Is Pittsburgh Safe Right Now? (Honest Advice & Info)

👉 Jump to: Is Pittsburgh Safe? | Safe Areas | Crime | Scams | Weather | Nightlife |  Sporting Events | Solo Women | Water | Safety Tips | FAQ

 Your first thought might be, “Is Pittsburgh safe?” if you’re visiting for the first time. It’s a valid question—all cities have safety concerns, whether they are from crime or weather.

I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and am a local to the city. I’m here to give you honest advice and tips for staying safe in Pittsburgh so you can enjoy the sites and all the fun things to do!

Is Pittsburgh Safe?

Pittsburgh is a very safe city to live and visit overall. Although Pittsburgh is generally safe, it is still essential to take typical safety precautions, especially in busy areas.

Pittsburgh is one of the safest cities in the country. According to research by U.S. News & World Report, both the property crime rate and violent crime rate were lower than the national average.

As in any large city, there are some instances of crime in Pittsburgh. However, many areas that tourists frequent are safe. Practice general safety precautions to prevent yourself from being a victim of petty crime such as pickpocketing or car break-ins.

The weather in Pittsburgh can pose some safety threats, particularly in the winter when snow and ice can make it difficult to drive or get around the city. Days of heavy rain can also be dangerous in Pittsburgh because of flooding from the rivers.

Things to Know About Safety in Pittsburgh

Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in Pittsburgh

Squirrel Hill and Shadyside are two of the safest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Both of these areas have residential neighborhoods with nearby commercial spots. They’re both popular for families to live and spend their free time. Lawrenceville is similar and popular with young people. Oakland, where the University of Pittsburgh is located, is also a safe neighborhood.

Much of the crime in Pittsburgh is concentrated in certain areas. Homewood, North Side, and Hill District are neighborhoods that have higher crime rates, often due to poverty and socio-economic disparities. However, there are some investments and initiatives in these areas to revitalize the communities.

Crime in Pittsburgh

As stated, Pittsburgh’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, both for violent and property crimes. Robberies, burglaries, assaults, and vehicle break-ins are the most common crimes in Pittsburgh according to a report by Niche.

Areas where tourists are often, including Downtown, Oakland, and North Shore, are generally safe, and you’re unlikely to be a victim of crime when visiting a museum or attending a sports game. 

Areas such as the Southside are popular for nightlife. This area is generally safe, but you want to be careful of assaults and robberies as you would in any late-night setting. Residents and visitors report feeling safe in Pittsburgh. 

Those visiting Pittsburgh and residents who live there are safe since instances of random crime are low. You are unlikely to be a victim of a crime if you aren’t a part of anything illegal or shady. However, it’s still important to be vigilant because it is a city setting.

Common Scams in Pittsburgh

There are not many scams that tourists may fall victim to in Pittsburgh. However, Pittsburgh is a location for many concerts, theater tours, and sporting events. 

Be cautious of ticket resellers and scalpers if you’re traveling to the city to see a musical act or a game. There have been reports of fake tickets or not receiving tickets after attempting to buy them from somebody. In general, it’s best to buy tickets from the box office or a reputable third-party site.

Another common scam can affect college students. Pittsburgh is the home to many universities. College students should be aware of off-campus housing scams if they choose not to live on campus. Many scammers will copy an actual apartment listing for you to send a deposit and steal your money. Never give out money without physically seeing a property.

Hazardous Weather and Natural Disasters in Pittsburgh

Most hazardous weather in Pittsburgh occurs in the winter when it snows. Pittsburgh often sees a few inches of snow every year, which can keep people in their homes. Freezing rain is also an issue because it can cause black ice in already snowy conditions.

Days of heavy rain can also pose an issue in Pittsburgh, particularly around the rivers. Roadways such as Allegheny River Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, and sections of the Parkway East can flood, causing potentially dangerous conditions for drivers. Avoid walking around The Point and on the Riverwalk of the North Shore during periods of heavy rain.

Nightlife in Pittsburgh

South Side has many bars and clubs that make it a popular area for nightlife, especially for college and grad students. However, some bars can get rowdy, leading to instances of violence. Rowdy bar-goers tend to be the issue in this area of Pittsburgh, often causing fights that can spill out onto the street.

The North Shore is popular with young people and for after sports games. There have been instances of drink spiking, but it is not of high concern. There is no elevated threat when it comes to nightlife in Pittsburgh, however, practicing safety measures such as staying in a group is always a good idea.

Both of these areas are heavily populated and have a police presence. Take proper nighttime safety precautions and avoid alleyways and walking alone. Since both of these areas are by rivers, be cautious about walking along the water when intoxicated. 

