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Living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

28 local experts
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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit Pittsburgh, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 28 people living in Pittsburgh what someone who is considering moving to or visiting there should know. Here are their pros and cons, tips, and advice:

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28 comments on “Pittsburgh”

Pittsburghers are very friendly and helpful. But old-timers don’t want your advice on how to do things better — especially their jobs.

Downtown Pittsburgh is compact and charming, hosting corporate centers, a cultural district, hotels, and great restaurants, as well as a state park and several stadiums just across the river. The city is surrounded by tree clad hills and small towns, each with their own unique feel. The winters aren’t as bad as they once were, but be prepared to go weeks without seeing the sun. Pittsburgh is in the top 5 rainiest cities of the US, and summers can be hot and humid. The people are nice and there is not a lot of crime. It’s safe from earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes (for most part). Be prepared to see a lot of wildlife in the urban suburbs, as they inhabit the hillsides where there are no buildings, such as deer, turkey, coyote, and the occasional bear. Great place to raise a family, with lots of parks and outdoor activities available. The cost of living is very reasonable, and housing is still affordable.

Barbara, says: 2023

Someone moving to Pittsburgh should be aware of the roads and the driving habits of locals before moving. The roads can be quite confusing at times, especially when driving downtown. For example, there are over 20 bridges in Pittsburgh, which can cause major confusion if unfamiliar with the area.

The people of the city are known for their use of slang. Many people who have visited Pittsburgh have had trouble understanding some of the native slang. Also the roads are very confusing. One wrong turn and you could be lost for quite some time. I have gone out of the state before and by the way I talk people have already guessed I was was from Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh is known for its 100s of bridges and for its three rivers. The city is divided into many unique communities, known for their particular cultural dishes and customs. Depending on where you decide to live, you could feel as if you were living in either a complex metropolis or a blighted neighborhood. You can’t get around without seeing advertising for the Steelers or the Penguins, our local sports teams.

Sheila, says: 2020

Pittsburgh is also a place for music and culture, including concerts at formerly Consol Energy Center and now PPG Paints Arena (though the GPS for parking still hasn’t updated that), and the Benedum and Byham theaters. Pittsburgh has a number of hidden food gems, including the Yard, home of the famous Mac Attack grilled cheese, Social, a chic yet healthy restaurant in Bakery Square, and the Milkshake Factory.

Mariah, says: 2020

Pittsburgh is the City of Bridges. Unfortunately, this is also one of the main contributors to frustration while driving. Navigating through the area can be difficult because of that. Traffic is typically backed up because of the need to cross several lanes to remain on track for any given route.

Pittsburgh is well known for the natural border created by three rivers. As such, there is an assortment of bridges one must utilize to enter and exit the city. Outside of being known as the Steel City, residents also lovingly describe Pittsburgh as the City of Bridges.

Jennifer, says: 2020

Pittsburgh is the city of hills and bridges. If you’re a runner or a cyclist, be prepared for challenges unlike any you have faced. If you’re a driver, be prepared to make one wrong turn, another to avoid a one-way street, and be unable to turn around for five miles. Pittsburgh: the true urban jungle, requiring the strength and sense of a Tarzan to survive.

Ajeenah, says: 2020

Pittsburgh is the city of bridges–there are 446 bridges in the city proper. Bisected by two rivers, the city of Pittsburgh became a major port city for both the railroad and nautical shipping industries. It is the 26th largest port city in the United States. If you enjoy outdoor activities, rafting is a fun way to see the city!

Pittsburgh has always been at the forefront of innovation, which shines through in the energy of the city. From booming steel mills to innovative technological startups, this city has seen economic booms and busts. The people here have a tenacious spirit, unwilling to give up when the busts hit.

Leanna, says: 2020

Pittsburgh has something for everybody. Pittsburgh has professional sports teams, golf courses, venues for theater and the arts, world class museums, and lots of parks. It has very diverse neighborhoods and plenty of affordable housing. In the past steel production drove Pittsburgh’s economy, but today it is the healthcare industry that employs many people in the area and that makes Pittsburgh a stable and largely recession-proof place.

Hillary, says: 2020

Those moving to Pittsburgh should know it is a city that is often underestimated and deserves a second look. Whether you love sports, architecture, theatre, fine dining, or a bike ride along the waterfront, Pittsburgh is your town! If you come for a visit, ride the incline up to historic Mt. Washington, or take a trip down the river on the Gateway Clipper. Many of my friends have moved away to other cities, and almost all of them have returned because they missed it so much!

Michael, says: 2020

Pittsburgh has ranked high as a desirable place to raise a family. it is an affordable place. While it is a major metropolitan area, the city hosts over 165 parks, small and large. One of the largest being Frick park which spans over 640 acres.

