I lived here as a college student, so sub-par apartments didn't really phase me because Pittsburgh is full of them.
Cons: the walls are thin, maintenance stinks, windows are drafty and very old, appliances are very old....
Pro: Only a block away from a small park!!! Awesome for pet owners...lots of dogs there and a good, safe place to walk. Gas (water and trash) was included and the temperature was kept in the 70's in the winter...i was never cold. Only have to pay electric and it was never much, cable and internet are also optional but you get local channels for free and can get internet connections from other people who dont secure them. They also accept pets for a reasonable price...only $400 deposit, if no damage you get it all back. Other places make you pay a fee and also an addition $25-$50 a month...
It is in a good neighborhood for the most part. If you go to one end of the block it is kind of shady, but at the other end of the block is a great neighborhood. It is close to Shadyside, Univ of Pittsburgh, hospitals and downtown. Public transportation stops just a block to 3 blocks away. Good for a college/grad student who doesn't have really high standards...
I wouldn't recommend this for a family, but it great for student and grads starting out...good for people who dont mind an older, dated place...good for people who like an interesting neighborhood.