To welcome the first week of spring (now let\u2019s just hope Mother Nature acts like it), we\u2019re running our next real estate column just as the most active time of year for the market starts to gain momentum. According to the National Association of Realtors, peak real estate season is April through June, so we\u2019re helping homebuyers get a jump start on the search process.<\/p>\n
For the next installment of our \u201cYour Move\u201d series, we turn our search to the heart of the East End, exploring what\u2019s currently available in Bloomfield, Garfield and Friendship. Situated approximately 3-4 miles east of Downtown, these vibrant Pittsburgh communities seem to embody the oft-heard \u201clocation, location, location\u201d sentiment.<\/p>\n
Each neighborhood offers its own hyper-local amenities for residents, from Garfield Community Farm, Kincaid Street Community Garden and Friendship Park, to the Baum Grove, and Bloomfield Pool and recreational facilities. Together they all offer unparalleled access to a wide range of amenities, everyday necessities, public transportation and much more.<\/p>\n
Between the Penn and Liberty Avenue business districts and the Centre Baum corridor, everyday needs and services are extremely convenient here. Shopping options include major retailers such as Giant Eagle, Whole Foods, Trader Joe\u2019s, Aldi, Target and Home Depot.<\/p>\n
As three of Pittsburgh\u2019s most dynamic neighborhoods \u2014 all home to a variety of noteworthy architectural styles \u2014 Bloomfield, Garfield and Friendship are also surrounded by award-winning restaurants, local coffee shops, independent boutiques and a variety of entertainment and nightlife options. The properties we found offer significant access to major universities, West Penn Hospital, UPMC Children\u2019s Hospital and UPMC Shadyside, and multiple AHN facilities, along with leading companies such as Duolingo and Google.<\/p>\n
Life in these neighborhoods means you\u2019re just a stroll away from Pittsburgh\u2019s longest-running art crawl, a free, multi-community open house showcasing the dynamic Penn Avenue Arts District<\/a>. Local cultural destinations are aplenty, including Pittsburgh Glass Center, Silver Eye Center for Photography, BOOM Concepts, Assemble, The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, Bunker Projects, Kelly Strayhorn Theater\u2019s Alloy Studios, Pullproof Studio, Roboto and many others. The highly convenient access to surrounding neighborhoods, such as Lawrenceville, Shadyside, Highland Park and East Liberty, is also a major bonus.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are without a doubt in the midst of a spring market here in Western Pennsylvania and the activity is very brisk. Despite the misconception around the volatility of mortgage interest rates lately impacting buyer activity, there are many opportunities for homebuyers right now, but with the low supply we have been experiencing for the last 10 years, it is still a seller\u2019s market,\u201d says real estate agent\u00a0Bob Dini with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices<\/a>. Providing some context locally for buyers, Dini adds: \u201cOne of the benefits for the 2026 market for new homebuyers is that we are seeing fewer multiple offer situations than we have seen since 2020, and there are more possibilities this year to be competitive than there have been in years past.\u201d<\/p>\n In terms of local inventory as of mid-March, there are currently 41 single and multifamily homes for sale in Bloomfield, Garfield and Friendship, with the median list price at $287,000. In the City of Pittsburgh, there are approximately 1,340 single and multifamily homes for sale, with a median list price of $242,400. In Allegheny County, there are 4,347 single and multifamily homes for sale, with the median list price being $259,900.<\/p>\n So if you have your eye on the East End and are ready to start looking, we found six-plus listings offering a combination of convenience, setting and lifestyle, with so much to be a part of in terms of local community and city life.<\/p>\n 542 N. Fairmount St.<\/a>, Garfield It may appear to be a farmhouse retreat, but this Dutch Colonial gem could actually become your urban getaway right in Garfield. Built in 1921, the 1,242-square-foot home features three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The exterior offers great curb appeal with a front patio, Colonial-style columns, blue shutters and exposed brick chimney. Bringing character and warmth to the living and dining rooms are hardwood floors, exposed brick, an abundance of natural light and a decorative fireplace. Perfect recipes in the remodeled kitchen, complete with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplash and custom cabinets. A full bathroom on the main level offers everyday convenience. Head upstairs to find a renovated bathroom with a tiled shower and floors and a contemporary sink and vanity. The three second-floor bedrooms have all been updated and contain new carpeting. Additional amenities include many recent renovations: a new roof, A\/C and heating split system, foundation repairs and a sump pump. The spacious waterproofed basement offers a laundry area with ample storage.<\/p>\n A key selling point to this property<\/a> \u2014 and rare for city living \u2014 is the completely separate apartment located above the home\u2019s two-car detached garage, which is another major bonus. Ideal for use as a rental unit, private home office or a residential suite for a family member, the dedicated apartment includes one bedroom, a living room and an efficiency kitchen with a cooktop.<\/p>\n 4068 Howley St.