Crawford-Roberts evolves alongside the Hill District’s rich history
Crawford-Roberts is a resilient community in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, a group of historically Black neighborhoods where culture and jazz once echoed through the streets. The Hill thrived from the 1920s through the ‘50s, drawing musical legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong to its vibrant jazz clubs. That golden era was brought to an abrupt end in the ‘60s, when urban renewal projects—most notably the construction of the former Civic Arena—displaced thousands of residents and further separated the Hill from downtown.
Today, Crawford-Roberts is working to rebuild through a thoughtful revitalization. New mixed-use developments, green spaces and housing projects are adding to its cultural legacy. “This is very much a neighborhood in transition. The area just had its newest skyscraper open,” says Jared Bundy, former senior manager of content development with VisitPITTSBURGH. The 26-story FNB Financial Center opened in early 2025, standing tall as a symbol of the area’s redevelopment. The city is also working with groups like the Hill Community Development Corporation to adopt the Greater Hill District Master Plan, which will outline a plan for the next 10 years of growth in Crawford-Roberts.
St. Benedict the Moor Parish watches over the Lower Hill.
First National Bank has a new skyscraper in Lower Hill, near downtown Pittsburgh.
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Neighborhood parks and community hubs, all within walking distance
Frankie Mae Pace Park is an innovative green space that extends over Interstate 579 to connect Crawford-Roberts with downtown Pittsburgh. It features walking paths, an outdoor classroom and educational story walls that honor the Hill District’s history. The neighborhood itself is home to pocket parks like Granville Park, which has a basketball court and a playground. Granville Park is next to the Jeron X. Grayson Community Center, where the Center That CARES supports residents with after-school programs, workforce development services and more. Residents are also less than a mile from the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Hill District and the Thelma Lovette YMCA.
This park is named for Hill District activist Frankie Mae Pace and features walking paths.
The Lower Hill is in bloom, just take a walk around and find out for yourself.
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Housing options include newer homes meant to increase ownership
Residential streets feature a mix of housing styles and options. Colonial-style cottages and split-level homes are common, with traditional brick rowhouses and twin homes scattered throughout the neighborhood. The Urban Redevelopment Authority is helping promote homeownership in the neighborhood by transforming vacant parcels into new for-sale housing units, although more than 80% of Crawford-Roberts residents are renters. Recent construction includes single-family homes, townhouses and condos. “It’s really trying to buck trends of gentrification,” Bundy says. “It’s going to be a really nice mix. Affordable housing is something that’s going to be more prevalent.” Single-family homes typically sell for between $180,000 and $390,000, with newer builds generally commanding higher prices. Most recently sold condos are in Chatham Tower Condominiums, across from PPG Paints Arena, with prices ranging from $130,000 to $190,000.
Chatham Tower Condominiums is a great place to call home in the Lower Hill.
Crawford Square apartments is across the street in the Crawford-Roberts neighborhood.
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Neighborhood shopping center near retail hubs like the Strip District
The Centre Heldman Plaza sits along the neighborhood’s eastern edge. It features a medical center, pharmacy, bank and beauty supply store. Residents can also head to the shopping plaza to grab a quick bite to eat at Al’s Fish & Chicken or CARES CommuniTEA Cafe, a local coffee shop serving sandwiches and salads. The plaza is also home to Salem’s Market, which was the Hill District’s only grocery store before it temporarily closed in early 2025. As of mid-2025, there is no estimated date for its reopening. Residents are just over 2 miles from a Giant Eagle Supermarket in the South Side, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses provide service to the supermarket from Crawford-Roberts. Additionally, the neighborhood is about a mile from shopping and dining in downtown Pittsburgh and the Strip District.
Nearby venues for sporting events, concerts and other entertainment
The Civic Arena was home to the Pittsburgh Penguins until 2010, when the NHL team moved to PPG Paints Arena, just under a mile from Crawford-Roberts. The former Civic Arena site is now being reimagined as a vibrant mixed-use district anchored by the FNB Financial Center and a new concert venue, Citizens Live at the Wylie, slated to open in late 2026.
