hey folks, im a native new jersey boy and im contemplating
moving out to pittsburgh for a possible job opportunity. other
than seeing pictures of the area, i have now idea what its really
like. does anyone live near this area, and how does it compare
to say the ny/nj metro area? what are some bad areas? cost of
living? gas? crime? ive never made a move outside of north
jersey, and its a pretty tough decision to make.

oh yeah- any good places to drive a corvette to out there?

Been there more then a few times.... NOT ACTUALLY in downtown
But the general area is pretty nice...except Penna Has the worst roads in the country...   I suggest you look on the web for the Steeltown Corvette Club...based in Pittsburg ...all I can say is thata for the last 3-4 years I have "socialized" with them at Carlisle... Just a nice group of guys....(but then again most Corvette Clubs have members who tend to be nice aroung fellow Vette lovers...and share their beer !

Anyway...I think any place would be better then New JER---sey lol

Lots of luck...  

Bob Griffiths
     

Pittsburgh, in general is your typical big city, with typical big city problems. In the past decade or so, they've made a real difference in the condition of the city. Last time I was there, there was literally a Police Officer every other block in the downtown area.

It all depends on the area of the city you choose to live in.

 

P.S. Don't EVER consider Reading, Pa. to live in, or even travel to. I just had to take a two day training trip there, and WHAT A HOLE! The downtown area is just one big ghetto, and that's putting it nicely. I was glad to just leave without wasting any ammunition. It's the murder capital of PA.

Pittsburg, as said, is typical.   But finding your way around downtown with all the bridges over the three rivers is a nightmare.  Once you get used to it I guess it would be fine, but following a map and signs will drive you crazy.  I don't know Pittsburg well.  I have been there about a dozen times.  Seems basiclly fairly decent.  Lot's a good stuff.  They have really made some improvements.  Just keep the typical big city stuff in mind.

I have been to Pittsburg every year for the past five years primarily to see the Penguins hockey team play. Love the city and I figured out how to get around town in one day. A lot of one way streets but it wasn't difficult. Many great restaurants in town and on across the river in the "old" district. I loved the Mallorca spanish restaurant. Old world cuisine priced just right. Great sports town, and frankly, I walked the streets downtown at 11:30p.m. and felt perfectly safe. This is something I would never do in Detroit...no way. Union Square has many restaurants and shopping and has Hardrock Cafe too. People love to party in this area. You also have the Italian district for food, market, and the famous Pemante Bros, Hamburger sandwich. They put french fries and cole slaw berween this huge bun. Philly has their cheesesteak and Pittsburg has this one. I cannot compare to NY or NJ since I have never been to either place. Area north of town is a little rough but don't go there. Hope this helps

thanks everyone. from what i hear, someone whos used to going in and out of  NYC alot wont have a hard time out there. thanks for the heads up on the north end of town, and that reading warning. reading sounds alot like newark, nj. thats no picnic lemme tell ya. used to be the carjack capitol of the country. ive been to a few cities, like boston, baltimore, philly, miami atlantic city, DC, stamford. sounds like the town is not unlike any of those (but boston has the worst streets- its madness finding your way around)

thanks for the input.
im sure id be happy out there. (the fact that rent is about half of what it is in the new jersey metro area doesnt hurt either!!!)