The Place is Pittsburgh
There are few cities I love more than Pittsburgh. Attending college there was something of a miraculous accident when I was seeking a change of scenery. But from the moment I set foot in Pittsburgh, it was love. I do not know exactly why I love Pittsburgh so much, there is no one thing that does it, but I’ve never understood those who don’t love this town. The following is a short list of why Pittsburgh is a place to love:
- It’s a survivor. For a long time Pittsburgh was the image of a down-on-its-luck rust belt city, a mere shell of its former glory. But Pittsburgh never gave up on itself, even when the rest of the country was writing off the whole region. It kept looking forward and kept going. Pittsburgh is now a model of urban recovery.
- There is history in these hills! Everywhere you go, important things to the development of the state, region, and nation happened! A long stroll through most neighborhoods doubles as a lesson in blue-collar American history.
- Rather than a city, Pittsburgh is a compendium of small towns. While Pittsburgh has a clear, well-defined downtown, the neighborhoods give the city its character—whether it’s the college kids in Oakland or the authentic Italian food being served in an old family environment lining Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield. Rarely does one feel as if they’re in a big city in Pittsburgh.
- The city is made great by its people. Pittsburghers are kind, humble, and would give the shirts off their backs to help a stranger. This is one of few places where it isn’t uncommon for strangers to say “good morning” to each other as they pass by on the sidewalk.
- Cultural and recreational opportunities are top notch. Despite a reputation as a blue collar town, the offerings here are vast. The three rivers are a playground for those who like kayak and boat and the offerings of museums, professional sports teams, and theatre are difficult to rival even in much larger cities.
- Did I mention that it has more bridges than Venice? 446 to be precise!
Every so often I make a pilgrimage back to Pittsburgh to revisit the city that grew me into an adult. I truly love it a little bit more every time, whether I am taking advantage of some of the unique-to-Pittsburgh things to do or simply enjoying the company of my local friends.
"Point of Conflict, Point of Renewal, Point of Confluence" - The fountain at Point State Park looking toward downtown Pittsburgh