Why Sterling Land Company Rentals Stand Out From the Rest

Anyone who has an apartment hunted in Pittsburgh's East End knows the drill. You open twelve tabs on your laptop, half the listings are months old, with photos that were clearly taken in 2016, and nobody calls you back. By the third weekend, you're not looking for your dream home anymore — you're just looking for someone who picks up the phone.

At Sterling Land Company, we are different. We're not the loudest name on the listing sites, but the one that actually answers.

We've Been Doing This Since 1915

Sterling Land Company has been part of Pittsburgh for more than a century, and the same family that built architectural classics like the Royal York and the King Edward still runs the company today.

Here's why that matters to you as a renter: we're not going anywhere. A lot of buildings in this city change hands every few years, and each time, the tenants start over with a new management company. Our staff has been here a long time. When you call, you're talking to someone who knows the building.

Three Neighborhoods For Three Completely Different Lifestyles

We've planted ourselves in three of the East End's most-loved neighborhoods: North Oakland, Shadyside, and Bloomfield.

Our apartments for rent in North Oakland put you in the middle of everything academic and medical. Pitt, CMU, and UPMC are a walk away. So are the Carnegie museums, Schenley Park, and South Craig Street when you want coffee or dinner that isn't from your own kitchen. It's a 91 Walk Score neighborhood. You don't need a car most days. If you're a grad student, a resident, or faculty, this is the best neighborhood to cut down on your daily commute.

Our apartments for rent in Shadyside are at the other end of the spectrum: tree-lined streets, Walnut and Ellsworth for shopping, Mellon Park for when you need grass under your feet, and a dining scene that's busy for a reason. It's got an easy elegance to it, and it's still close enough to Oakland that the commute is barely a commute. Professionals and families gravitate here.

Our apartments for rent in Bloomfield land somewhere between the two. Pittsburgh's Little Italy still has bakeries and corner markets and Little Italy Days every summer. It's got a 92 Walk Score and a 89 Bike Score, which is about as good as it gets in this city. Retired couples live next to Pitt med students, in historic buildings with real character — brickwork, stained glass, stoops — instead of a beige-box-with-a-gym.

What You Won't See in the Listing Photos

Here's what living with us actually looks like day to day:

Online rent payments with monthly email reminders
Report issues online, and 24/7 emergency service when something can't wait until Monday
Cleaning crews who actually keep common areas clean
Staff who answer, which we keep mentioning because renters keep telling us how rare it is

Come Tour An Apartment Today

Browse available units in North Oakland, Shadyside, and Bloomfield on our website, or call us at 412-682-5000, and we'll set up a time to walk you through your desired apartment.

< Older Post

A Newcomer's Guide to Pittsburgh City Living

By Ashley Nibbana • September 14, 2026

Moving to the Steel City? Learn what to expect, from local traditions and unique city facts to an insider's guide to the best neighborhoods in Pittsburgh.

