Moving to Pittsburgh - Any Suggestions?

[roliepolieoliefan]

Wow, I didn't realize that Pittsburgh is thought of as unfriendly.

First I've never heard of that also. Usually when I visit other cities, people remark to me how friendly Pittsburghers are to out of towners. But in Pittsburgh's defense, the poster who originally said Pittsburghers aren't friendly (not the poster I quoted) in my experience with past things I have posted has never really had anything nice to say about Pittsburgh .....period! So I would take that first posters experience with a grain of salt.

I live south of the city and have been here my whole life. I'm not real fond of where I grew up (about 40 min. from where I live now) so I don't really "hang out" with any of my high school friends.
I have made all new friends around where I live now. My DH and my social life is all about the people we have met since moving into our new home 3 years ago.
Though I do have to admit, some are neighbors and some are people I have met through our kids activities. Our subdivision is new so most everyone moved in at the same time and we pretty much have kids all the same age. Though we do socialize without our kids also.

I would think living in the city would be harder to find friends. People may not be as friendly, plus no casual conversations while doing yardwork or walking the dog. I also wouldn't call Pittsburgh the nightlife capitol of the world. The southside can be fun but I think would get old after a while.

The sports teams are the best and we do have a good theatre district. DH and I venture down there a few times a year for some shows and plays.

There are some great restaurants, museums, and fun stuff to do. Winter will be tough but as you venture out I'm sure you will meet new people in the same boat as you looking for someone to socialize with.

Look for some social clubs with people who may have the same interests. You never know where you may meet people. One of my moms best friends is someone she struck up a conversation with on the bus to work one day. They have been friends for over 30 years now.

Good luck!

 

[Art 1]

I have yet to read anyone say that Pittsburgh folks are un-freindly. That was never said in any post that I have read.

 

[danalee]

We like Station Square, the strip is also a great place, day or night

 

[pittsburghmarc]

Welcome. I'm sure you'll find Pittsburgh is a very friendly city.

What makes Pittsburgh a great place to live are the neighborhoods, not so much the "downtown" area. Each has a unique feel and sometimes ethnicity. South Side, Bloomfield, Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Shady Side and Mt. Lebanon for example.

The restaurants are equally diverse. There may not be hundreds of great restaurants, but you can always find one or two great options for whichever type of cuisine you're looking for.

The Arts and museums are on par or surpass bigger metropolitan areas.

Last but not least, the hospitals are some of the best in the country.

I live in the South Hills and always say Pittsburgh is the best of both worlds. Big enough that you can see a ball game or cultural event whenever you want, but small enough to get from one side of town to the other in under 30 minutes.

Good luck. Looks like a Dis meet is in order.

 

[lspst8]

My sister lived downtown for about 2 years and really liked it. She had apartments at the Penn Garrison and the Pennsylvania and walked to her job at the Steel Tower. I was so jealous because I would love to be able to walk to work! Her office was realy friendly, and she made many friends at work to go to lunch or Happy Hour with.

When she lived downtown, she did most of her shopping in the suburbs because there just aren't any grocery stores in town. Like a PP, a GPS will really help in navigating Pittsburgh --- it really is confusing to get around with all the bridges and tunnels.

If you like the arts, I would go to www.pgharts.org which is the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's website -- it lists tons of activities and shows coming to Pittsburgh.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

 

[Amy]

I live in the South Hills and always say Pittsburgh is the best of both worlds. Big enough that you can see a ball game or cultural event whenever you want, but small enough to get from one side of town to the other in under 30 minutes.

Sorry....but I have to disagree with this part of your post. I live in Monroeville, and my DS19 goes to Robert Morris University (in Coraopolis near the airport). ONCE we made the trip in 45 min. via the Parkway. All the other times.......

OP - one of the first things you'll learn about Pittsburgh is that we have 2 tunnels on the Parkway that lead into town. For some weird reason, people slow down......WAY down....when approaching the tunnels. Rush hour can be pretty bad. I live 13 miles from town, but my commute can take up to an hour if I drive. Luckily, there are dedicated busways that cut the time if you ride the bus. Since you'll be living downtown, rush hour shouldn't be a problem for you.

 

[KellyWasHere]

We're moving downtown so that my husband can walk to work. I will be working remotely, aside from when I travel for work.

As for sports - the DH is a big baseball fan. I'm not much of a sports fan, but noticed on our last trip that everyone else is. I think based on the energy around the Steelers games I may be able to enjoy it.

I enjoy the arts mostly (theatre, art galleries, ballet, etc) and also enjoy lounges and nice restaurants. We went to the nutcracker during our last visit, which I enjoyed and I was very happy to see the tree with ice skating rink as well. I think we'll enjoy the city, I'm just concerned about not knowing anyone (we have a big social group where we currently are of friends and immediate family).

