Pittsburgh Suburb Among Nation's Best Places To Live: Study

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh suburb of Aspinwall is are among the Best Places to Live in America in 2025, according to a new ranking from Pittsburgh-based Niche released Monday.

Now in its 11th year, the ranking from the data-driven platform Niche helps everyone from young people just starting their careers or families to retirees decide where they want to live. The report analyzes places of various sizes, including cities with populations of 100,000 or more, suburbs and neighborhoods.

The rankings are based on a wide range of public data sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, combined with millions of resident reviews.

Aspinwall was ranked the nation's 86th best place to live. The borough along the Allegheny River with a population of just under 3,000 was given an overall A+ grade and also received an A+ for its schools. Aspinwall is part of the Fox Chapel Area School District.

Aspinwall received A grades for health and fitness, as well as commute; B+ grades for outdoor activities and crime and safety; a B- for diversity and a C for weather.

"Living in Aspinwall offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes," the study stated.

"In Aspinwall there are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Aspinwall and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Aspinwall are highly rated."

Niche said it analyzed thousands of communities to compile this year’s ranking. Community attributes considered in developing the list included the health of the local housing market, neighborhood diversity, area public schools and walkability, among others. (More on methodology.)

According to the ranking, the five best places to live in the United States are: Colonial Village, VA; Atlantic Station, GA; Chesterbrook, PA; Harbour Island, FL; City Center, CA.