Pittsburgh’s housing market will stay strong through the end of this year, with low interest rates. And with the election behind us, people are focusing on the future, says Lori Hummel of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.
“It is busy,” Hummel says. “While there is still an inventory problem — we need more inventory — there are good options out there for people. And if someone is thinking about listing a house, now’s the perfect time to do it. Your house never looks better than it does around the holidays when it’s decorated for people to come visit.”
There are apartments, townhomes and some spec homes for those wanting new construction, as often is the case with people moving here from out of state, Hummel says.
“We’re seeing a lot of that — people moving in from other areas as a result of Covid. Someone who will be working from home might say, ‘Why am I staying here in D.C., in an expensive rental, when I can move back to Pittsburgh and be near family?’”
The higher-end market can be a little more challenging, but even at the $400,000 price mark there are options in and around the city. Just be prepared: Homes are still selling quickly. Here’s a sampling across the region to see what this price point gets you in different neighborhoods.
SOUTH

Neighborhood: 752 N. Meadowcroft Ave., Mt. Lebanon
Asking price: $399,000
Style: Colonial
Description: Built in 1940, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath brick home has a 1-car garage, fenced backyard and hardwood floors throughout. The living room has a fireplace and access to a slate patio; the kitchen has a pantry and breakfast bar. There are touches of character throughout, such as a window seat at the top of the stairs and a built-in bookshelf in the family room.

Neighborhood: 1800 McMillan Road, Upper St. Clair
Asking price: $399,900
Style: Colonial
Description: This brick home has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a large landscaped yard and a 2-car garage. The central hall with an open staircase and the main floor’s hardwood floors speak to formality, but the family room with a gas fireplace and the eat-in kitchen make this a welcoming home. There’s a finished basement with a wet bar and full bath. A park is within walking distance.
EAST

Neighborhood: 6332 Burchfield Ave., Squirrel Hill South
Asking price: $399,900
Style: Three-story
Description: This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home on a tree-lined street is located near Frick Park and all the amenities of Squirrel Hill. Beyond the front porch is a well-kept interior with hardwood floors and good-sized rooms. The bedrooms have large closets and the third-floor bedroom could be an office or play space. There is a back porch, fenced yard and a detached garage.

Neighborhood: 458-44th St., Lawrenceville
Asking price: $395,000
Style: Townhome
Description: This remodeled townhome is indicative of what makes Lawrenceville so popular. Built in 1900, the 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath property is move-in ready. The hardwood floors, kitchen and baths have been completely redone; an enclosed porch could be a four-season room. The attached garage with parking for 2-3 vehicles is an unusual bonus for this neighborhood.
NORTH

Neighborhood: 113 Charterwood Dr., Ross
Asking price: $395,000
Style: Multi-level
Description: This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in the North Hills School District has an open floor plan and a spacious yard made for families. The master bedroom has two walk-in closets; an office/den on the main floor could be a fifth bedroom. The kitchen has been remodeled, with an island, and the family room has a decorative fireplace. There’s a 2-car integral garage.

Neighborhood: 2394 Bellwood Dr., Franklin Park
Asking price: $405,000
Style: Colonial
Description: Built in 1979, this stately 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has mature landscaping and wooded views. The kitchen opens to the family room, with a wood-burning fireplace. Bedrooms are large, with double closets, and the bathrooms have been updated. The 2-car garage has cabinets and a work bench. There’s a back porch and a covered patio.
WEST

Neighborhood: 403 Patriot Dr., Carnegie
Asking price: $399,100
Style: Two-story
Description: Built just four years ago, this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home has an open floor plan and 4-car garage. The main floor includes a bonus room and sunroom; the laundry room is on the second floor. In the finished basement, there’s a multi-purpose room with a kitchenette and media/theatre area. There’s a large backyard, and the neighborhood has a swimming pool.

Neighborhood: 200 Church Dr., Coraopolis
Asking price: $399,924
Style: 1.5-Story
Description: This home, built is 1987, is well-appointed inside and out. Custom built, it has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, an oversized 3.5-car garage and a covered deck. Design details include vaulted ceilings, two fireplaces, built-ins and a 14-by-16 closet in the master suite. The first floor has a laundry room and computer room. Gardens with a stone waterfall surround the house.
STRIP DISTRICT

Neighborhood: 2512 Penn Ave., Strip District
Asking price: $399,900
Style: Two-story
Description: This beautiful remodel in the heart of the Strip District features exposed brick walls, laminate flooring, a basement game room, a main-level laundry room and a fenced backyard. Built in 1890, the home has two bedrooms and 1.5 baths and an easy, open floor plan. It’s close to Pittsburgh Opera and DiAnoia’s Eatery.

Neighborhood: 16 Greenbush St., Mt. Washington
Asking price: $399,000
Style: Multi-family Victorian
Description: Built in 1920, this home has a great floor plan and outstanding views from all floors. The high ceilings and detailed woodwork show off its Victorian design. The first floor could be a 1-bedroom apartment; the second floor has a living room, dining room, kitchen, den and laundry room. The third floor has a master suite and two more bedrooms.
Looking for more real estate? Read What $350,000 will buy you in Pittsburgh right now.