If you’re moving to Pittsburgh and trying to decide whether the North Hills or South Hills is the right fit, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions I hear from families relocating to the region. Both sides of the city offer beautiful neighborhoods, top‑rated schools, and welcoming communities — but they deliver two very different lifestyles.
As someone who was born and raised in the North Hills, and who has raised my own family here, I’ve spent my entire life watching these communities grow, evolve, and flourish. After more than 17 years helping hundreds of families relocate to Pittsburgh, I’ve learned exactly what matters most when choosing your side of the city.
Here’s how most buyers compare the North Hills and South Hills — and how to decide which one fits your lifestyle.
1. Commute & Daily Travel
Pittsburgh’s geography makes commute style one of the biggest deciding factors.
North Hills Commute
Neighborhoods in Wexford, Gibsonia, Pine Township, Mars, and Cranberry Township offer surprisingly easy access to Downtown Pittsburgh. Most commutes fall in the 20–25 minute range, and you don’t have to deal with tunnel traffic.
For buyers working in:
- Downtown Pittsburgh
- North Shore
- Oakland hospitals & universities
- Cranberry corporate centers
…the North Hills offers quick, predictable travel patterns.
South Hills Commute
The South Hills — including Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, Bethel Park, and Peters Township — offers beautiful neighborhoods and strong schools, but most commutes require navigating the Fort Pitt Tunnel or Liberty Tunnel. For some families, this is no issue; for others, it becomes a daily frustration.
2. School Districts
Both sides of the city offer excellent schools — but the North Hills has a particularly strong concentration of top‑rated districts.
North Hills School Districts
These districts consistently rank among Pennsylvania’s best and are a major reason relocation buyers choose the North Hills.
South Hills School Districts
These districts are also excellent — but they come with different commute patterns and neighborhood styles.
3. Neighborhood Style & Home Layouts
North Hills
Luxury buyers often gravitate toward the North Hills for:
- Newer neighborhoods
- Sidewalk communities
- Larger lots
- Modern floor plans
- Cul‑de‑sacs designed for families
- Easy access to shopping, dining, and recreation
South Hills
The South Hills offers:
- More traditional architecture
- Older, established neighborhoods
- Walkable town centers (Mt. Lebanon is a standout)
- Charming streetscapes with mature trees
Both are beautiful — just different.
4. Lifestyle, Walkability & Everyday Convenience
This is where the North Hills often stands out for relocation buyers.
North Hills Lifestyle
The North Hills blends convenience with suburban calm. You’ll find:
- Parks and wooded trails
- Local coffee shops and restaurants
- Boutique fitness studios
- Family‑friendly community spaces
- Quick access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making regional travel incredibly easy
- Shopping corridors along Route 19 and Cranberry Township
It’s a lifestyle that feels modern, spacious, and easy to navigate — especially for families with busy routines.
South Hills Lifestyle
The South Hills offers:
- Walkable town centers
- Historic charm
- Strong community traditions
- Easy access to South Hills Village Mall
It’s ideal for buyers who want a more traditional neighborhood feel.
5. Overall Convenience & Long‑Term Value
After helping families move to Pittsburgh for nearly two decades — and living here my entire life — I’ve seen most buyers ultimately choose the North Hills for:
- Top‑rated schools
- Easier commutes
- Newer neighborhoods
- More space for the money
- Predictable resale value
- Modern amenities close by
Pittsburgh’s housing market is famously stable. We don’t see dramatic highs or lows — instead, home values increase steadily year after year. For luxury buyers, that stability matters.
So Which Side Is “Best”?
Here’s the truth:
The best side is the one that fits your lifestyle, your routine, and your priorities.
If you want newer homes, easier commutes, and top‑rated schools, the North Hills is often the right fit.
If you want walkable town centers, historic charm, and a more traditional neighborhood feel, the South Hills may be perfect.
Both sides offer incredible communities — it’s simply about choosing the one that aligns with how you live.
As a lifelong North Hills resident and a relocation specialist who has helped hundreds of families make this exact decision, I’d love to help you explore both sides and find the place that feels like home.