Many Pittsburghers find their way to the city's storied Highland Park neighborhood to enjoy the recreational facilities offered in its 380-acre namesake green space; others come to spend the day with the impressive animals such as baby elephants and polar bears at the much-loved Pittsburgh Zoo. But those visitors who don't take the time to explore the neighborhood beyond are missing out. Highland Park's unique, although small, business district along the stretch of Bryant Street between Highland and Negley Avenues, features a number of gems, including the latest venture of legendary restaurateur Joseph Tambellini and the draw of the charming Tazza d'Oro.

For all of its hidden treasures, though, Highland Park is known primarily as a residential area with an obvious appeal to families wanting to be close to kid-friendly amenities. The neighborhood's proximity to Pittsburgh's university and medical districts – along with its reasonable rents and easy access to public transportation – attracts young professionals and graduate students as well for a particularly diverse population. The area's rich housing stock offers glimpses of construction styles from nearly every era dating back to its initial development during the post-Civil War period, which earned the Highland Park residential district a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.