Oakland

I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh (Go Pitt!) in 2002 and lived in South Oakland. I should change that to say "I survived living in South Oakland." This neighborhood consists of college students and old people who lived there a majority of their lives and HATE the college students. (Gee, what's not to love about drunken debauchery? No seriously, what's not to love?)

One of the most lasting images from this neighborhood, in my humble opinion, are the Litchfield Towers, aka The Towers. I, myself, never lived in the Towers. I've heard stories, though.

The Towers are ugly and literally tower over this neighborhood. I think Pitt sat down and said, "How can we cram as many kids in dormitory living without taking up too much lands?" Voila, the towers.

If you're not familiar with Oakland, the best way to describe it is tiny college town (but, um, not a town). The apartments are dilapidated and the slumlords a plenty! I highly recommend going to Hemingway's for their drink specials but be prepared to not hear the person you're with because it is so frakkin' loud! Oakland will always hold a special place in my heart - lots of good, fun memories happened here. I'm sure other Pitt students and alumni would say the same.

Friendship

Friendship is a small neighborhood in the Eastern region of Pittsburgh that consists mostly of families and students who live in converted homes-to-apartment buildings. Out of all the neighborhoods in the city, I have lived in this one the most, so it is only fitting that this neighborhood is my initial post.

The one thing that stands out about the neigbhorhood is the archictecture. The houses are very much victorian and wrap-around-porches and turrets are common sights one might see in this neighborhood.

Friendship is not only a conveniently located neighborhood - it's an overall pleasant one. One can walk down Friendship Ave. without fearing that you're about to get mugged or worse. You see children outside playing in front yards and the fitness enthusiasts exercising in Friendship Park.

This picture illustrates the Mayberry-esque quality of the neighborhood, which is why it's my Friendship Photo.