PITTSBURGH – Say what? Pittsburgh is the most livable city in the Continental United States? Again? Are you serious? Yes indeed! Serious as Steelers Nation. The Economist Intelligence Unit's livability survey ranks Pittsburgh as the most livable location in the Continental U.S. (Only Honolulu ranks higher.)
According to The Economist, the concept of livability is simple. "It assesses which locations around the world provide the best or the worst living conditions." Worldwide, Pittsburgh ranks No. 30 out of 140 cities surveyed.
On a scale of 1-100, with 100 being considered "ideal," Pittsburgh ranks as follows:
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Stability rating: 85
Healthcare: 92
Culture & Environment: 91
Education: 100
Infrastructure: 100
The study ascertains that those cities scoring best "tend to be mid-sized cities in wealthier countries with a relatively low population density. This can foster a range of recreational activities without leading to high crime levels or overburdened infrastructure." In the same study published in 2009, Pittsburgh ranked as the most livable city in the United States.
"It's great to celebrate the accolades that were made possible through the spirit of innovation here, fueled by the passion of Pittsburgh residents and decision makers," said Craig Davis, president and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. "This city has come far because of the determination of collaboration and of perseverance. There’s been a conscious effort to invest in arts, culture and the environment as an economic development strategy. And, that has paid off nicely."
"Coupled with the tremendous work ethic and pride of our people, and our topography, we truly have become a great place to live and a mighty beautiful destination," Davis continued.
The Economist ranking comes on the heels of the Travel Channel naming Pittsburgh as one of the "Best All-American Vacations" for 2014.
The U.S. Livable City List (with World Ranking out of 140 cities surveyed):
Honolulu (26)
Pittsburgh (30)
Washington, D.C. (34)
Chicago (36)
Atlanta (36)
Miami (36)
Detroit (39)
Boston (40)
Seattle (41)
Minneapolis (42)
Los Angeles (42)
Cleveland (45)
Houston (46)
San Francisco (52)
New York (56)
Lexington (59)
Other Pittsburgh accolades include:
- Jetsetter.com chose Pittsburgh as one of the "best world-wide destinations" in 2013.
- Selected by National Geographic Traveler as "one of the best places in the world to visit" in 2012.
- The Huffington Post named city "one of the 40 prettiest cities in the world."
- Named "America's Most Livable City" by Forbes magazine in 2010.
- ForbesTraveler.com voted Pittsburgh as one of "the world's most stunning skylines."
VisitPITTSBURGH is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. It is dedicated to generating convention, trade show and leisure travel business for the Pittsburgh region.