Does Pittsburgh have a "bad" side?

[oldbill]

My wife and I are going to an event near the stadium that I think is called Three Rivers. She also wants to go the Conservatory that is across the river. (We will be staying on Forbes Avenue.)

I know there are places like Durham NC, sections of Chicago etc. to avoid.

Years ago a friend and I had an incident in where we made a wrong turn about midnight, in a cherry red corvette. We stopped at a light and a police car pulled up without sirens nor lights, and two officers in it. The officer not driving, looked at us and emphatically said "YOU ARE LOST, follow us and we will get you out of here." I'd like to avoid this type of thing.

Any warnings from someone who knows the Pittsburgh area?

 

[reddogge]

Yes, the Steelers. Avoid them.

 

[rwsmith]

I know what you mean.

One time we were in Washington, D.C. and got stuck on Florida Avenue. We could see the Capitol Dome from there but there was a big embankment so you couldn't get there. We wen't on and on and on past people loading guns and shooting up drugs.


Pittsburgh rough spots:


The Hill District
Homewood/Brushton
East Hills
The North Side

 

[steamloco76]

The truly bad neighborhood in Pittsburgh is known as the Hill District. The areas you wish to visit will keep you out of that area. Most of the crimes and violence that happens in the Pittsburgh area involves drugs and gangs. Very little crime involving tourists. The locals are pretty darned friendly and willing to help with directions and tips on eateries too.

 

[PA Reb]

Yes, the Steelers. Avoid them.

I would agree - if you don't want your backside kicked, "avoid them" at all costs !

OP ~ Pittsburgh is generally a place that if you aren't looking for the trouble that "steamloco76" mentioned above, you'll be fine.

 

[jimmib]

all big cities have a bad area...Seattles is the Rainier Beach area...glad you posted this as now I know where to steer clear of in Pittsburg too

 

[Hapworth]

...We wen't on and on and on past people loading guns and shooting up drugs...

So you did eventually make it to Capitol Hill...

 

[oldbill]

Thanks steamloco76 for the information!
I did some research on the area and will avoid it for sure.

 

[Donn]

Questions like this are a lot easier to answer about Detroit, you ask where the good areas are. Believe it or not, there are a few.

 

[Leonard]

Their are bad areas thru out the city, Hill District, Homewood, Homestead parts of East Liberty, Wilkinsburg.

 

[Mcwsky09]

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A smartphone app that allows users to identify areas that are sketchy.