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Things You Should Know Before Moving to Pittsburgh, PA

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The second most populous city in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is located in the southwestern corner of the state, nestled at the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. CNBC named the city "Best City to Relocate to in America". Pittsburgh was also named the country's most livable city by the Places Rated Almanac in 2007, and ranked number seven on the Forbes "Best Place to Raise a Family" list that same year. With low crime and unemployment rates, affordable housing, a rich history and diverse culture, Pittsburgh is a great place to relocate.

Pittsburgh Climate

The weather in Pittsburgh is varied, with four diverse seasons. Summers are hot and humid; winters cold and snowy. January is the coldest month and July is the hottest, with extreme contrasts in temperatures--sometimes ranging from zero to 90 degrees. Precipitation in Pittsburgh is distributed evenly throughout the year, with a considerable portion falling as snow in the winter months.

Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Pittsburgh is located on the Allegheny Plateau, where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio. The rivers connect to form the border of the downtown area of the city, known as the Golden Triangle. Four main neighborhoods surround the Golden Triangle: the North Side, the South Side, the East End, and the West End. Each of these major areas are broken down into smaller neighborhoods--Pittsburgh features about 90 distinct neighborhoods total.

Downtown Pittsburgh is packed with skyscrapers--including the 841-foot Steel Tower. The Cultural District is a 14-block region that runs alongside the Allegheny River, brimming with theatres, restaurants, shops and art galleries.

The South Side is quickly becoming Pittsburgh's most popular neighborhood--with home values increasing about 10 percent annually. The South Side's East Carson Street is the city's center for nightlife, with almost a mile of bars, nightclubs, coffee shops and live music venues.

Registering Your Car

When moving to Pittsburgh, you are required to register your car within 20 days of residency or you may be forced to pay a penalty. You will need proof of insurance and the $36 fee to register your vehicle in the state of Pennsylvania.

New residents of Pennsylvania must also update their driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency to avoid any fines. You will need your out of state license (valid or expired within the last six months), proof of identification and residency, and your Social Security card. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicles website.

Pittsburgh Schools

The Pittsburgh Public School District operates 65 schools and services over 29, 000 students. Pittsburgh is also home to many esteemed universities, including the University of Pittsburgh. The school was included in a list of the top 25 public research universities by the Center for Measuring University Performance, and was ranked by the U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 20 public universities. Other notable institutions include the private research universities Carnegie Mellon University and Duquesne University, as well as the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Employment

Once powered by the steel industry which built the city, ruled its economy, and named its most famous sports team, Pittsburgh's employment opportunities are a little different than they were a generation ago. Fortunately, the decline of its legendary steel production in the 1980s has not destroyed the city like many predicted it would. Today, Pittsburgh has shifted its industries to high technology sectors, such as health care, nuclear engineering, biomedical technology, and computer software. Education is also a major source of employment in the city.

Pittsburgh Moving Resources

When planning to relocate to a new city, it is important to conduct thorough research on potential moving companies to be sure the one you choose is best suited to your needs, your budget, and the distance you are moving. Below are just several names of moving companies you may choose to help you relocate to your new home in Pittsburgh.

  • Two Men and a Truck
  • Kissel Moving and Storage
  • U-Haul at Washington Boulevard
  • ABC Easy Moving Co.
  • James Moving and Storage
  • Deily Moving and Storage

Living Costs in the City

The cost of living in Pittsburgh is about eight percent below the national average. Reasonable housing, utilities and health care make Pittsburgh one of the most affordable cities in the state, especially compared to Philadelphia--with a cost of living 25 percent greater than the national average. Additionally, the median salary in Pittsburgh is $54,000--just slightly less than the median of $60,000 in Philadelphia. The most lucrative salaries in Pittsburgh can be found in the health care, nuclear energy and manufacturing fields.

Pittsburgh Transportation

Public transit in Pittsburgh is operated by the Port Authority of Allegheny County, with more than 875 buses, 83 light rail vehicles, and the historic Monongahela and Duquesne inclines. These steep passenger railways connect Mount Washington to the river flats below and are two of only several remaining inclines in the country. Seated in a century-old cable car, passengers can enjoy this historic mode of transit while taking in breathtaking views of the city and river.

When getting around in downtown Pittsburgh, you can hail a black-and-white City Cab to shuttle you around the Golden triangle and other nearby neighborhoods.

Culture and Contemporary Life

Due to its industrial past, Pittsburgh is a melting pot of cultures descended from immigrants all over the world. This cultural hodgepodge results in a delightful array of cuisine, from authentic South Indian vegetarian to hearty pierogies and kielbasa. One popular Pittsburgh staple is a sandwich from Primanti Brothers topped with French fries and coleslaw.

Pittsburgh is also ideal for any intellectual. The city's expansive library system includes a number of public and university libraries full of books and other literature. For art lovers, the city is home to several art museums, including The Andy Warhol Museum, dedicated to the famous pop artist and Pittsburgh native.

Pittsburgh is also a hub for the dramatic arts, boasting the world's first movie theatre and hosting over 1,000 film and television works. Live theatre and opera can be enjoyed at numerous venues, including the Benedum Center, Heinz Hall, and Mountain Playhouse, one of the oldest theatres in the city.

Pittsburgh Relocation Tips

When relocating to any new city, it is important to do thorough research on the region and to give yourself ample time to prepare for the move. The following are some tips and advice to make your relocation and transition as easy and enjoyable as possible:

  • Connect your utilities: In the state of Pennsylvania, you have the right to choose your own providers of gas, electric, and telephone service. To compare prices and get more information, visit Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission website.
  • Research parking options: As in any major city, parking in Pittsburgh can be difficult and expensive. If you plan to have a car in the city, be sure to research the parking options in the neighborhood you are moving to and find the one that is most convenient and economical for you. For more information on parking in Pittsburgh, you can visit the Pittsburgh parking Authority website.
  • Change your address: Be sure to notify the Post Office of your forwarding address four to six weeks before your move to ensure that you don't miss any important mail.
  • Get a library card: Take advantage of Pittsburgh's extensive library system by applying for a free library card. All you need is identification and proof of residency to obtain your card, which can be used at any public library in Allegheny County.

Nicole La Capria  Posted by Nicole La Capria on February 18, 2013

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