SperlingViews - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I've lived in Pittsburgh for ten years now and really enjoy it. There's lots to do for families and singles alike, great education choices, a good health system and, of course, The Steelers! Pittsburghers are very friendly and welcoming. Also, the weather is milder than in many parts of the country. We don't get the sub-zero weather (usually) nor do we get the 100 degree temps other places do.[read more...]

Is the city got bad air pollution? it says on the sperling rating 5.9 out of 100 so I assume it does[read more...]

I saw a house on ebay for $7,500. Im a retired baby boomer and heard Pittsburgh is the place. But only one thing scares me. when I go to "health" for Braddock neighborhood it shows a 5.9 for air quality with 100 being the best air quality. Sound to me that Pittsburg is a very smoggy air polluted place and dont know why boomers woulld choose that. its like the brown haze you see in the morning in LA or Phoenix but I lived in Phoenix and its not as bad as LA.How would those that live there compare the air pollution ? to a brown haze? Is the mountains keeping the smog in? what is your take.? thanks for your input. But no thanks I would rent before I would buy in Pittsburg. to test the air quality. and that is important to me.[read more...]

Need to make using this site easier[read more...]

Pittsburgh and the surrounding area is a wonderful place to live! The cost of living is affordable, the scenery is beautiful, there is a rich history, and the people are friendly. There are many recreational opportunities including theaters, museums, parks, sporting events, and amusement parks. Pittsburgh also has many colleges, hospitals, restaurants, and stores. In my opinion, one of the only drawbacks about the Pittsburgh area is the weather. It could use a little less rain and little more sunshine. Most people that live here enjoy the four seasons. Also, there are not many views more beautiful than Pittsburgh at night from Mt. Washington! [read more...]

Hot summers, cold winters[read more...]

I think the weather here is exceptable ![read more...]

If you are not a "Stillers" fan you will NOT fit in here. They are completely obsessed with football and I guess it's understandable, because it's really all they have going for them. The pollution is ridiculous. Traffic is terrible, public transportation is lacking and the geography of the land with the mountains and the rivers makes navigating it virtually impossible. Some areas of the city are are ridden with crime, bank robberies are commonplace and there are shootings every night. The people there love their beer and football, and there is a huge sense of community if that is your thing. I do see how some very specific type of people would like this city. I lived there for two years and was lucky enough to make it out, and I have no urge to ever return.[read more...]

I see all these places ranking Pittsburgh as the #1 most livable city, but obviously these people who rank it so high have never actually been here. The economy has been down for decades - even while the rest of the nation was booming in the 90s, Pittsburgh remained down. It is near impossible to find a job. I know this from experience - I have been looking for a job for three years and have not found one, and I have a college education. People in this city are apathetic about almost everything, except for two things - Steelers and beer. Finally, there is an arrogance about Pittsburghers, one you won't find in most other cities. They think they are the best, yet they don't have any real reasons to believe that. Come live in Pittsburgh, by all means. You won't think it's the most livable city after a few years here.[read more...]

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and moved to NYC for college. I've been in NYC the past 11 and a half years and don't get me wrong, I love so many things about New York, but I have to admit, it's starting to tear me down a little bit. I just got married and the thought of starting a family in NYC just isn't an option. The cost of living is ridiculous in New York. The past few years, it has gotten harder and harder to leave Pittsburgh every time I go back for a visit. The city truly has reinvented itself over the last 10 years. Aside from the cost of living difference, one of the main reasons I want to move back to Pittsburgh is because it actually does have everything to offer that New York does, but at an affordable price. I can't really afford to go to Broadway shows on my relatively average salary. I can't afford tix to Carnegie Hall, but Pittsburgh has multiple theaters and a world class symphony and ballet company. The Public Theater puts on amazing plays with great talent. Obviously everyone loves the Steelers, but I really want to move back there because of the many fun neighborhoods with great restaurants and great shopping areas and all the cultural things to do. I will attest to the fact that it does feel more blue-collar, and the dating scene for white collar workers could be a little challenging. I will also admit that the weather isn't perfect, but it isn't very different from NYC. New York gets the same weather systems Pittsburgh does the next day. But this city is full of extremely bright people. With such a large hospital and university system, there are many highly educated people around. It probably depends on the industry you work in that will dictate the level of intelligent people you can befriend as a newcomer. I love New York, but my heart is still largely with Pittsburgh, and when I bring my children into this world I'd like them to have the most well rounded opportunities possible, and I can't think of a better city than Pittsburgh for that.[read more...]

