by Jennifer Taylor | Jun 9, 2026 | Blog, Featured Posts
We all have that one festival we mark on our calendars every single year. But if you’re looking to branch out, this Pittsburgh summer events guide will help you map out the rest of the season. Our city is famous for its rich culture and distinct neighborhoods, a pride that completely comes alive over the next three months.
Below, we’ve rounded up a mix of the city’s most beloved mainstays and up-and-coming events you absolutely need to check out this summer.
Your Official Pittsburgh Summer Events Guide
Location: The Carrie Blast Furnaces
Sample brews from over 50+ local breweries at the 12th annual Beers of the Burgh! Set against the backdrop of the historic furnaces, you can enjoy wine, cider, live music, food trucks and local craft vendors.
Location: Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church (Mt. Lebanon)
Although the authentic cuisine is eye catching, this festival is a full cultural experience. Enjoy live Greek music, traditional dance performances by local youth and adult groups, and a marketplace where you can shop handmade jewelry and imports. Savor this beautiful celebration of the spirit of Greece right here in Pittsburgh!
Location: Between Point State Park and Market Square (Downtown)
Revel in free music, family activities, and community celebration. The event includes a lively heritage parade, a vibrant marketplace supporting Black-owned businesses, and live music highlighting Black excellence.
Location: Big Butler Fairgrounds
Take a trip to the largest fair in Western Pennsylvania! Experience spectacular fireworks, the midway, carnival rides, demolition derbies, concerts, and truck pulls that draw guests from all across the East Coast.
Location: Point State Park & North Shore
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States with world-class fireworks at the Point. During the day, check out the family-style picnic at its new location on the North Shore featuring patriotic music and food vendors. The firework show kicks off at 9:35 pm.
Location: Pittsburgh Brewing Company (Creighton)
This newly expanded two day celebration of local music, community, and charity supports Band Together Pittsburgh and Autism Pittsburgh. Featuring all-local performers across multiple genres like blues, rock, Americana, country, jazz and more, this is a can’t miss event for music lovers!
Location: Downtown Pittsburgh (The Sister Bridges, Market Square, and Arts Landing)
One of the city’s most popular festivals, Picklesburgh is a massive culinary and cultural celebration of all things pickles. Named USA Today’s #1 Specialty Food Festival for four straight years, this year promises to be the biggest yet. Relish the creative pickle-themed foods, live entertainment, and unique souvenirs.
Location: South Side Park
This incredibly unique festival is packed full of live music, craft vendors, children’s activities, goat yoga, and food trucks. Watch the hard-working Allegheny Goatscape goats feed off invasive vines while volunteers follow close behind to plant native seeds in the cleared areas.
Location: Participating restaurants across Pittsburgh
Give your kitchen a break and support local eateries. Dining specials throughout the city will highlight the wide range of culinary options Pittsburgh has to offer, featuring both exclusive dine-in menus and takeout options.
Location: Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield
Bloomfield’s iconic Italian heritage takes center stage at the annual Little Italy Days. Enjoy delicious food, play a game of bocce, learn to stretch pizza dough, and dance along with traditional entertainment at the region’s largest heritage festival.
Location: Market Square and Blvd of the Allies
Experience a soulful taste of the city brought to you by food vendors from all across Western PA. This festival honors a rich history of culinary excellence and Black-owned businesses. Enjoy a competitive BBQ contest, guest speakers, kids’ activities, and national entertainment.
Location: TBD (Multiple starting points)
This massive cycling celebration is open to riders of all ages and fitness levels. Pittsburgh’s favorite bike ride features 10-mile, 15-mile, 40-mile, and 62-mile routes. All registration proceeds directly benefit BikePGH, a non-profit transforming city streets to make biking and walking safer for everyone.
Hopefully, this Pittsburgh summer events guide has inspired you to explore a new neighborhood or mark a new festival on your calendar this season. Summer in Pittsburgh goes by in a flash, and with a calendar this packed, you won’t want to spend your weekends dealing with property maintenance, tenant calls, or real estate headaches. You should be out enjoying the sunshine at Picklesburgh or listening to live music at the Point!
