Shadyside in Pittsburgh is a Quaint and Attractive Neighborhood

The Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh is situated on the east end of the city, surrounded by the neighborhoods of Squirrel Hill, Oakland, Bloomfield, Friendship, East Liberty, Point Breeze, and Larimer. Developed in the mid 19th century, it garnered its name from a Pennsylvania Railroad station of the same name that was located in the area. The tree-lined neighborhood, however, seems appropriately named, sporting a large number of old shade trees and lots of green. The neighborhood is located about 15 miles from the downtown area of the city.

Many of the homes in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh are older and stately. Victorian houses of various styles are commonplace and most of the century-old homes in the neighborhood have been renovated. In addition, newer homes have been added to the mix as well and blend nicely with the older portions of the neighborhood. There are also a number of apartments and condominiums in the Shadyside district, making it affordable for young professionals as well as established couples, singles, and families. Students are also represented in the neighborhood as well as up and coming young artists. The neighborhood is also popular with staff and faculty members from Carnegie Mellon and Chatham Universities.

Shopping is a favorite reason to come to Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood. There are two main shopping areas there - one located along Ellsworth Avenue and the other along Walnut Street. The Walnut Street area is home to many of the country's best known chain stores including many that are upscale and attract discriminating shoppers, such as Chico's, Talbots, Coach, J. Crew, Banana Republic, and United Colors of Benetton. Most of the stores are concentrated between South Negley and South Aiken Avenues. In addition, this shopping district is home to a number of restaurants, bistros, and coffee shops.

Along Ellsworth Street, shoppers will find a large concentration of privately- owned shops in addition to a few chain stores. Vintage stores are also popular as are art galleries, many featuring the works of rising local and regional artists. There are also a few inns and boutique hotels along Ellsworth and on the side streets that surround it. A few nightlife spots, including several gay-friendly bars, can be found here as well.

The arts are an important part of life in Shadyside, Pittsburgh. Each year, several arts-related festivals are hosted by this neighborhood. The most popular is a summer festival known as Jam on Walnut, which takes place in the Walnut Street shopping district.

Shadyside is home to two prestigious private schools. The Winchester Thurston School is a co-ed Pre-K to 12th grade school known for its strong academics and excellent music and arts program, and The Ellis School is a private all-girls pre-K to 12 school that is also known for its academic achievements as well as its athletics.

The Shadyside Hospital is also located in this neighborhood. It is a division of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.