Knowing the towns

Best Places to Live in Pittsburgh's North Hills | 2026 Guide

By Aubre J. Stacknick, Global Real Estate Advisor, Piatt Sotheby's International Realty. Originally published on aubrestacknick.com.

Popular North Pittsburgh options include Wexford, Pine Township, Marshall Township, McCandless, Franklin Park, Gibsonia, Mars and Cranberry Township—but the right community depends on your commute, housing preferences, budget and lifestyle.

I don't like giving relocation clients a generic "best suburbs" list.

I'd rather ask:

What does Tuesday morning look like in your life?

That's often more useful.

Wexford

A highly searched North Pittsburgh location with access to shopping, dining, North Park and multiple housing styles.

Pine Township

Often considered by buyers seeking newer luxury homes, established subdivisions and larger properties.

Marshall Township

Convenient access toward I-79 and Route 19 with a mix of established and newer housing.

Franklin Park

Popular for its wooded residential feel and proximity to both North Hills amenities and major routes.

McCandless

Offers established neighborhoods, proximity to North Park and extensive retail and services.

Gibsonia

A broad area offering everything from established neighborhoods to larger properties and newer construction.

Mars

Popular with buyers looking farther north, including newer communities and properties with more land.

Cranberry Township

A major Butler County hub with significant retail, restaurants, employment and residential development.

How I'd Choose

Start with five things:

1. Commute

2. Housing style

3. Budget + ownership costs

4. Lifestyle

5. Long-term plan

Then narrow communities.

The best Pittsburgh suburb isn't the one with the best list ranking. It's the one that works best for you.