Pittsburgh is a vibrant and diverse city that has won over many with its stunning skyline, famous gardens, and various districts. But is Pittsburgh a great place to live? While the city offers plenty of opportunities for entertainment, career advancement, and a vibrant urban lifestyle, it also comes with its own set of challenges, such as harsh winters. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Pittsburgh to help you decide if it’s right for you.
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quick facts about pittsburgh
| Median home sales price | $260,000 |
| average monthly rent | $1,334 |
| walk score | 62/100 |
| traffic score | 55/100 |
| bike score | 55/100 |
1. Advantages: The technology industry is booming
Pittsburgh has become a hub for technology and innovation, attracting major companies such as Google, Uber and Facebook. The presence of these tech giants has created numerous job opportunities and fostered a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. Carnegie Mellon University is known for its computer science programs and contributes to the city’s tech-savvy workforce.
2. Disadvantages: severe winter
One of the downsides of living in Pittsburgh is the harsh winter weather. From December to February, the city experiences heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, making commuting and daily activities challenging. Cold weather can also lead to higher heating bills and the need for winter-specific clothing and gear. Winter can be especially daunting for those who are not used to such conditions.
3. Pros: Various museums, venues and festivals
Pittsburgh is known for its cultural scene, with many museums, theaters, and music venues. The Carnegie Museum of Art, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra are just a few examples of the city’s can’t-miss cultural centers. In addition, the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival and the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival attract visitors from across the country.
4. Disadvantages: Rough roads
Pittsburgh is known for its rough roads, characterized by numerous potholes and frequent construction. The city’s hilly terrain and harsh winters cause roads to rapidly deteriorate, making driving a bumpy and challenging experience. Due to these ongoing road conditions, residents often face wear and tear on their vehicles and difficulty commuting.
5. Pros: Affordable housing costs
Pittsburgh offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in the United States. Home prices are reasonable, with the median home sale price being $260,000. The city has a variety of neighborhoods to suit different budgets and lifestyles. This affordability makes Pittsburgh an attractive option for those looking to settle.
6. Cons: One of the cloudiest cities in America
Pittsburgh is known as one of the cloudiest cities in the United States, with cloudy skies most of the year. The city has an average of about 203 cloudy days each year, which greatly affects the amount of sunshine residents receive. This persistent cloud cover can affect mood and energy levels, making a city’s weather a significant consideration for potential residents.
7. Advantages: beautiful scenery
Pittsburgh is known for its beautiful scenery, sitting at the confluence of three rivers and surrounded by mountains. The city’s numerous bridges and historic buildings offer stunning views, especially when viewed from vantage points like Mount Washington. An abundance of parks like Schenley Park and Frick Park, lush green spaces, and picturesque riverfronts along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers make Pittsburgh a great place to live.
8. Disadvantages: Traffic congestion
Traffic congestion is a common complaint among Pittsburgh residents. The city’s unique topography, with its numerous bridges and tunnels, can create bottlenecks and slowdowns during rush hours. In addition, ongoing construction projects and road maintenance may exacerbate traffic problems. Commuters often face long delays, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
9. Pro: Professional sports center
Pittsburgh is a vibrant center for professional sports, with a passionate fan base and famous teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) and Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB). The city’s sports culture is deeply ingrained, and match days turn the atmosphere into a sea of black and gold as fans come together to support their teams.
10. Disadvantages: Air pollution
Pittsburgh is battling severe air pollution, the lingering consequences of its industrial heritage and continued emissions from factories and vehicles. The city’s air quality regularly ranks among the worst in the country, with particulate matter and ozone levels posing health risks to residents.
method: Median home sales price and average monthly rent data come from Red Fin Information Center. Walk score, transit score, and bike score data come from walk score.