Hockey fans can still walk to PPG Paints Arena, where Fifth Avenue restaurants buzz with activity on game days. “This is a place that gets very lively. My friends and I usually go to Pizza Milano or something like that,” Bundy says. Hockey season runs from October to April, and downtown events like the Pittsburgh Black Music Festival keep the community engaged all year long.
Catch a hockey game or a concert at PPG Paints Arena in the Lower Hill.
Pizza Bosa of Lower Hill is always ringing with pizza orders.
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Residents live in the Pittsburgh Public Schools district
The Pittsburgh Public Schools district serves the community and earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche. Depending on their address, younger students may attend either the C-rated Pittsburgh Weil PreK-5 or the C-minus-rated Pittsburgh Miller PreK-5. Pittsburgh-Milliones 6-12, University Preparatory School receives a C-minus and stands out as a partial magnet school operating in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh. It encourages students to pursue post-secondary education and is home to the district’s only Early College in High School program, which allows high schoolers to earn college credit.
Private school options in the Hill District include St. Benedict the Moor School, a Catholic institution serving kindergarten through eighth grade. Higher education revolves around Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh, within 2 miles of Crawford-Roberts.
Pittsburgh Weil PreK-5 offers quality education for children with a strong supportive staff.
Pittsburgh Milliones serves grades 6-12 with top education and after school programs.
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Walkability in Crawford-Roberts with public transit and highway access
Multiple bus routes serve the neighborhood, connecting riders to destinations across Pittsburgh. Residents are also just about a mile from Steel Plaza Station, where Pittsburg Regional Transit’s light rail system offers service between the North Side and the South Hills. For drivers, major thoroughfares like Interstates 279 and 376 are within two miles of Crawford-Roberts, and Pittsburgh International Airport is about a 20-mile drive via I-376. UPMC Mercy, an accredited Level I Trauma Center, is located less than a mile from the neighborhood.
PRT buses will take you around town and back to the Lower Hill.
The Lower Hill is a great mix of old and new in the city of Pittsburgh.
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This is unlike no other condominium in Chatham Towers! This one is a knock out! Custom designed renovation opened the kitchen to the living/dining room, upscale finishes include granite counters, wood cabinets, & stainless steel appliances. The primary bath adds luxury with a step up corner shower with a connecting in-unit laundry with a stacked washer & dryer. Huge Primary bedroom features
Enjoy the best of urban living in this modern studio apartment perfectly situated in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh. Just steps from Duquesne University, across from the Marriott Hotel and Starbucks, and minutes to UPMC Mercy Hospital, this location offers unbeatable walkablity and convenience. Take in city views from your bright and efficient living space, complete with a fully equipped
Absolutely stunning with its immense size and breathtaking views, this condo overlooks PPG Paints Arena, Duquesne University, the Monongahela River, and Downtown Pittsburgh. The secure building features a doorman to welcome your guests. Double doors adorned with charming flower-shaped knobs open to an elegant entryway. The kitchen boasts new laminate flooring, white cabinets, and granite
This is unlike no other condominium in Chatham Towers! This one is a knock out! Custom designed renovation opened the kitchen to the living/dining room, upscale finishes include granite counters, wood cabinets, & stainless steel appliances. The primary bath adds luxury with a step up corner shower with a connecting in-unit laundry with a stacked washer & dryer. Huge Primary bedroom features
YOUR NEW HOME AWAITS.CALL US FOR AN IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL TOUR!Designed by world renowned architect I.M. Pei, City View offers residents exclusive access to unparalleled views of the Downtown Pittsburgh skyline and an elite range of amenities, including: 24-hour concierge and valet service, a heated swimming pool, multi-sport courts, landscaped walking trails, BBQ picnic areas, and
Furnished condo, terrific downtown location GAS, WATER & SEWER INCLUDED IN RENT. Well Appointed Condominium Available forImmediate Occupancy. Great Views, Recessed Lighting with Dimmer Features, Neutral Paint Colors Both Bathrooms. KitchenFeatures Kenmore Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Countertops, Bonus Storage Cabinet and Overlooks a Large Living Room.Access to a Well
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,694
Median Age
37
Population Density
46 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$29,251
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$61,403
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.7%
College Graduates
38.4%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.8%
% Population in Labor Force
54.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
6''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
51/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
82/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
83/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
