The major ethnicity is Italian, and the atmosphere is very congenial. Highland Park is a nice, quiet neighborhood north of East Liberty and probably too far to walk to Scaife. It is home to the Pittsburgh Zoo, as well as playgrounds, picnic areas, and pools. This neighborhood has less useful commerce than Shadyside or Squirrel Hill, so a car is advisable. East Liberty is north of Shadyside, a 30 or so minute walk to Scaife, and has good bus service.
Rents are low.
Look carefully before you rent. In Shadyside and Squirrel Hill parking is usually available on the street, so factor this in as well. Once you have decided where you want to live and about how much you want to pay it is helpful to decide whether you want to have roommates and if so to try to find some before you find a place, however even if you find a place and don't have roommates there will be enough people looking that you can probably find however many you need. A good way to start would be to go to the Housing Page or Property Management. If you are in town you can also check kiosks around campus or just walk around the neighborhood you want to live in and look for signs.