September 20, 2025

The first stop of our 12.5 mile walk across Pittsburgh was Middle Hill, one of the five neighborhoods that make up the Hill District. The historic center of the Hill District, Middle Hill is home to many of the businesses and institutions for the area including a branch of the Carnegie Library and the YMCA. Despite this concentration of important service providers, and likely related to ongoing disinvestment in this majority-Black neighborhood, Middle Hill is not home to an ice cream shop. But no problem: we headed to Center Hill Market for Candy Clash Bomb Pops (for Edmund and Greg) and a Blue Bunny Chocolate Eclair bar (for Pippa.) Middle Hill has varied architectural styles, with new developments mixing with historic buildings in various states of repair. In some places, it’s clear that real energy is going into restoring the Hill to its former glory; in others, this neighborhood still needs caring attention.

Fun Fact:
The Crawford Grill, a jazz club and center of African American social life opened its second location in Middle Hill in 1943. The club catered to racially diverse crowds and hosted many famous jazz musicians.