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The unemployment rate in the Pittsburgh MSA has been below the national unemployment rate for almost five years now, and the unemployment rate in Pennsylvania is below the national rate as well. The Raleigh MSA has an unemployment rate higher than Pittsburgh's, and North Carolina's unemployment rate is in the double digits. Both cities appear to have similar economic foundations these days, but the difference in unemployment rates gives Pittsburgh an advantage.
Quality of life/cost of living - Push
Both cities have a reasonable cost of living, and variable climates that are neither too hot nor too cold. Raleigh is more prone to hurricanes, tornadoes and heat waves, but Pittsburgh is more prone to blizzards and floods, and is very cloudy and dim during the winter months. K-12 schools are better in Pittsburgh; infrastructure is in better shape in Raleigh. Housing prices are lower in Pittsburgh, but property taxes are lower in Raleigh.
Urban living - Pittsburgh
The built environment of each city couldn't be much different. Pittsburgh is very urban and centralized. Raleigh is more suburban and decentralized. Pittsburgh can get a bit tight with its narrow streets and dense real estate, but driving around Raleigh can get a bit tiresome, especially since Durham and Chapel Hill steal some of Raleigh's cultural, recreational and entertainment options.
Making friends - ?
Your own personality and social skills make more of a difference than where you live.
Interesting comparison, especially since a lot of PGH expats now live in the Raleigh/Durham area. But since I've never actually been to North Carolina, I'll have to refrain from voting in the poll.
Interesting comparison, especially since a lot of PGH expats now live in the Raleigh/Durham area. But since I've never actually been to North Carolina, I'll have to refrain from voting in the poll.
That's very true. There are tons of PGH's in Raleigh and surrounds.
Pittsburgh is a lovely city. I have been there many times and always enjoyed it. For me, its one big pit-fall (no pun intended) is that it's so isolated.
Regarding the unemployment, one has to consider that Raleigh has maintained both below state and national average unemployment levels despite rapidly growing through the recession. In the long run, Raleigh's economy is positioned really well.
That's very true. There are tons of PGH's in Raleigh and surrounds.
Pittsburgh is a lovely city. I have been there many times and always enjoyed it. For me, its one big pit-fall (no pun intended) is that it's so isolated.
Regarding the unemployment, one has to consider that Raleigh has maintained both below state and national average unemployment levels despite rapidly growing through the recession. In the long run, Raleigh's economy is positioned really well.
While Pittsburgh isnt located directly within a megaoplis....i would argue its far less isolated than Raleigh...
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