Moving to Pittsburgh can be a pretty significant lifestyle change. Those of us who have lived here for a considerable amount of time know the city’s quirks, its good points, and its bad points. But, for newcomers, the change might be overwhelming. Here are 11 things longtime Pittsburghers wish they could tell people before they move to Pittsburgh.
- Summer = construction season.
Flickr/Beyond DC We typically refer to summer for what it truly is in the Pittsburgh-area: construction season. Summer means your GPS will get a workout as you find alternate routes to just about everywhere you want to go.
- We all have bad hair days during the summer.
Flickr/Lynn Larkin Frizzy hair, don’t care. We all have bad hair days in the summer, thanks to the sometimes sweltering heat and humidity. Embrace it.
- Pittsburghese is a real language.
Flickr/Matt Niemi Pittsburghers speak a language all of their own, one that might seem a bit different at first. But, the Pittsburghese - yinz, jagoff, and rid up - will be rolling off of your tongue before you know it.
- Avoid the parkway at rush hour.
Flickr/David Fulmer Sometimes traveling on the parkway is unavoidable. But, if you can avoid it, do so, especially during rush hour and before sporting events or a big concert. If you do travel the parkway at high peak times, be prepared for a long commute.
- Don’t stress if you get lost.
Flickr/Ronald Woan Getting lost in Pittsburgh is easy, especially with all the bridges that crisscross the city. Look at getting lost as an opportunity to discover new areas of the Burgh and new ways to get where you want to go.
- Root for the Steelers, the Pens, and the Pirates.
Flickr/J. Sibiga Photography Pittsburgh’s a sports town. Sundays during football season mean Pittsburghers’ attention turns to the Steelers. You’ll automatically be swept up in the fervor of Pittsburgh sports. (And, even if you don’t like Pittsburgh’s teams, you might not want to make that fact too well known to save yourself from some lighthearted ribbing.)
- Go to the Strip District early in the morning.
Flickr/Wally Gobetz One of the most eclectic neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, the Strip District offers a little bit of everything: shops, restaurants, and markets like Wholey’s Fish Market. For the most authentic experience, visit the Strip District early in the day before the tourists arrive.
- You can always find something to do.
Flickr/Via Tsuji You’ll hear people complaining there’s nothing to do in Pittsburgh. Not true. Pittsburgh always has something going on, no matter what your interests. The key is to know where to look: On local bulletin boards, in Facebook groups, and online.
- Explore Pittsburgh’s unique neighborhoods.
Flickr/Matt Niemi Pittsburgh boasts an array of unique neighborhoods, from Lawrenceville to Squirrel Hill. Stop by Bloomfield, for example, for some of the city’s best Italian food. Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, Bloomfield hosts the popular Little Italy Days every August.
- Public transportation usually means a PAT bus.
Flickr/David Wilson Climb aboard a PAT bus if you’re not walking, biking, or driving to your destination in Pittsburgh. PAT buses are the primary mode of public transportation, although Pittsburgh does have a small subway system.
- Strike up a conversation with a Pittsburgher.
Flickr/Mark Dixon You’ll have no trouble making friends in Pittsburgh. Pittsburghers are typically a friendly, welcoming bunch who like good conversation. So, whether you’re at the bus stop, waiting for a table in a restaurant, or hanging out at the mall, strike up a conversation with a Pittsburgher.
What are some of the things you think everyone should know before they move to Pittsburgh? Share your thoughts below! Then check out the 13 things people usually think of when they hear “Pittsburgh.”
Flickr/Beyond DC
We typically refer to summer for what it truly is in the Pittsburgh-area: construction season. Summer means your GPS will get a workout as you find alternate routes to just about everywhere you want to go.
Flickr/Lynn Larkin
Frizzy hair, don’t care. We all have bad hair days in the summer, thanks to the sometimes sweltering heat and humidity. Embrace it.
Flickr/Matt Niemi
Pittsburghers speak a language all of their own, one that might seem a bit different at first. But, the Pittsburghese - yinz, jagoff, and rid up - will be rolling off of your tongue before you know it.
Flickr/David Fulmer
Sometimes traveling on the parkway is unavoidable. But, if you can avoid it, do so, especially during rush hour and before sporting events or a big concert. If you do travel the parkway at high peak times, be prepared for a long commute.
Flickr/Ronald Woan
Getting lost in Pittsburgh is easy, especially with all the bridges that crisscross the city. Look at getting lost as an opportunity to discover new areas of the Burgh and new ways to get where you want to go.
Flickr/J. Sibiga Photography
Pittsburgh’s a sports town. Sundays during football season mean Pittsburghers’ attention turns to the Steelers. You’ll automatically be swept up in the fervor of Pittsburgh sports. (And, even if you don’t like Pittsburgh’s teams, you might not want to make that fact too well known to save yourself from some lighthearted ribbing.)
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
One of the most eclectic neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, the Strip District offers a little bit of everything: shops, restaurants, and markets like Wholey’s Fish Market. For the most authentic experience, visit the Strip District early in the day before the tourists arrive.
Flickr/Via Tsuji
You’ll hear people complaining there’s nothing to do in Pittsburgh. Not true. Pittsburgh always has something going on, no matter what your interests. The key is to know where to look: On local bulletin boards, in Facebook groups, and online.
Pittsburgh boasts an array of unique neighborhoods, from Lawrenceville to Squirrel Hill. Stop by Bloomfield, for example, for some of the city’s best Italian food. Pittsburgh’s Little Italy, Bloomfield hosts the popular Little Italy Days every August.
Flickr/David Wilson
Climb aboard a PAT bus if you’re not walking, biking, or driving to your destination in Pittsburgh. PAT buses are the primary mode of public transportation, although Pittsburgh does have a small subway system.
Flickr/Mark Dixon
You’ll have no trouble making friends in Pittsburgh. Pittsburghers are typically a friendly, welcoming bunch who like good conversation. So, whether you’re at the bus stop, waiting for a table in a restaurant, or hanging out at the mall, strike up a conversation with a Pittsburgher.
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