I was born and have lived in Pittsburgh my entire life. I don't think I ever realized how much I love this city until I moved away for college. People in Pittsburgh actually care, and we take care of eachother. It really is like being a part of a family. We all talk the same way, have similar values and interests, it's really a fun place to be. Do not be surprised to see people saving parking spots with lawn chairs, that's the kind of city this is. Last winter, after that terrible snow storm, my car was stuck. The first person that drove past me pulled over and helped me dig out the tires and push my car out. This took literally almost 45 minutes, and he wouldn't even accept a $10 tip. That really impressed me, and I know that it would not happen in many other midsize cities. I know a big downside a lot of people have talked about on here is the weather, but trust me it is not that bad. I go to college in Erie, PA. It does not get worse than Erie. Pittsburgh is beautiful -- from the hearts of it's people, to its gorgeous downtown and suburbs, to the world class sports teams. I can't see how anyone couldn't love it too.[read more...]

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and moved away in the early 80s due to work. I have returned many times and no matter how long you are gone it is always great to come back home. Our son's now are grown and on their own and they to love going back home. The people are the best in the world and the tradition and sense of family is unmatched. [read more...]

I lived in Pittsburgh for almost 25 years before moving to Ft Lauderdale. When I was younger it was a great place to be. Many colleges and universities, a city with a small town feel and lots to do. As I started to get older a lot of my good friends began to leave for better jobs in other cities, and the dating pool started to get smaller and smaller. As I approached my 40's, I started to notice that most men left there where blue collar, under educated , and had drinking problems. If you will forgive me ,they where 2's looking for 10's, and the truth of the matter is that few men and tons of smart, educated women make it difficult to find a spouse. Pittsburgh is a treasure trove for a decent guy with a good income. It is difficult to meet people who haven't been born there, as I believe outsiders are never really welcomed into the lives of the people who live there. There is a really simple reason for this. The people who live there already have had there families and friends for years and have no real reason to make the effort to welcome others into their lives. This is not a transient city. Most people are nice, but wary. But if your married with children and you are in the health care industry, the burg is a fantastic place for you. Houses are relatively cheap, but also very old for the most part .and taxes are quite high, the weather not that great except in Autumn and summer. Lots to do, very safe. But good jobs , that pay well are hard to find. The general population there is quite old, the boomers all married and lots of college kids as there are many universities, but they end up leaving, usually. Going into the city at night is a spectacular vision. Very beautiful. I haven't lived in the burg for about 6 years but I go back to visit. I think there has been progress in the past few years, so there is some growth happening . Lots of new building going on. All in all I think it depends on what stage of life your in , as to if you would find happiness there.[read more...]

Excellent services and the best in research.[read more...]

Pittsburgh is a leader in medical research and has many world class health care providers.[read more...]

grew up in Pittsburgh before leaving to go to college in Philadelphia. I left because I wanted a bigger city feel. I cannot think of many cons with PGH other than the downtown closes very early and the high amount of violence that happens in some parts the city. The pros are that there are many restaurants that stay open and places to go (like on the South Side). There are also nice museums. The scenery is appealing because of the nice amount of nature, which many other cities lack, and the hills that will allow you to see breathtaking views of the city. The malls are located in the suburbs, which are very close to the city. For this reason, a person can live in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and reap the benefits of city living. There are some great places in the city to live as well. As for the Steelers… a lot of people in PGH love the Steelers but I do not think that it is so horrible; the most hectic times are probably when they are going to the Super Bowl ?. . I actually considered moving back one day (but I’m still thinking about it because I would love to see other places.) What I like most about Pittsburgh is that it is a city but it has this great traditional feel- there are a lot of mom and pop places and it embraces its history. If you are considering PGH, I would say plan a trip and visit for a few days to see if it would be a fit for you.[read more...]

