15 Places to Avoid in Pittsburgh, PA [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

As an avid traveler who has visited Pittsburgh a few times over the past decade, I’ve made it my mission to explore as many of its diverse neighborhoods and communities as possible. Pittsburgh is such a fascinating city with a rich industrial history and culture. However, through my many trips as a tourist, I’ve learned that there are places to avoid in Pittsburgh that are better left unexplored, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the layout of the city. While Pittsburgh does have many exciting, tourist-friendly districts like Downtown, the North Shore, and the Cultural District that are relatively safe, there are certain parts of Steel City that pose risks that tourists should avoid.

I’ve created a list of specific neighborhoods that should be avoided – particularly if traveling alone or at night when crime rates tend to peak. Keeping to the main commercial districts and avoiding these areas when possible will allow you to maximize your time in Pittsburgh without compromising your safety. Here are some key places in Pittsburgh that I recommend tourists avoid based on my own experiences navigating the city over the years.

Places to Avoid in Pittsburgh

1. Strip District

The Strip District might sound intriguing, but it’s one area that’s best avoided, especially at night. Located northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh, the Strip District is known for its wholesale produce markets, food vendors, nightclubs, and adult entertainment. While it seems lively during the day, the area transforms once the sun goes down, attracting an unsavory crowd. Violent crimes like robberies and assaults frequently occur after hours in this gritty area. The risk of getting caught up in illegal activity is extremely high for visitors exploring the Strip District at night. With the prevalence of criminal activity, drugs, and gangs after dark, tourists unfamiliar with the area should not risk their safety by walking through the Strip District at night.

2. Crawford-Roberts

Crawford-Roberts is a small neighborhood of around 300 residents in Pittsburgh’s Hill District that visitors should avoid. This area has among the highest violent crime rates in the city, especially near the housing projects on Crosstown Blvd. Much of the real estate sits vacant or abandoned, providing cover for illegal activities. Shootings and drug trafficking are persistent issues. Unless you have a specific reason to go there, don’t risk walking around Crawford-Roberts, even during the daytime. The level of blight, narcotics activity, and gang violence here makes it one of the most dangerous parts of Pittsburgh.

3. Northview Heights

Sitting along the northern bank of the Allegheny River, Northview Heights is another high-crime area to avoid in Pittsburgh. There are very few reasons for tourists to visit this isolated community of just over 1,000 residents. Violent crimes like robbery, assault, and homicide occur at disproportionately high rates here. Shootings and drug trafficking are persistent issues, especially near public housing complexes. The hilly terrain combined with neglected properties also make Northview Heights difficult to access and navigate. Unless visiting someone you know in the area, don’t risk your safety by wandering into Northview Heights.

4. East Allegheny

East Allegheny is a notoriously risky area for tourists to the Steel City. Located northeast of downtown, this neighborhood sees higher rates of violent crimes like aggravated assault, robbery, and gang violence. Much of the real estate sits vacant or in poor condition. Visitors often get lost trying to navigate the uneven terrain and maze of streets. The presence of gangs, drugs, and firearm violence makes East Allegheny particularly hazardous to walk through. For your own safety, avoid this area when visiting Pittsburgh.

5. Troy Hill

Don’t let the scenic views of Troy Hill fool you – this is one area to avoid in Pittsburgh. Perched above the Allegheny River north of the city, Troy Hill seems quiet and peaceful. However, it has alarming violent crime rates, including homicide, aggravated assault, and domestic violence. Much of the neighborhood is vacant with degraded infrastructure. Steep slippery hillsides and a lack of proper lighting and roads make it very difficult to access and navigate Troy Hill safely. With little reason for tourists to visit, you’re better off admiring the views from a distance.

6. Middle Hill

Middle Hill is a tiny neighborhood of just over 500 residents that you’ll want to steer clear of when visiting Pittsburgh. Sandwiched between the communities of Fineview and Perry North, Middle Hill sees higher rates of violent crime than most parts of the city. Aggravated assaults, robberies, and gun violence are ongoing concerns. There is also a shortage of proper roads and street lighting throughout much of Middle Hill. Hazards like broken glass, debris, and potholes are common. With few attractions drawing tourists and safety issues, it’s best to avoid Middle Hill if unfamiliar with the area.