That’s where Arbors Management comes in. By handling the day-to-day stress of residential property management across Western PA, Ohio, and West Virginia, Arbors ensures that local property owners have the freedom to actually step away and enjoy everything our city has to offer. Whether you are looking for a reliable team to protect your rental investment or searching for a great new place to live, let Arbors handle the hard work so you can handle the summer fun.
by Jennifer Taylor | May 19, 2026 | Blog, Featured Posts, Tenant Education
First-Time Renter? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.
Being a first-time renter can be incredibly exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. There is much more that goes into renting an apartment or house than just picking a place and moving in.
To help you navigate the process and ensure you have the best renting experience possible, we’ve created this comprehensive guide breaking down the 5 key things all first-time renters should know before signing on the dotted line.
1. Calculate the True Cost of Renting (Beyond the Sticker Price)
Almost always, the sticker rent price you see online is not the actual monthly cost of living at that property. To avoid unwanted financial surprises, look beyond the surface and budget for these common hidden rental expenses:
Initial Moving Expenses:
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- Application fees, background check fees, and security deposits (usually equal to one month’s rent) are standard upfront costs.
Monthly Utilities:
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- While some apartments include utilities in the rent, many do not. Be prepared to pay separately for electricity, water, gas, internet, and trash removal.
Property Maintenance:
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- While landlords generally handle large repairs (like a broken HVAC unit), you are typically responsible for regular upkeep and minor maintenance, such as changing lightbulbs and smoke detector batteries.
Parking Fees:
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- Depending on the area, you may have to pay an additional monthly fee for a designated parking spot, street permit, or garage access.
Amenity Fees:
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- Some properties charge extra “community fees” for access to luxury amenities like a pool, fitness center, or clubhouse.
2. Prepare Your First “Rental Resume” Ahead of Time
The rental market can move fast. First-time renters often lose out on their dream properties simply because they don’t have their paperwork ready. To beat the competition, have these three documents prepared to go:
Proof of Income:
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- Gather your most recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or an official employment offer letter showing you meet the income requirements (usually 3x the monthly rent).
Credit Score History:
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- Landlords will check your credit score. If you have a thin credit history or a low score, consider finding a trusted guarantor or co-signer to back your application.
Personal & Professional References:
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- Because you don’t have a rental history from previous landlords, gather a list of character references from employers, professors, or colleagues.
3. Use an Apartment Touring Checklist
When you go to an open house or a private viewing, don’t just look at the aesthetics. Avoid future headaches by actively testing the functionality of the space:
Test the Basics:
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- Turn on the faucets to check the water pressure and hot water, flush the toilets, and check your cell phone signal strength in different rooms.
Outlets & Layout:
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- Count the electrical outlets to ensure they fit your electronics layout. Pro-tip: Measure the doorways to guarantee your furniture will actually fit through them on move-in day.
Day vs. Night Vibe:
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- If possible, drive by the neighborhood at night. A street that looks quiet at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday might become incredibly loud, dark, or congested over the weekend.
4. Decode Your Lease Agreement Before Signing
A lease agreement is a legally binding contract, not just a set of online “terms and conditions” you can scroll past and mindlessly click “accept.” Especially as a first-time renter, read every page carefully and look for the following:
Accuracy:
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- Double-check that all names, dates, and contact information are spelled correctly. Verify the exact start and end dates of the lease.
Maintenance & Repair Policies:
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- Note who pays for what, how to submit emergency maintenance requests, and the expected turnaround time for fixes.
Property Rules & Restrictions:
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- Look for strict policies regarding overnight guests, pet fees/restrictions, and what modifications you can make to the space (e.g., hanging TVs, drilling holes in walls, or painting).
5. The Golden Rule: Protect Yourself with Insurance and Documentation
The renting process doesn’t end when you get the keys. Protect your finances and your security deposit by taking these two final steps:
Invest in Renter’s Insurance
Your landlord’s insurance only covers the physical building, it does not cover your personal belongings. Renter’s insurance is incredibly affordable (often just $10 to $20 a month) and protects your clothes, electronics, and furniture in the event of theft, fire, or water damage.
Document the Move-In Walkthrough
Before you bring a single box into your new home, walk through every room and take detailed photos and videos of the existing condition of the property. Note any scratches on the floor, stains on the carpet, or chipped paint. Send a copy of these notes to your landlord. This ensures you won’t be wrongfully charged for pre-existing damage when it’s time to move out and claim your security deposit.
