12 Reasons to Fall in Love With Pittsburgh

There are so many reasons to love Pittsburgh, here are a few of our favorite that made us fall head over heels for the Steel City.

There's always a reason or two to stop, smell the roses, and fall a little bit more in love with the city of Pittsburgh. Here are a few of my own favorite things about the 'Burgh that make me fall for my hometown over and over again.

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Jody Mader

The People

Pittsburghers are second to none. Their love for this city runs deep, and you feel it surround you in every way. Friends visiting Pittsburgh frequently tell me how surprised and touched they are by the friendly and kind nature of the people here. For many, it’s refreshing to experience something as small as people saying hello and asking how your day is, just because. In Pittsburgh, it’s not uncommon for Pittsburghers to strike up a conversation with you in line at a grocery store, or become a new friend after sitting next to you at a Pirates game. People are happy in Pittsburgh, and their spirit and the energy is contagious.

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The Local Breweries

New breweries are popping up left and right all over the city. These spaces are great for both indoor and outdoor social gatherings and events, and many even offer great food menus or rotating food truck schedules to pair and enjoy with their local brews. There are almost too many to name, but a few breweries that have a special place in my heart include Penn Brewery, 11th Hour, and East End Brewing. Check out some of my favorite picks for some local winter warmers here.

A Trip to Kennywood Park

Kennywood is a treasured and cherished Pittsburgh landmark and one that's hard to describe until you experience it for yourself. Just recently, the new addition of Steelers Country at Kennywood marked the opening of the tallest rollercoaster in PA - The Steel Curtain. No matter your NFL team, Kennywood has something for everyone. And most importantly, something everyone can agree on - enjoying some Potato Patch fries together is always a most to any visit to the park. Check out our Insider's Guide to Kennywood for tips and tricks!

The Booming Restaurant Scene

It’s not hard to fall in love with the food scene in Pittsburgh when there are so many options to choose from. Outside of iconic spots like Primanti Bros. or Pamela's Diner, there's a growing scene of restaurants opening up all over the city, a few that have even started to catch some national attention. Apart from Yelp naming Gaucho Parrilla Argentina as one of the top 100 places to eat in the US, the city itself has racked up accolades including one of the best for pizza lovers and even beat out our state rival Philadelphia for best cheesesteak!

Affordable living in an amazing city

Pittsburgh is frequently celebrated as not only affordable, but one of the top most livable cities in the US. Aspects of community, access to green space, healthcare, arts and culture, and education are just a few of many of the aspects that make Pittsburgh a fun, exciting, and comfortable place to call home. Pittsburgh is even one of the United States' "Blue Zones!"

Photo Credit: Kim R.

The “Comeback” City

Years ago, it wasn't uncommon for visitors to only associate Pittsburgh with its industrial history as a steel town. But today, with a variety of diverse industries blossoming, Pittsburgh has extended its reputation to mean more than just steel mills. Pittsburgh's renaissance has earned the city a spotlight as a destination worth visiting, both domestically and internationally.

The Downtown Skyline

With Pittsburgh's iconic yellow bridges weaving between streets of modern and historic architecture, the Pittsburgh skyline is a sight that never gets old. Whether it's your first or thousandth time seeing the skyline when you drive into the city from the Fort Pitt tunnel, it's a view that's unbeatable and truly unlike any other.

The Bustling Neighborhoods

Pittsburgh is home to 90 neighborhoods, each offering a unique area to explore and hidden gems to uncover. The diversity across the neighborhoods is one of the many things that keep Pittsburgh feeling like a “small big city” - one that’s familiar and warm, but with so much variety you’re able to continually keep exploring and experiencing something new.

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The Arts and Culture

No matter the season or what the weather holds outside, you can always count on having first-class entertainment options to choose from in Pittsburgh ranging from theatre, concerts, art galleries, and more. Some of the locals’ favorites include checking out a show at the Byham Theater or the Benedum Center downtown. If you’re interested in a day of art, check out the Mattress Factory, the Andy Warhol Museum, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, and many more throughout the city.

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The Waterways

Sitting at the heart of three rivers - the Monongahela, Allegheny, and the Ohio River - Pittsburgh is proud of their waterways and with good reason. Not only are the rivers breathtakingly beautiful, they’re also great places to get out and exercise or explore the city. Whether it’s kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, or taking a spin on the Gateway Clipper, you can’t go wrong with spending a day out on the water.

The Green Spaces

While the skyscrapers and downtown skyline can be impressive enough to stop you in your tracks, the greenery around the city will also leave you equally as stunned. From the parks nestled within the city limits like Frick Park, Schenley Park, to larger green spaces just outside downtown, there’s an outdoor area for everyone. Each park offers endless opportunities for activities like biking, hiking, running, and places to relax with friends and family over outdoor picnics and get-togethers.

The Black and Gold Pride

It’s no exaggeration that the entire city of Pittsburgh and surrounding areas bleed black and gold for not just one, but all of the sports teams here in Pittsburgh. More than just team spirit, the sense of black and gold bring the city a sense of community and comradery that help foster the neighborly and friendly spirit in Pittsburgh.

Author

Kim R.

Blog Author

Kim is a Pittsburgh native with a serious travel bug who loves music, running, and exploring all the Burgh has to offer. Follow her adventures across the country and around the globe on Twitter and Instagram at @fromtheroadimon or check out her website!