7. Allentown

Sitting south of the Monongahela River, Allentown is a Hill District community visitors should think twice about entering. Poverty, narcotics, and gang violence are persistent issues that make Allentown dangerous to visit. Shootings frequently occur, especially at night. Much of the neighborhood infrastructure is neglected, with crumbling sidewalks, poor lighting, and degraded buildings. Getting help quickly may be difficult due to the isolation from other parts of Pittsburgh. Unless you have an important reason to visit Allentown, steer clear of this high-crime area.

8. Spring Hill-City View

Spring Hill City View is a small community of around 1,500 residents overlooking downtown Pittsburgh. Like other neighborhoods built into Pittsburgh’s steep hills, Spring Hill-City View is hazardous to navigate and isolated from emergency services. Violent crimes like armed robbery, assault, and domestic violence occur at disproportionately high rates here. The terrain and lack of infrastructure create accessibility issues. With no major attractions and safety concerns, Spring Hill-City View should be avoided, especially if unfamiliar with the area.

9. California-Kirkbride

California-Kirkbride sits along the Ohio River southwest of Pittsburgh’s downtown. This industrial area has little scenic appeal and is hazardous for tourists to visit. Violent crimes occur frequently around the public housing complexes, often linked to drug trafficking. There is also extremely limited road infrastructure, making navigation difficult. With the towering barges, factories spewing pollution, and stench, California-Kirkbride lacks aesthetic appeal. Unless you have a specific reason for traveling there, avoid California-Kirkbride to stay safe.

10. East Hills

Despite the pleasant-sounding name, the East Hills area north of downtown Pittsburgh is one to avoid. Trash and pollution accumulate in this hilly, hard-to-access area. Violent crimes also occur at disproportionately high rates in East Hills, especially within public housing complexes. Much of the housing sits vacant or in poor condition. Between the relative isolation, uneven terrain, neglected properties, and high crime, East Hills poses too much risk for most visitors to spend time in.

11. Perry South

Perry South is a small neighborhood along Pittsburgh’s north shore. It sees alarmingly high rates of violent crime, like homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault. Situated along the Allegheny River, this area sees frequent open-air drug trafficking and gang violence. Much of the housing is run down, providing hazardous conditions for residents and visitors. Uneven terrain also makes Perry South difficult to navigate safely. With few attractions drawing tourists here, it’s best for visitors unfamiliar with the area to avoid Perry South altogether.

12. West End

Pittsburgh’s West End might sound inviting, but it’s one area visitors should avoid. Bordered by Elliott, West Carson Street, and the Ohio River, the West End has among the highest violent crime and poverty rates in the city. Drug trafficking, shootings, and gang violence are persistent issues, especially at night. Much of the neighborhood infrastructure is also neglected, with inadequate lighting and crumbling sidewalks. Unless you have a specific reason to visit someone there, it’s best to avoid Pittsburgh’s West End to maintain your personal safety.

13. North Shore

Despite its scenic location along the Allegheny River, North Shore has some dangerous pockets that are best avoided. Parts of the area near the stadiums and parking lots see high rates of violent crime, open-air drug sales, and gang activity. Massive parking lots, slip hazards, and sketchy characters also create risks. Stick to the main tourist attractions if visiting North Shore. Avoid wandering the residential streets off North Shore Drive, especially at night when criminal activity increases.

14. Central Business District

Downtown Pittsburgh’s business district is generally safe during the daytime, but certain blocks are riskier at night. Areas between the Strip District and North Shore see increased violent crimes after dark, as well as drug use and intoxicated individuals. Uneven sidewalks, poor lighting, and darkened alleys also create hazards. When visiting downtown, stick to well-lit main streets at night or avoid the business district altogether after hours for your own safety.

15. South Side Flats

Last on the list of areas to avoid is the South Side Flats. Situated along the Monongahela River south of downtown, the flats might sound appealing for their nightlife. However, staggering rates of violent crime, shootings, and narcotics activity make this area extremely risky to visit, especially at night. Rowdy intoxicated crowds and addicts also create hazards. Unless you visit a specific bar, restaurant, or attraction, avoid walking around the South Side Flats day or night for your own safety.

Conclusion

While Pittsburgh has trendy, upscale areas that are relatively safe for visitors, there are certain neighborhoods that pose risks – particularly at night. When touring Pittsburgh, stick to popular sites in safer downtown and North Shore areas. Or better yet, avoid the 15 neighborhoods on this list entirely, unless you have an important reason to visit someone there. Avoiding these highest crime areas will help ensure your visit to Pittsburgh remains enjoyable rather than putting your personal safety at risk. Being mindful of the safest areas will allow you to make the most of your time in the Steel City.