Overview & Orientation
The Strip District is a Pittsburgh neighborhood on a narrow, flat strip of land along the Allegheny River, just northeast of Downtown. It covers about three-quarters of a square mile. The Strip is known for the specialty food shops and markets along Penn Avenue, the Heinz History Center, the renovated Produce Terminal, warehouse loft living, and the riverfront trail.
Where the Strip District Is
- City: Pittsburgh, in Allegheny County
- Neighborhood type: A City of Pittsburgh neighborhood in City Council District 1. See the Strip District on Wikipedia.
- Size: About 0.74 square miles
- ZIP code: 15222
- Bordering areas: Downtown (southwest), the Hill District and Polish Hill on the slopes to the south, and Lower Lawrenceville (northeast). The North Shore and Troy Hill are across the Allegheny River, reached by the 16th Street and 31st Street bridges.
- Layout: The neighborhood runs roughly from 11th Street to 33rd Street, between the river and the hillside.
Typical Drive Times
Times are approximate. Traffic varies by time of day.
| Destination | About |
|---|---|
| Downtown Pittsburgh | 5–10 minutes |
| Oakland | 10–15 minutes |
| Ross Park Mall | 15–25 minutes |
| Monroeville | 25–35 minutes |
| Cranberry Township | 30–40 minutes |
| Pittsburgh International Airport | 30–40 minutes |
A Brief History
In 1814, James O’Hara and George Bayard laid out lots here, and the area was first known as Bayardstown. Its flat riverside land drew mills and foundries in the 1800s, including the Fort Pitt Foundry. George Westinghouse opened his first factory on Liberty Avenue, and the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, which became Alcoa, began producing aluminum on Smallman Street. See Strip District history.
Produce merchants moved into the Strip in the early 1900s, and it became the city’s wholesale food market. The Pittsburgh Produce Terminal, finished in 1926, stretches more than a quarter mile along Smallman Street. It was renovated into a mixed-use building known as The Terminal, which opened in phases starting around 2020.
Notable Landmarks
- Senator John Heinz History Center: A large history museum at 1212 Smallman Street, in an 1898 ice warehouse, (412) 454-6000
- The Terminal: The renovated 1926 Produce Terminal, now home to shops, restaurants, and offices
- Penn Avenue markets: Long-running food businesses such as Wholey’s (1912), Pennsylvania Macaroni Company (1902), the original Primanti Bros., and Parma Sausage
- St. Stanislaus Kostka Church: A building from 1891–92, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972
- Three Rivers Heritage Trail: A riverfront trail along the Allegheny
Housing & Real Estate
Housing Stock
- Warehouse lofts: Former industrial buildings have been converted to loft condos and apartments, including the Cork Factory Lofts, Brake House Lofts, the Otto Milk Building, and the 31st Street Lofts.
- New construction: Newer apartment and mixed-use buildings line Smallman Street and the riverfront.
- Townhomes: Some newer brownstone-style townhomes have been built in the neighborhood.
- Mixed use: Homes in the Strip often sit next to shops, restaurants, and offices.
Types of Homes
The Strip District’s housing is mostly condos and apartments in converted warehouses and newer buildings, plus some newer townhomes.
Prices and availability change daily. That means the live feed is the place to check. The MLS lists Strip District homes under “Downtown Pgh,” so the search below also includes Downtown homes. See current homes for sale in the Strip District and Downtown.
Schools
Public Schools
The Strip District is served by Pittsburgh Public Schools. School assignment depends on address, so check the district’s school feeder information for a specific home. See Pittsburgh Public Schools on Wikipedia.
Nearby Colleges & Universities
- Point Park University and Duquesne University (Downtown and the Bluff)
- University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and other Oakland campuses, about 10 to 15 minutes away
- Community College of Allegheny County Allegheny Campus (North Side)
For school performance data, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready PA Index and the district’s own website. School assignments can change. Confirm directly with the district.
