How to Find an Apartment Near University of Pittsburgh

Attending the University of Pittsburgh and in search of a new home? Look no further! Located in the historic Oakland neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA, the University of Pittsburgh offers a world-class education and an abundance of opportunities. With affordable state tuition and top-notch schools, Pittsburgh is a prime destination for students and young professionals.

To make your search for housing near the University of Pittsburgh campus easier, here are some tips:

1. Focus Your Search on Particular Neighborhoods - Oakland and Squirrel Hill are great options for students. These walkable neighborhoods have plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, and offer easy public transit to and from the University of Pittsburgh campus. Plus, with many college students living in the area, you'll never be bored.

Social media is a great resource to find rental information—especially from other students. There are plenty of Facebook groups where you can find University of Pittsburgh area apartments.

Take a look at University of Pittsburgh (PITT) Housing, Subleases, Roommates, Apartments and University of Pittsburgh (PITT) Housing, Sublets & Roommates to learn more about area apartments. In these groups, you can also read reviews from current college students so that you feel more comfortable renting from a particular company or landlord. 

Take Advantage of Online Listings - Online listings like Facebook Marketplace, HotPads, and Trulia, as well as the University of Pittsburgh's own resource, can help you save time and find the perfect place to live. Search by distance, amenities, and cost to find the perfect apartment rental.

Don't Rule Out Co-Living Options - If you're struggling to find an apartment near the University of Pittsburgh campus, co-living options like Tripalink can be a great solution. By sharing the rental costs with others, you can save on living expenses and make new friends.

When determining your budget, be sure to search for the average rent in Pittsburgh and ask friends and seniors for their experiences and insights. With these resources, you'll be sure to find the perfect place to live near the University of Pittsburgh campus!

Check Out the Local Community

One of the best ways to get a feel for an area is by interacting with its residents. Before you make a decision, take a walk around the neighborhood and get a feel for the vibe. Talk to local residents and business owners to learn more about what it’s like to live there.

Ask about any upcoming events or festivals that may be happening in the near future. This can be a great way to experience the community and see if it’s the right fit for you.

Transportation Options

When searching for an apartment near the University of Pittsburgh campus, it’s important to consider transportation options. Check to see if public transit is easily accessible and if there are bike lanes or sidewalks to make it easy to get around on foot.

Make sure there’s a grocery store or other essentials nearby so you won’t have to go far for necessities. If you have a car, make sure there is ample parking and if not, be sure to check for parking restrictions and permits.

Consider Amenities

When searching for an apartment, it’s important to consider the amenities that are important to you. Do you need a gym or a pool? Do you want to be close to shopping or dining?

Make a list of the things that matter to you, and look for apartments that have those amenities. If you’re unsure what you need, take a look at the University of Pittsburgh campus to see what they offer.

Stay Safe

When moving to a new area, it’s important to consider safety. Check the crime rates in the area and be sure to get a sense of how safe it feels. You can also talk to local residents and business owners to get a better understanding of the neighborhood. Additionally, be sure to check out the University of Pittsburgh campus safety resources to learn about any security measures in place.

Utilities and Other Expenses

When renting an apartment, it’s important to consider the costs of utilities and other expenses. Be sure to ask about the cost of electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable. Additionally, ask about any other fees such as parking fees or laundry costs. Make sure you have a clear understanding of all the costs involved so you can budget accordingly.

Ask Questions

When looking at apartments, be sure to ask questions. Ask about the length of the lease, move-in fees, and what’s included in the rent. Ask about any restrictions on pets or guests, and if there are any penalties for breaking the lease. The more questions you ask, the better informed you’ll be and the more likely you’ll find the right apartment for you.

Visit the Apartment

It’s important to visit an apartment before you sign a lease. This will give you a chance to see the apartment in person, ask questions, and get a feel for the area. Be sure to check for any signs of damage, and be sure to ask about any repairs or updates that may be needed. Additionally, be sure to ask about any move-in incentives or discounts that may be available.

Check Your Budget

When renting an apartment, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your budget. Make sure you can afford the rent, utilities, and other expenses before signing a lease. If you’re not sure how much you can afford, use an online calculator to help determine a budget. Additionally, consider whether you’ll need to save money for a security deposit or first month’s rent.

