Pittsburgh Homes For Sale | Pittsburgh Real Estate
Did you know that Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania real estate has a lot in common with North Toronto real estate? It's true! Both have a wealth of urban and suburban options, similar climates, and the same access to both blue and white collar jobs. The difference, of course, is that while Toronto is located along the northern shore of the Great Lakes, Pittsburgh is located a few hundred miles further south in western Pennsylvania. But don't let the distance stop you, if you like Toronto real estate and are looking for a change of pace, we urge you to look into Pittsburgh, PA. Just browse through the pages of information on this website if you would like to know more.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Steel City
On the slopes of the Monongahela River Valley and the ridges beyond at the point where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers meet to form the Ohio River lies the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is the county seat of Allegheny County and with a population of 311,000, ranks as the second largest city in the state. The city's unique terrain with steep hillsides and stepped sidewalks offers more spectacular views than you would normally find in a city of its size and the Port Authority Transit, which handles the city's bus, subway, and funicular railways is the 11th largest transit agency in the nation.
Though Pittsburgh, PA went through some tough times in the late 70s and early 80s when it lost much of the steel manufacturing industry that had supported its economy up until that point, the city has since rebounded and expanded. The current economy is now diverse and based upon health care, education, finance, robotics, biomedical engineering, and tourism, with health care as the dominating factor. There are over a dozen hospitals and clinics in the city and largest employers are the University of Pittsburgh and its medical centers.
Pittsburgh, PA is also a major city for education and the arts. There are no fewer than twenty colleges, universities, and specialized career training institutes in Pittsburgh, including the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Melon University. Area museums assist in students' education, especially in art and natural history as the Andy Warhol Museum, and Carnegie Museum of Natural History are among those in Pittsburgh with extensive collections.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has won numerous awards including 13th best city for young professionals and one of the top 10 cities favorable to business expansion. It ranks consistently on the Places Rated Almanac list of America's Most Livable Cities and its universities often place highly on U.S. News and World Report rankings.
Neighborhoods and Home Styles in Pittsburgh, PA
There are over 90 separate neighborhoods in Pittsburgh grouped into five geographic districts. The downtown/Golden Triangle district is known for its culture, parks, riverside walks, and skyscrapers. While neighborhoods such as Shadyside have always been residential, others, like Firstside, have only recently been redeveloped with condo towers and apartment buildings. The North Side is where you'll find older, architecturally interesting houses in residential neighborhoods, while the South Side is the most popular for homeowners because of recent redevelopment. On the outskirts of the city is where you'll find the quiet, tree-lined suburban neighborhoods.
Due to Pittsburgh, PA's long history as a European settlement, prospective homeowners have a lot of options when it comes to home type and style. Pittsburgh neighborhoods sport everything from single family detached homes with yards and garages to charming turn-of-the-century brick row houses to gothic skyscrapers full of modern condominiums. The city's tradition of being a destination for European immigrants has also lent its housing a certain flavor, and many homes, particularly in the North Side, sport decorative woodwork, ceramic tile accents and stained glass.
Despite the national mortgage crisis, Pittsburgh's housing market has managed to remain relatively stable. The average home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will run you around $126,000 while renting an apartment costs approximately $650 per month. The cost of living is actually significantly less than other cities of similar size, at 86.4 compared to the U.S. average of 100.
Contact a Pittsburgh, PA Real Estate Agent
If Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has caught your attention, you're not alone. Pittsburgh has a thriving economy and vibrant culture that's attracting people from all over. If you want to stake your claim on some prime Pittsburgh real estate, you'd better act fast! Call up one of our local real estate agents today. Their information can be found on the contact page of this website. By calling them as soon as possible, you'll get the ball rolling and ensure you have the first pick of what's available.
