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Absolutely. As an example, my Cleveland suburb of Lakewood, Ohio has vegan restaraunts, grocery stores leaning towards organic and vegetarian items and will soon be one of Ohio's medical marijuana dispensary locations. There's the music scene, outdoor activities, etc.
There is also a very large population of LGBTQ people here and a large Cleveland Clinic Health Center that has a special medical department to address their specific needs.
We are a more diverse population than Portland, OR were I used to live and Seattle in terms of ethnicity and color.
Yet I find my friends in the PNW as well as the West Coast haven't a clue as to the fact that there are actuality communities like mine in the Midwest and beyond
That looks like a great area! And with Transit right into the city.
The residents of rust belt cities most certainly benefit in the form of a higher QOL due to the affordable cost than they would otherwise experience in a more pricey location.
Otherwise people move to (a) retire - typically a hot weather location (b) a specific job worth moving for (c) chasing a rainbow which probably does not exist. A & C are definitely out for the rust belt. B is slowly returning.
The residents of rust belt cities most certainly benefit in the form of a higher QOL due to the affordable cost than they would otherwise experience in a more pricey location.
Otherwise people move to (a) retire - typically a hot weather location (b) a specific job worth moving for (c) chasing a rainbow which probably does not exist. A & C are definitely out for the rust belt. B is slowly returning.
A is definitely happening for former expats due to higher QOL and lower COL, although many may keep a winter retreat in the south. NY also does not tax government pensions, and excludes the first 20k of all others, which levels the playing field for some. I also have other family members who have become re-pats in the last couple of years. Not sure how large a group constitute re-pats, but I do know several besides only family members.
The residents of rust belt cities most certainly benefit in the form of a higher QOL due to the affordable cost than they would otherwise experience in a more pricey location.
Otherwise people move to (a) retire - typically a hot weather location (b) a specific job worth moving for (c) chasing a rainbow which probably does not exist. A & C are definitely out for the rust belt. B is slowly returning.
Really? I moved to the Cleveland area to retire. I know others who have as well in order to save money. And for those who like hot weather, Florida is not that far for snowbirds.
People with options don't want to live in the rust belt. The large and growing homeless in the expensive, trendy coastal cities might have an easier life in the rust belt, maybe they could even afford housing. Then again they prefer warmer weather.
Believe or not, people do choose to live here.
I have been offered jobs in the larger cities in different areas of the country but purposely stay in the Rust Belt.
Not everyone who lives here hates it. In fact, most of the people I know enjoy living here
There are a limited number of great neighborhoods in Pittsburgh to choose from. Those neighborhoods are in the news, make the top ten lists, and are the ones everyone visits. The housing costs are astronomical and they keep increasing because the entire population wants to live in those 5 or so small neighborhoods and suburbs. The only affordable options are the slums which nobody wants and are partially to blame for the yearly population losses. The average housing cost makes Pittsburgh look affordable but the reality is much different. The poorer dilapidated neighborhoods bring down the average.
I have noticed since moving to Pittsburgh that is not the whole picture. Geographically the city is tiny at 56 sq mi. There are nearby burbs that in most cities would be in the city proper that have good public transp access, good schools and public services with many 3BR homes in good condition in the $150-250 range: Dormont, Greentree, Shaler, Ross, Baldwin, Whitehall and Bethel Park come to mind. Career progression seems to be the biggest limiting factor for more in-migration. The QOL is quite high here though.
At the time of my visit to Pgh (10 yrs ago) I found the West side/Elliot overlook neighborhood on the hill to look pleasant but not overly gentrified. That was one of several. So I am confused by the statements that areas in Pgh are either trendy and expensive or battle zone ghettos.
Another issue that hasn't been brought up is there are states in the Rust Belt that have a local income tax, and sometimes a school district tax(on TOP of the state income tax). To some of these people the added costs/annoyance ain't worth it and they might be better off where they at.
It's a factor for me as I live in one of those states. Despite that, I'm still considering moving west. For someone in my situation(working class not even making 35K) the rent/cost of groceries/job opportunities might be enough to make up for it. In parts of Milwaukee, Indy & upstate NY I might be paying $50-100 less than what I'm paying for a 1BR apt in a similar or nicer hood, with utilities included. And don't get me started on the rents in St. Louis, Toledo or Dayton.
I have noticed since moving to Pittsburgh that is not the whole picture. Geographically the city is tiny at 56 sq mi. There are nearby burbs that in most cities would be in the city proper that have good public transp access, good schools and public services with many 3BR homes in good condition in the $150-250 range: Dormont, Greentree, Shaler, Ross, Baldwin, Whitehall and Bethel Park come to mind. Career progression seems to be the biggest limiting factor for more in-migration. The QOL is quite high here though.
Your opinion of those suburbs is not the norm.
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Mt. Lebo has one of the best school districts in the state.
