Mid 20s Atlanta resident considering Pittsburgh relocation (affordable apartment, renting)

[theotherfword]

Hey all,

I'm considering a relocation to a more northern region of the east coast, and I've heard great and some not-so-great things about Pittsburgh, but enough to keep my interest. I currently live in Atlanta, and after 8 years in and around the ATL area, I really have no interest in continuing to pursue a life here. I love the diversity, but I can't help but feel there is such a superficiality here in this city. It's as if Atlanta is one who has so much diversity, but not it's own identity and is trying to be something it isn't. I know that's a really lame description, but that's what you're getting from me Plus the weather is enough to make me want to move. I can't stand the humidity and the heat.

I'm in my mid 20's, single, gay, and I'm an actor/writer/aspiring playwright who also works in the food/customer service/hospitality industry to pay the bills and am also a licensed ZUMBA instructor (I keep my options open for income).

SO, I'm interested to know:

- How's Pittsburgh's LGBT community? Gay nightlife? Etc?
- Is there a thriving theatre community? Big city for the arts?
- Affordable apartment/housing market for a single guy?
- For those who can remain unbiased, how do these factors compare to Atlanta?

Help is appreciated!

[BrianTH]

On a general note, if you are looking for a place with its own sense of identity, well-rooted in its own specific history, then Pittsburgh is a pretty good choice.

I'll let our gay posters deal with your first question in more detail, but I will say we know a lot of gay people, and I think this is a gay-friendly area in a sort of "everyone minds their own business" way. On the minus side, PA really hasn't done much in terms of gay rights, which I would like to see get on our agenda.

For a city of our present size, I think our performing arts scene is pretty good. Of course it depends on what you are comparing it to, and your specific interests.

We've got a variety of housing available at prices that tend to be pretty competitive (a bit more so for buying than renting), but everyone's idea of affordability and desirability differs. If you give us a rough budget and a general description of what you are looking for, we can give you an idea of your options.

[Copanut]

Nuts and bolts: Don't come here unless you have a job lined up. No one cares about gays as long as they cut their grass, n'at.

[pman]

Originally Posted by Copanut

Nuts and bolts: Don't come here unless you have a job lined up. No one cares about gays as long as they cut their grass, n'at.

so there are no jobs available in "food/customer service/hospitality industry?" really? in all of Pittsburgh?

[Herodotus]

Originally Posted by Copanut

Nuts and bolts: Don't come here unless you have a job lined up.

That's pretty much true everywhere now.

[BrianTH]

Some fields aren't really amenable to long-distance job searches.

[escilade18]

Originally Posted by pman

so there are no jobs available in "food/customer service/hospitality industry?" really? in all of Pittsburgh?

ik, that is ridiculous, I put in applications and got several job offers a day or two later after applying to jobs in the service industry.
To the OP, the place that I work at is pretty much always hiring, so just send me a direct message if you want the name of the place

[eccotecc]

When I was in Pittsburgh I saw plenty of help wanted signs in business windows. It may not be a lifelong career but there are jobs available that pay enough to keep body and soul together. Make a visit and see what you think.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by pman

so there are no jobs available in "food/customer service/hospitality industry?" really? in all of Pittsburgh?

Never said that.