Squirrel Hill

Squirrel Hill
Name	Squirrel Hill
City	Pittsburgh
State	Pennsylvania
Country	United States

Squirrel Hill is a neighborhood in the East End of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, located near the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant community, with a mix of Jewish and non-Jewish residents, and is home to many notable landmarks, including the Squirrel Hill Tunnel and Fricks Park. Squirrel Hill is also close to other notable neighborhoods, such as Shadyside and Oakland, and is accessible via the Port Authority of Allegheny County's Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway and the Pittsburgh Light Rail's Red Line.

Geography

Squirrel Hill is situated in the Allegheny County and is bordered by the Monongahela River to the south and the Frick Park to the north. The neighborhood is also close to the Schenley Park and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which are both part of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Squirrel Hill is accessible via the I-376 and the PA-28, and is near the Pittsburgh International Airport and the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. The neighborhood is also home to the Squirrel Hill Community Garden, which is maintained by the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition and the Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation.

History

The history of Squirrel Hill dates back to the late 18th century, when it was a rural area with many farms and estates, including the Frick Estate, which was owned by Henry Clay Frick. The neighborhood began to develop in the late 19th century, with the construction of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Squirrel Hill was also home to many notable residents, including Andrew Carnegie, who founded the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. The neighborhood was also affected by the Great Fire of Pittsburgh in 1845 and the Johnstown Flood in 1889, which were both major disasters that impacted the city of Pittsburgh. Squirrel Hill is also close to the Senator John Heinz History Center and the Fort Pitt Museum, which showcase the history of the region.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, Squirrel Hill has a population of around 12,000 people, with a mix of Jewish and non-Jewish residents. The neighborhood is also home to many students from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, as well as young professionals and families. Squirrel Hill is also close to the Hill District, which is a predominantly African American neighborhood, and the Bloomfield neighborhood, which is known for its Italian-American community. The neighborhood is also served by the Squirrel Hill Health Center and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Economy

The economy of Squirrel Hill is driven by a mix of small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and services, as well as larger institutions, such as the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. The neighborhood is also home to many startups and tech companies, including Google and Uber, which have offices in the nearby Oakland neighborhood. Squirrel Hill is also close to the Pittsburgh Technology Center and the Innovation Works, which provide resources and funding for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The neighborhood is also served by the Squirrel Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.

Culture

Squirrel Hill is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with a mix of Jewish and non-Jewish events and institutions. The neighborhood is home to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh and the Congregation Beth Shalom, as well as the Squirrel Hill Historical Society and the Pittsburgh JazzLive International Festival. Squirrel Hill is also close to the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, which are both part of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. The neighborhood is also served by the Squirrel Hill Library and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Education

Squirrel Hill is served by the Pittsburgh Public Schools district, which includes the Taylor Allderdice High School and the Colfax Elementary School. The neighborhood is also home to several private schools, including the Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh and the Winchester Thurston School. Squirrel Hill is also close to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, which are both major research universities. The neighborhood is also served by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Technical Institute. The Community College of Allegheny County also has a campus in the nearby Oakland neighborhood.

Category:Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh