Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a great place to live. But, like any other city, there are some drawbacks. Here are 19 reasons why you might not want to move to Pittsburgh.
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in Pittsburgh is slightly higher than the national average. Rent is especially high, as are taxes. This can make it difficult for those on a budget to make ends meet.
2. Weather
Pittsburgh has a reputation for being a cold and gloomy place. It’s true that winters can be harsh, but the summers can be hot and humid. And, due to its location in the Appalachian Mountains, the city can be prone to thunderstorms.
3. Air Quality
Pittsburgh’s air quality is not great. This is due to the city’s industrial past, and the air can be especially bad during the winter months when inversions trap the pollutants in the air.
4. Traffic
Traffic in Pittsburgh can be bad, especially during rush hour. The city has a lot of bridges and tunnels, which can cause bottlenecks. And, the city’s streets can be confusing for those who are not familiar with them.
5. Crime
Pittsburgh has a higher-than-average crime rate. The city is still recovering from its industrial past, and there are some neighborhoods that can be dangerous. It’s important to do your research before moving to a new area.
6. Job Market
The job market in Pittsburgh is not as strong as in other cities. While there are some opportunities, the competition for jobs can be fierce. It’s important to have a good resume and to network if you want to land a good job.
7. Lack of Diversity
Pittsburgh is not a very diverse city. While there are some neighborhoods that are more diverse, the city as a whole is not as diverse as other cities.
8. Sports
If you’re not a fan of sports, Pittsburgh is not the place for you. The city is passionate about its teams, and it can be difficult to avoid the sports culture.
9. Education
Pittsburgh has some good public schools, but they are not on par with other cities. Private schools can be expensive, and it can be difficult to get into the best ones.
10. Nightlife
Pittsburgh is not known for its nightlife. While there are some bars and clubs, they can be expensive and there is not much variety.
11. Public Transportation
Pittsburgh’s public transportation system is not great. The buses are often late and overcrowded, and the light rail is not very reliable.
12. Shopping
Pittsburgh does not have a lot of shopping options. The downtown area has some nice stores, but they can be expensive. If you’re looking for more variety, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
13. Food
Pittsburgh has a lot of great restaurants, but the food can be expensive. There are also not a lot of options for those who are looking for healthy or vegetarian options.
14. Outdoor Activities
Pittsburgh has some nice parks and trails, but there is not a lot of variety. There are not many beaches or ski resorts nearby.
15. Lack of Jobs
As mentioned before, the job market in Pittsburgh is not great. There are some opportunities, but it can be difficult to find a job that pays well.
16. Taxes
Pittsburgh has high taxes. Property taxes are especially high, and the city also has a high sales tax.
17. Poor Infrastructure
Pittsburgh’s infrastructure is not in great shape. The roads are often in disrepair, and the public transportation system is unreliable.
18. Pollution
Pittsburgh is still dealing with the effects of its industrial past. The air quality is not great, and the rivers are polluted.
19. Isolation
Pittsburgh can be an isolated city. It is far from other major cities, and there is not much in the way of entertainment or cultural activities.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might not want to move to Pittsburgh. It’s a great city, but it has its drawbacks. Make sure to do your research before making any decisions.