Is Pittsburgh in Atlanta Safe? A Local Guide to the Pittsburgh Neighborhood

If you’re asking “Is Pittsburgh Atlanta safe?”, you’re almost certainly talking about Pittsburgh, the neighborhood just southwest of downtown Atlanta, not the city of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh is one of Atlanta’s oldest intown neighborhoods, and like many in-town areas, it’s experiencing change, reinvestment, and ongoing conversations about safety, housing, and quality of life.

This guide breaks down what safety in Pittsburgh looks like today, what to expect if you live there or visit, and how it compares to other parts of Atlanta.

Where Is Pittsburgh in Atlanta?

Pittsburgh is a historic neighborhood in Southwest Atlanta, roughly bordered by:

• North: Interstate 20
• East: Metropolitan Parkway
• South: University Avenue
• West: Capitol View and Adair Park areas

It’s close to:

• Downtown Atlanta (just a few minutes by car)
• Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta University Center (AUC) area

Its central location and MARTA access make it convenient, but like many close-in neighborhoods, it also faces longstanding economic and safety challenges.

How Safe Is Pittsburgh Compared to the Rest of Atlanta?

Safety in Pittsburgh, as in most Atlanta neighborhoods, is not one-size-fits-all. A few key points:

• Crime levels: Pittsburgh has historically had higher crime rates than many other Atlanta neighborhoods, particularly regarding property crimes and some violent incidents.
• Variation by block and time: Safety can feel very different from street to street, and from daytime to late-night hours.
• Change over time: There has been public and private investment, community organizing, and more attention to infrastructure and housing, all of which can influence safety perceptions and conditions over time.

If you’re used to suburban Atlanta (for example, areas of Cobb, Gwinnett, or North Fulton), Pittsburgh may feel more urban, less predictable, and more mixed in terms of safety and appearance.

If you’re used to other intown Atlanta neighborhoods that have already seen extensive redevelopment, Pittsburgh may feel earlier in its transition, with a mix of renovated homes, long-time residents, vacant lots, and older housing stock.

What Types of Safety Issues Are Most Common?

People in and around Pittsburgh often talk about a few recurring safety concerns:

1. Property Crime

Common issues may include:

• Car break-ins
• Theft of packages from porches
• Vandalism or graffiti
• Occasional burglary in less-secured properties

These are not unique to Pittsburgh; they’re common across many parts of Atlanta, especially near busy corridors and transit.

2. Violent Crime

There have been incidents of violent crime in and around the neighborhood, especially:

• Robberies or assaults
• Conflicts related to drugs or personal disputes
• Occasional gun-related incidents

While such incidents can be concentrated in certain spots or times, they contribute to the perception that Pittsburgh is less safe than many other neighborhoods.

3. Vacant or Poorly Maintained Properties

Some blocks include:

• Vacant houses or lots
• Properties in poor repair
• Underused commercial buildings

These can impact how safe the area feels, especially at night, and may attract loitering or illegal activity in certain pockets.

How Do Residents Experience Safety in Pittsburgh?

Living in Pittsburgh can mean different things depending on:

• Which street you’re on
• Your schedule (nights vs. days)
• Whether you walk, drive, or use MARTA

Common resident experiences include:

• Daytime feel: Many residents report that daytime hours feel reasonably active and manageable, with people out walking, kids playing, and neighbors interacting.
• Nighttime caution: After dark, many people are more cautious, especially when walking alone, using side streets, or moving between transit stops and home.
• Community presence: There are engaged neighborhood associations, churches, and community groups that organize clean-ups, events, and outreach, which can help foster a stronger sense of community and informal safety net.

If you’re considering moving in, it’s wise to visit at different times of day and talk directly with neighbors, local businesses, and church communities.

Safety for Visitors: Is It Safe to Visit Pittsburgh?

Visitors come to or through Pittsburgh to:

• Drive between downtown and South Atlanta
• Access Metropolitan Parkway or University Avenue
• Visit friends or family
• Attend nearby churches or community centers
• Explore the BeltLine Westside Trail or nearby neighborhoods like Adair Park

For visitors:

• Quick daytime visits: Generally feel more comfortable, especially if you stick to main streets and are aware of your surroundings.
• Nighttime trips: It’s smart to plan your route, park in well-lit areas, and avoid walking long distances alone late at night.
• Parking: Always lock your car, keep valuables out of sight, and don’t leave bags or electronics visible. Car break-ins can happen quickly.

