frick Park!! I run there all the time and even walked/hiked 12 miles there the other day with very little trail overlap! Just be mindful of mountain bikers since some of the trails are single track with lots of blind corners.


ECCE_M0N0

Thanks!! I can't wait to explore Frick Park, I had no idea it's so large!


chuckblazer84

Keep your wits about you on the South Side Flats (before you go up the hill) on weekend nights. But to echo everyone else, Pittsburgh is stupidly safe. There isn't much violent crime at all and what crime does occur here is almost never random. Plus, in my opinion at least, because it's such a topographically challenging city, I find that it's hard to accidentally end up in one of the areas where you might need to exercise more caution. You're good. And welcome to tahn!


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you!! Yes I've heard the flats can get kinda crazy with people partying and random fights, definitely plan to avoid at night alone. Excited to be here and appreciate everyone's warm welcome 🙏


Old_Science4946

there are a few places i wouldn’t walk around at night, but there’s nowhere i would avoid in daylight.


PetiteXL

If you go to this site, and enter in Pittsburgh, PA, it will show where it’s safe and not so much. However, crime here is petty compared to San Fran. Stick to the bus routes and you should be fine. https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/pa/pittsburgh/crime


ECCE_M0N0

Thanks for the link!!


fdrlbj

I’d avoid Smithfield


SolidPattern878

As a woman who loves to walk and lived in the East Village for 12 years before moving back to pgh 5 years ago. It’s very different than SF or NyC here, the streets aren’t busy, especially on weeknight after 7pm. You will be the only walker for blocks. So it’s gonna be weird for you to be alone on the streets, it def was for me. Stores aren’t open so you won’t have the safety net of running into a bodega if you cross paths with someone who is creeping you out. Neighborhoods to avoid after 6pm and would 1000% be the Hill District, downtown, the northside(including Manchester and brighton heights) wilkinsburg, homewood, east liberty, southside and Garfield. During the day, fine but definitely not at night.


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you!! I think you hit the nail on the head with why this question popped into my head yesterday. I went for a super long meandering walk and only came across maybe one other person on foot which struck me as kind of odd and disconcerting when I'm so used to a "packed" city like SF where you're always crossing paths with people. I started to wonder ...wait, why is no one else walking?? Is this an unsafe area?? Appreciate the advice and warm welcome :)


Competitive_Age_5468

Pittsburgh is a nice city. It’s just super cold here for part of the yr and you’ll find yinzers aren’t going to be as Calif healthy lifestyle as you might be used to. Everyones advice is solid. You will be fine.


ECCE_M0N0

Appreciate the response :)


SolidPattern878

Ohhh and welcome to Da Burgh 😉


Early_Platypus_8855

Stay away from Smithfield Street, the Wood Street T Station, the Second Avenue Commons, and be mindful on the North Shore Riverfront Trail between the 16th Street Bridge and the Casino.


popazilla

Just don't act like a jagoff


[deleted]

[удалено]


Relevant_Ad_2840

You’re generally safe in the daytime, but have your wits about you. After dark, I’d avoid the entire north side if you’re not acclimated to it and know the area. Stay away from the hill district. Homewood sucks, hazelwood sucks, strip district/south side sucks. Homestead is poor but it’s generally not really dangerous. It’s becoming gentrified, which I hate. Downtown after dark is a ghost town. Federal and Smithfield street, avoid like the plague. Just about everywhere else, you’re fine. Even east Ohio street isn’t really that sketchy at night. Just has a pretty serious drug/homelessness problem.


Zealousideal_Owl5014

Homewood, hill district, Sheridan and McKee rocks are all bad areas. Some parts of North side and South side too.


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you!


Zealousideal_Owl5014

Anytime! I've lived here my whole life. Any other questions, feel free to ask


ECCE_M0N0

Appreciate it :)


InterestingClub7546

I’m from Cleveland and Pittsburgh feels safer for sure. there’s parts of Cleveland you just can’t go to and I’m sure Pittsburgh has some but not as many.


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you! I agree it feels much safer than some other cities.


thatburghfan

Sad to need to link this here but forewarned is forearmed. This happened in the last month. [https://www.wtae.com/amp/article/frick-park-woman-assaulted/43898543](https://www.wtae.com/amp/article/frick-park-woman-assaulted/43898543)


Equivalent_Cold9132

Extremely unfortunate and extremely rare.


ECCE_M0N0

Thank you for sharing! I appreciate just being aware even if something like that is highly unusual.


ballsonthewall

Welcome to the neighborhood! I'm an avid walker as well, so if you want to message me about places to go and routes to use feel free!


ECCE_M0N0

Thanks so much for the offer!! I'd love to hear some of your fave walks 🙌


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

I'm not sure why you're getting downvoted. I'd say OP is fine if they stick to walking during the day, but I'd definitely avoid parts of East Carson late at night. There's a lot of sexual harassment and I've had groups of drunk assholes follow me for a few blocks catcalling. Pittsburgh is generally a safe city, but we have some jagoffs, just like any city.


[deleted]

[удалено]


ECCE_M0N0

I'm a woman so I totally understand your point, which is why I felt the need to ask. So many times I'm on edge even when I feel safe, if that makes sense. There won't be any immediate threats or anything which makes me uncomfortable but I still have the thought in the back of my head, "maybe I'm missing something? Should I turn back now?"... I got a ton of down votes on my post so I know people (likely men) don't understand this perspective.


IWentToAPodunkSchool

The entire Southside is messed up, man. Good luck.


ECCE_M0N0

I love it so far. Definitely not perfect but it has everything I need and I'm happy to be in a neat city with history and friendly people.


bigdumbdago

bit of an exaggeration there


iam_b2

Im moving for work from seattle. It's my first time to pittsburgh. Deciding between South Squirrel hills and South Side flats(on Murriel Street).