Looking for your first rental home? Let us help you!
See our available Multi-Family properties here, and Scattered Site properties here
by Andrea F | Dec 8, 2025 | Blog, Featured Posts, Uncategorized
Unveiling the Holiday Magic of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh becomes a stunning destination during the Christmas season, offering many activities that include beautiful light displays, festive markets, and theatrical performances that showcase unique local experiences. Here’s a list of some must-see attractions in this wonderful city:
Ice Skating at the UPMC Rink at PPG Place
Experience the joy of skating at the Pittsburgh Ice Rink, located at PPG Place, where a magnificent Christmas tree stands proudly at its heart.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theater
A cherished tradition for many in Pittsburgh! Watch Marie and the Nutcracker Prince as they embark on an unforgettable journey through the snow into the enchanting Land of Enchantment.
Peoples Gas Holiday Market
Join in the festive spirit at the annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Downtown Pittsburgh. Here, you can find gifts for others (or yourself), enjoy live music, and wander through an illuminated Market Square filled with charming wooden chalets showcasing high-quality gifts and holiday experiences enriched with international flair and local character.
Kennywood Park Holiday Lights
Amusement parks aren’t only for soaking up the summer sun while riding roller coasters. Experience the magic of the Kennywood Holiday Lights at this historic amusement park! With over two million sparkling lights, merry rides, and let’s not forget, Pennsylvania’s tallest Christmas tree, it’s a festive spectacle not to be missed!
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Experience Phipps Holiday Magic! This year’s theme, “Wild Winter,” welcomes you to a whimsical wonderland filled with delightful gardens and captivating scenes at every corner. Inside, you’ll discover new displays featuring stunning displays and floral masterpieces. Don’t miss the outdoor Winter Light Garden, showcasing an array of illumination.
Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Put on your comfy shoes and prepare for a mile-long stroll. Enjoy a stunning natural wonderland with a million lights. Discover enchanting attractions like tunnels of stars, vibrant forest creatures, and the captivating charm of nightly snowfall. Plus, enjoy live entertainment throughout the evening. This is an enchanting experience you won’t want to miss!
Captivating Holiday Window Displays
You’ll never run out of things to do during the Christmas season in Pittsburgh, with so much entertainment and activities available to share with family and friends. In fact, we couldn’t possibly list them all. Whether you decide to enjoy one, a few, or all of these fun options, you’re bound to be wonderfully impressed.
Wishing you Happy Holidays from all of us at Arbors Management!
by Andrea F | Nov 11, 2025 | Blog, Featured Posts, Owner Resources, Property Management Education
Understanding the Criteria for Assistance Animals in Rental Housing
Navigating the complexities of assistance animals in rental properties can be challenging for both landlords and tenants. The regulations are primarily dictated by federal laws, such as the Fair Housing Act (FHA), rather than individual landlord preferences or blanket “no pets” policies.
Here’s a concise overview of the essential criteria and requirements for allowing an assistance animal in a rental property.
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Assistance Animal vs. Pet
The first key distinction is that an “assistance animal” is not classified as a pet. Instead, it is an animal that works, assists, or performs tasks for someone with a disability. It may also offer emotional support that alleviates symptoms or effects of that disability. Under the FHA, landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This can include permitting assistance animals even in the presence of a “no pets” policy, unless it poses an undue burden or direct threat.
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The Definition of Disability
According to the FHA, a person with a disability is defined as an individual with a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities. The accommodation pertains to the individual’s disability, and the animal plays a crucial role in that accommodation.
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The Two Main Types of Assistance Animals
There are two primary categories of assistance animals:
Service animals are typically dogs specifically trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. Examples include guide dogs for the visually impaired, hearing dogs, or dogs trained to detect seizures.
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- Key Point: For service animals, landlords cannot inquire about the individual’s disability, require a demonstration of the animal’s training, or request documentation of the disability or training.
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Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
ESAs provide emotional or mental support that alleviates the symptoms of a disability, but they do not require specialized task-oriented training. The focus here is the therapeutic benefit the animal delivers to the individual’s well-being.
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- Key Point: For ESAs, landlords can request reliable documentation confirming the individual’s disability (but not the specific disability itself) and the necessity of the animal, typically in the form of a letter from a qualified healthcare professional.
