Firstly why Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Pittsburgh
• State: Pennsylvania
• Population: 302,971 people
• Pittsburgh’s quick summary would be Renowned for its historic steel industry, vibrant arts scene, and iconic bridges spanning the three rivers.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 10,000 annually
• Net Migration: 5000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 4,000
• Number of Homeless people: 3,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major metropolitan area offers job opportunities and cultural attractions attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Pittsburgh Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 59%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $77,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Pittsburgh is $64,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-13000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Pittsburgh’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 120 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,201
• Property Tax %: 2.23%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,250
• Rent for an average house: $1,800
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Shadyside
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Pittsburgh, Mount-Washington, Squirrel-Hill, South-Side, and probably could include Strip-District
• Avg. Age of Homes in Pittsburgh: 93 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 2.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Pittsburgh’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Pittsburgh are  Healthcare, Education, and Technology
• Pittsburgh Job Scene: strong job market in healthcare education and tech
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub with strengths in robotics, healthcare, and university-led innovations
• Pittsburgh Resident’s pay $1,500 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Pittsburgh: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 250 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 31

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Pittsburgh

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-76/I-79 converge in Pittsburgh forming major access
• Commute Time: 29 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy congestion on I-376
• Transportation Score: 51 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Pittsburgh: 320,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.1
• No. of Car Washes: 18 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Pittsburgh: dot.state.pa.us
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 70 of 100
• Local Airport: Pittsburgh International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Pittsburgh’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Pittsburgh is best described as features cold winters and warm summers with significant annual precipitation
• Winter Weather in Pittsburgh i’d describe as cold with some snow
• Spring Weather in Pittsburgh can be described as cool with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Pittsburgh are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Pittsburgh is usually cool with sunny intervals
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 2 days in summer
• Days in a row in Pittsburgh below Freezing: 20
• Average Annual Rainfall: 39 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by industrial legacy
• Pittsburgh Winter Air mixed air quality often impacted by industrial emissions

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Pittsburgh Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Pittsburgh 15
• While the number of trade schools inside Pittsburghs’s city limits are 19
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Pittsburgh Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Pittsburgh Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 11 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Pittsburgh only Doctors is about 800
• Local Hospitals here is  15
• Full-time Pittsburgh only Police Officers is about 1,200
• Crime Rate Index: 60/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Pittsburgh’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Pittsburgh’s Monthly Gym Membership: $52
• Pittsburgh’s Water Quality Score: 76

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Pittsburgh

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 15 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: city known for its steel history and rich cultural scene
• You might enjoy shows at the Benedum Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Pittsburgh  has a vibrant nightlife scene offering a variety of bars clubs and cultural events appealing to diverse tastes

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Pittsburgh

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a wide variety of local restaurants with diverse cuisines
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 100 scattered around Pittsburgh
• The Popular Sports Team is Pittsburgh Steelers
• Top Level Political Climate in Pittsburgh can be described as liberal city focusing on technology and education
• Pittsburgh’s Longer standing religious establishment is Pittsburgh First Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Pittsburgh Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Pittsburgh has 90 Parks?
• Point State Park is Pittsburgh’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Pittsburgh Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and river activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Pittsburgh Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Pittsburgh can be described as busy urban lifestyle focusing on industry culture and sports
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Pittsburgh exploring parks local festivals visiting museums
• The Cities people commute to from Pittsburgh are Bethlehem 14 miles away Easton 22 miles away Reading 26 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Pittsburgh or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy congestion on I-376. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Pittsburgh’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Shadyside is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Pittsburgh are Bethlehem 14 miles away Easton 22 miles away Reading 26 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 60 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Pittsburgh has 20 days in a row below freezing and 2 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Pittsburgh people have an average (positive or negative) $-13000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   3,000 homeless people living in Pittsburgh. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal city focusing on technology and education could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Pittsburgh.

Retiree & Senior Life in Pittsburgh

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax exemptions helping reduce expenses
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Haven at North Hills
• Pittsburgh Senior Center offers a variety of activities health programs and social gatherings for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?

If Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!