Moving to Pittsburgh

Moving to Pittsburgh offers new arrivals a beautifully scenic and often undersold city positioned at the confluence of three rivers in western Pennsylvania. The city has quite a number of bridges – more than 440, in fact, and it’s thanks to this that Pittsburgh is often fondly referred to as the ‘City of Bridges’. Pittsburgh actually has more bridges than any other city in the world, including Venice, Italy.

For the same reason, newcomers to Pittsburgh can end up taking a while to figure out the complicated network of roads and bridges that connect the city’s 90 distinct neighbourhoods.

Getting Around in Pittsburgh

Living in Pittsburgh as an expat

The second most populous city in the state, Pittsburgh is a major centre of steel production, education and technology. Apart from steel, other thriving industries include glass, aluminium and petroleum. The city has experienced significant tech growth, with major companies like Google, Apple, and Meta (Facebook) establishing operations alongside hundreds of other technology firms.

Pittsburgh also has dozens of higher education institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, both of which are industry leaders in research and development. The University of Pittsburgh and its affiliated medical centre are actually the largest non-governmental employers in the region.

Pittsburgh locals are generally friendly and welcoming, so you shouldn’t find it too hard to settle in. Sports fans will enjoy Pittsburgh’s fanatic sports culture, and supporting local teams can be a great way to meet people. The city offers a laid-back lifestyle, and for those who enjoy a drink or two, there are craft breweries, wineries and distilleries popping up throughout the city. Culture vultures will have plenty of museums and galleries to keep them occupied.

Cost of living in Pittsburgh

The cost of living in Pittsburgh is remarkably affordable compared to other major cities such as New York and Los Angeles. Recent data shows Pittsburgh is about 75 percent less expensive than Los Angeles, and its housing costs are particularly attractive.

You’ll find that accommodation costs in the city are reasonable, and you’ll have plenty of areas and suburbs to choose from. You’ll need to budget for utility costs in Pittsburgh, and if you’re planning on owning a vehicle, you’ll have to account for petrol prices that can be higher than the national average. Public transport via Pittsburgh Regional Transit serves the city well, with plenty of bus routes and a light rail.

Cost of Living in Pittsburgh 
Accommodation in Pittsburgh 
Best Places to Live in Pittsburgh

Families and children in Pittsburgh

If you’re moving to Pittsburgh with children, you’ll be glad to know that the city’s reputation for high-quality education extends to its public schools, with magnet and charter schools being especially highly regarded. The district offers numerous specialised magnet programmes, including Pittsburgh Obama Academy, which provides the International Baccalaureate. Language-immersion schools are also available throughout the system.

There is also plenty to see and do, and the city has a brimming events calendar, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to entertaining your tots and teens at the weekend. The city’s numerous parks, museums, and family-friendly venues provide year-round activities.

Education and Schools in Pittsburgh 
Lifestyle in Pittsburgh

Climate in Pittsburgh

The climate in Pittsburgh is continental and marked by cold winters with significant snowfall and warm, humid summers. The city receives an average of 44 inches (112cm) of snow annually, typically from November through March. Thunderstorms are common during summer months, and the city’s weather can be quite unpredictable owing to cold air masses from Canada and varying Great Lakes effects. Newcomers to Pittsburgh should prepare appropriate winter clothing, including thermal layers, waterproof boots, and warm outerwear for the extended cold season.

There’s a lot to love about life in Pittsburgh. The City of Bridges offers a good quality of life while maintaining a low cost of living as a proudly diverse region with a multicultural heritage. You’ll have no trouble settling in quickly.