Pittsburgh: An Insider's Guide to the Steel City

Pittsburgh — home of the Steelers, Three Rivers, and more culture than one city should be allowed. For tourists, it's a mecca for history, sports, and good eats. For us who call it home, it has all the essentials and more. Plus, when you find the right neighborhood to call home, it becomes not just a place to hang your hat but a place to grow and thrive.

So if you're considering "Steel City" to build your nest and have a fresh start, let me, Christine — a local expert with ApartmentHomeLiving.com, give you a bit of a virtual tour, complete with firsthand insight to help with your decision. Especially depending on the neighborhood you choose, you'll find that most of us will welcome you with open arms.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in Pittsburgh

Current Rental Pricing for Pittsburgh Homes for Rent

Our History (the Condensed Version)

I'm not sure you can call yourself a true Pittsburgher unless you know how the city got its claim to fame and became the industrial powerhouse it is today. It was known throughout history for its role in the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War. It even had covert Underground Railroad stops.

What truly put the city on the map, though, was its role in the steel industry in the early 19th century. When Andrew Carnegie introduced the Bessemer steel-making process, it was over — game, set, match. While it didn't happen overnight, Pittsburgh quickly became the nation's leader in steel manufacturing, and at one point, it was even a global superpower for this alloy.

We'll skip all the boring details in between, which led to Pittsburgh's transition from dominant force in metalworking, and go on record by saying "The City of Bridges" is now a center for education, medical innovation, and technology. (Not too bad of a change, if we do so say so ourselves.)

Our Neighborhoods That Stand Out

I'm proud to say that I've explored much of Pittsburgh, from one end to the other, and all I have to say is, "Wow, there truly is a neighborhood for almost anyone."

Shadyside

Shadyside holds a special place in my heart. I'm not from there, but it's one of those areas that I can't wait to enjoy, no matter the reason for my visit. It's loaded with younger families and young professionals.

The only school in the neighborhood is Chatham University, but right outside its parameters are Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. The art galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops provide the community with plenty to do. And one of my personal favorite spots is Shadyside Park. I loved to take my son to the playground there when he was younger. It's a peaceful place to take a break from the chaos, only with a convenient location.

As a place to call home, it's walkable, upscale, and incredibly family-friendly. With all that's good about this neighborhood, however, you can expect to pay a bit more there than the average rental in the city.

Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville had a facelift back in the early 2000s, and it has since become a trendy neighborhood, complete with trendy neighborhood prices. The homes here are a blend of historic and modern urban. You'll notice it has a bohemian vibe and a number of hip restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. My son loves going to Stage AE, which isn’t far from Lawrenceville, for concerts.

If you love the nightlife, this city won't disappoint, as it's home to The Livermore, The Allegheny Wine Mixer, and The Butler Street Tap Room. There's no shortage of small businesses if you're all about supporting local.

Perry North

If you’re looking for somewhere calm without frills and bustle, Perry North might be an option for you. It even comes with a less expensive price tag for the cost of housing. But it's family-approved, with plenty of green space. It has a strong community feel, but you can see picturesque views of Burgh's skyline. That said, Perry North is only about a 15-minute drive from downtown, so you can still enjoy everything the city has to offer. You're also not far from Ross Park Mall and PNC Park.

Getting Around Town

I might love the city I'm from, but the ease of driving in the city isn't one of the area's strong suits. You need to be on your game, reading signs quite a ways back, and planning carefully to get in the correct lane, or you might find yourself on an unexpected road trip.

Fortunately, if you don't want to drive in the city, many areas you can choose to plant your roots are highly walkable and have a robust public transportation system with buses, a light rail, and inclines that can take you throughout the city.

You can also choose to bike. The city has more than 150 miles of bike lanes and trails. This transportation method is eco-friendly and an excellent way to get all the exercise you need. Though it’s only for fun, my son loves to go "city riding," as he likes to call it.

Some Local Hot Spots You'll Want to Check Out

Once you get situated and looking for things to do, these are some places you'll want to check out. And don't worry: they aren't tourist traps.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

My family loves animals, so we've been to quite a few large and small zoos, including one of the largest, most highly regarded zoos in the country. However, the Pittsburgh Zoo still remains one of our favorites. Each exhibit is carefully curated to mimic the animals' natural environments. Plus, you'll find a diverse range of animals, including orangutans, penguins, hornbills, and snowy owls. It also has an aquarium with sharks, sea turtles, and an array of exotic fish.

The zoo gets all dolled up for the holidays for Zoo Boo and Holiday Lights and features special events during these times, so it's worth getting a season pass. Interesting fact: it's one of the oldest zoos in the country.

