As someone who’s spent decades working in Pittsburgh’s real estate and development world, I’ve learned that neighborhoods, like people, have defining moments—periods when their character, potential, and resilience all shine. The Strip District is living one of those moments, and the newly released “State of the Strip District” report confirms what many of us already know: This community is thriving in a way that honors its roots while embracing the future.
The numbers speak volumes. In 2024, more than 8.6 million visits were made to the Penn Avenue Business District—a figure any commercial corridor would envy. The residential population has reached 3,242, up more than 300 percent since 2015. These aren’t just statistics; they represent families, professionals, and entrepreneurs choosing the Strip as home and workplace.
What’s remarkable is the balance between heritage and innovation. Long Pittsburgh’s melting pot of cultures, flavors, and enterprise, the Strip is now also a nationally recognized technology hub—Robotics Row—home to leaders like Aurora, Honeywell Robotics, and Meta. These companies aren’t just occupying offices; they’re drawing top-tier talent and strengthening Pittsburgh’s place on the global tech map.
Investment tells another compelling story. Since 2011, more than $2.4 billion has been invested here, with projects like The Brickworks, Station 28, and The Mercer adding energy and housing. This is thoughtful, mixed-use growth—from adaptive reuse of historic buildings to green roofs and EV charging—that reinforces the neighborhood’s live-work-play ecosystem.
Retail and hospitality are equally robust. Thirteen new businesses were established last year, from Design Within Reach to the revival of Isaly’s, attracting both global brands and beloved local names. Hotel occupancy sits at 78 percent, well above the national average, positioning the Strip for major events like the 2026 NFL Draft, which could bring half a million visitors in just three days.
Infrastructure upgrades are on the horizon, with multimodal improvements along Liberty, Penn, and Smallman designed to enhance safety and accessibility. These aren’t just traffic fixes—they’re long-term value drivers.
Challenges remain, notably housing affordability, with rents among the city’s highest. Yet progress is emerging, including affordable units at Helm on the Allegheny and planned options at The Mercer.
Reading this report, I feel both professional pride and personal affection. The Strip District proves growth can enhance, not erase, character. It’s where old-world charm meets cutting-edge ambition—and in 2025, that combination is nothing short of extraordinary.
To access the full 2025 “State of the Strip” report, visit Strip District Neighbors online at stripdistrictneighbors.org.
Megan Stearman has worked in real estate and community development for the past 25 years. She currently works for Strip District-based Oxford Development Company, developer and manager of 3 Crossings, and serves on the board of directors of Strip District Neighbors.