I’m from Pittsburgh, decided to attend the University of Pittsburgh and absolutely love all of the cool spots scattered around my city. Sure, the weather is a little temperamental sometimes, and it’s always weird bumping into someone I kind of know but didn’t really talk to in high school, but it’s not an entirely terrible place to live. From the view to Mt. Washington to the South Side on a Friday night, every moment I spend wandering around these streets is a moment well spent.
1. No matter where it is in the world you find yourself, you’ll be used to ridiculous construction.
The city of Pittsburgh is notorious for detours, displaced bus stops and closed roads for the sake of construction that will either take too long to complete or change literally nothing about the area under construction. You’ll learn to navigate this mess, which is an important life skill.
2. One word: Food.
Maybe it’s just me, but exploring the city and finding different spots to grab lunch. or venturing to a Pittsburgh favorite, is one of the best parts about living here. Primantis, Eat‘n Park (or Hello Bistro, depending upon where you are), or DeLuca’s in the Strip – the options are endless.
3. The art scene is actually amazing.
There are so many museums in this city (many of which are free to Pitt students during the fall and spring semesters), and those museums vary in collections. The Carnegie Musuems of Art and Natural History will satisfy your need for modern art as well as various genres from different locations all around the world; you’ll find exhibits on architecture and different periods of time in different areas. The Warhol Museum is self-explanatory: a plethora of Warhol’s works. The Mattress Factor offers an array of modern art and installations. You could possibly find yourself at Phipps Conservatory. The list is really endless. Those are just the big ones.
4. The city is full of history.
I know, I know, as is any other city in the nation. But Pittsburgh, although not the earliest, was established very early on during the beginnings of the U.S., so that allowed for lots of historical events and people to pass through the region. If you’re a history buff, and this sort of goes hand-in-hand with the museums, there is so much to learn.
5. The Cathedral of Learning resides in Oakland, a short bus ride away from Downtown Pittsburgh.
I’m so incredibly biased here because Hail to Pitt, but Cathy is beautiful, and there’s no denying that. It’s safe to say that nothing rivals her stature and the attention to detail both inside and out. It’s a gorgeous building and offers an even better view of Oakland. The history behind her is pretty interesting, too, and you can just tag along on a Pathfinder tour if you’re so inclined to hear about it. Plus, you can explore the Nationality Rooms. (PS: my boyfriend, who goes to PSU, says they’re better than Old Main, so that says a lot.) (PPS: he never said that, but he should’ve.)
6. People are generally nice here.
I can’t remember how many times, growing up, I heard someone comment on how Pittsburgh had been voted one of the friendliest cities in the nation, or something of the sort. Don’t quote me on that because I don’t know exact details, but it is true. Sure, there are weirdos and rude people, but those are everywhere. If asking for directions or simply asking to bum a lighter, and I’ve seen all kinds of interactions both downtown and Oakland, most people happily oblige and go about his or her day. It’s really beautiful to see simple acts of kindness in my hometown.
7. The united sense of hatred we all have for the Philadelphia Flyers when hockey season comes around. (I know the previous point was about niceness, but this is hockey.)
Listen, even people who aren’t hockey fans and don’t watch the Pens even hate the Flyers. And that’s comforting because anyone who loves the Flyers is not worth your time. It’s like one big family, and the Flyers are the drunk uncle who ruins Christmas and tells little Jimmy Santa isn’t real.
I’ll always want to travel and see the world. I’ll always want to experience something new. But I take pride in knowing that I’ve grown up in Pittsburgh and know about all of the important things a Pittsburgher should know. I take pride in the fact that Pittsburgh is my home, potholes and all.