If your DH has a favorite team, he should enjoy seeing them play at PNC Park. It is a very beautiful ball field.

 

[mrodgers]

The biggest piece of advice I would give is to get GPS for the car.

I'm from an hour north.

Bridges, overpasses, bridges, and more overpasses.

I worked a short time at HJ Heinz. The first day trying to get there, I circled the building maybe 6-8 times, each time on a different road or overpass, and still couldn't figure out how to get to it.

Word of advise, do not wear anything Dallas, Baltimore, or Cleveland in public.

Oh, and one week Ben will be the worst quarterback and should immediately be traded, then the next week, he will be the greatest quarterback that has ever played. Monday on the radio, in the office, on the news, is strictly Steeler worship day. You won't hear anything else in the winter on Mondays other than about the Steelers. The Steelers win or lose will almost trump the Penguins meeting the Redwings for a rematch of the Stanley Cup.

 

[POOHLUV69]

I'm from an hour north.

Bridges, overpasses, bridges, and more overpasses.

I worked a short time at HJ Heinz. The first day trying to get there, I circled the building maybe 6-8 times, each time on a different road or overpass, and still couldn't figure out how to get to it.

Word of advise, do not wear anything Dallas, Baltimore, or Cleveland in public.

Oh, and one week Ben will be the worst quarterback and should immediately be traded, then the next week, he will be the greatest quarterback that has ever played. Monday on the radio, in the office, on the news, is strictly Steeler worship day. You won't hear anything else in the winter on Mondays other than about the Steelers. The Steelers win or lose will almost trump the Penguins meeting the Redwings for a rematch of the Stanley Cup.

truer words were never spoken

 

[coconutprincess]

I'm from an hour north.

Oh, and one week Ben will be the worst quarterback and should immediately be traded, then the next week, he will be the greatest quarterback that has ever played. Monday on the radio, in the office, on the news, is strictly Steeler worship day. You won't hear anything else in the winter on Mondays other than about the Steelers. The Steelers win or lose will almost trump the Penguins meeting the Redwings for a rematch of the Stanley Cup.

So so so true!!! Even my DH Steeler loving sports fan was shocked that if Polamalu will/will not play this week was one of the top news stories. Gotta love the burgh!

 

[Promomx2]

My dd and her dh (marine recruiter) were sent there this past sept. to Sharon. Nice little town. Just wish it was easier to get there. It's 8 hours from us.

 

[pittsburghmarc]

Sorry....but I have to disagree with this part of your post. I live in Monroeville, and my DS19 goes to Robert Morris University (in Coraopolis near the airport). ONCE we made the trip in 45 min. via the Parkway. All the other times.......

You're right...coming into town from the parkway east is a nightmare. I wouldn't live in that part of town even if you gave me the house for free. There seems to be traffic coming into the Squirrel Hill tunnels at all hours of the day, any day of the week. Much prefer the South Hills.

But I still like Pittsburgh's size or lack thereof.

 

[serendipity]

Thank you all for all the great suggestions and feedback. I'll be sure to pick up some Steelers gear!

Dismeet anyone?

 

[pittsburghmarc]

Dismeet anyone?

Count me in!

 

[simba928]

Sorry....but I have to disagree with this part of your post. I live in Monroeville, and my DS19 goes to Robert Morris University (in Coraopolis near the airport). ONCE we made the trip in 45 min. via the Parkway. All the other times.......

You just gotta know when to go! We do the same commute every week and usually it's not too bad. Go Sunday morning (depending on when the Steeler game is, before 1. 11 at the latest for a 1 o'clock game) and come back either during the game or at least an hour after it ends. That way everyone's either at the game, home watching the game, or home from the game. The worst was like 2 summers ago when they were doing MAJOR, CONSTANT construction on the Parkway and closing down the tunnels. That commute was horrible but other than that, if you time it right it isn't so bad.

 

[coconutprincess]

Thank you all for all the great suggestions and feedback. I'll be sure to pick up some Steelers gear!

Dismeet anyone?

I'm in!!!

 

[pittsburghmarc]

Dis meet anyone? OP, when do you get into town. Let's do it! Good way to start off the new year, some new friendships. My wife and I are in. Anyone else? We'll pick a place based on what part of town everyone's coming from.

 

[Amy]

I'm in too!

 

[pittsburghmarc]

I'm in too!

We're in the South Hills? Anyone else?

 

[Amy]

I'm Monroeville. Since the OP will be living downtown, maybe once the OP is settled we can let OP pick the location. Downtown/Station Square would be kind of central for most people, but maybe OP would like to check out some other section of the city.