If you walk through Shadyside today, you will experience charming Victorian homes, many unique shops, and eateries, as well as one of the most historically rich areas of Pittsburgh.

Shadyside has also been known as one of Pittsburgh’s best neighborhoods. This awesome claim to fame comes from the fairly, convenient public transportation, nightlife, nearby universities, and walkability.

We’re visiting some of the key places which led to Shadyside being known as a millennial hot spot.  

The Neighborhood

First, let’s talk about Shadyside’s walkability. What we’re trying to say is you can literally walk to just about everything you may need. Restaurants, local shops, grocery stores, and so much more are within a ten-minute walking distance.

Shadyside’s quiet, tree-lined neighborhood is simply a joy for anyone who likes to go for a little stroll after work. Plus, this neighborhood always has events going on. From the summer long, Sunday morning farmers market to the Annual Sidewalk Sale and the Arts Festival. 

Check out Think Shadyside’s Facebook events to keep up to date on upcoming events.

Photo from Think Shadyside Facebook page, credit goes to Richard Prescott.

The Bare Necessities

Moving on to living necessities like the food scene, services, gym and everything in between.

There is a Whole Foods on Centre Ave and a Trader Joes on Penn Ave, so your grocery needs will undoubtedly be met. The food scene has a variety of options as well. You can find American bistro, Asian cuisine, authentic Mexican dishes and so much more.

Click here to discover some favorite restaurants in Shadyside that happen to have awesome happy hours!

Shadyside, however, is not just a one-dimensional “entertainment zone”  dominated by restaurants and retail. It is a true “neighborhood” with service providers for all of your life’s needs at your fingertips like Automotive care (Bastone’s), Zumba classes (Club One Fitness), primary care medical doctors, financial advisers, dry cleaning to hair salons.  And what’s even better is the comfortable mix of both independent locally-owned businesses that flourish, even side-by-side with the “big chains” that are so prevalent today. ”

If you already live in Shadyside or are thinking of moving to the area, Think Shadyside has the low down on all the things you need to know.

If you’re the type of person who likes to stay fit, Shadyside has a variety of gyms and yoga studios for you to check out. The Barre Code is located on South Aiken Street. This gym focuses on cardio, strength, restoration, and most importantly, empowerment.

Harmony Pilates is another great fitness choice located on South Highland Ave. Their crew focuses on how movement or exercise can improve your daily life.

The Heart of the East End

When you live in Shadyside, you are just steps from the best that the East End’s diversity has to offer. From checking out the lush gardens at Phipps Conservatory, catching a show at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, or shopping locally for the latest styles at Hey Betty.

We feature many of these local businesses through our Instagram feed but here are a few of the outdoorsy places we believe capture the essence of East Shadyside.  

One of your first stops needs to be Shadyside’s Walled Garden at Mellon Park, just across Fifth Avenue. You’ll find this gorgeous, stroll-worthy location behind the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and the Phipps Garden Center. The Walled Garden was developed on the Mellon Estate back in 1912.

Need a second to escape the chaos of life? The Walled Garden is the go-to place to relax. Plus, during September 7th through the 9th, head out to A Fair in the Park for the annual contemporary fine art and creft festival. 

Photo from the Mellon Park site credited to Jeremy Marshall

If you have a love for historic charm, Shadyside has a few landmarks you need to check out for yourself.

As you head toward the heart of Shadyside, you’ll find Howe Springs. This structure was originally built in 1896 then renovated in 1912 by notable Pittsburgh based architect W. H. Van Tine. It’s located between S. Highland Ave and College Street.

The Howe Family was inspired to create the spring to represent free water accessibility for all following the devastation of Johnstown Flood in 1889. Howe Springs became a City Historical Landmark by Preservation Pittsburgh in January of 2016.

Resource: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howe_Springs

Lastly, the Hunt Armory on Emerson Street was completed in 1916 and designed by Pittsburgh architect W.G. Wilkins Co. It has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1991 and received historical landmark status from the City of Pittsburgh in 2014. 

From Franklin West’s perspective, Hunt Armory is near and dear to our hearts. Did you know that our office, 272 Shady Avenue, was once owned by Alfred Hunt. Indeed, ALCOA was founded in what is now our front office.

Before the Pittsburgh Civic Arena was completed in 1961, the Hunt Armory was the largest auditorium in Pittsburgh hosting concerts and political events. In October 1948, the Hunt Armory staged Harry S. Truman with a crowd of 25,000. Another famous event happened in 1969 when Led Zeppelin’s North American Tour came to the Armory.

The future of the Hunt Armory has been the subject of much discussion. Aiming to both preserve its architectural heritage and to creatively re-use it for the benefit of all, development plans are in the works for it to become the first, and only, year-round ice hockey and figure skating rink in the city.

Resource: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunt_Armory

Living in Shadyside

So where does Franklin West Apartments fit within one’s love for Shadyside? We take pride in preserving and renovating many of the Victorian-era mansions in the Shadyside area. Our residents just adore the character and charm of our apartments.