As with any urban neighborhood in Atlanta, basic city awareness goes a long way.

Practical Safety Tips If You Live in Pittsburgh

Here are actionable steps many Atlanta residents find helpful when living in Pittsburgh or similar neighborhoods:

At Home

• Install good exterior lighting (front and back).
• Use deadbolts and window locks.
• Consider security cameras or a video doorbell.
• Keep your yard tidy and avoid leaving items that can be stolen outside.
• Get to know immediate neighbors and share contact info.

When Out and About

• Stay on busier, well-lit streets at night.
• Avoid wearing expensive items openly or displaying cash.
• Keep your phone secure and avoid walking while distracted.
• Plan your route from MARTA or bus stops in advance, especially after dark.

For Your Car

• Never leave bags, backpacks, laptops, or shopping bags visible.
• Park under streetlights or near active buildings when possible.
• Always lock doors and close windows fully.

Getting Around: Transit and Walking in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is served by:

• MARTA bus routes along Metropolitan Parkway and nearby corridors
• Close access to MARTA rail via stations such as West End (a short drive or bus ride away)
• Proximity to the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail to the west

Safety considerations when using transit:

• Try to travel in pairs or groups at night if possible.
• Wait for buses or trains in well-lit, more populated stops.
• Keep personal items close and zipped.

Walking can be convenient during the day, but at night many residents prefer to:

• Drive or ride-share for longer distances, or
• Stick to more active main roads rather than quieter side streets.

Community Resources and Local Support

Several Atlanta-based organizations and agencies play a role in safety and quality of life in Pittsburgh.

Atlanta Police Department (APD)

Pittsburgh falls under the jurisdiction of the Atlanta Police Department, generally within Zone 3, which covers much of Southeast and Southwest Atlanta.

For non-emergency issues (like reporting suspicious activity, property crime after the fact, or getting neighborhood data):

• Atlanta Police Department – Non-Emergency: 404-658-6666
• Emergency (crime in progress or immediate danger): 911

APD also offers:

• Neighborhood Watch support
• CRIME STOPPERS tip lines (through regional programs)
• Community meetings where residents can ask questions and share concerns

City of Atlanta – Code Enforcement & Neighborhood Support

Issues such as abandoned properties, illegal dumping, or overgrown lots can be reported to:

• City of Atlanta Code Enforcement (311 line): Dial 311 within city limits, or 404-546-0311 from outside the city
• 311 can also connect you with information about neighborhood planning units (NPUs) and community meetings.

Pittsburgh is part of a local Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU), where residents can get involved in discussions about zoning, safety, and development.

What Should You Look for If You’re Thinking About Moving to Pittsburgh?

If you’re considering relocating to Pittsburgh in Atlanta, take a street-level, practical approach:

Visit at Different Times

• Visit on weekdays and weekends
• Check the area morning, afternoon, and late evening
• Note foot traffic, lighting, and noise levels

Talk to People

• Speak with neighbors on the block
• Ask local business owners or church staff about their experience
• Listen for consistent themes in what they say about safety and community

Check the Surroundings

• Look at street lighting, sidewalks, and visibility
• Notice vacant lots or buildings and how they are being used
• See how close you are to bus stops, major roads, and busy intersections

Consider Your Lifestyle

Pittsburgh may be a better fit if you:

• Work downtown or nearby and value a short commute
• Want an intown location at a lower price point than some other neighborhoods
• Are comfortable with a neighborhood that is still evolving, with a mix of strengths and challenges

If you prioritize consistently lower crime rates, more polished infrastructure, and quieter streets, you might want to compare Pittsburgh with other neighborhoods in Southwest, Southeast, or Westside Atlanta.

Simple Snapshot: Safety in Pittsburgh, Atlanta

In practical terms, Pittsburgh in Atlanta is not the city’s safest neighborhood, but it’s also not unlivable or uniformly dangerous. Safety can vary dramatically by block, time of day, and personal habits.

If you’re visiting, use standard Atlanta city precautions. If you’re considering moving in, spend time on the ground, talk to locals, and make sure the specific area fits your comfort level and lifestyle needs.