Moving to Pittsburgh, PA | Living in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, PA

Why You’ll Love Living in Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a perennial entry on our annual Top 100 Best Places To Live list. Often touted as one of the most affordable cities in the state, Pittsburgh has a running list of accolades that include everything from green space accessibility and quality health care to a hopping arts and culture scene and celebrated educational opportunities for children and young adults alike. On top of that, Pittsburgh is known for its foodie scene, music scene and commitment to a green lifestyle, all of which contribute to making it a community perfect for both young professionals and young families. That’s not to mention the locals’ diehard commitment to “bleed black and gold” to support their sports teams.

Thinking of moving to Pittsburgh, PA? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Pittsburgh, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Pittsburgh, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.

Jin Wu

Where to Live Now

Quiz: Which Pittsburgh Neighborhood is Right for You?

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

Where to Live Now

Best Places To Live in Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Coffee Cream & Dreams

Education, Careers & Opportunity

Black Business Owners Find Community in Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh PA, is home to many food festivals and has a unique history.

Pittsburgh / iStock Photo/f11photo

Experiences & Adventures

Understanding Pittsburgh History Through 4 Unique (and Delicious) Festivals

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

Experiences & Adventures

The Most Pet-Friendly Cities in Pennsylvania

What Makes Pittsburgh, PA, a Best Place to Live in 2024

Pittsburgh, PA, is known far and wide for its history in the U.S. steel industry. This city of 309,000 still has that strong foundation in manufacturing but has built upon that history to now include cybersecurity, robotics, clean tech and AI. Innovation comes naturally to Pittsburgh. It’s the birthplace of the first cable suspension bridge, the Ferris wheel and the ever-important polio vaccine. And the Pittsburgh International Airport is the first in the world to be powered entirely by natural gas and solar energy — pretty impressive!

Pittsburgh is one of the best cities to live in the U.S., providing more than 90 distinct neighborhoods to call home, ranging from those near universities (think Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh) to some close to a historic park. Plus, getting around is easy. Nearly 450 bridges connect different areas of the city, which is why it’s been dubbed the “City of Bridges.”

Pittsburgh connects residents in other ways, too. The hometown pride here is palatable, felt at area universities and major league sporting events and through the community events that take place all year long. In addition, the Pittsburgh area contains rivers and valleys and lots of green space, so it’s a cinch to get out and about and enjoy the scenic landscapes.

Pittsburgh, PA Quality of Life LivScore

How We Calculate Our Data

Pittsburgh, PA Top Categories

Amenities
Economy
Health

Pittsburgh ranks highest for amenities, economy and health.

Weather and Outdoor Activities in Pittsburgh, PA

What is the weather like in Pittsburgh?

Summers are hot, winters are cold and snowy, and gray days are pretty common. The average highs and lows are 82°F and 63°F (summer) and 38°F and 24°F (winter).

Does Pittsburgh get a lot of snow?

The average annual snowfall in Pittsburgh is 44 inches, and the heaviest chances of snowfall are in January and February.

Does Pittsburgh get a lot of rain?

The average annual rainfall in Pittsburgh is 38 inches.

How many sunny days does Pittsburgh get?

Pittsburgh averages 160 sunny days a year.

What are some things to do outside in Pittsburgh?

Rent a kayak and explore the Allegheny River, or gather some friends, pack a cooler, and embark on a two-hour tiki boat river tour. If you’re looking to stay on land, go for a bike ride along a section of The Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile connection that runs from Pennsylvania to Maryland.

Pittsburgh, PA is among the Top 100 best cities to live in America — Pittsburgh, PA, is known as the “City of Bridges” for the hundreds of bridges that connect different areas.

Things To Do in Pittsburgh, PA

What is something free to do in Pittsburgh?

Exploring the eclectic shops, ethnic markets and street art in Pittsburgh’s iconic Strip District is a fun way to pass the time. Sample local treats, browse boutiques and soak up the energetic atmosphere without spending a dime.

What are some fun things to do with kids in Pittsburgh?

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is a special place and even has an exhibit dedicated to promoting kindness and empathy.

What is the best open secret about Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is known as the “City of Bridges” thanks to its 446 bridges, more than Venice, Italy, or any other city in the world.

Where do locals shop in Pittsburgh?

Renowned for its historic charm and specialty shops, the Strip District offers everything from fresh produce and ethnic groceries at spots like Pennsylvania Macaroni Company and Lotus Food Company to unique finds at antique stores like Mahla & Co. Antiques. Beyond the Strip District, neighborhoods like Lawrenceville and Shadyside are popular among locals for boutique shopping.

Where is a fun restaurant in Pittsburgh?

Tucked away in a restored former church, Church Brew Works is a brewery and restaurant on Liberty Avenue that serves everything from house-brewed ales and pizza to pierogis and brats, making it one of the hottest spots for dinner in the city.

Where is the best place for live music or performing arts in Pittsburgh?

The historic Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in the downtown Cultural District is a beautifully restored theater with plenty of performances throughout the year, including Broadway shows, concerts, ballets and operas. Many consider it a cornerstone of the local arts and culture scene.

What is the best coffee shop in Pittsburgh?

Everyone loves Commonplace Coffee, and with multiple locations, it’s easier than ever to settle in with a good brew and beloved novel for an afternoon pick-me-up, no matter what part of town you’re in.

The Local and State Economy in Pittsburgh, PA

What are the three largest industries in Pittsburgh?

Technology, financial services and manufacturing are major industries in Pittsburgh. Several notable companies are headquartered in Pittsburgh, including PNC Financial Services, PPG Industries and H.J. Heinz Company.

What is the sales tax rate in Pittsburgh?

In 2024, the sales tax rate in Pittsburgh is 7%.

Does Pennsylvania have a state income tax?

Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax.

Who are the major health care providers in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has several highly regarded hospitals, including UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, Allegheny General Hospital and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

What colleges and universities are in Pittsburgh?

There are several major colleges and universities in Pittsburg, including the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.