Over the years, our team has selected and carefully restored buildings of historic value and preserved the original characteristics of the time period. By pairing contemporary interiors with high ceilings, fireplaces, hardwood floors, and original stained glass, we create unique, comfortable residences of architectural beauty and integrity.

Interested in the history of your home? Our website showcases the interesting backgrounds on many of our buildings. If only these walls could talk! Take a look at our current listings.

Still unsure if Shadyside is the right place for you to call home? Check out our Instagram feed for the best our neighborhood has to offer from local shops to eateries, and seasonal events to things-to-do on a Friday night.

Whether it’s a career move or just to experience a new area, picking up and finding a new place to live can be a daunting task.

We’ve compiled a few must-do items to complete after you’ve found the place to call home. We get it. You’ve picked a nice apartment, paid the movers, and now you’re in your new living room staring at a ton of boxes wondering, “where in the world do I even begin?”

Wipe the sweat off your brow and let’s get to that checklist!

Settling-In checklist:

1. If you haven’t done so already, complete and return the inspection report you received in your move-in packet. Not only does this document any cosmetic damages so that you won’t be held responsible upon move-out, Franklin West can schedule work orders for maintenance to stop by your apartment to do any needed repairs.
2. If you haven’t done so already, set up your renters’ insurance coverage. Not only is renters’ insurance required in your Franklin West lease, it is both affordable and easy to do. Looking for the best rates? Consider “bundling” it with your car or homeowners’ insurance, if you or your parental co-signers own a home.
3. Unpacking can be incredibly overwhelming when you’re doing it by yourself. Make things accomplishable. An easy place to start is focusing on unpacking one box a day. As you unpack, take pictures of your possessions too. This is also a great way to document your stuff from an insurance perspective.
4. Moving becomes a prime opportunity to declutter and purge things you forgot you ever owned. If you didn’t do this when you were first packing up, definitely do it while you unpack. It’s an awesome way to hit the refresh button. Plus, your unwanted items may be another man’s treasure, so always try to donate!
5. Ensure that your utility accounts were properly set up at the beginning of your lease. If you have questions about the utility responsibility for your apartment, please call the Franklin West office.
6. If you did not do so prior to your move, set aside some time to visit your local U.S. Post Office. This visit is to make sure your new mailing address is correct or to update voter registration. This can actually be done online as well through USPS.

Bonus: We saved the niftiest trick for last. Furniture shopping for your new apartment can be tricky, especially if you’re on a budget. Here are a few apps you need to have to monitor product price drops or rebate options.

– Shoptagr (a Google Chrome extension)

– Ebates

– Paribus

Are you a newbie to Shadyside neighborhood? Check out our Instagram feed for the best Shadyside has to offer from local shops to eateries, and seasonal events to things to do on a Friday night.

Welcome to Shadyside!

After a hectic day, there’s nothing better than knowing your favorite eatery has a happy hour waiting for you. This gives you the perfect opportunity to get your crew together for a few drinks as you vent about the day or rummage on past memories. With that said, it’s also a fantastic way to meet new people if you just moved into the area.

Shadyside is home to plenty of restaurants and bars which make it the perfect area for exploring different happy hours.

1. Harris Grill

It’s the place you’ll want to go back to in a heartbeat. Harris Grill serves to provide a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with great beers, stiff drinks and quality food.

Tuesday is bacon night, Wednesday are all about wine and Sunday’s are saved for $1 off drafts plus bogo apps. Need we say more?

2. Shady Grove

Shady Grove is right in the middle of Shadyside’s cultural district on Walnut Street. The food is delicious and full of variety, there’s bound to be something for everyone.

Every Monday-Friday 5 – 7 PM take your pick of a $4 house wine or $3-4 draft beer. Oh and for an added bonus on Tuesday happy hour is all day. Yep, you read that right!

3. Tipsy Cow

Tipsy Cow is conveniently located on Ellsworth Avenue with a variety of beers on tap, mixed drinks, and delicious sangria. This spot is known for its wings, burgers, and of course the awesome happy hour.

Every Monday-Friday from 4:30 – 6:30 PM treat yourself to ½ off all drinks!

4. The Urban Tap

With over 140 drafts, this gastropub and draft house on Highland Avenue is perfect for relaxing with some friends. Don’t forget to enjoy one of their creative American food dishes.

From Monday – Thursday 4:30 – 6:30 PM enjoy 1/2 off Drafts, $2 off Wine Glasses, $2 off cocktails and $2 off small plates.

5. Kelly’s Bar & Lounge

A hidden gem that embraces the local Pittsburgh vibe, Kelly’s Bar and Grill is the eclectic and relaxed spot. We hear the menu is full of the comfort food you dream about.

Enjoy $2 off drafts and ½ off appetizers during happy hour from 5 to 7 pm daily.

 

 

 

If you have a car, leave it at home. All of these watering holes are just a short walk from Franklin West Shadyside apartments.