PPG Paints Arena

Hockey fans will love the PPG Paints Arena, formerly known as the Civic Arena. From the energized crowd to a team that won five Stanley Cups, it's a can't-miss for sports fanatics. The seating brings you close to the action, and the building still has the original circular design from its once-retractable roof.

Though my son and I aren't hockey fans, we come for the music. They cover the ice and host a number of concerts here each year. I’d like to add that the genres are quite diverse.

Frick Park

Nature and history meet at this expansive park. Walk through the park and witness nature in its untouched glory, from wooded areas to streams to wildlife habitats. The land here is diverse. You'll find meadows, wetlands, and forest ecosystems. You can catch amphibians, birds, and other wildlife here.

If you love getting exercise in nature, the park has over 10 miles of trails. Rather bike? The park has trails for that! And if you're lucky enough to be here during a snowy winter, you can bring the kids here for sledding. The beauty of this area in the winter is enough to schedule a visit. It's truly a winter wonderland.

Get a Taste of the City

You might come for the pierogi, but you'll stay for all the assorted cuisine options here. Those looking for a fine dining experience will want to try Pittsburgh’s Union Standard, which opened its doors back in 2017. I've heard nothing but good things about this place. Apparently, the charred squid is to die for, but if and when I ever go here, I'm skimming the menu and going straight to the roasted duck.

Those who like authentic Italian food can't go wrong with anything they order at Alla Famiglia on the South Side. Just bring your appetite because you'll be served a heaping helping of whatever you order. The chicken alla limone is my go-to if you're looking for inspiration for your first pick. I also tried my son's margherita, and it was the perfect blend of flavor and comfort.

My better half sits this one out, but my son and I can't resist India food, with the bold flavors, spice, and unique dishes. So far, our pick for the best in Pittsburgh is the Taj Mahal. The food and service are as majestic as its name. Both my son and I love us some lamb curry and aloo parantha, but the Saturday buffet is where it's at. You’ll get a taste of various native dishes.

Submersing Yourself in the Art and Culture

As a homeschooling mom, I'm grateful that the city is home to so many unique art and cultural attractions. And while tourists may look in awe at everything we have here, getting to explore it whenever you want is one of the best parts of living here.

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has ever-changing exhibits that feature Native American artifacts, true gemstones, dinosaur fossils, and hieroglyphs. You'll see displays related to human evolution, some showcasing the unique cultures around the world. The Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton is an exhibit that'll wow people of all ages. If you have kids, be sure to get them a teen membership once they're 13. It's free and will get them into this museum, the science center, and other museums throughout town without you having to pay admission.

The Mattress Factory

And if history isn't your thing or you want to shake it up, check out The Mattress Factory. Don't let its name fool you; it has nothing to do with the history of bedding as we've come to find out. It's actually an art museum, but it's not your typical gallery with art hanging on the walls and statues on pedestals. It's an installation art museum, meaning you feel like you're one with the pieces. The works engage your sense of sound, sight, and touch. You can take art workshops and guided tours. There are even times when you can meet the artists and learn more about what inspired them.

Heinz History Center

The Heinz History Center is a unique experience because it's one of the few Smithsonian-affiliated museums in the country. Sports fans tend to head right to the displays about the teams of Pittsburgh, especially for the Steelers' exhibits This museum has an exhibit dedicated to Heinz ketchup that's interesting, to say the least. In case you didn't know, Heinz ketchup started right here in Pittsburgh. (Psst: don't let anyone in the city know you prefer Hunts. You won't hear the end of it.)

The Kamin Science Center

The Kamin Science Center should be on your bucket list once you move here. My son loved it when he was little, but he found out that once he got a little older, there wasn't as much stuff for his age. Let me tell you, though, if you have elementary-aged kids and even ones who are slightly older, this attraction has interactive displays that are always changing. They frequently have demonstrations, and every day there are shows at the IMAX Theater. Often, the shows there are 3D, so it's like you're actually there.

Understanding the Lingo

We playfully call it Pittsburghese, but the city does pretty much have a variation of English all its own. Once you start talking with the locals, you'll want to know these words so you can avoid confusion:

• Yinz - y'all or you guys
• Pop - soda
• Nebby - nosey
• Slippy - slippery
• Gumband - rubberband
• Hoagie - submarine sandwich
• Crick - creek

Now that you've had a brief tour of everything Pittsburgh, know that the city is diverse in experience, culture, and people. While you might spend at least 40 hours per week at work, you'll want to take time to enjoy as much of the city as possible. This is especially the case if you have kids since there's so much for them to do and see here.

Don't worry if you can't remember them at first. People here use them so much that you'll be sure to catch on.