F
all is often seen as the quietest season for real estate, but Pittsburgh’s East End proves otherwise. As the leaves turn, buyers and sellers are eager to move before winter, and three neighborhoods—Highland Park, Morningside, and Stanton Heights—are buzzing with activity.
**Agent Insight**
Tirzah DeCaria of Compass, a 13‑year Pittsburgh veteran, calls the fall “a second wave of spring‑like energy.” She notes that each neighborhood offers affordable living while staying close to East End amenities. “Stanton Heights excels in green space and garages, Morningside is walkable with charming Craftsman homes, and Highland Park boasts larger, historic residences,” she explains.
**Neighborhood Highlights**
- **Highland Park** sits beside the Allegheny River and Negley Run, covering 377 acres. The park hosts two reservoirs, picnic areas, a brook, Lake Carnegie, a long‑course pool, sand volleyball, tennis, trails, playgrounds, and the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. The Reservoir Loop is a favorite for joggers. The area is a Residential Historic District with Victorian, Tudor, and Colonial homes, and the Bryant Street Business District offers restaurants, boutiques, and cafés. Community life is anchored by the Union Project, Nuin Center, and St. Andrew’s Church.
- **Morningside** originated as a streetcar suburb and remains a quiet, community‑driven enclave. Heth’s Park, a community garden, bocce courts, and active churches punctuate the neighborhood. Local favorites include Ka‑Fair Coffee and the Bulldog Pub.
- **Stanton Heights** is primarily residential but provides easy access to Highland Park, Lawrenceville, East Liberty, and Garfield. Dinan Park and a community garden at Allegheny Cemetery add green space. The neighborhood’s history includes a former golf course that occupied much of the area until the 1950s.
**Market Snapshot**
There are 52 active residential listings across the three neighborhoods. As of mid‑September, average prices are: Morningside $330,025, Stanton Heights $338,219, Highland Park $649,537. Pittsburgh overall has 1,257 active listings with an average sale price of $339,785.
**Historic City Steps**
Each neighborhood features distinct flights of historic steps, encouraging exploration and fitness.
**Beer Connection**
East End Brewing Co. celebrates the season with a “You Are Here” beer series: a Belgian Dubbel for Highland Park, a Maibock Lager for Morningside, and a Belgian Tripel for Stanton Heights.
**Featured Listings**
1. **Stanton Heights – Dutch Colonial (1930)**
1,624 sq ft, 4 beds, 1.5 baths, tile roof, yellow brick. Original stained‑glass windows, hardwood floors, farmhouse kitchen with breakfast bar, and a 9,583‑sq ft lot. New parking pad and retaining walls.
2. **Morningside – Queen Anne Victorian (1910)**
2,161 sq ft, 6 beds, 3 baths, corner lot. High ceilings, original woodwork, stained‑glass, granite countertops, French‑door fridge. Finished basement (“the cabin”) with side patio, detached two‑car garage, roof under 10 years.
3. **Morningside – Foursquare (1940)**
1,292 sq ft, 3 beds, 2 baths, detached two‑car garage, finished basement, finished third floor. Granite countertops, ceramic tile kitchen, breakfast bar, fenced yard.
4. **Morningside – Victorian (1910)**
2,160 sq ft, 5 beds, 1.5 baths, yellow brick, large front porch, bay window, finished third floor. Spacious backyard, ample natural light.
5. **Highland Park – 1928 Home**
4 beds, 3.5 baths, open‑concept layout, Shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless‑steel appliances. Main bedroom with en‑suite, third‑floor bedroom, finished lower level with game room, office, full bath, laundry. Two‑car garage, level backyard.
6. **Highland Park – 1925 Home**
3 beds, 1 bath, front porch, hardwood floors, decorative fireplace, central air. Kitchen with stainless‑steel appliances, white tile backsplash, backyard access. Detached two‑car garage, fenced yard.
**Next Steps**
The “Your Move” series will continue with additional listings in these vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re drawn to historic charm, walkable streets, or abundant green space, the East End’s fall market offers diverse options for buyers ready to settle before winter.
