From its earliest days populated by Native Americans and ownership by William Penn, to its rebirth as “Pittsburgh’s Little Italy” and emergence as a 21^st-century commercial center, Bloomfield remains the authentic heart and hub the city.

Once where cattle grazed and crops grew on Winebiddle Plantation, today stand boutiques, bakeries and bars that attract a diverse array of patrons—from third-generation residents and hospital workers, to college students and tourists.

Stroll through its distinctive narrow streets and back alleys, and soon, prominent Civil War-era figures from Bloomfield’s storied past emerge—notable names like Winebiddle, Evaline and Mathilda mingle with welcoming storefronts and facades. Whether it’s the scent of the burgers emanating from Bloomfield staple Tessaro’s, or the hiss of the espresso machine over at laptop central Crazy Mocha, you’ll always feel welcome in Bloomfield.

Home to some 15,000 residents and nestled conveniently within several key city corridors—including Friendship, Shadyside and Lawrenceville—bustling little nabe Bloomfield is also just a hop, skip and a jump—or better yet a bike ride away—from the Strip District, Polish Hill and East Liberty. And the landmark Bloomfield Bridge, built in 1914, connects the neighborhood to Downtown and Oakland. It was under the bridge at historic Dean’s Field where Baltimore Colts’ Hall of Fame quarterback and Pittsburgh native Johnny Unitas played a memorable season with the semipro Bloomfield Rams.

Equal parts big city and small town, Bloomfield boasts tree-lined streets and avenues that complement its varied housing stock—from elegantly restored 19^th-century Victorians to humble working class row houses. Prized for its centrality and walkability—two characteristics that make for a thriving sustainable neighborhood—Bloomfield’s layout features a convenient commercial stretch that sits just steps from densely populated residential streets. Strolling Liberty daily are hospital workers in scrubs, seniors with walkers, school kids lugging backpacks, and suit-clad professionals. Anchoring Bloomfield architecturally and spiritually is the stunning Immaculate Conception Church, now part of Saint Joseph Parish. Counting 2,000 families among its congregation, the Liberty Ave. landmark also hosts community meetings, serves meals to the homeless and assists elderly residents.

Where in 1940 you would have seen Italian Americans playing bocce or briscola, today crowds congregate at bus stops, line up for lunch at Bloomfield Sandwich Shop or rent movies at Dreaming Ant Video. By day, school children animate the Avenue, strolling though Bloomfield’s welcoming business district alongside long-time residents and shop patrons, while at night, restaurants and pubs are aglow with locals, college students and tourists alike.

Even General George Washington was struck by Bloomfield’s topographical beauty, describing his travels in the mid-1700s through “a field of many blooms,” when writing about Liberty Village in his famous journal. Historically, Bloomfield figured prominently in Revolutionary War era accounts of Pittsburgh and Fort Pitt, when its plantations provided beef for soldiers. Later, as an important farming community, Bloomfield supplied goods for the city.

In the early 1800s, town founder John Conrad Winebiddle divided his large land holdings and sold lots to fellow German immigrants—such as Woolslayer, Baum and Patterson—whose names still grace street signs and building facades today.

Waves of migration are woven within in Bloomfield’s brick and mortar. Dubbed “Pittsburgh’s Little Italy,” with roots spanning five generations and counting, Bloomfield’s strong ethnic and family pride runs deep.  Today, the neighborhood is still home to generations of laborers and extended families who braved the trek from not only Italy and Ireland during the 1800s, and again from 1900 to 1964, many taking jobs with the railroad and steel industries. But before you start channeling Tony Soprano and Tony Spolatro, take another look around. Bloomfield’s historic mix also includes German and Polish ancestries, and descendants from many background have helped bestow the neighborhood with its distinct character. These early urban pioneers set the stage and paved the way for the neighborhood’s spirit, giving birth to the churches, schools, ethnic organizations, factories, and businesses that have formed its strong community fabric.

Among those notable neighbors who have called Bloomfield home are David L. Lawrence—the only Pittsburgh mayor to be elected Governor of Pennsylvania—Eustace Morrow, the city’s longest running controller, as well as current resident Tom Savini, an acclaimed film director, producer and special effects and make-up artist.

Synonymous with Bloomfield’s rich past and promising future is Little Italy Days—which drew a record crowd of 25,000 people during the very weekend that Pittsburgh hosted the G-20 Summit. If you only have one weekend to spend in the lively little nabe, make it late September, when throngs congregate for the annual three-day Italian heritage bash. The massive community celebration—which features plenty of bocce, canoli and Peroni—culminates with a dazzling procession of the Madonna della Civita statue along Liberty. Also popular community magnets are Bloomfield’s annual Halloween and Columbus Day parades, Farmer’s Market and St. Joseph Fair.