Considering the name of its professional football team, it's hard for Pittsburgh to shake the image that people have in their minds of an industrial city whose skyline is marked by smokestacks that create a thick haze over the landscape.

These days, it's not steel for which Pittsburgh is known. Like many cities in the United States, Pittsburgh is experiencing its own high-tech evolution and is attracting skilled professionals from throughout the country. Its neighborhoods are ethnically diverse and architecturally interesting. Its smokestacks no longer emit dirty clouds. Streets are clean, cultural attractions have grown and prospered, and Pittsburgh has come into its own as one of the nation's most desirable cities.

Pittsburgh offers many spectacular views from various spots. Many of its well-preserved historic neighborhoods sit atop green hills. The city is surrounded by water, with many bridges providing transport in and out of Pittsburgh. Alongside older structures are modern skyscrapers made of several chrome, glass and steel, providing an interesting contrast to history. Try as you might, you're not going to spot any steel mills or giant smokestacks.

Although it's the 19th-largest city in the United States (the city has more than 2 million residents), Pittsburgh is an excellent walking city. Similar to Boston in its feel, the city is laid out as a patchwork of ethnically unique neighborhoods. As you make your way through them, you feel not as if you're exploring a major city, but rather a series of small, charming and friendly towns. At the same time, Pittsburgh benefits from a wide variety of cultural offerings. Live music, cafes, museums and other staples of big-city life sit alongside neighborhood groceries and markets.

It's hard for any tourist to know where to start exploring in Pittsburgh because there's so much to see and do here. Among the city's highlights is Point State Park, which is home to one of the city's largest fountains. Spouting water to heights of up to 150 feet, the fountain grabs tourists' attention with its colorful display of lights. The waters also are a favorite spot for boaters, who, of course, are mindful of spouting water. Downtown Pittsburgh, dubbed "The Golden Triangle," contains some of the city's best shopping opportunities, as well as its cultural venues: the Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, as well as the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts. The Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team plays at the nearby Civic Arena. The Pittsburgh Zoo and National Aviary are recommended stops, as well.

Head east of downtown, and you'll reach a more neighborhood-like atmosphere called the Strip District. Recalling the old days of outdoor markets filled with fresh produce and baked goods, the Strip District evokes nostalgia among its visitors. You'll also find a series of specialty shops, street vendors, comparatively inexpensive restaurants and ethnic groceries. Within the district's historic warehouses, you'll find plenty of outlets for nightlife in the form of bars and pubs. The area's boardwalk is a fun destination; head here for good waterfront views. And if you're interested in the city's history, you'll want to visit the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center, which traces the city's smokestack-filled days, as well as the contributions of its immigrant population.

Need some more history? Just say "East Pittsburgh." Andrew Carnegie left an amazing legacy here called The Carnegie, the highlight of which is the Carnegie Library, home to more than 4 million titles. Stick around and walk through the Carnegie Music Hall, the Museum of Art, which houses a collection of French impressionist work, and the Museum of Natural History. You could spend an afternoon in East Pittsburgh and capture some of the best relics that the city has to offer.

The Gothic-style Cathedral of Learning is located across the street from The Carnegie. This visually stunning skyscraper is 42 stories high. Twenty-four "Nationality Classrooms," paying tribute to Allegheny County's various ethnic groups, are located inside the cathedral, which was completed in 1937. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Heinz Memorial Chapel. Based on San Chapel in Paris, its stained-glass windows are constructed from more than 250,000 pieces of glass.

Art lovers will want to visit the Andy Warhol Museum. Consuming seven floors of a historic warehouse, the museum pays tribute to Pittsburgh's most famous (and certainly most eccentric) native. And you can't miss the Mattress Factory, which includes art in every conceivable form -- that includes not just paintings and stationary structures, but also moving displays and demonstrations. Children of every age can't get enough of the interactive Pittsburgh Children's Museum -- or the Carnegie Science Center.

Relocating families are drawn to Pittsburgh by its growing high-tech industry, its relatively low crime rate (FBI statistics demonstrate that Pittsburgh is the safest city its size in the United States; the city's annual crime rate is about half the national average), its multitude of recreational and cultural opportunities and wealth of educational institutions (including Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University), all of which produce a high quality of life for residents. Weather conditions are variable in Pittsburgh. The city experiences a disproportionate amount of overcast days. Winters are generally wet and cold, and summers can be humid, so travelers are advised to visit the city during the spring or fall months.

According to Pittsburgh Realtor Scott Rodgers of Century 21 (Scott Rodgers Real Estate Inc.), housing in Pittsburgh offers both value and variety. The median cost of a single-family home in Pittsburgh, says Rodgers, is nearly 25 percent less than the national price. Architecture ranges from contemporary to Victorian. Many new residents opt to live in the city's more ethnic neighborhoods, but the suburbs are within easy access of downtown, as well. everything from Victorians to contemporaries are available. The public school systems throughout greater Pittsburgh, he adds, have received numerous national awards and recognitions.

The days of heavy industry might be long gone, but the city's strong work ethic isn't; Pittsbugh was recognized in 1992 for its tireless city revitalization efforts. Pittsburgh is now embarking on a new and exciting chapter in its history, and the reviews from business and residential communities are overwhelmingly positive. Now if they could just change the name of that football team ...

Real Times Community Profiles

Published: March 29, 1999

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