Summer in Oakland: Things to Do Over the Break

By Ashley Nibbana • July 14, 2026

Once finals week ends, and students head home for the summer, Oakland undergoes a drastic transformation. The sidewalks are less crowded. Coffee shops suddenly have open tables. Even the streets themselves seem empty. For anyone who sticks around the neighborhood through the summer, or who's actually lived here all year, that slower pace can feel a little bit weird at first. But let's get one thing straight: quiet doesn't mean that there’s nothing to do. This guide covers everything from the popular joints to under-the-radar spots that make summers in Oakland so special. Where You Can Explore the Outdoors In Oakland, some of the best outdoor activities Pittsburgh offers are just minutes from your front door. Oakland borders 456-acre Schenley Park, home to skyline views, bike paths, hiking trails, and more. Want shade and a little quiet? The Lower Panther Hollow Trail is a fan favorite. Looking for something to do with friends? The park hosts events like the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, which occurs every July. You don't have to care about cars to enjoy the vehicles (trust usme on that one). Sprawled across the lawns, people turn the whole weekend into a block party alongside music and food. Schenley Plaza, right across from the Cathedral of Learning, is the more laid back option, where you can grab a blanket, post up on the lawn for a couple hours, and pick up lunch from one of the food stands. The PNC Carousel sounds like an attraction for kids until you actually ride it... don't sleep on it. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is another worth your time. Every year, they pick a theme and build out the glasshouse around their plants and flowers. On muggy days, the indoor gardens are a quiet little escape from Pittsburgh's humidity. Restaurants In Oakland That Are Worth The Hype One of the best parts of living in Oakland is how easy it is to find a good meal. Summer makes that even better because the patios open up. The Porch at Schenley is usually the first place people mention for outdoor dining. The patio sits right by Schenley Plaza, so you get that open, campus-meets-park view while you eat. Reviewers tend to call it a good spot for casual lunches, friend dinners, and people-watching. Stack’d is another fun spot if you want something casual with a rooftop setup. Grab a burger, split some fries, and drink a milkshake for dessert. It has sports on TV, and people staying longer than they planned, which makes it a solid summer stop before or after a walk through Schenley. For something more upscale, head up to Spirits & Tales inside The Oaklander Hotel. It is the kind of place to hit when you want cocktails, a good view, and a dinner that feels more like a night out. Go near sunset if you can—nothing beats that view of Oakland. You can’t forget Pamela’s Diner. Pittsburghers are very serious about Pamela’s, especially those thin, crepe-style hotcakes. The Oakland location has the classic diner feel, with a quick-moving breakfast crowd. It is popular for a reason, and this is one of the “Pittsburgh staples.” Butterjoint is worth the quick trip toward North Oakland when you want dinner that feels cozy but still a little special. The menu pulls off this great mix of Pittsburgh comfort food—pierogies, burgers, fries—alongside French bistro classics. It’s the perfect place for catching up with a friend, celebrating something small, or just unwinding after a long week. Las Palmas is the move when you want authentic tacos. The Oakland/Atwood setup has that quick street-taco feel, and people rave about the bistec, chorizo, onions, cilantro, and lime. It is simple food, done right, which is exactly what you want from a taco run anyway. Chick’n Bubbly has earned its following for Korean fried chicken and bubble tea. They are known for their sweet and spicy chicken, soy garlic chicken, taro milk tea, and quick lunch appeal. It is one of those places that starts as a “let’s grab something fast” stop and somehow turns into a repeat habit. Other Things To Do During the Summer in Oakland The cultural attractions are also something you can’t miss. The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History have fewer crowds, more room to stand in front of a dinosaur (or a painting), and shorter lines, making a summer visit a better experience. This also applies to the Carnegie Library next door. In this gorgeous, quiet space, you can spend a couple of hours exploring. Take this season to do it if you keep putting off a visit to any of these locations. Simply walking around the neighborhood is another activity worth your time. Summer afternoons are perfect days to walk around and look at the architecture, since North Oakland features some of the best design in the city. The Cathedral of Learning looks even more striking as you take a stroll past the structure. For a few minutes, duck into Heinz Memorial Chapel. It’s worth the stop for the stained glass alone, and the place will feel like entirely yours on a quiet weekday. On select summer dates in front of the William Pitt Union, you can find the Pitt Public Markets. Small-batch makers from around the region, local vendors, and fresh produce come together at this event. Even if you do not plan a full grocery haul, swing by just to see what is there. The streets themselves might just be the best part of North Oakland in the summer. The whole neighborhood takes on a calm residential feel that is unusual in a place this close to a major university; the sidewalks stay shaded by trees. This peaceful, walkable environment makes you want to take the long way home. Make North Oakland Your Summer Home As the patios fill up and the pace slows, Oakland feels built for easy evenings and long afternoons. The summers here will make you fall in love with where you live. If you want close proximity to it all, your search starts with the right apartment. Take a look at Sterling Land Company’s current rental listings to find your spot in North Oakland . A great summer is a lot easier when you've got a great place to come home to.