Life in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a vibrant, welcoming, and affordable city that is an ideal place to live, learn, and grow during your training and career growth. Whether you are here as a new faculty member, for residency, a postdoctoral fellowship, or graduate study, you will find an environment with academic excellence and innovation, a strong tradition of art and culture, and plenty of accessible green space.

View of the city of Pittsburgh from the North Shore
 

A City That Balances Innovation and Tradition

Once known as the epicenter of steel production in the United States, Pittsburgh is now a hub for healthcare, education, and technology—while retaining its neighborhood charm and strong sense of community. The city is home to world-class institutions, including the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and a thriving medical and research ecosystem anchored by UPMC.

 

A Great Place to Put Down Roots

Pittsburgh consistently ranks among the most livable and affordable cities in the U.S., with a lower cost of living compared to other academic hubs. For those considering homeownership during their training or planning to stay in the region long-term, Pittsburgh offers a relatively affordable and stable housing market. The city features 90 unique neighborhoods, commutable to major hospitals and universities.

PNC park and scene from Picklesburgh
From home run views at PNC Park to giant pickles at the annual "Picklesburgh" event—the city celebrates its passions with style.

 

Things to Do: Culture, Food, and the Outdoors

 
  • Arts & Culture: The city boasts a dynamic arts scene, with museums, galleries, and performance spaces like the Carnegie Museums, Pittsburgh Symphony, and the Andy Warhol Museum.
  • Food & Drink: From nationally recognized restaurants to neighborhood cafés and food trucks, Pittsburgh’s food scene is diverse and growing.
  • Parks & Outdoors: With over 165 parks and access to river trails and nearby state parks, it is easy to stay active and connected to nature—even within city limits.
Holiday lights at Phipps Conservatory and summer concert at Schenley Plaza
At Phipps, holiday nights shimmer with light and wonder—while Schenley Plaza comes alive in summer with music.
 

Ideal for Families and Partners

The city offers excellent public and private school options, abundant green space, and family-friendly attractions like the Pittsburgh Zoo, Children’s Museum, and Carnegie Science Center. For partners of trainees, the local job market in healthcare, education, and tech is strong.

 

Getting Around

Pittsburgh has a reliable public transit system (including buses and light rail), a growing network of bike lanes, and many pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. The Pittsburgh International Airport offers direct flights to most major U.S. cities.

 

Learn More About Life in Pittsburgh

 
  • NEXTpittsburgh is the online resource for Pittsburgh news, the hottest places to eat, exciting events and more happenings in the city.
  • Kidsburgh publishes original stories and content designed to inform and inspire parents and caregivers as they navigate Pittsburgh.
  • Discover the Burgh has explored over 1,400 attractions, restaurants, bars/breweries, events, cool public spaces, and so many more things to do in Pittsburgh.