Reply to concerns about Pittsburgh climate, cultur
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3/12/2015
Maybe I can shed some light for those considering a move to Pittsburgh. First, I have lived in Pittsburgh for eight and a half years, moving here from Southern California. ROUGH adjustment! The culture, food, weather, everything. Having said that, I have seen Pittsburgh really grow in the eight years I have been here, including the 'burbs. You have world class museums, and of course, three major league sports teams; Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. The black and gold thing is a bit much for me, but at times it is endearing. Pittsburgh is really a small city with a lot of big city amenities. Having moved here from California, the cost of living was a great bonus. Great cost of living. Cautionary note; we bought our first home here (never being able to afford CA prices) but were set back by the property taxes in Allegheny County. While I pay just under 4,000 a year in property taxes, I have family back home in California whose houses are worth 3-4 x what mine is worth and pay half that. As to air quality; I had heard "things" about Pittsburgh's air quality and I can honestly say I have not had an issue with it. I don't know if those reports harken back to when Pittsburgh's steel mills left the air in an abysmal state, including that one episode in history many years ago when the skies were literally black from pollution. Lastly, I will state that the weather leaves much to be desired. The lack of sunlight has finally convinced me I cannot take it any longer, and I am planning on moving back west. I want to retire where I don't have to freeze (I am 52) and I can't take all the gray, dreary days in Pittsburgh. Oh, and yes, when I first got here I was taken aback at how much trash there was. I think that has improved, and I have curbside recycling that is multi-stream. I recycle about 95 gallons a week.
Marie | Plum, PA