In Pittsburgh, we don’t really believe in street names — we believe in vibes and landmarks. Directions here are less “turn left on Staka Street” and more “go past the Eat’n Park, and if you hit the big clock, congratulations — you’ve gone too far.” Giving directions is basically a live-action scavenger hunt. Honestly, it never even crossed my mind to question what a “street” or “avenue” actually means. But if you’ve ever wondered what makes a road a road (instead of, say, a lane or a boulevard), you’re not alone — let’s figure it out together before someone tells us to turn “where the old Giant Eagle used to be.”
Did you know that the naming of roads like “road,” “street” and “avenue” is not random, but rooted in historical usage and urban planning conventions? A “road” is typically the most general term, referring to any route that connects one place to another, often between towns or rural areas. In contrast, a “street” usually exists within a city or town and is lined with buildings or pedestrian activity. According to the Federal Highway Administration, these distinctions evolved over time as cities grew and transportation systems became more organized.
Did you know that an “avenue” and a “boulevard” often indicate a road’s size, layout and overall design? An “avenue” typically runs perpendicular to streets in grid-based cities and is usually wider, sometimes featuring trees or a central median. A “boulevard,” on the other hand, is designed to be more expansive and visually appealing, often including multiple lanes and landscaped medians with trees or greenery.
These grand roadways became especially popular during 19th-century European urban design movements that emphasized beauty and accessibility, according to the American Planning Association. In Pittsburgh, a road is often designated as a boulevard based on these physical characteristics. As noted in Daniel Klein’s article “What is a Boulevard,” a boulevard typically features a wide, multilane design with a landscaped median separating traffic — something you can clearly see on roads like Bigelow Boulevard.
Did you know that terms like “drive,” “lane” and “way” describe a road’s physical characteristics or intended use? A “drive” often follows the natural contours of the land, making it common in suburban or scenic areas like Schenley Drive. Schenley Park is popular for its scenic views and its easy access to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. A “lane” like Arlington Lane is typically a narrow road, sometimes in rural settings or quiet neighborhoods. Meanwhile, a “way” is usually a small, straightforward road without many intersections, emphasizing simplicity and directness in navigation, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Did you know that “court” and “place” are used to describe short, often secluded roads? A “court” usually ends in a cul-de-sac, creating a quiet, low-traffic environment ideal for residential living. A “place” as in Roslyn Place located in the Shadyside neighborhood is similarly short and often has no through traffic, but may not necessarily end in a circular turnaround. According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, these naming conventions help drivers and residents quickly understand the layout and function of a roadway without even seeing it.
At the end of the day, your next turn might be less about maps and more about vibes — because whether it’s a road or lane, you’re probably following landmarks anyway? Gotta love being a Pittsburgher.
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