Once you’ve experienced life in the City of Bridges, you may never want to leave. Home to research, academia and industry, you can find a way to make your mark alongside people who are striving to make the world a better place for everyone. And plentiful jobs and affordable housing options make Pittsburgh the perfect place to build your career, family and future.
Find a home
Pittsburgh offers all the benefits of a major metro area at a fraction of the cost, and several studies have found that homeownership is more attainable here [Link out to Housing affordability page] than in most large U.S. cities. With 90 unique neighborhoods [Link out? To Neighborhoods page], you can put down roots and find your niche.
Find a job
Earlier this year, WalletHub named Pittsburgh a top city for job-seekers. With robust opportunities for in-demand and high-paying careers and jobs that provide excellent benefits, it’s no wonder Steel City residents also report the ninth-highest career satisfaction in the U.S.
With 111 hospitals and two major medical providers within the city, you can make the leap from med school to health care professional without having to move. And as a member of the University community, you’re already affiliated with an institution globally renowned for research in transplantation, neuroscience and other health sciences.
Pittsburgh is on the road to being an AI powerhouse, and Pitt is at the cutting-edge of integrating health care and tech thanks to partnerships with NVIDIA, Leidos and AWS, to name a few.
When you’re sharing a home with world-class universities, professional sports teams, major financial institutions, and countless cultural and community organizations, your possibilities are limitless. Pitt’s Career Center is here to help you take the next step — which could even be a role at the University.
Next Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Magazine and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council also round up a wide variety of open positions around the city each week.
Family-friendly
Every family member can find a place to thrive in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Public Schools provides early childhood and preK-12 education to nearly 20,000 local kids — and all valedictorians and salutatorians who graduate from the district’s 10 eligible high schools are guaranteed admission to the University through the Pittsburgh Public Scholars program.
At Pitt, the University Child Development Center provides quality child care for the young children of faculty, staff and students. The Office of Human Resources also offers care services and assistance through Care.com and LifeSolutions.
The School of Education’s Pitt Kids program provides year-round instruction in aquatics, games and sports for kids aged 3-13. The University also offers sports camps during the summer. Both Pitt programs offer scholarships and discounts to qualified applicants. Kidsburgh publishes a guide to summer camps around Pittsburgh each year.
Consistently ranked among the best pediatric medical centers in the nation, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh provides general and top-ranked specialty care, so you can keep your family happy and healthy.
Because we know they’re family, too: An array of pet-friendly places, dog parks and affordable veterinarians have earned Pittsburgh recognition as a dog-friendly city.
LGBTQ-friendly
From affirming health care to a vibrant nightlife, Pittsburgh is supportive of its LGBTQ+ communities.
The city’s LGBTQ+ social landscape is as diverse as the people who comprise the community. There’s a vibrant drag and burlesque scene and ample clubs and bars. There are daytime activities too, including an LGBTQ rowing crew, kickball league and an annual film festival. Check out QBurgh for the latest news and an up-to-date events calendar.
Several medical practices provide informed and inclusive healthcare targeted to LGBTQ+ individuals, including Allies for Health and Wellbeing, Metro Community Health and Central Outreach Wellness Center as well as mental health provider the Persad Center.
There are also LGBTQ-centered sober spaces: the Lavender Room Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and Harold’s Haunt Sober Sunday series.
Housing affordability
Pittsburgh has been ranked again and again as one of the most affordable metros in the country and was recently even named the No. 3 best city for new college graduates.
That’s in part based on the wide availability and affordability of rental housing. There are many Pitt-owned housing options specifically for graduate and professional students, and Off-Campus Student Services offers a range of resources for renters, including apartment listings, legal tips for tenants, roommate matching and more.
If you are ready to put down Pittsburgh roots, homeownership is within reach here.
You don’t have to take our word for it: A recent Realtor.com analysis found that nearly 70% of households can afford to buy a median-priced home here. Pennsylvania is among the best states in the nation for middle-class homebuyers and, for recent grads and young professionals, the Steel City gives more bang for your buck when it comes to buying a starter home.
First-time buyers can apply for up to $45,000 in loan assistance from Allegheny County. The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh offers a portfolio of affordable homes for sale in the city as well as loans and assistance programs for qualified buyers. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency also offers low-interest loans for home purchase and repairs, so you can avoid predatory lenders.
Regional organizations like First Front Door, NeighborWorks and Rebuilding Together are also here to help on your homebuying journey. See if you qualify for state and federal utility initiatives like the Dollar Energy Fund and Affordable Connectivity Program.
Whether you’re building a temporary or forever home, make it your own for less by visiting one of the many second-hand home goods stores in Pittsburgh and surrounding counties: E.N. Miller Antique Mall, Miller’s Crossing Fleatique, Second Harvest, Thriftique, Construction Junction, L&L Fleatique and Your Favorite Things. Most neighborhoods in the city also have a registered Buy Nothing group, so you can take and give freely with your community.