Pittsburgh, with a population of 309,717, is in western Pennsylvania, where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers meet to form the Ohio. Although Pittsburgh was historically known for its steel industry, its economy today is largely based on healthcare, education, technology, and financial services. High temperatures in Pittsburgh range from the mid-teens to the high 70s from winter to summer.
Overview
The Burgh, as locals call it, takes pride in being "America's Most Livable City," consistently ranking high in livability surveys. One resident who left his mark was industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Immigrating to Pittsburgh as a child, Carnegie made his fortune in steel and then became a leading philanthropist, establishing the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), and the Carnegie Corp. of New York.
Pittsburgh is proudly known as Steelers Nation, where die-hard football fans dream in black and gold. The Steelers are arguably the greatest franchise in professional football, boasting Super Bowl titles in 1975, 1976, 1979, 1980, 2006, and 2009. Sports fans can also follow the Penguins (hockey), Pitt (college basketball), and the Pirates (baseball).
The city is also rich in culture and art. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, one of four Carnegie museums in the city, is known for its extensive dinosaur collection and gems and minerals exhibits. The Andy Warhol Museum, in the North Shore neighborhood, holds a permanent collection of art and archives from pop-art icon Andy Warhol, a Pittsburgh native. The Mattress Factory exhibits room-size installation art designed by artists worldwide. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs in Heinz Hall, and the Pittsburgh Opera performs in the Benedum Center.
The Rivers Casino, an entertainment facility in the North Shore area, is scheduled to open in August 2009. The $780 million facility will feature 3,000 slot machines, five first-class restaurants, entertainment, and lounges.
U.S. News Editorial Pick: Best Affordable Places to Retire
In some cities, it's difficult for seniors who can't or don't want to drive to get around, but not in Pittsburgh. Senior citizens 65 or over can ride Port Authority buses and trains free at all times if they have a state senior citizen identification card or a Medicare card. Also, look into the low-cost activities at the two major colleges, the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Seniors get a discount on tickets to Carnegie Mellon School of Music concerts, for example, and some shows are free.
Pittsburgh Schools
Colleges in Pittsburgh include the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Carlow University, Carnegie Mellon University (ranked No. 22 in U.S. News's Best National Universities), Chatham University, Duquesne University (No. 130), La Roche College, Point Park University, and the University of Pittsburgh (ranked 20th in U.S. News's Top 50 Public National Universities).
Pittsburgh Health Care
Within the city limits of Pittsburgh are roughly 20 hospitals. They specialize in everything from genetic therapy to regenerative medicine. In all, there are 118 hospitals within Allegheny County.
Pittsburgh Jobs
Major employers in the area include University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Alcoa, H.J. Heinz Co., PNC Financial Services Group, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Real Estate
The median home sales price in Pittsburgh is $93,500, but with the current foreclosure market, there are houses on the market as low as $73,000.
Overview information and high school, college, hospital, and nursing home rankings copyright ® 2012 U.S.News & World Report.
Other data and information copyright
2012
Onboard Informatics
or as otherwise sourced. Information is represented by Onboard
Informatics as reliable but not guaranteed.
