Things to consider before moving to Pittsburgh

If you're thinking about moving to Pittsburgh, there are a few things to consider before relocating. While there are many good reasons to consider a move to this uniquely American city, there are challenges, such as the bitterly cold winters, to weigh before making a relocation decision.

Popular Pittsburgh neighborhoods

There are 90 neighborhoods that make up The Burgh, and they each have their own distinctive qualities.

Squirrel Hill is where a lot of students live because it's close to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie-Mellon University. There are a lot of interesting ethnic restaurants and indie shops. Schenley Park offers the opportunity for outdoor activities. The neighborhood is considered to be relatively safe and is served by mass transit.

For those who are seeking employment downtown, Oakland is worth considering. It's another neighborhood suited for young people and students. The traffic can be a challenge during rush hour, but the bus lines are plentiful.

Lawrenceville is a trendy neighborhood. South Side has plenty of clubs, bars and hip places to eat. Shadyside is a good place to walk if you like architecture. Many of the area's mansions have been divided up into apartments. Northside is home to the Steelers' Heinz Field and the Pirates' PNC Park. The area has reasonable rents and a vibrant nightlife scene with trendy bars and restaurants.

Cost of living

Among the first things to consider before moving to Pittsburgh is the cost of living, which is comparatively low for a major metropolitan area. 

Rent for a 900-square-foot apartment ranges from approximately $1,100 per month in a moderately priced neighborhood to approximately $1,500 per month in an upscale neighborhood. Utilities in a similar apartment for two people will run about $180. Keep in mind that Pittsburgh's long, brutal winters can result in high heating costs.

Allegheny County's sales tax rate is 7 percent, though you won't pay sales tax on groceries, clothing and textbooks in Pennsylvania. 

The real estate market can be tricky. It's possible to buy a good house in a good neighborhood at a more affordable price than you could in many American cities of comparable size. Contact a Pittsburgh real estate agent to help get the most for your money, and find the right neighborhood and home for your family.

Public transportation

The Port Authority of Allegheny County transports more than 200,000 people each day. A light rail system serves a limited area. For those driving, navigating traffic and the area's many bridges can be challenging. Parking in the city can also be expensive. Taxis can be tough to hail, but Uber or Lyft are good options to consider.

Winters are no joke in Pittsburgh. The winter season is long, dreary, and snowy with bitterly cold temperatures. Pittsburgh natives are a hearty bunch, as one can see during a winter-season Steelers game at Heinz Field. For some people, the brutal winters may be a deal breaker. If you are willing to grin and bear Pittsburgh's winters, you can enjoy moderate temperatures during spring, summer and fall.

>>Get the current Pittsburgh weather report from WPXI

Cox Media Group