OK so Born and raised here. Rent is about $1,896/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
16 upvotes
7 Replies
Elizabeth
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 33, moved here 5 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Midtown and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
34 upvotes
Eli Davis
been saying this for years
27 upvotes
Lucy Evans
spot on
24 upvotes
Nova Diaz
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The community vibe is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Austin T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Springfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
19 upvotes
Sean B.
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor recreation is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..