Polish Hill is an enclave of hilltop houses and budding businesses nestled along a nearly vertical quarter-mile expanse just east of downtown Pittsburgh and rising above the Strip.

The neighborhood offers a village vitality with city convenience. Polish Hill is a blend of families of Polish ancestry who have lived here for generations mixed with newer residents and renovators who bring their creative spirit. All share a strong sense of community.

What our residents want to nourish most

Marc Rettig and Hannah du Plessis of Fit Associates are residents of Polish Hill. They’ve been working with the PHCA on a project to help introduce our diverse neighborhood to others. They spoke to twelve residents across a range of ages and lifestyles. The duo asked residents what they value about Polish Hill and how they imagine its future. Here is a snapshot of what our residents want to nourish most:

• The quiet, safe, friendly character of Polish Hill
• Places where people can linger and talk to each other, especially places where different sorts of people can enjoy something together
• The urban beauty of our buildings and infrastructure
• The diverse mix of people who live here
• The ability of people to live here on a small budget, so they are free to spend time on creative pursuits
• The possibility for residents to run small businesses in their own neighborhood, either independently or cooperatively

Our location

Polish Hill is just a ten-minute drive from Downtown Pittsburgh, and shares borders with five central neighborhoods:  The Strip District, the Hill District, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield and Oakland. We are within walking distance of the Carnegie Library and museums, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh. Our highest border rides one street above Bigelow Boulevard, and our lowest runs along Liberty Avenue between 28th and 31st Streets.

Recognition

The Clean Pittsburgh Commission chose Polish Hill as the 2012 Neighborhood of the Year to recognize our cleaning and greening volunteer activities.

Here are just a few of our interesting places

West Penn Recreation Center

The Citiparks/West Penn Community Center is located at 450 30th Street at Paulowna. The center has a gym with a basketball court, a full weight room and a variety of exercise machines.  For information about classes and programs or space rental, call the West Penn Recreation Center at 412.622.7353.

The center also contains an Allegheny County Senior Center, with meals, activities and field trips for neighborhood seniors.  Call 412.621.8197 for more information.

West Penn Pool

The West Penn Pool is open from mid-June to mid-August. Set on the hillside behind the recreation center, the pool is a popular spot for Polish Hill residents and visitors.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Church was built by the residents of the neighborhood and completed in 1905. Today, the church’s parish includes current and former residents. Weekly mass is held in Polish and English.