Getting Around
Major Roads
- Penn Avenue, Smallman Street, and Liberty Avenue: The main streets through the neighborhood
- Veterans Bridge (I-579) and the Parkway: Reached at the Downtown end of the Strip
- 16th Street and 31st Street Bridges: To the North Shore and Troy Hill
Public Transit
Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses, including routes 54, 86, 88, and 91, serve the Strip. POGOH bike share has stations in the neighborhood.
Walkability & Bikeability
Walk Score rates the Strip District 76 for walking, 59 for transit, and 82 for biking. Its flat streets and riverfront trail make biking easy. See directions and parking.
Things to Do
Parks & Trails
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
A riverfront trail along the Allegheny, popular for walking, running, and biking toward Downtown, the North Shore, and Lawrenceville.
Riverfront access
Green space and river views along the trail and near the newer riverfront buildings.
Recreation
- Heinz History Center: Exhibits on Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania history, plus a sports museum
- Markets and food shops: Fish, cheese, coffee, pasta, baked goods, and international groceries along Penn Avenue
- Biking: POGOH bike share and the riverfront trail
Annual Events
- Pittsburgh Mac and Cheese Festival (May)
- Barrel & Flow Fest (August)
- Weekend market days: Saturdays are the busiest days on Penn Avenue
See VisitPittsburgh and Strip District Neighbors for current events.
Dining & Shopping
The Strip is one of Pittsburgh’s main food destinations, with markets, bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants along Penn Avenue and Smallman Street. The Terminal adds more shops and restaurants.
Library
Nearby branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh include CLP–Downtown & Business at 612 Smithfield Street, (412) 281-7141, and CLP–Lawrenceville at 279 Fisk Street.
Local Services & Resources
City Services
As a City of Pittsburgh neighborhood, the Strip District is served by city departments. Call 311 or visit Pittsburgh 311 for city service requests.
Utilities
- Trash and recycling: City of Pittsburgh Environmental Services for most homes. Many apartment and condo buildings arrange their own hauler.
- Water and sewer: Pittsburgh Water (PWSA), (412) 255-2423
Emergency Services
- Emergencies: Call 911
- Police: Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Zone 2, 2000 Centre Avenue, (412) 255-2827
- Fire and EMS: Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and Pittsburgh EMS
Hospitals Nearby
- UPMC Mercy (Uptown)
- AHN Allegheny General Hospital (North Side)
Permits & Zoning
Permits and zoning go through the city’s Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections at the OneStopPGH Permit Center, 412 Boulevard of the Allies. Check before starting a renovation or exterior project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Strip District part of Pittsburgh?
Yes. The Strip District is a City of Pittsburgh neighborhood, just northeast of Downtown.
What ZIP code is the Strip District?
15222.
Why do Strip District homes show up under Downtown in the MLS?
The MLS doesn’t have a separate Strip District city value, so homes here are listed as “Downtown Pgh.”
What kind of homes are in the Strip District?
Mostly condos and apartments in converted warehouses and newer buildings, plus some newer townhomes.
How far is the Strip District from Downtown?
About 5 to 10 minutes by car, and many people walk or bike.
What is the Produce Terminal?
A 1926 building along Smallman Street, once the city’s produce market. It has been renovated into The Terminal, with shops, restaurants, and offices.
Is there public transit in the Strip District?
Yes. Several Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus routes serve the Strip, and POGOH bike share has stations here.
What museum is in the Strip District?
The Senator John Heinz History Center at 1212 Smallman Street.
What school district serves the Strip District?
Pittsburgh Public Schools. Check the district’s feeder information for a specific address.
Thinking About a Move to the Strip District?
Whether you are buying in the Strip District or selling a home here, we’re happy to answer questions. No pressure. Just local knowledge. Start with the current the Strip District listings, or reach out to our team.
Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark
412-214-9494 | pittsburghhometeam.com
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Written by Mike Pastor, Team Leader, Mike Pastor Group | Realty ONE Group Landmark | PA License RS328638
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