Relocation question about Pittsburgh: Anyone move from the South to Pittsburgh? (Greensboro: neighborhoods, school)

[RunD1987]

Hi! My Wife and I moved to Charlotte about a year n half ago. Moved to Greensboro about 8 months ago. Before we moved to NC we were torn between Pittsburgh and Charlotte. I had a job offer both in Pittsburgh and in Charlotte. Overall we chose Charlotte due to higher education cost and less snow.

However, with school ending in next 20 months thinking of possibly moving to Pittsburgh area. Maybe not Pittsburgh itself but the outlying areas.

Considering planning a visit to Pittsburgh what would be the best season to go in?

What areas should we scope out in the Pittsburgh area?

Anyone relocate from New England to Pittsburgh what's your overall thoughts? From the South to Pittsburgh? Is Pittsburgh area good for families?

Appreciate the insight!

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by RunD1987

Anyone relocate from New England to Pittsburgh what's your overall thoughts?

Not New England born, but raised there from age 3 on, and spent most of the period from 18-25 living in CT or MA (minus sojurns in DC, Detroit, and the UK). Moved out here in 2005, have lived here since. Best choice I made in my life.

When I moved to Pittsburgh originally, I had some mild culture shock initially. Pittsburgh had some traits (both in terms of accent and general demeanor) which I initially interpreted as quasi-southern, though really they're just a little bit shifted away from the "norm" I was used to living in New England/the I-95 corridor.

People in Pittsburgh are not outgoing the same way that southerners are, but they also aren't standoffish in the same way as people in New England. They're somewhere in between. People will smile/nod to you as you pass by, sometimes say hi - that's about it.

The two strongest personality traits in people from Pittsburgh are talking loud, and being very blunt. People here "tell it like it is" as they say. Sometimes it can lead to them blurting out inappropriate things, but at least you always know where you stand with people.

I can't give broader recs considering the area since I don't know things like your price range, what kinds of neighborhoods your into, etc. I'll freely admit as someone who had kids, but stayed in the city I didn't make the same choices that everyone would make.

[Moby Hick]

I just saw someone with Massachusetts plates drive a car in the counter-flow bus lane, so I think that means they are fitting in well.

[jea6321]

Late summer through most of Fall is probably the best weather and prettiest time of year to visit Pittsburgh. The humidity tends to drop significantly and you get a decent bit of cloud free days. A lot of the outlying areas have splendid fall foliage to view. Id suggest heading out to the Laurel highlands if here in the next two weeks. Some lovely hiking and sightseeing to be had.

[RunD1987]

Originally Posted by eschaton

Not New England born, but raised there from age 3 on, and spent most of the period from 18-25 living in CT or MA (minus sojurns in DC, Detroit, and the UK). Moved out here in 2005, have lived here since. Best choice I made in my life.

When I moved to Pittsburgh originally, I had some mild culture shock initially. Pittsburgh had some traits (both in terms of accent and general demeanor) which I initially interpreted as quasi-southern, though really they're just a little bit shifted away from the "norm" I was used to living in New England/the I-95 corridor.

People in Pittsburgh are not outgoing the same way that southerners are, but they also aren't standoffish in the same way as people in New England. They're somewhere in between. People will smile/nod to you as you pass by, sometimes say hi - that's about it.

The two strongest personality traits in people from Pittsburgh are talking loud, and being very blunt. People here "tell it like it is" as they say. Sometimes it can lead to them blurting out inappropriate things, but at least you always know where you stand with people.

I can't give broader recs considering the area since I don't know things like your price range, what kinds of neighborhoods your into, etc. I'll freely admit as someone who had kids, but stayed in the city I didn't make the same choices that everyone would make.

Appreciate that. Looking under $300 thousand for a 3 bed 2 bath. If good areas of the city to stay open to staying in the city. Know very few of the city.

[Doowlle34]

Originally Posted by eschaton

The two strongest personality traits in people from Pittsburgh are talking loud, and being very blunt. People here "tell it like it is" as they say. Sometimes it can lead to them blurting out inappropriate things, but at least you always know where you stand with people. .

You've stated this opinion frequently on this message board, although I've often wondered if this is less a salient difference between Pittsburgh and New England, or more a by-product of your petty bourgeois up-bringing?

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by Doowlle34

You've stated this opinion frequently on this message board, although I've often wondered if this is less a salient difference between Pittsburgh and New England, or more a by-product of your petty bourgeois up-bringing?

I'm actually a loud talker - and a bit blunt - myself, though it tended to get me in a lot of trouble growing up and I had to dial it way back.