Pittsburgh, PA, known as 'The Steel City,' offers a unique blend of industrial heritage and modern urban amenities. Located in western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Cleveland and Philadelphia enhance its status as a central point in the region. Pittsburgh's blend of historic landmarks, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Pittsburgh is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the historic Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the scenic Point State Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium to the bustling Strip District, known for its shopping and dining. Pittsburgh's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from traditional American fare to international cuisine.
Annual events such as the Three Rivers Arts Festival and the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Pittsburgh's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Carnegie Mellon University contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Pittsburgh is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Andy Warhol Museum are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Pittsburgh provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Pittsburgh’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Pittsburgh include healthcare, education, and technology, with significant employers such as UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and light rail, making it easy to navigate the city.
Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Located in the state of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is a highly populated city with a population of 301,286 inhabitants. Pittsburgh has a population density of 5,441 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. If we look at the most recent Census, Pittsburgh is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. The median age of all Pittsburgh residents is 33, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Pittsburgh, only 38% of the population is married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Pittsburgh, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 24 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Pittsburgh is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Pennsylvania, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. To help you find the best places to live in and around Pittsburgh, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute and more.
Using data and statistics Pittsburgh has received a livability score of 82/100. This score is ranked in the 97th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Pittsburgh could be a great choice! The cherry on top is that Pittsburgh also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we take a closer look at each of the categories individually, we see that Pittsburgh ranks well for cost of living (A+), education (B) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that did not score well in Pittsburgh. The following was graded with a concerning score: crime (F).
If you're considering living in Pittsburgh, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Pittsburgh provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Pittsburgh: PNC Park, Duquesne Incline, and Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Pittsburgh market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Pittsburgh. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Pittsburgh are affordable. Median real estate prices in Pittsburgh come in at $134,800, which is 19.6% lower than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Pittsburgh, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 12.9% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
| Statistic | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 53.6% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 7.3% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 16.9% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 10.2% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 9.0% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Pennsylvania
Safest States In The US
Most Dangerous States In The US
These are the largest cities in Pennsylvania