Bloomfield - Pittsburgh, PA Area Guide

Annexed in 1868, the history of Bloomfield dates back to the mid-1700s when the community played an important role in the American Revolution. Bloomfield provided the soldiers at Fort Pitt with beef from their plantations. When the war ended, the area continued to play a significant role in farming for the city of Pittsburgh. The neighborhood was actually named by George Washington during the Revolution -- he described the area in his journal as "the high ground through a field of many blooms."

With its soaring gothic Churches, Victorian houses, and historic downtown area filled with shops and restaurants along wide sidewalks, Bloomfield is already a fantastic neighborhood. Add in its proximity to downtown and four major universities, and it's easy to see why Bloomfield apartments are so popular. Stroll though the neighborhood and admire sites like the First United Methodist Church, built in 1893 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places; St. Josephs Roman Catholic Church, built in 1886 and also on the Register; Waldorf School's Victoria Hall, built in 1868; and Western Pennsylvania Hospital, founded in 1848.

Bloomfield is known for its parades. After moving to Bloomfield, you'll be able to enjoy a variety of parades, including a Halloween and a Columbus Day parade. Little Italy Days is a three-day festival held in Bloomfield every August to celebrate Bloomfield's Italian-American heritage.

Liberty Avenue, the neighborhood's "main street," is lined with a wide variety of restaurants serving everything from Italian and Polish to classic American cuisines.

Tessaro's serves the best burgers in the Pittsburgh area. Sink your teeth into a half-pound burger cooked to perfection over a hardwood grill. The chef complements the burger with a bountiful portion of well-seasoned home fries. Making the most of the combination of an inviting atmosphere and the best-grilled burgers in town, Tessaro's has become a Bloomfield legend.

YinzBurgh BBQ caters to residents with phenomenal Southern-style barbecue and a menu that includes vegetarian options. Upon entering the restaurant, you're escorted to a sauce bar. The sauce bar allows diners to taste the house-made sauces before placing their orders, enabling diners to set up the tastiest combinations. Residents of Bloomfield recommend the tender fall-off-the-bone ribs and smoky pulled pork at this popular joint.

For the best Polish food in the Pittsburgh area according to residents and critics, stop in the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern. Locals rave about the melt-in-your-mouth pierogis and authentic Polish golabki. Regular diners recommend ordering the Polish platter to sample the pierogis, kielbasa, golabki, haluski, and kluski. On Friday and Saturday nights, Bloomfield residents enjoy live music with incredible happy-hour specials, such as half-priced pierogis.

The nightlife in Bloomfield consists of everything from a few laughs over cheap beers at Lou's Little Corner Bar to karaoke night at Nico's Recovery Room. During Pittsburgh sporting events, the locals pile into Silky's Pub to cheer for their favorite black and gold teams on the big screen. Locals head over to the Pleasure Bar and Restaurant for live music and stand-up comedy.

Approximately 50 percent of Bloomfield residents commute via car, with the average commute time of 10 to 15 minutes. Other residents commute via the PAT buses, paying $2.50 to ride into downtown Pittsburgh. Residents walk through the business district on Liberty Avenue to find all of life's necessities or grab a drink. The business district provides the resident with what they need within walking distance.

For those who prefer more private forms of transportation, a quick call for a cab allows travelers to schedule a pickup. If you're looking for other options, Uber allows you to schedule a pickup. Getting around the city of Pittsburgh from Bloomfield is quick and easy. Residents have convenient access to Routes 380 and 65, allowing commuters to connect to other major highways and neighboring communities.

Bloomfield offers a few family-friendly parks with playgrounds and some pocket parks or "parklets." Schenley Park, just south of Carnegie Mellon University, is a popular destination for Bloomfield residents. This vast, historic park contain hiking trails, a golf course, a cafe and visitor center, playgrounds, a sports complex, an ice rink, a disc golf course, and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Schenley Park was created in 1889 and covers 456 acres. The park also hosts annual events, such as the Vintage Grand Prix and the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure.

The cost of living in Bloomfield does not differ much from the city of Pittsburgh. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bloomfield runs about $843. Residents of Bloomfield can expect to pay the same price for gas as those in the city of Pittsburgh, averaging approximately nine percent above the national gas average. Residents pay $2.50 for a one-way ride on public transportation.

Nearly everything you are looking for in the realm of eats and treats can be found along Liberty Avenue. In the main business district, you can find a variety of ethnic grocers, bakeries, and specialty shops. You can update your wardrobe and satisfy your sweet tooth within a few block walking distance.

Local college students love the fashionable finds at the clothing store Boombox. Shoppers love picking up the latest fashions by Calvin Klein and True Religion for reasonable prices. Update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Locals stop in the Paddy Cake Bakery for sweet treats and fresh glazed donuts. When you stop in, don't forget to pick up a loaf of freshly baked bread for later.

For specialty groceries, such as imported or domestic Italian goods, residents shop at Donatelli's Italian Food Center. Make a point to pick up fresh pasta, pizzelles, and smoked deli cheese when shopping at this family-owned Italian grocer.

Every Saturday between the months of June and November, the Bloomfield Saturday Market is more than just a farmer's market. Sure, you can purchase your locally-grown veggies, produce, handcrafted items, cheese, and bake goods, but you can also enjoy live music, dance performances, cooking demonstrations, activities for kids, and even health screenings and massages. Special "days" at the market include Art Day, Pet Day, Fitness Day, and Book Day.