Sporting Events in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a city with many professional sports teams, and it’s not uncommon for there to be some kind of game every night. Arenas and stadiums are in populated areas and you’ll be surrounded by other game attendees, so instances of violence are low.

Practice safety measures when it comes to your property by not leaving valuables visible in a car if you park in a lot on a game night. It’s also a good idea to keep valuables close to your body to avoid being pickpocketed in crowds.

During these events, drivers need to be cautious. There will be more people out walking, especially before and after games. Many people like to drink and tailgate before a game, which means there may be more intoxicated people walking around who are not very aware of their surroundings.

Is Pittsburgh Safe for Solo Women Travelers?

Pittsburgh is a safe city for women traveling alone. The city is easy to navigate and walkable. Many areas that have entertainment and nightlife are well-populated even at night. However, women should still practice basic safety precautions, such as not leaving their drinks unattended.

📚 Related Reading: Best Places for Solo Female Travel in the USA 

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Pittsburgh? 

The tap water in Pittsburgh is safe to drink. Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority is in control of the water supply for residential and commercial customers. If there is an issue with a water supply, notification of a boil water advisory is swift. However, you will be safe drinking tap water in Pittsburgh.

5 Safety Tips for Pittsburgh

Tip #1 – Don’t Leave Valuables Visible in Vehicles 

Crimes of opportunity are the most common in Pittsburgh. To prevent theft, avoid leaving valuables, such as a laptop, phone, or wallet, in your car. If you must leave these in the car, try to put them under the seat or in a trunk where they won’t be visible.

It’s especially important not to leave valuables in the car overnight or if you’re attending a concert or sporting event. Cars left out in parking lots for major events can become targets.

Tip #2 – Prevent Motor Vehicle Theft

There have been some car thefts in the overnight hours in parts of Pittsburgh. You can prevent this by ensuring your doors are locked at night and by using a device, like a club, on the wheel. When this tool is locked, it prevents anyone from being able to turn the wheel and thus drive away with the car. Having one on the wheel can be a deterrent for motor vehicle theft.

Tip #3 – Be Aware in Large Crowds 

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and your belongings when you’re in large crowds. The sports games, concerts, and festivals in Pittsburgh attract large numbers of people.

These are fun environments and you should enjoy your time, but it’s also important to stay aware of what is going on around you. Keep important possessions close to your body and be alert.

Tip #4 – Purchase Tickets From Reputable Sources 

Pittsburgh is a city that attracts a lot of concerts as well as sporting events. Tickets to both sporting events and concerts can be expensive or sell out quickly. This can be disappointing, but be cautious when buying tickets from resellers.

Avoid purchasing tickets from people outside of venues, as there are no guarantees that they are real. There are groups on social media, such as Facebook, that help to facilitate trading or reselling tickets. However, you should still proceed with caution if you are not purchasing through an official source.

Tip #5 – Be Cautious During Rain and Snow 

Rain and snow can cause issues, particularly for drivers. Snow and ice can cause dangerous conditions on the road. If the city is expecting a lot of snow, it’s a good idea to stay indoors until it stops and the roads are clear.

Heavy rain can cause Pittsburgh’s river levels to rise, which can lead to flooded roads. On days when the city is expecting multiple inches of rain, it’s best to avoid Allegheny River Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, The Mon Wharf, North Shore Riverwalk, and the Point. These areas can all experience dangerous flooding.  

FAQs About Safety in Pittsburgh

What are the safest areas to stay in Pittsburgh?

The safest areas to stay in Pittsburgh are Downtown, Oakland, and the North Shore. These areas have few instances of crime and are often populated throughout the day. Oakland and the North Shore tend to be more populated at night because of the restaurants and bars located in the area.

Is Pittsburgh a safe place to visit?

Pittsburgh is a safe place to visit. Crime rates in Pittsburgh are below the national average. Instances of violence against tourists are very low. It’s very unlikely to be a victim of random violent crime when visiting Pittsburgh.

Is it safe to walk in Pittsburgh at night?

It is safe to walk in Pittsburgh at night. Of course, it’s always best to practice safety measures such as walking in a group and staying on main roads and lit streets. However, you will be generally safe walking in Pittsburgh at night whether you’re leaving a concert, a restaurant, or a night out.

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I hope this guide helped answer the question: “Is Pittsburgh Safe?” Pittsburgh is a fun and vibrant city. It is always important to take precautions. However, rest assured that you can enjoy a safe trip to the best places in Pittsburgh.