In the words of famed local rapper Wiz Khalifa, “You know what it is: black and yellow!” Pittsburgh is known as the ‘Burgh, the 412, and the Steel City, but, you probably know it as Pittsburgh. Pittsburghese is a city-specific language that is recognized throughout the nation. The home of the Three Rivers has three professional sports teams, and many college ones. There is no experience like watching the Penguins play hockey with friends or cheering on the Steelers, and rooting for the Pirates.

Bertha, says: 2020

Pittsburgh is a wonderful city in which to raise a family. Due to its happening cultural district and quiet suburbs, Pittsburgh is an exciting and diverse environment. check out the downtown river walks and gorgeous hikes around the parks. Most of the city is pet-friendly and handicap-accessible. This city has something for everyone!

Before deciding to make the move to Pittsburgh, I would advise one to explore all of which our community has to offer. Tall glass buildings reflect off of the surrounding rivers that congregate at the city’s center, and vast hills in the distance separate middle-class suburbia from the busy metropolitan area. The illustrious skyline can be taken in atop the mighty Mount Washington, an awe-inspiring naturally made cliff which overlooks the outskirts of downtown. Additionally, the town’s citizens carry a steel-built facade of general equality and care for one another, which can be observed at any one of the city’s prominent sporting arenas. Solidarity and pride carry true as the hard-working middle class continues to thrive and set themselves apart as honest, blue-collar people among a city fortified in steel.

One thing someone moving to Pittsburgh should know is that it is referred to as having “atomic” winters. If you’re not one to enjoy overcast skies and little sunshine for months on end, maybe you should reconsider moving here. However, the weather is lovely in summer and there is a broad range of outdoor activities all across the city.

Before moving to the city of Pittsburgh, someone should know the different forms of transportation offered within the city. Our roads are often considered confusing and difficult to navigate, so many people opt to take a bus line or ride the trolley to their destination within the city. Knowing which stop you must exit your form of transportation to reach your destination is also very important information.

Pittsburgh has many hills, so be prepared to walk up and down many times! Thankfully, the city itself is relatively flat, so the suburbs are the primary culprit. Speaking of the city, there are many excellent sights! We boast a number of art, history, and natural science museums, and our most famous landmark – the Point.

Stephanie, says: 2020

Traffic is horrible from 6am-8pm. The roadways can be extremely confusing. It’s very easy get lost or turned around. Pittsburgh has pretty specific driving rules that I have never seen before. I suggest taking some time to get to know the city by driving around. It will take you some time to get used to it.

Joanna, says: 2020

One who wishes to move to Pittsburgh should know residents are proud fans of the local sports. Frequently, residents hold loud rallies and parties to show their appreciation for their beloved athletes. If moving to Pittsburgh, one would need to be prepared for victory parades, sports themed foods, and endless merchandise.

I would probably say that someone who is trying to move to Pittsburgh should ask himself whether he has good and healthy lungs. Pittsburgh is infamous for its polluted air from the factories that have historically been present in the city. Other than that, Pittsburgh is quite lovely. Lot of things to do, I recommend visiting it.

Kristina, says: 2020

Someone moving to Pittsburgh should know winter weather in particular is notable. The snow and ice makes driving on winding roads on the hills particularly dangerous compared to many other areas. Many important roads are also in poor condition, being cracked and worn noticeably, which makes driving anywhere around the city hard on any vehicle.

Samuel, says: 2020

Pittsburgh is well-known for having several nicknames: The City of Champions, The City of Bridges, and The Steel City. These nicknames are derived from the city having the most championships, from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Our city is also known for manufacturing great amounts of steel In the 1970s. Along with those accomplishments, Pittsburgh holds the record for having the most bridges in the world, outranking Venice, Italy, which is surrounded by water.

Maisha, says: 2020

Before moving to Pittsburgh, there are several things that know. The first thing is that it has a rich arts community, and there are always little corners of culture to explore. There are lots of events going on, with sports being very important; many Pittsburghers bleed black and gold. The driving can be quite interesting, but I would not let it distract from the rest of this great city.

Pittsburgh is a beautiful city with many cultural and recreational opportunities. Young people are flocking to the city to explore quaint and historic neighborhoods, peppered with parks, and art galleries, museums and sports arenas. The city offers gorgeous riverside and hilltop views, and great food from a variety of ethnicities.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a city that helped me find myself due to its wide variety of people, neighborhoods, and art. Pittsburgh has become such an artistic place; large art and history museums, small street galleries, even simple murals on the brick of the walls cover our beautiful city in art. People in Pittsburgh are also extremely passionate. We love football, food, art, and are very protective of our city. From Mount Washington views, to Southside nights, to working downtown, Pittsburgh is an amazing place to come and discover yourself.

Michelle, says: 2020

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