Beechwood Blvd, Point Breeze

Beechwood is interesting, partly because it changes character so dramatically, partly because it passes by two beautiful but different parks and partly because it crosses itself at one point. In Greenfield, there are lots of great (and some not so great) apartments that are affordable and convenient to Oakland (the university distict). This part of the street is also a short drive (not really walkable) to the Waterfront shopping center, which can be useful. I lived in this section while in college and found it very convenient, safe and friendly. Next, the street winds into Squirrel Hill. Here, there houses are bigger and there are fewer apartments. It passes Frick Park in this neighborhood, which is a beautiful and extremely large park that has not only an off-leash area for dogs, and baseball, basketball and playground facilities, but also extensive hiking trails that provide a beautiful escape from the urban landscape and some stunning views of the river below. The street continues into Point Breeze where the houses start to become extremely large. This area is more exclusive and contains Mellon Park, which is a formal park as opposed to the wilderness of Frick Park. Mellon Park contains well-maintained gardens, a garden center and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. There is not much commerce along the street in any neighborhood, but at all points, it is close enough to businesses to be convenient, yet far away enough to be quiet. It is extremely safe and a runner or biker’s dream. There is a bike lane along the street and relatively well-kept sidewalks along its length. I used to run along it from beginning to end. Overall, it is a great place to be, but not if you like to be in the middle of the action.