Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
From what Ive seen of Pittsburgh Id move there in a minute if I had a job offer. You wouldnt guess this is a city in decline from what Ive seen.
It's not at all. It's not booming (population) like the sun belt cities, but it's a great city. I think it probably has one of the best looking downtowns I've ever seen.
Location: New Albany, Indiana (Greater Louisville)
11,974 posts, read 25,489,236 times
Reputation: 12187
It really depends on who's leaving. Pittsburgh seems to be thriving because although blue collar workers are leaving it is still gaining college educated people, including young people. By comparison Cleveland & Detroit seem to be losing their middle and upper class residents.
By the same token fast growing cities like Fresno or El Paso that are gaining masses of low income immigrants aren't any better economically than a stagnant city with a stable middle class like Cincinnati
The major advantage is lower cost of living, particularly housing. The problem is finding that without a substantial tradeoff in overall quality of life. Pittsburgh offers the best compromise between the two that I can think of.
Generally, the shrinking metros still have the big-city amenities and infrastructure that were established when the cities were still thriving. So, there's that with the benefits that Cle440 and others mentioned. (Less crowded, less traffic, more room, lower cost of living, etc.)
The big drawback, or "entrance fee" is finding a good job. If you've got one, shrinking metros like mine, or Cleveland's can be a great place to live.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
