Five Things I Love About Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh can't seem to shake its bad rap as decaying industrial city ('Why would they have the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh?' has been a common question in recent weeks), but those who've visited lately know that it is an emerging financial and technological center, while also boasting picturesque scenery, a stable and affordable housing market, and lots of charm. It's no mistake that Pittsburgh ranks at or near the top of any "most livable city" list.

The complete list of things I love about Pittsburgh is far too long, but here are five.

1 The museums

Pittsburgh has loads of culture. The Carnegie Museums of Art & Natural History are fascinating, the latter featuring one of the largest dinosaur collections in the world. For more modern art, the Warhol Museum is a must-see. It's the largest museum in the world dedicated to a single artist, showcasing more than 4,000 of Warhol's works. There's also the quirky Mattress Factory, Frick Art & Historical Center, and a lot of small, unique art galleries in areas like Lawrenceville and downtown.

2 The scenery

No visit to Pittsburgh is complete without a Mt. Washington experience. The nighttime view of downtown Pittsburgh and its rivers from the top of Mt. Washington was once ranked as the second most-beautiful place in America by USA Weekend. If you've got a bit of disposable cash, there are some high-end restaurants at the top of Mt. Washington that offer great views of the city while you dine. For the less affluent among us, just take the $2 incline to the top of the mountain and enjoy the view.

Don't forget about our great parks - Schenley Park in Oakland and Frick Park in Point Breeze are two of the biggest and most popular. Riverfront walking and biking trails abound along Pittsburgh's three rivers. Going kayaking on the river is a great way to see the city.

3 The South Side

The city is composed of neighborhoods that are distinctly different in their charm. The South Side is an eclectic residential and commercial district sometimes considered the Greenwich Village of Pittsburgh. By day the area is dominated by the locals, which include punks, artists, and older long-time residents. On Friday and Saturday nights, the area becomes party central, as the region's college students converge on the South Side's dozens of bars and clubs. It can be a fun scene to take in, if that's your thing. Just don't expect to find a parking space very easily!

4 The sports teams

Pittsburgh has long been known as one of America's great sports cities. Residents are passionate about their Super Bowl champion Steelers, their Stanley Cup champion Penguins, and the Pitt Panthers basketball and football teams. And though the Pirates have struggled for years, fans still keep coming to PNC Park, the nicest stadium in baseball. Like the old Iron City commercial used to go, "Every fan in Pittsburgh is everyone you meet!"

5 The universities

The Oakland neighborhood has one of the highest densities of college students anywhere in the country. Downtown is home to a few schools as well, which are helping revitalize this slumping area. In recent years, both Point Park and the Art Institute have significantly increased the amount of student housing they offer downtown, which has led to more coffee shops and small eateries popping up, and a more vibrant atmosphere in an area that used to be quiet on weekends and evenings.

There are many more things to love about Pittsburgh - the friendly, small-town feel, neighborhoods like Squirrel Hill and Lawrenceville, and Primanti's unique sandwiches. But you can discover those things for yourself when you visit.

Sources:
http://www.discoveramerica.com/uk/pennsylvania/andy-warhol-museum.html
http://www.usaweekend.com/03_issues/030518/030518springtravel.html
http://carnegiemnh.org/news/05-oct-dec/010306colcom.htm