Born 'burgher, turned New Yorker, want to become a
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11/30/2010
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.
CaityNY | New York, NY