Pittsburgh, PA
A far cry from grimy steel town of the past, Pittsburgh has undergone a renaissance of economic and cultural evolution to consistently rank among the most livable cities in the country. Affectionately dubbed the ‘The City of Bridges’ for its extensive network of bridges, this mid-sized city is located in Southwestern Pennsylvania where the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers converge to form the Ohio river. With its public amenities, cultural attractions, and affordable cost of living, Pittsburgh is easily an attractive city to call home.
Despite its urban setting with imposing edifices and busy city streets, Pittsburgh is a cornucopia of beautiful green spaces. Furthermore, the city’s hilly topography yields diverse trails that offer many opportunities for you to connect with nature. Pittsburgh, however, has its cons too. It is one of the cloudiest cities in the nation. Navigating the city can also be a challenge because of its rugged terrain, further compounded by its irregular pattern of development.
Going carless, however, is a viable option because of Pittsburgh’s fairly robust public transportation system. The well-integrated public transit network makes the city easy to negotiate with some planning. Port Authority, the city’s main provider, offers services that link downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods through its fleet of more than 600 buses and light rail cars that service more than 25 stations. Additionally, Pittsburgh has dedicated bike lanes and bike share options if you are looking for an alternate mode of mobility.
In terms of affordability, both the median house price and the average rental price of an apartment in the city are significantly lower than the national average as is the cost of living. Reasonable housing, utilities, and healthcare make Pittsburgh one of the leading affordable cities in the state too. The low cost of living, however, does not translate into a low quality of life. It has one of the lowest crime rates among the top metropolitan cities in the nation. Besides, having positioned itself as a veritable arena of innovation, Pittsburgh houses several top and emerging companies, making it a hot bed of employment opportunities.
The uniqueness of Pittsburgh lies in its diverse neighborhoods; many of them, ethnic enclaves, are home to generations of families and offer the best ethnic food. Pittsburgh is also home to some stunning architecture with its old churches, Victorian mansions, theaters, and historic buildings. From iconic sights and museums to great restaurants and bars, the city has an extraordinary mix of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions to excite a gamut of senses.
Pittsburgh offers a beguiling combination of ‘big city’ perks and ‘small town” atmosphere and friendliness, making it the perfect place to live. This sense of community and fellowship in Pittsburgh makes it easy for anyone to assimilate.