The Mount Washington Neighborhood in Pittsburgh Provides Great Views of the City

Mount Washington is a hilltop neighborhood in Pittsburgh, named after George Washington, who came to the area to survey it in hopes of avoiding a French invasion during the French and Indian War. The neighborhood is in the South City area of Pittsburgh and is served by the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines, two remaining Pittsburgh inclines that take residents back and forth from high elevation neighborhoods to the downtown area below.

The area now known as Mt. Washington was originally known as Coal Hill as many coal mines operated near the base of the mountain. In 1876, the name was officially changed. The area was settled mostly by German immigrants, who would walk up and down the steep footpaths to and from their homes each day. The trek was tiresome and the immigrants, who worked in various industries in the river valley below, proposed the building of an incline like the ones they had ridden at home. The Monongahela Incline was thus built in 1869-1870, the first of about 20 that were to be built throughout the city. Three other Mount Washington inclines were eventually constructed including the Duquesne Incline, which is also still open. The inclines of old also carried light freight as well as horses and small carriages up and down the mountain. Today, the Monongahela and Duquesne Inclines still serve residents going back and forth to work as well as tourists making their way to the top of the Mount Washington neighborhood to enjoy the excellent view of Pittsburgh.

But many people who don't live at the top of Mt. Washington also make the trek up the 400-foot slopes to enjoy the dining, shopping, and other attractions there. Guests can stroll along Grandview Avenue along the cliffsides, where they can appreciate excellent vistas. These stretch of road and its scenic outlooks are a popular place for wedding photos and in the pleasant weather, it's not unusual to see a number of bridal parties riding the inclines to get to the top. Many locals and visitors also choose to dine along the neighborhood's renowned Restaurant Row, where eateries of many different varieties are available. Similarly, the Shiloh Street business district features shops, services, and more and is attractive to both locals and visitors.

Also at the top of the Mount Washington hill is the 2007-built Grand View Scenic Byway Park, a 280-acre oasis encircling Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights, offering plenty of open space to residents of the Mount and other surrounding neighborhoods. Plans to add biking and hiking trails connecting this and other city parks are in the works and should be completed within the next few years.

While Mount Washington was once home to the city's poorest immigrants, today its real estate is much more desirable and can be quite costly. Of particular interest are the Queen Anne-style Victorian homes that sit along pretty Grandview Avenue.