Let’s take a closer look at four Pittsburgh suburbs that consistently rank among the best places to live in the U.S. — and explore what makes them so appealing to new residents.
According to at least a couple recent rankings reports, some of the most desirable suburbs in the country are located just outside Pittsburgh.
With top-rated schools, low crime rates, walkable neighborhoods, excellent amenities, and a strong sense of community, these areas offer the kind of lifestyle many homebuyers are seeking, without sacrificing proximity to the Steel City.
In this post, we take a closer look at 4 Pittsburgh suburbs that consistently rank among the best places to live in the U.S. — and explore what makes them so appealing to new residents each year.
4 Best Pittsburgh Suburbs to Consider for Your Next Move
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Aspinwall
In 2023, Aspinwall was recognized by Niche as the 20th best suburb to live in the United States.
Niche, a reputable data analytics company, evaluates communities across America using information from the FBI, U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Education, and other relevant sources. Rankings are based on key factors such as crime rates, public school quality, job opportunities, cost of living, and access to amenities.
More recently, in 2025, Niche ranked Aspinwall as the #1 best place to live in Pittsburgh and the 5th best place to live in Pennsylvania.
Located northeast of downtown Pittsburgh along the Allegheny River, Aspinwall is a small, close-knit community of fewer than 3,000 residents. It’s known for its highly rated A+ public schools, walkable, tree-lined streets, and an impressive variety of amenities, including scenic parks, boutique shops, and dining options for every taste—from casual ice cream stops to upscale restaurants.
Despite its quiet, suburban feel, downtown Pittsburgh is roughly a 15‑minute commute away.
Safety is another reason Aspinwall is so desirable. It holds a solid B+ rating for crime and safety, making it one of the safer Pittsburgh areas.
The suburb’s proximity to the Allegheny River and the Allegheny River Trail further enhances its appeal, offering residents opportunities for biking, fishing, boating, picnicking, and leisurely walks along the waterfront.
Housing in Aspinwall is a mix of historic homes, modern townhouses, and luxury properties. The average home value is around $411,630, with 62% of residents owning their homes.
For renters, the average monthly cost is $1,222, slightly below the national average of $1,348.
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Franklin Park
This suburb is giving Aspinwall a serious challenge for the title of best place to live in Pittsburgh. Niche lists Franklin Park as the #2 best spot to live in Pittsburgh and the 6th best place to live in Pennsylvania.
The data analytics site also identifies Franklin Park as the 5th best suburb in Pennsylvania for buying a house.
What makes this suburb attractive are its good schools—especially North Allegheny Senior High School, famous for its academic excellence and diverse extracurricular offerings—along with a low crime rate and a vast network of parks featuring 500+ acres of green space, playgrounds, walking trails, and sports fields ideal for family outings.
Its year-round events, such as holiday celebrations and summer concerts, also contribute to Franklin Park’s strong sense of community and overall appeal. Named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the United States’ founding fathers, the suburb offers a variety of housing options, including townhomes, condos, and single-family residences in styles ranging from colonial to contemporary.
Properties in the area typically sit on generous lots with well-kept landscaping. As of June 2025, the median home price was $530,000.
The suburb is conveniently located only 20 minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh via I-279.
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Mt. Lebanon
At the start of 2025, Realtor.com, a leading real estate site, recognized Mount Lebanon—the suburb often named among the best neighborhoods to raise a family in Pittsburgh—as the third most in-demand neighborhood to live in the entire country.
Like Aspinwall and Franklin Park, Mount Lebanon has a nationally ranked school district that draws families prioritizing quality education. It offers 27 public schools for students of all ages, 15 parks, and strong recreational options such as the Mount Lebanon Golf Course and Mount Lebanon Recreation Center, which has ice rinks and a swimming pool.
Nearly 34,000 residents, including retirees and young families, call Mount Lebanon—or Mt. Lebo, as locals fondly refer to it—home. Tree-lined streets, walkable sidewalks, and a compact layout make it a breeze for residents to reach restaurants, bars, shopping areas, and more on foot.
Just 6 miles (under 10 km) southwest of downtown Pittsburgh, Mt. Lebo is well-connected to the city center via a light rail transit system, allowing for quick and easy commutes.
Crime rates remain low in comparison to other neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, with fewer incidents of burglary, robbery, auto theft, and violent crime.
The average home price in Mt. Lebanon, which features everything from new builds to historic properties, sits around $420,876.
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Fox Chapel
If you’re looking to live in one of Pittsburgh’s most affluent suburbs, Fox Chapel tops the list.
The median sale price here is close to $1 million—more than double the national average—putting it out of reach for many Pittsburgh-area homebuyers.
That high price tag is justified, however: Fox Chapel boasts some of Steel City’s finest architecture, including grand, early-1900s European-style mansions set on acres of manicured land.
Situated about 15 to 20 minutes northeast of downtown Pittsburgh, the suburb is prized for its rare blend of natural beauty, luxury, and privacy. Heavily wooded hills give the area a secluded feel, while the nearby Allegheny River supports an active boating and yachting community during the warmer months.
With its high property values come elite amenities: residents enjoy membership opportunities at high-end clubs like the Pittsburgh Field Club and the Fox Chapel Golf Club, established in 1923. These clubs offer more than golf, with racquet sports, swimming, fishing, and shooting among the recreational options available to members.
As expected, Fox Chapel is served by some of the best public schools in Pittsburgh and is also home to the esteemed private institution, Shady Side Academy.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the suburb’s scenic parks, which feature miles of walking trails, sports fields, and green space ideal for family outings or morning runs.
While the five suburbs above consistently rank high for quality of life, schools, amenities, and low crime, other Pittsburgh suburbs worth considering include:
- Bridgeville
- Upper St. Clair
- O’Hara Township
- Pleasant Hills
- Bethel Park
- Dormont
Selling a Home in One of Pittsburgh’s Top Suburbs? We’re Ready to Buy for Cash!
HomeBuyers of Pittsburgh specializes in purchasing homes in any condition at competitive cash prices in Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Fox Chapel, and other sought-after Pittsburgh suburbs.
When you work with us, there’s no need for repairs, showings, agent fees, or waiting on mortgage approvals—we can close in 21 days or less and cover all closing costs.
Looking to buy a home in one of Pittsburgh’s top-rated suburbs instead? With 10+ years of local real estate experience and 750+ properties bought and sold, our team knows these suburbs inside and out and can help you find the right home in the Steel City’s best areas.
To get your free cash offer or suburban property consultation, call 412-900-1353, email info [at] urbanpgh.com, or send us a message online today!
