Any of You Currently Living in Pittsburgh?
For those who can answer:
So, it's very affordable for a city. Is downtown walkable? That is, is it structured such that getting around on foot is reasonable? Is there green space downtown? How is the arts community?
Is it an interesting city? Nothing will compare to New Orleans in that regard, but some cities are just more interesting than others. They celebrate diversity and encourage it. Is Pittsburgh like that?
What city would you compare it to? For example, if it's like Dallas--overly corporate and dull--I'd like to know.
I'm less concerned with the food scene because I can cook really well.
Thanks!
Questions answered by my Wife who lived in Pittsburgh area and got her Under-Grad degree from Pitt:
Is Downtown Walkable? My wife says a slow Yes... She says downtown you can walk around downtown, just be careful like any major city.
Is there Green Space downtown? Not really, there are public areas, but not really green. "The Point" is the downtown green space where the three Rivers come together and they hold concerts and events.
Arts Community? Pittsburgh has a huge arts community, but not downtown, downtown is its own neighborhood.
Absolutely an interesting city. Definitely celebrate diversity and encourage it "Way more than the South".
Pittsburgh is unique in its own right and can't really be compared to any other city. That is what makes it "Special". Downtown has some Corporate stuff, but that isn't why you go to Pittsburgh. You go to Pittsburgh for the Strip district and Oakland where the Colleges atmosphere is and Schenley Park which is not in Downtown. All of the different neighborhoods contribute to the unique small town feel, but combining them all together is what makes Pittsburgh it's own big city.
Pittsburgh food scene will have great Italian and Polish food. It is "way cheaper" in Pittsburgh to eat out than here she says. (My input-Put Fries on that Sandwich and call it Pittsburgh style.)
Her advice is to learn the Mass Transit system with busses and Subway to really open up the different areas of the City. She said she would want to live in Squirrel Hill or Shady Side if we were moving back. Lawrenceville is on an upswing currently with a resurgence of money and investment, so maybe able to get in there cheaper.