Pittsburgh is green, as in tropical forest green. And sometimes in the summer, it feels like we're living in a tropical forest. Pittsburgh wasn't designed or well-organized which can make getting from point A to point B a challenge, but the traffic isn't as insane as in some other places. The weather is variable. Someone once said about Pittsburgh, "If you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes." Yeah, sports are huge here and it can seem like it is the only thing, but that isn't really true. It means that people with other interests can enjoy themselves without being crowded since the majority of people will be in the stadiums. Traffic can be bad thanks to perpetual construction. Parking can be a nightmare because our topography limits space. But for the most part, the people here are courteous and friendly and bound together like one big happy family because of the sports. Whenever I hear someone say that there is nothing to do in a place, I can't help but wonder if that isn't a personal problem that they will be taking wherever they go.[read more...]

Pittsburgh is the BEST TOWN I EVER LIVED. And I have lived in upscale suburbs, waterfront vacation spots as well as major cities like LA and NY. Nothing compared to Pittsburgh. The people are kind and real. There is no pretense and that's what I like. The cost of living is cheap but it's gotten higher. The shopping is bar none. The homes, you can get a find at a good price. There is a TREMENDOUS SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND EVERYONE IS NICE AND WILL START CONVERSATIONS AND GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO HELP YOU AND MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER. If you want to feel like you died and went to heaven and you are tired of cities with mean people, mind games and baloney, move to a Pittsburgh suburb or go a bit north. Countrylike towns that you can still commute to Pittsburgh. Food and restaurants are excellent. When you step off the plane or unload your moving truck, there isn't a person you will pass who doesn't give a shit. Everyone will offer to help. They smile. They hold doors. They are polite and respectful. They don't talk a lot of shit behind your back. They aren't phony. If they are pissed, you'll know. If they have a problem with you, they'll tell you and try to resolve it. Dating here is hard. If you are used to white collar professionals, it's hard to find them here. There are universities but they are filled with kids and grad students. Blue collar folk do have money though so just because a man or woman isn't white collar, they could still be making 150-400 grand. But just don't expect to be lulled to sleep by deep conversation. Pittsburgh isn't cliche-ish. There is no segregation. All races are accepted. I'm white but all ethnicities are welcome and treated nicely. I found less racism here than in most other cities and I like that. For the most part, the people here aren't very smart intellectually. But they have good hearts and souls. If you want a place to have children or retire, this is the ticket. Your kids will have plenty of friends and fun stuff to do. If you are retired, you will leave like a king for cheap and live well. It rains a LOT all year round and it gets quite cold in winter. The fall is stunning. OMG!!!! Fall colors and those gentle breezes. Spring is amazing. Summer is fine but it rains then too. Move here. You'll make friends easily and be very very happy. You may want to have a home elsewhere though if you can afford it for culture and for some variety.[read more...]

John, In answer to your question,Yes I do have a six bedroom home in Paradise Valley and one of my neighbors is Mike Tyson.My lady friend and I moved from Cave Creek,Az....not exactly Pittsburgh took a huge profit and paid $4,900,000 for this one. Trouble is that my spine pain is worse than ever..can hardly walk so Gina bought me a golf cart to get around the place.Winter in Arizona but you cannot beat Pittsburgh summers...alot of GOOD WESTERNS ON TV. ps Fly out and see it,I am not physically able...I could live in one room. Dan Maloney[read more...]

Pittsburgh is a great city if you explore beyond downtown which, I will admit, is a poor excuse for downtown. But between all the festivals and conventions, there is usually something interesting to do. Not to mention, the Cultural District is larger than one block. We are also home to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra which is not something to scoff at as it is one of the best symphonies in the country. Pittsburgh is also leading in the green front with the help of institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and the Children's Museum. We also hosted World Environment Day in the year 2010. This event has been held all over the world, most notably in Wellington, New Zealand, so I would say that is an honor. Besides all of that, there are many great neighborhoods to visit such as Bloomfield, Squirrel Hill, the Strip District, South Side, Point Breeze, and many others. I would also like to mention our great parks: Frick Park, Schenley Park, and Highland Park. They are all great for dog walking, bike riding, and for the teenagers, the cops will never find you. Emily, it sounds like you have either been stuck in east Oakland or Carrick your entire life. Although, by the way you complain about downtown, I'd say Carrick. It would explain the annoying amount on "Yinzers" in your life. And yes, "Yinzers" are annoying. But Primanti's is awesome.[read more...]