does Philly offer more job/economic opportunities than Pittsburgh?

[pman]

Portland of the east, hahahaha. Portland minus the smug maybe. Philly also has a growing artist and artisan community but, like all east coast cities, it less affordable (though much more so than NYC). Philly also has a growing contingent of NY expats. Honestly, I like both cities. Philly is much further along in revitalization of the core. While less blessed by terrain, it has more sunshine and it's moderate hills pose fewer challenges. Philly needs to clean up its crime (there's plenty of affordable housing) and lower its taxes while Pittsburgh needs reverse its population decline and prevent crime from increasing. Both are showing signs of revitalization, but also have structural financial problems that are formidable (pensions and aging infrastructure).

[orrmobl]

Portland of the east? That's rich. I wonder if anyone saying such nonsense has ever been to Portland. The ridiculously liberal vibe in Portland is the polar opposite of the ridicuolously insular way of life in the 'burgh. Good luck to anyone who thinks the areas are equivalent on any level save maybe average humidity level LOL.

[pman]

Originally Posted by orrmobl

Portland of the east? That's rich. I wonder if anyone saying such nonsense has ever been to Portland. The ridiculously liberal vibe in Portland is the polar opposite of the ridicuolously insular way of life in the 'burgh. Good luck to anyone who thinks the areas are equivalent on any level save maybe average humidity level LOL.

Actually, I've always heard "seattle of the east." yes, in reference to weather. both are actually relatively well educated AFAIK, though Pittsburgh does suffer from social problems associated with population loss and little in the way of new blood.

[chessimprov]

I've lived in Pittsburgh and am living in Philly. They are both different places. In terms of education, there are many more opportunities in Philly than Pittsburgh. There a trend of too much sarcasm and attitude in Philly (hence "it's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" good show btw), and Pittsburgh has a small town feel to it (sometimes too small.) If I can get a job in Pittsburgh, I think it can be a nice place to live. There's enough things to do and eat if you're not terribly picky.
I can't compare Philly to Portland or Seattle.

[Tiger Beer]

Originally Posted by pcc09

I currently live in NYC. Previously in PGH, and have a brother in Philly. Philly is certainly the larger and more metropolitan city. I personally would choose Pittsburgh over Philly though, and am in fact planning on moving back eventually. Pittsburgh is a more attractive city (physically) than Philly, and is more affordable for someone in the middle class. It also seems to be gaining quite a reputation amongst many in New York as the "Portland of the East". It is smallish, affordable, green, dense, and has a large/growing population of artists and artisans.

Very interesting post. I've recently visited both cities - Philly and Pitts, and loved both of them.

I did feel that Pittsburgh has more interesting options - i.e. rowhomes or hills or flat areas or on and on at all kinds of prices - low and high.

Seems like Philadelphia I'd have to be much more conscious/aware of where to live and moreso, where not to live. I loved the city center and south philly areas in Philly...although seems like if lived there, you'd be 'in the city' most of the time, and a bit more unlikely to get out of that area.

On the other hand, I love the density of CC/South Philly...so I could see myself living there and never really wanting to leave much - except for an occassional direct bus/train to Manhattan once every few months for a change of pace.

Whereas I can see if I lived in Pitts, I'd probably be all over the city all the time. It just seems to have more variety, variation, and a slight need as well to move around more.

--

Anyways, I'm more curious others' input, and hoping to hear more response.