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Documentation and Verification
Landlords may seek verification for an ESA if the disability is not immediately apparent. This documentation should:
- Be supplied by a healthcare professional (doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, social worker, etc.) treating the individual for their disability.
- Confirm that the individual has a disability as defined by the FHA.
- Indicate that the animal is necessary for support or tasks related to that disability.
- Important: The documentation does not need to specify the exact disability, just its presence and the need for the animal as part of the accommodation.
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Reasonable Accommodations and Exceptions
Landlords must allow the animal unless specific conditions are met. They can deny a request for an assistance animal if it can be demonstrated that:
- The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be mitigated by other reasonable accommodations.
- Granting the request would create significant administrative or financial burdens (an “undue burden”).
- The animal would cause substantial physical damage to the property of others.
- Note: Allergies or a generalized fear of animals from other tenants are typically not sufficient grounds for denial under the FHA.
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Tenant Responsibilities
While landlords are obligated to accommodate the animal, tenants remain responsible for:
- The animal’s behavior (e.g., preventing excessive noise or damage to common areas).
- Cleaning up after the animal (waste disposal).
- Any damage caused by the animal that exceeds normal wear and tear.
In summary, the criteria for assistance animals in rentals focus on a verified need associated with a disability. Not the animal’s training or classification as a “pet.” Understanding these federal guidelines promotes compliance and fair practices for all parties involved. Should you have further questions about this subject in relation to your investment properties, or if you prefer someone to handle this for you, we are here to help! Please reach out to us at 1-800-963-1280 or at contact@arbors.com.
by Andrea F | Oct 14, 2025 | Blog, Featured Posts, Press Releases, Property Spotlights
Find Your Perfect Home in Coraopolis, PA
By: Andrea Faulk
Gallery Gardens
This beautifully renovated apartment building is a luxurious new addition to Coraopolis, PA, offering an opportunity you won’t want to miss. With 29 units available, here are some of the fantastic amenities you can enjoy:
- A modern gym
- Ample storage space
- An outdoor garden gazebo
- Indoor and outdoor security systems
- Striking 10-foot ceilings
- A private dog park
- And much more!
Conveniently located just 8 miles from Pittsburgh Airport, this property is ideally positioned in the business district, close to shops, restaurants, and various amenities!
We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications and deposits. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover your perfect home! Reach out to Vivian, the Senior Portfolio Manager & Leasing Specialist at Gallery Gardens, Arbors Management, Inc.
📧 Email: VivianP@arbors.com
📲 Phone: 412-254-8056
Our Open House is coming up soon! Stay tuned and check out our Facebook page, Instagram, or website for further details.
by Andrea F | Oct 1, 2025 | Blog, Featured Posts, Investment Rental Property, Low Income Tax Credit Housing, Project Based Section 8 Housing, Property Spotlights, Uncategorized
By: Andrea Faulk
Arbors Management is well-known for its impressive and consistent growth year after year. Recently, they have partnered with the new ownership team of the Towne Towers building in Oil City, Pennsylvania, as part of their latest expansion efforts.
This collaboration aims to implement significant enhancements to the building and the surrounding community. With over 40 years of expertise in property management, Arbors Management is dedicated to preserving and improving Affordable Housing in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio.
In July 2022, Arbors Management, Inc. assumed management of Towne Towers. Since then, numerous positive changes have been introduced, including the hiring of full-time office and maintenance staff to better serve residents.
In collaboration with the new ownership team, Arbors Management, Inc. plans to invest more than $2,000,000 in renovations and upgrades for the building. This initiative aims to enhance the living experience for both current and prospective residents.The planned upgrades include:
- A new roof
- Modernized elevators
- An upgraded fire panel
- New kitchens and bathrooms
- Full building Wi-Fi
- A new camera system
- New HVAC systems
- Improved accessible units
- And much more!
Towne Towers is a 100-unit Project-Based Section 8 apartment complex designated for elderly and disabled individuals, conveniently located in the heart of Oil City, Venango County. To learn more about Towne Towers, please visit our website.
If you are interested in becoming a resident of Towne Towers, feel free to call 814-676-9315 or email TowneTowers@Arbors.com.
