3 Things to Love about Living in Pittsburgh
In western Pennsylvania lies Pittsburgh, an early-20th-century industrial capital – or, most notably for some, the home of the Steelers. It is often cited as one of the best places to live in the Keystone State, being one of the best mid-sized cities in terms of affordability and livability.
When you’re looking at Pittsburgh houses for sale, consider these factors that the city’s residents love to point to as to why the Steel City is a place you should call home.
There’s a lot to see and do
Pittsburgh is home to 90 neighborhoods, each of which contains its own restaurants, businesses, entertainment, and culture to experience. This lends to Pittsburgh being seen as a “small big city,” niche pockets that keep residents constantly exploring new things. You can check out the Andy Warhol Museum, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, or Byham Theater to sate your cultural appetite.
Pittsburgh sits at the heart of three rivers: the Monongahela, Allegheny, and the Ohio River. You can partake in many activities on the waterways, like kayaking, paddle boarding, or boating.
What’s more, the availability of greenspace among the city can be surprising. It’s typical to find yourself running on a trail surrounded by trees one minute and then noticeably within the confines of a large city the next.
Sports fanatics will buy into “bleeding black and gold,” as the city gets behind its many teams: NFL’s Steelers, NHL’s Penguins, and MLB’s Pirates. Beer lovers can indulge at Penn Brewery, 11th Hour, and East End Brewing. Foodies will want to check out iconic spots like Primanti Bros. or Pamela’s Diner.
It Ranks High in Livability
The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Pittsburgh as the third most livable city in the nation in 2021. It ranked among top livable cities in 2005, 2009 and 2011 as well.The city scores high when it comes to education, culture, and healthcare systems.
Pittsburgh offers a combination of big city advantages while maintaining a small town. It’s a cosmopolitan cultural and business center that’s the home of major companies in the fields of manufacturing, banking and software, as well as world-class medical centers, museums, and ten college-level institutions. The smaller neighborhoods, however, feel more homey and offer a close-knot atmosphere not often found in large cities.
It’s Affordable
Pittsburgh has a lower cost of living than most other major cities, and sits below the national average costs in certain areas. Based on a U.S. average of 100, according to BestPlaces estimates, the cost of living in the city is 87.5. Housing in Pittsburgh is affordable with a score of 60 with the median apartment rate only $1,100 for a 1-bedroom. The only areas that have a higher cost compared to the national average are transportation and utilities.
Some budget-friendly spots in Pittsburgh to consider are Brookline, with a $91,167 median home purchase price and $721 median monthly rent; Lawrenceville, with a $131,417 median home purchase price and $702 median monthly rent; and Oakwood, with a $98,200 median home purchase price and $666 median monthly rent.