Read the Lease Carefully

It is extremely important to take the time to read through a lease carefully before signing it. You should understand all of the terms and conditions, as well as the potential implications of not adhering to them. Doing your own research can be helpful in order to ensure that you understand what is being required of you. Knowing what you are getting yourself into can help prevent any misunderstandings or conflicts down the line.

Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask your landlord for more details before signing. Taking all necessary precautions may seem tedious, but will help prevent future issues and keep both parties involved happy with the agreement.

Consider Utilities and Amenities

When searching for an apartment, it’s important to consider the cost of utilities, as they can add a significant amount to your monthly expenses. Look for apartments that include heat, water, and electric in the rent, as well as other amenities like air conditioning, internet, and cable. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Check the Safety of the Neighborhood

The safety of the neighborhood is an important factor when choosing an apartment. Before you sign a lease, make sure to check the crime rate in the area and check for any safety concerns. You can check with the local police department or consult with a local real estate agent for more information.

Visit the Neighborhood

Before you sign a lease, be sure to visit the neighborhood and take a walk around the area. This will give you a good idea of the atmosphere, local amenities, and overall feel of the neighborhood. If you’re not able to visit the neighborhood in person, consider checking out photos or videos online to get a better idea of the area.

Take Advantage of Off-Season Rentals

Rent prices tend to be lower during the off-season, so if you’re flexible with your move-in date, consider looking for apartments during the winter months. You may be able to find a great deal on an apartment that you wouldn’t be able to get during the peak rental season.

Budget for Additional Costs

When budgeting for your new apartment, be sure to factor in additional costs, such as security deposits, moving expenses, and furniture expenses. You may also need to budget for things like parking fees, laundry expenses, and utilities. Make sure you have enough money saved to cover all of these costs, so you don’t find yourself in a difficult financial situation later on.

Look for Move-In Specials

Many landlords offer move-in specials or incentives to get new tenants to sign a lease. These could include things like free rent for the first month, reduced security deposits, or free parking. If you’re in a competitive rental market, be sure to ask about any move-in specials that may be available to help you save money.

Get a Roommate

Getting a roommate can be a great way to save money on rent, utilities, and other expenses. Just be sure to choose a roommate who you get along with, and who you trust to pay their share of the bills on time. If you’re having trouble finding a roommate, consider looking for one through a roommate matching service or by reaching out to fellow University of Pittsburgh students.

Get Everything in Writing

When it comes to renting and making agreements, getting everything in writing is essential to a successful deal. It guarantees that both parties fully understand the terms and conditions of their agreement and avoids any conflicts from arising in the future. Writing an agreement also provides important legal protections for everyone involved, so it’s worth the time and effort it takes to put everything down on paper. 

The best way to do this is to get an experienced professional - such as a lawyer or real estate agent - to assist you with drafting all necessary documents. This helps ensure that you include all of the necessary details, such as rental rates, who is responsible for what services, etc. Having these documents in place will give both parties peace of mind knowing they are protected by law should any issues arise down the road. 

Take Advantage of Online Listings

You can do much of your apartment search online, which helps you save time during your search. There are many great online resources that show off apartments near UPitt that are currently for rent. The listings include details about each rental as well as photos.

Facebook Marketplace, HotPads, and Trulia are good places to look for rentals. Many of these websites feature tools that make it easy to search by distance, amenities, and cost. The University of Pittsburgh even has its own resource for off campus apartment rentals. 

Focus Your Search on Particular Neighborhoods

Pittsburgh has many beautiful neighborhoods that you can live in, but it’s important to be nearby the University of Pittsburgh. You’ll want to focus your apartment search on particular areas.

Look for apartments in Oakland, and Squirrel Hill because all of these neighborhoods are very walkable, have plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, and offer easy public transit to and from the University of Pittsburgh campus. It’s nice to have a short commute each day, and many of your neighbors will be college students, too. Squirrel Hill is a very popular neighborhood for pitt students, and has a lot to offer!

Check out additional blogs for things to do in Pittsburgh and how to find an apartment near CMU.