Deprecated: mb_convert_encoding(): Handling HTML entities via mbstring is deprecated; use htmlspecialchars, htmlentities, or mb_encode_numericentity/mb_decode_numericentity instead in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/super-cool-ad-inserter/inc/scaip-shortcode-inserter.php on line 37

2719 Edison St. Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Zillow

Signs of spring in Pittsburgh:

Page’s Dairy Mart opening.
The world learning the weird names of small Pittsburgh colleges, like Duquesne and Robert Morris, which somehow battled their way into March Madness.
Callery/Bradford pear trees begin to bloom beautifully (and smell like wet dog).
Weird, unfamiliar feelings of hope/optimism before a single game of Buccos baseball has been played.

I like the winter, and the concept of four seasons, but wow, does it last about a month too long. I took my son to baseball practice the other night with the windows down and we passed an ice cream shop just opening for the season and it unlocked pangs of longing in my heart that I didn’t know were even possible.

Usually, it’s bad when dead things come alive again around here (zombies, especially), but spring is the exception to the rule.

Savor it, Pittsburgh. We made it.

For sale: 2719 Edison St., Spring Garden, $195,000.
If you named a street “Edison” in the 1890s, would that have been a similar provocation to naming it “Baltimore Ravens Way” today? Did Pittsburgh have a rooting interest in (New Jerseyan) Thomas Edison vs. (Pittsburgher) George Westinghouse’s “War of the Currents,” which determined the future of electricity in America? I bet they did, because Pittsburghers don’t need a lot of excuses to root for (or against) you. This fun-sized yellow-brick house comes with a striking back deck that probably cost more than the house itself when it was built. Spring Garden feels pretty isolated, but it’s quite close to Downtown as the crow flies. If only you could catch a ride with the crows, this would be ideal.

Inside an apartment at The Commonwealth Building, 316 Fourth Ave. Credit: Photo: Courtesy of The Commonwealth Building

For rent: The Commonwealth Building, 316 Fourth Ave., Downtown, $1,239/month.
$1,200 Downtown? Oh, it’s 434 square feet; that makes sense. Look, there’s a reason Pittsburgh has become a pretty common sight in the movies and TV in recent years. It’s because, at the right angle, if you tilt your head a little, we can pass as a pretty big city — even Manhattan (or Gotham City) on occasion. There’s a bunch of amenities listed here (free coffee? Challenge accepted), but the real amenity is that big-city sports, theater, and restaurants (well, a few) are all in walking distance. Look, Downtown has had a rough few years since the pandemic, but it’s always battled back and there are plenty of signs it will again.

2226 Hampton St. Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Zillow

For sale: 2226 Hampton St., Swissvale, $235,000.
I’m pleased to report that key lime ice cream is the official flavor of 2025 (I have consulted no one, but no one has objected), and this house is also key lime flavored. I mean, what else would you call that hue of green? It’s not going to be for everyone, and neither is a classic Pittsburgh brick four-square in Swissvale. But it’s going to tickle someone’s taste buds.

Inside an apartment at Highland House Tower by Albion, 5700 Bunkerhill St. Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Highland House Tower by Albion

For rent: Highland House Tower by Albion, 5700 Bunkerhill St., Highland Park, 5700 Bunkerhill St., $1,853/month.
So, you know that weird mid-century skyscraper that looks like it wandered out of Downtown, got lost near the Zoo, and just never left? This is it. I can only imagine the absolute tantrum that would be thrown by neighbors if you tried to build this literally anywhere (even Downtown) today. So, while the middle of the last century was not kind to Pittsburgh, at least a few things like this got built. It looks like it got a recent remodeling, which coincided fortuitously with the mid-century modern revival of recent years. Bonus: if a tiger ever escapes from the Zoo, you can look out your window and spot it, maybe.

3042 Glen Mawr St. Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Zillow

For sale: 3042 Glen Mawr St., Sheraden, $179,000.
That is an all-time-great porch right there. Honestly, I’d consider never going inside; it’s that nice. Wait, why is this house also key lime pie-flavored? Look, I’m not ruling out insanity on my part, but I suddenly want 100-year-old house with soft green walls. OK, so there’s a lot of dated wood paneling and antique wallpaper in the kitchen that even grandma might find slightly embarrassing, but if that’s what’s keeping it under 200K, then that’s fine.

Friendship Court, 261 S. Winebiddle St. Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Zillow

For rent: Friendship Court, 261 S. Winebiddle St., Bloomfield, $989-1,299/month.
If you’re looking for a place close to where the action is in the Pittsburgh metro area, near to jobs, universities, food, entertainment, bars, and just about everything else — then this place in Bloomfield would be pretty much it. I have no idea if there are blaring sirens from West Penn Hospital at all hours, which seems important to know.