Pittsburgh was the nation’s foremost industrial city of the 19th century and was famous for its steel production. Beginning in the 1970s it underwent severe deindustrialization as its massive steel complexes began to close. Today Pittsburgh is a postindustrial city, with an economy based on services, especially medical, financial, corporate, and educational, rather than steel
Pittsburgh is a city of neighborhoods. This claim is made by many cities that celebrate their traditional enclaves, but Pittsburghers seem more attached to their places than other folks in other places. It is common for natives to define their home not by city boundaries, but by neighborhood boundaries, and many are reluctant to cross rivers or go through tunnels, of which the city has many (Jenn, 2004).
The outside world’s image of Pittsburgh is in flux, as is the reality of the city. While many still perceive it as an industrial town, others claim it is a renewed and refreshed hip urban enclave. Take any marketing claims (and there are many) with as many grains of salt as you like, then learn about the real Pittsburgh--a beautiful city with a stunning skyline, lots of walkable neighborhoods to live in, river trails, a lively downtown, and affordable housing (Jenn, 2004).
There are of course downsides. It would be hard to call the city’s mindset “outside the box.” Public transportation is expensive and confusing, and the city and county are known for their high tax rates, their lack of immigrants, and a small working-age population. Still, the some of its detractions can also breed attractions. The affordability factor makes new businesses and artistic ventures easy to initiate. Cultural and even independent artistic ventures are abundant, from the Pittsburgh Symphony to the Mattress Factory Art Museum, the Andy Warhol Museum, and the Garfield Glass Works.
Pittsburgh’s Southside bustles with street activity, the North Shore is a new city rising on the Allegheny, and the city boasts of a thriving downtown Cultural District...............