<\/a>, Bloomfield Dreaming of a charming row house in the city, but still craving access to the outdoors? This standout property centrally located in Bloomfield could be calling your name. Built in 1900, the 1,476-square-foot home<\/a> feature three bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms and a two-car parking pad. Step through the cheery red door into a space blending classic row house character with contemporary finishes. Exposed beams and brick bring warmth, while the new laminate flooring ties the entire first floor together. With quartzite countertops, chic lighting fixtures, stainless steel appliances and a beverage fridge, the spacious eat-in kitchen offers the perfect marriage of style and function for any home chef. The living room, which features a cozy electric fireplace, is bathed in natural light thanks to a large picture window.<\/p>\n Upstairs, the second floor contains two remodeled bedrooms. Thoughtfully updated, the main bathroom boasts bright tile work, fresh paint, a new mirror and plenty of storage. The home\u2019s functionality continues to the expansive third floor, which could house a private guest suite, home office or art studio. The dry basement provides ample space for a home gym and additional storage. An iconic Pittsburgh potty<\/a> adds more convenience to the lower level. Step outside for the pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance \u2014 a back porch, patio and courtyard creating a private oasis. Rare for city neighborhoods, the home\u2019s 1,999-square-foot lot size provides space for gardening, dining al fresco and soaking up those sunny days. On Howley Street, it will be \u201ceasy to forget you\u2019re in the heart of the city,\u201d yet you gain all the many benefits of living where Bloomfield meets Lawrenceville.<\/p>\n 308 N. Millvale Ave.<\/a>, Garfield If you\u2019re a first-time homebuyer looking for the convenience of city living plus home updates to bring peace of mind, this Garfield home<\/a> is worth a look. Built in 1910, the two-story brick row house features three bedrooms and one bathroom. Enjoy a maintenance-free property for years, because the roof is new, the electrical panel has been replaced and some new windows have been installed. An open floor plan, laminate flooring and plenty of natural light create a flow throughout the main level. The spacious living room is perfect for family gatherings, movie marathons or game nights with friends. Enjoy meal prep in the kitchen equipped with white Shaker-style cabinets, stainless steel appliances and built-in pantry space. A sizable dining room rounds out the first floor. Upstairs, find the home\u2019s large bedrooms with carpeting. The full bathroom offers a spa-like retreat from the comfort of home. There is also a big, unfinished basement with a laundry area.<\/p>\n 244 S. Mathilda St.<\/a>, Friendship If your next move requires something larger for an expanding family, don\u2019t miss this 2,100-square-foot Friendship home built in 1910. Beautifully maintained, the three-story brick house seamlessly combines character and convenience. Tall ceilings provide a grand feel, while the four bedrooms, tasteful contemporary updates and central location offer lifestyle amenities. Not found in many city homes, the property<\/a> boasts three full bathrooms, a detached garage and a sizable fenced-in backyard.<\/p>\n With elements of Late Victorian, Colonial and row house architecture, the property nestled along Mathilda Street<\/a> makes a welcoming statement with arched gable windows and turned porch posts. The inviting front porch is perfect for people-watching or relaxing after a long day. Be greeted by a welcoming entryway with ceramic tile flooring, French doors and an open transom. The bright foyer flows into a large living room where an exposed brick accent wall, ceramic tile hearth and oversized windows create a bright interior. Through an arched doorway, the dining room is equally ideal for family dinners or formal entertaining. With a gray and white color scheme, the large updated kitchen boasts granite countertops, abundant cabinetry and newer appliances. The kitchen opens conveniently to the backyard and patio.<\/p>\n On the second floor, the expansive primary suite provides a home retreat with a walk-in closet, double vanity and a spa-inspired, walk-in shower. The second ensuite bedroom offers additional privacy and comfort with its own renovated full bathroom. On the third level find two generously sized bedrooms and a full bathroom. Ideal for guests, the space could also become a home office or studio. The basement level offers a dedicated laundry area and substantial storage.<\/p>\n 437 Sapphire Way<\/a>, Bloomfield If your ideal price tag means finding a home under $300,000, check out this classic brick row house that\u2019s been remodeled in the heart of Bloomfield. Constructed in 1920, the 1,056-square-foot home<\/a> features three bedrooms, one bathroom and central air conditioning. The newly remodeled eat-in kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a huge walk-in pantry. The first-floor living spaces are accented by exposed brick, arched doorways and new vinyl flooring. Upstairs, unwind in the updated bathroom, with gleaming floor-to-ceiling ceramic tile, a new vanity and stylish light fixtures. A rare amenity for any home is the second-floor laundry room making chores a breeze. The bonus third floor is ideal as a large bedroom \u2014 or could easily double as a den, home office or exercise space. An urban oasis awaits in the private back courtyard, perfect for outdoor gatherings, grilling and your furry friends.<\/p>\n
Asking price: $380,000
Style: Dutch Colonial<\/p>\n
Style: Row House
Asking price: $374,900<\/p>\n
Style: Row House
Asking price: $249,900<\/p>\n
Asking price: $659,900
Style: Late Victorian<\/p>\n
Asking price: $299,000
Style: Row House<\/p>\n