Short-term rentals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Visitors come to Pittsburgh for reasons that barely depend on the weather: hospitals and universities, Steelers, Pirates and Penguins games, concerts, conventions and family visits. Neighborhoods such as Lawrenceville, the Strip District, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill and the North Side each have their own draw. The housing stock is mostly rowhouses, older single-family homes and apartments in converted buildings. Medical treatment, residencies and job relocations also create demand for stays of several weeks.

Conventions, inclines and a trail to Washington

Pittsburgh's convention calendar is unusually varied. The David L. Lawrence Convention Center hosts everything from medical congresses to Anthrocon, a large costumed fan gathering each summer that fills downtown. The Three Rivers Arts Festival in June and Picklesburgh in July bring crowds to the riverfronts, and the Pittsburgh Marathon each spring adds runners who want to be near the start.

Much of the weekday trade comes from Oakland, where the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon and UPMC's hospitals sit side by side, and from Allegheny Health Network's facilities. Duquesne University adds its own graduations and visiting days.

Leisure that shapes the listing

• The Great Allegheny Passage starts at Point State Park and, joined to the C&O Canal Towpath, leads cyclists toward Washington: secure bike storage wins these guests.
• The Duquesne and Monongahela inclines climb Mount Washington for the city's classic view; homes on the ridge sell that panorama.
• The Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museums and Phipps Conservatory keep families and art lovers in town for several days.
• Bloomfield, Polish Hill and the Mexican War Streets appeal to guests who want character and walkable restaurants.

A note of caution: winter brings steep, icy streets and public staircases that some guests will not expect. Describe the approach to the front door honestly, and arrange snow and salt service before the first freeze.