CMU Housing Guide: Best Neighborhoods for Students & Renters

Selecting the right neighborhood near Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is critical for every student. From freshmen to seniors, safety, affordability, and convenience should always be top considerations when selecting their neighborhood. Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, and Oakland offer varied CMU off-campus housing that meets these criteria and can offer options tailored specifically for you.

This guide will introduce the most sought-after neighborhoods near CMU and provide an in-depth assessment of their safety, rental prices, accessibility, and lifestyle characteristics. From proximity to campus or vibrant nightlife venues to quieter spaces offering more green space - these neighborhoods have something for everyone!

1. Understand Your Priorities: Safety, Affordability and Proximity

To select an apartment close to Carnegie Mellon, students need to prioritize several key criteria that meet their lifestyle and needs. 

Safety

• Safety should always be of primary concern for students and their families, so living in a safe neighborhood is of primary importance to both parties.
• Achieving optimal outcomes during college life will mean choosing one with low crime rates, strong community support, and proximity to campus security services as a safe zone.

Affordability

• Rent prices in Pittsburgh vary considerably, making it important to know which neighborhoods provide an optimum mix of affordability and location.
• As students often look for housing that fits within their budgets, understanding average rent prices will help them make an informed decision when selecting housing options.

Proximity to Campus

• Proximity also means easier access to campus resources like dining halls and libraries as well as academic buildings can provide many significant advantages over time.
• Living further to campus may offer cheaper rent options and more peaceful surroundings.

2. Why Neighborhood Choice Matters for CMU Students

Selecting an ideal neighborhood can have an enormous effect on all aspects of life from socialization to academic performance. So let's take a closer look at each neighborhood to understand what each has to offer.

Convenience for Daily Needs

• Shadyside and Oakland offer students who value convenience a place with cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores within walking distance.
• Squirrel Hill offers residents a more residential feel while still providing essential services such as grocery stores and public transit access.

Walkability and Public Transport

• Oakland neighborhoods are well known for being highly walkable and offering easy access to public transit. Making commuting to Carnegie Mellon University and other parts of Pittsburgh effortless.
• Squirrel Hill offers more space, but its commute can take longer and require either public transit or driving to reach its residents.

3. Squirrel Hill: An Ideal Neighborhood for Families and Students

Overview of Squirrel Hill

• Squirrel Hill is one of Pittsburgh's longest-established and family-friendly neighborhoods. Boasting tree-lined streets, parks, and peaceful corners, its laidback atmosphere contrasts nicely with more hectic areas such as Shadyside or Oakland.
• Students looking for peaceful living conditions near CMU often prefer this area.

Pros of Living in Squirrel Hill

• Affordable Rent: The rent of Squirrel Hill apartments tends to be more reasonable than West Oakland or Shadyside. The average one-bedroom rental costs typically fall within the $1,200-2,400 monthly.
• Green Spaces: Take advantage of Schenley Park for outdoor activities like jogging, picnicking, and exploring. An ideal option for students seeking some tranquil time in nature.
• Community Feel: Squirrel Hill boasts an intimate community feel, with many cafes, restaurants, and local businesses catering specifically to residents.

Cons of Living in Squirrel Hill

• Distance From CMU: Although Squirrel Hill is relatively close to campus, students living here will require either public transit (usually a 20-25 minute bus ride) or biking to access campus.
• Less Nightlife: Squirrel Hill may offer less nightlife for students seeking social activities and entertainment. Therefore, those may find other neighborhoods, such as Shadyside or Oakland, more suitable.

4. Shadyside: Trendy Social Hub

Overview of Shadyside

• Shadyside is one of Pittsburgh's most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its shopping districts, cafes, and lively nightlife scene. If you like an active, urban atmosphere close to everything then Shadyside may just be what you are searching for!
• Shadyside is popular with students due to its proximity to campus and vibrant community life.

Pros of Living in Shadyside

• Close to CMU: With only 10-minute bus rides or 20-minute walks from CMU, it makes living here the ideal solution for students who wish to live close by.
• Walkability: Shadyside offers excellent walking access, with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops conveniently within reach.
• Engaging Social Scene: If you enjoy an active social life then Shadyside provides many fun activities from nightlife to shopping and outdoor markets.

Cons of Living in Shadyside

• Higher Rent: Due to its popularity and proximity to CMU, rent in Shadyside tends to be higher. Typically between $1,500-2,800 per one-bedroom apartment, which may present students on a tight budget with difficulties affording accommodations.
• Crowded: Since Shadyside is such a popular area, it can become quite congested during weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to its many attractions.

Safety Considerations in Shadyside

• Although Shadyside is generally safe for students to frequent after dark, students should remain wary.
• Community engagement and businesses offer a sense of safety in any neighborhood. However, it's always prudent to take basic safety precautions.

5. Oakland: the Center of Carnegie Mellon Student Life

Overview of Oakland

Its proximity to CMU makes Oakland the ideal option for students, and both CMU and the University of Pittsburgh call this neighborhood home. It creates an energetic student culture and plenty of housing options are available here.

Pros of Living in Oakland

• Walking Distance to CMU: Students can easily walk to CMU within 5-10 minutes from Oakland, making it the closest neighborhood for CMU students.
• Vibrant Student Life: Oakland serves as the center for university life with many restaurants, bars, and study spaces catering specifically to university life.
• Affordable Options: Although Oakland is a busy area, you can still find student housing at affordable rates. Oakland apartments typically range between $1,600 to $2,400 monthly for apartments.

Cons of Living in Oakland

• Noisy Environment: Oakland can be noisy due to its population of students, medical professionals, and university staff - this may not be suitable if you seek peace.
• Higher Rent in Prime Locations: Rent can be on the higher side, particularly for apartments near universities or in newly constructed buildings.

Safety Considerations in Oakland

Oakland is generally safe, with University of Pittsburgh police and local law enforcement actively patrolling it. Students should still remain aware of their surroundings to remain safe, particularly at night.

6. Other Notable Neighborhoods Near CMU

• Bloomfield: Bloomfield offers budget-conscious students affordable living solutions within proximity to CMU.
• Strip District: For those who enjoy vibrant neighborhoods with plenty of food and culture, the Strip District may be just what's needed. Not far from CMU but more affordable housing is offered than in downtown areas, it offers something different altogether.

7. How to Locate Safe and Affordability Housing near CMU

Housing Platforms

Tripalink, Zillow, Apartments, and Craigslist can assist in the search process for apartments near CMU. These websites feature up-to-date listings of available units near CMU for viewing.

CMU students also rely on Facebook groups or housing forums dedicated to CMU to find deals or get recommendations from current tenants.

Co-Living Options

When searching for affordable housing solutions, co-living spaces like those offered by Tripalink could be ideal. Specifically tailored to students, these living arrangements feature furnished apartments that come complete with flexible lease terms for added peace of mind.

8. Conclusion: Finding the Best Neighborhood Near CMU

Locating the ideal neighborhood near Carnegie Mellon is key to having an unforgettable college experience. When selecting your location near CMU, keep safety, affordability, and proximity top of your mind. Whether that means Squirrel Hill's quiet charms, Shadyside's lively social life, or Oakland's convenient heart.

Tripalink, Zillow, and Craigslist provide helpful resources that make finding safe and cost-effective CMU off-campus housing options within reach. Regardless of where you end up living, make sure to explore your neighborhood thoroughly by speaking to current residents as well as visiting the area before making a final decision.

Are you searching for safe, convenient, and cost-effective student housing near CMU? Look no further! Check out Tripalink today to explore affordable student-friendly living solutions!