Transit Cuts, a Downtown Surprise, and the Venezuelan Spot Everyone’s Talking About

^{Standout Properties}

🏡 Standout Home of the Week: A City Home That Feels Like a Retreat

You ever walk into a house and immediately think, Yeah, this just feels right? That’s exactly the vibe at 5618 Bartlett Street in Squirrel Hill.

From the street, it’s a charming, traditional city home, neatly tucked into one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved neighborhoods. But step into the backyard, and suddenly, you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere else—like a quiet, hidden retreat far from the city buzz. It’s the kind of place where you can sip your morning coffee on the covered patio, listening to the birds instead of traffic.

Inside, the home keeps things simple, classic, and well-appointed. Hardwood floors, big windows, and a layout that just makes sense. The kitchen? Functional and inviting, with just the right amount of space to make your favorite meals. The bedrooms? Comfortable, versatile, and ready to adapt to whatever life throws your way—whether that’s a home office, guest space, or a cozy reading nook. And the lower level? It’s got that perfect flex space that could be a den, office, or an extra bedroom for when guests come to town.

With a two-car garage, updated landscaping, and unbeatable access to Squirrel Hill’s best shops, restaurants, and trails, this home is the definition of effortlessly livable. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s just right.

📍 Listed by Jane Herrmann | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | MLS #1692651
🔗 Check it out for yourself

^{Pittsburgh Events}

🎉 Upcoming Events in Pittsburgh: March 21-23, 2025 🎉

The Thaw – Warm Up Music Festival
Celebrate the arrival of spring at The Thaw, a vibrant music festival in Market Square. From March 21-23, enjoy live performances from bands like Catatoneya, Paging Doctor Moon, and Sneezy. The festival also features mesmerizing fire performances by Flow n’at and a grand snowman melting ceremony with Zambelli pyrotechnics on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss the cozy pop-up bar, The Lounge, offering craft cocktails and pub games throughout the weekend.​Downtown Pittsburgh

Kanneh-Mason Performs Shostakovich
Experience a captivating performance by the renowned Kanneh-Mason duo as they interpret Shostakovich's compositions. Hosted at Heinz Hall, the concerts run from March 21-23, offering a rich classical music experience in one of Pittsburgh's premier venues.​trustarts.org

Jeremy Piven: Live Stand-Up Tour
Actor and comedian Jeremy Piven brings his stand-up tour to Pittsburgh on March 21. Known for his roles in "Entourage" and "Mr. Selfridge," Piven showcases his comedic talents at the Byham Theater. Tickets are available for an evening filled with laughter and entertainment.​trustarts.org

Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh Exhibit
Explore visions of a more equitable future at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. The "Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh" exhibit runs on March 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., featuring works that challenge and inspire discussions about justice and community in Pittsburgh.​University of Pittsburgh

Chappell Roan Drag Brunch
Join the vibrant Chappell Roan Drag Brunch at Kingfly Spirits on March 22. Hosted by S&S Productions, this event promises an all-star lineup of performers, combining lively entertainment with delicious brunch offerings.​QBurgh

Enjoy the weekend, Pittsburgh! 🎶🔥🏙️

📉 Market & Interest Rate Snapshot – March 7, 2025

💰 Mortgage & Market Update (as of 3/21/25)

📉 Mortgage Rates:

• 30-Year Fixed: 6.72% ⬆️ 0.01%

• 15-Year Fixed: 6.13% ⬆️ 0.01%

• FHA 30-Year: 6.15% ⬆️ 0.02%

• VA 30-Year: 6.17% ⬆️ 0.03%

• 10-Year Treasury: 4.249% ⬆️ 0.02%

🏡 Market Activity:

• New Listings: 768 homes hit the market (⬆️ from 689 last week)

• Homes Sold: 488 closed sales (⬇️ from 510 last week)

• Under Contract: 839 (⬆️ from 792 last week)

• Median Sale Price: $235,000 (⬆️ from $237,200 last week)

• Average Days on Market: 36 days (⬇️ from 44 last week)

💡 What This Means:

✔️ For Buyers: Spring inventory is heating up with more listings hitting the market, but homes are moving faster. If you're looking to buy, preparation is key—get pre-approved and be ready to act.
✔️ For Sellers: The market remains competitive, and well-priced homes are selling quickly. If you're planning to list, now’s the time to capture motivated buyers before the summer rush.

Spring real estate season is officially here! 🌸🔥

📌 Special Note: This data includes Allegheny, Butler, Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. These stats reflect single-family homes only—if you're looking for multi-family investment data, email me!

📰 Local Headlines: What’s Happening in Pittsburgh

🚨 Affordable Housing Advocates Push Back Against HUD Cuts
Affordable housing in Pittsburgh could be on the chopping block as the Trump administration proposes sweeping cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Local housing advocates, lawmakers, and community leaders gathered this week to voice concerns, warning that these cuts could mean fewer resources for low-income families, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness. With rising rents and limited affordable housing options, the timing couldn’t be worse. Advocates are calling for immediate action to protect vulnerable Pittsburghers—will their voices be heard?

🏥 AHN is Moving – But Just Across the Street
Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is making a move, but don’t worry—it’s not going far. The healthcare giant is relocating its operations to Nova Place on the North Side, aiming to modernize its office spaces and improve accessibility. The move is expected to provide a more efficient and updated workspace for medical professionals while keeping AHN rooted in the community. With UPMC dominating much of the local healthcare market, this shift could help AHN stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

🚍 PRT Faces a Crisis: Nearly Half of Bus and Rail Routes Could Disappear
Public transportation in Pittsburgh is at risk of major cuts as Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) faces a financial crisis. Officials are considering eliminating 41 out of 100 total bus and rail routes by early 2026, a move that could leave many residents stranded without reliable transit options. The cuts would primarily impact lower-ridership areas, but with rising costs and reduced federal funding, even high-traffic routes may feel the squeeze. If you rely on public transit in Pittsburgh, now is the time to pay attention—big changes could be on the horizon.

🥩 Another One Bites the Dust: Sullivan’s Steakhouse Closes Abruptly
One of Downtown Pittsburgh’s well-known steakhouses just served its last filet. Sullivan’s Steakhouse has unexpectedly shut its doors, leaving both regular patrons and staff shocked. The closure is just the latest in a series of high-profile restaurant departures from the city’s core, raising questions about the sustainability of fine dining in the post-pandemic era. Was it a lack of foot traffic, rising costs, or something else entirely? Either way, if you had plans to grab a ribeye there this weekend, you might need to pivot.That’s it for this week! Stay tuned for more market insights, local news, and standout homes next time.

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