Pittsburgh, PA is Once Again America's Most Livable City
Not Since the Mid-eighties Has the City Topped the List of Places Rated Almanac
Although it is not in the center of the country, half of the U.S. population is within a 500 mile drive of Pittsburgh. For those who fly, they can land in 20 states and parts of Canada within 90 minutes of taking off from the area's airport.
The city touts the lowest crime rate among U.S. metropolitan areas. The region's cost of living is 93% of the national average, and housing costs are 43% below the country's median. Typically, workers in Pittsburgh spend 25 minutes commuting, far less than in other major cities
Parents may be happy to know that the area is home to over 30 colleges and universities. Two of them boast of their own top ratings. U.S. News & World Report consistently features Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh as two of America's best universities. Local health facilities also claim top ratings.
Businesses find the city attractive as well. Pittsburgh is home to many Fortune 500 companies, such as H.J. Heinz and Alcoa, placing it sixth in the nation. The waterways hold advantages for commerce. It has the second busiest inland port in America. Pittsburgh International Airport has consistently rated high with companies such as J.D. Powers, giving businesses a reason to stay in the area.
Pittsburgh offers many activities in art and history, something you would not expect from a "steel city." In 2002, the was named the fourth best in the country by American Style magazine. The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts is home to several talented organizations such as the Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, and the Pittsburgh Opera. Benedum Center has its own top billing. Billboard Magazine named it the "Number One Auditorium in the U.S." The stage rivals that of the New York Metropolitan Opera and is one of several in America that can produce first-run Broadway shows.
The neighborhoods have plenty to offer, too. From shopping in the Strip District to the historical South Side, there is always something to do. One area, Mount Washington, was selected by USA Weekend Magazine as the second most beautiful place in America because of its night view of the city. Both children and adults enjoy rides on inclines that travel to the Mount Washington and Duquesne sections. They are two of only several remaining in the country.
Pittsburghers love sports! Fans enjoy three professional teams, including the Super Bowl winning Steelers. ESPN Page 2 rated PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, as the best ballpark in the country. The city's professional hockey team, the Penguins, signed a 30-year deal with the city in March and will soon have a new multi-purpose arena as their home. Minor league teams, local colleges, and high schools also offer a variety of sporting events for sports fanatics. Western Pennsylvania is famous for its high school football and is home to many famous athletes.
Family activities are plentiful. The award-winning Carnegie Science Center will entertain everyone. You can take a walking tour of the area with its Miniature Railroad & Village® exhibit, view the stars in the Buhl Digital Dome planetarium, or enjoy a movie at the Rangos Omnimax Theater. If animal life is your thing, then perhaps you might enjoy the National Aviary or the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Younger children, and their parents, love the Children's Museum.
The publisher of Places Rated Books LLC is David Savageau. Rand McNally once held the title, but that ended in 1985, the last time Pittsburgh topped the list. For the last 25 years, the book has helped people learn more about cities in the United States. It is extremely useful for those who are relocating. Even Mr. Savageau was surprised to find Pittsburgh as number one. Secretly, he hoped New York City would win the title, even though he admits that Pittsburgh has always held a place in his heart.
Published by Maria Giorgio
I love human interest stories, technology, and the food section. View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentSo it's a depressed town that was abandon 20 some years ago. It's a crap hole where housing has no value. There is no crime because no one has anything of value and again you can get to work in 10 min. BECAUSE no one lives there.
Most livable city? Jeeze. I think this needs to be thought out again. These people really believe they live in a nice place. Um...Or wait...'Is that the plan? Maybe they will leave my city and move back to the golden triangle.
I grew up in Pittsburgh but now live in FLA. We still visit every year. I still and always will love Pitt!! It is amazing to see how it has transformed and revitilized itself. Great article!
Pittsburgh has problems - that's why it was rated most livable city. Pittsburgh's running costs are too big for its people! Pittsburgh lost almost half of its population in the 80' due to steel crisis. Therefor they doubled the property tax overnight in the early 90'. That's why property tax is the highest here. 4000 to 5000 Dollar property tax for an average or below average home!!! Oh but you don't have sales tax on clothing - who cares! People keep moving away from Pittsburgh and the city is scared to lose control of city costs. Thats why it was rated "most livable city 2007". They even send letters out to homeowners with the suggestion to buy empty neighbor lots - so they can charge property tax. This hole city rating thing is a hoax!
I don't even get in to other things like traffic, streets and education. All i say : changing bearings on cars (due to potholes) is standard here in Pittsburgh.
But the Downtown view is pretty so, i guess that makes it the "most livable city".
I grew up near Pittsburgh (in Greensburg, PA) and always loved the city. thanks for the great article!