Pittsburgh Misconceptions (Washington, Duquesne: home, job market, neighborhood)

[guylocke]

Ok all. I'm sure a lot of people can get on this thread and start slamming me with stats and all kinds of stuff, and be my guest.

But let's get a few things straight. Pittsburgh is a great city, a true gem that almost all outsiders view as absolutely charming while we degrade ourself! Some of the problems with Pittsburgh are not realistic anymore but people here are so damn self-deprecating that they MAKE them real still.

For example: The population. YES, Pittsburgh's population has declined, sharply, in the last decade or two, but guess what, it's not so different from a lot of northeast cities. The northeast is the oldest place in this country and it's only natural more people are heading west and south, the "newest" additions to this great country.

And actually, our population is fairly stable right now. It has still declined a bit the last couple years, but by an EXTREMELY unimpressive percentage. In fact, a lot of statistics show that our older generation (which is very large) is passing away at a faster rate than ever right now - they've reached that time So if more elderly are passing than ever but our population deficit is lower than ever - how is this possible? It's possible because of people like me. The youth that is supposedly "non-existent." Have any of you seen the strip or south side or north shore recently? It is absolutely THRIVING with young people. The last mayor and especially the new one have pushed a lot of things to keep the youth in the city and I am living proof that it is working.

Pittsburgh is one of the cleaning, safest, most colorful and culturally rich cities in America. It is great for raising a family with stellar schools, teachers, and universities. Many folks are moving here to promote family and have a more affordable quality of life.

Our transition from the heavy industry of steel and aluminum has been a hard one, but we are finally seeing the benefits of this transition. Pittsburgh is a MAJOR leader in healthcare, health services, bio technology, robotics, artificial intelligence (we ARE the future of artificial intelligence), academia, and nuclear engineering. Google is building a head quarters here because of CMU alone!

Pittsburgh has had a very respectable surplus for two years in a row, going on three. This after the "doom and gloom" of Pittsburgh being broke and whoever is left in the city in the end - turn the lights out. SIMPLY NOT TRUE.

We are getting a new arena, a GORGEOUS casino, brilliant IN city housing, and have a clean and safe subway (T) that is currently being extended to the northshore and possibly E. Carson.

Our city is constantly ranked among the most family-friendly and affordable cities in the country and our skyline is always ranked among the most beautiful.

We are one of the last "neighborhood" cities left with a clear distinction of rich culture and ethnic flare in every city and neighborhood.

Pittsburghers are a friendly, strong, intelligent, and determined people, with a steady heartbeat that keeps pushing our city forward. Despite our crown jewel (steel) completely collapsing a decade or two ago, the world looks to us for many of the most important human advances (industries pre-mentioned).

Pittsburgh is moving in the most positive direction is has for many years. I anticipate population GROWTH within the next five years and a greater surplus.

We are not without problems including a tight job market (also showing signs of softening) but please... Pittsburghers are Pittsburgh's own worst enemy.

We must continue to make this great city greater - with the heartbeat of its amazing people.

[Elder18]

Alright Mayor Ravenstahl, we know this is really you posting.

You might be able to fool an Ahian like me, but I'm sure the people here from Pittsburgh can smell your ghost-writing a mile away.

Nice try though.

: )

[guylocke]

lol, I didn't even know how to spell his name right!

[country_girl]

I am originally from Washington, PA but I visited Pittsburgh regularly on weekends. I loved it there. There was a lot to do for young people in the South Side and the Strip District. I also thought that it was a charming town. My sister is going to a college in Pittsburgh and I agree that it is one of the best in Pitt. I moved from Washington in May 06 and I haven't found a town that comes close to matching it.

[Tallysmom]

I can't tell you a lot about Pittsburgh, except this. My nephew went away to college and came back to go to Pitt. He moved away for a job, was MISERABLE and came to Pittsburgh. He's happy there, he's grounded there, he's starting law school there. He found his way out three times and each time came back... and he's an intelligent white collar worker, who, when law school is over, will hang out his own shingle kind of guy.

There's got to be a lot of people who like the place -- because I've also read that a lot of ex-Pittsburgher's are coming home to roost...

[guylocke]

A lot of people who take the time to visit are quite surprised at wanting to stay. And going to school there and growing up in the college town with Duquesne, Pitt, and CMU exchanging cultures, it really grabs hold.

[Drover]

Tallysmom, which law school is your nephew attending?

I applied to Duquesne but they told me to get stuffed.

[guylocke]

Duquesne said that? That's where I go to school.

[Drover]

Yeh, well my undergrad GPA was woeful because I didn't take my education seriously back then. Even with a solid LSAT score it's a miracle I got accepted to any law school at all.

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by Drover

Tallysmom, which law school is your nephew attending?

I applied to Duquesne but they told me to get stuffed.

98.9% sure it was Duquesne. I believe he's starting in the fall.