Why is Pittsburgh one of the few cities with population continuously declining every year despite its good reputation? (Allentown: apartment, leasing agent)

[Craziaskowboi]

Originally Posted by erieguy

Here’s a list of states that per a 2016-2017 report people are moving to the most. Retirement is certainly a factor, however, their economy is also a factor...and as I originally said, when there’s enough positives to outweigh enough of the negatives, people will come.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/th...kqM?li=BBnbcA1

And, since 2010, 3,758 more people came than left, which would indicate that Pittsburgh has an average economy.

Originally Posted by Joe_P

I think it's more interesting to know trends during employment years.

Retirement is a different thing for a lot of reasons.

For what it's worth, the working-age population (20-64) in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area increased by a little more than 25,000 from 2000-2010, despite the total population decreasing by a little more than 75,000. The slight growth in working-age population would again indicate an average economy in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Craziaskowboi

And, since 2010, 3,758 more people came than left, which would indicate that Pittsburgh has an average economy.



For what it's worth, the working-age population (20-64) in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area increased by a little more than 25,000 from 2000-2010, despite the total population decreasing by a little more than 75,000. The slight growth in working-age population would again indicate an average economy in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Wow, 3758 people in 7 years. That’s fantastic.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Katarina Witt

Well, if the population decline isn't a problem, why talk about it?

Bingo

[Joe_P]

And, since 2010, 3,758 more people came than left, which would indicate that Pittsburgh has an average economy.

Yes, given the unique make up of the metro and loss of industry and its legacy, that is quite a change.

The metro lost more than 20K a year in the mid 80s and nearly 40K in 1985 alone.

[Goinback2011]

They say half of American population growth comes from immigration, meaning mostly illegal immigration.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019...8961555702171/

Since most immigrants come over the Southern border, it's not surprising they settle in the sunbelt.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Goinback2011

They say half of American population growth comes from immigration, meaning mostly illegal immigration.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019...8961555702171/

Since most immigrants come over the Southern border, it's not surprising they settle in the sunbelt.

Maybe some could be brought to the area to spread the wealth. Could double that 3758 number in no time.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by Goinback2011

They say half of American population growth comes from immigration, meaning mostly illegal immigration.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019...8961555702171/

Since most immigrants come over the Southern border, it's not surprising they settle in the sunbelt.

Ya think? See this:
https://www.migrationpolicy.org/arti...-united-states
"Recent immigrants are more likely to be from Asia than from Mexico, and are also more likely to have a college degree. The size of the unauthorized population appears to be on the decline."

From your link:
"The entire nation added a little over 2 million people in 2018, with 1.04 million of that number coming from "natural increase" or the number of births over deaths. . . Another 978,826 people moved to the 50 states, and a lot of them were from Puerto Rico."

According to your link's map, the states with the highest rates of immigration are California, Texas and Florida (which has no border with any other country), followed by New York (has a border), Massachusetts and New Jersey (no borders with any other country).

[Joe_P]

They say half of American population growth comes from immigration, meaning mostly illegal immigration.

Illegal immigration wouldn't likely be counted. for many areas, it's births that drive growth.

[PGH423]

Originally Posted by Joe_P

Yes, given the unique make up of the metro and loss of industry and its legacy, that is quite a change.

The metro lost more than 20K a year in the mid 80s and nearly 40K in 1985 alone.

Bingo. At this point, the OP has gotten many valid reasons why Pittsburgh has earned its good reputation.

[Losfrisco]

Originally Posted by WTL63

CD views Pittsburgh pretty favorably from the numerous polls I have seen, with many comments how wonderful it is to live and activities to do there. If that's the case, why is everyone moving out of there? I don't think any other city with that population size is declining aside from Cleveland and Detroit, which aren't as well liked.

Population has dropped by 70,000 people since 1990 and still going. I've never been but it certainly looks really nice, so I'm wondering what's going on over there...

This is a really good question.

Ask anyone who has lived/spent time in Pittsburgh and they'll tell you it's in the top 5% of U.S. cities from an urbanists perspective. IMO its the only inland city that can compete with the west coast in terms of natural urban scenery (not, "hey if you drive an hour there's this mountain, river, cave etc.).

The only answer I can come up with is the combination of de-industrialization and the highly specialized and exclusive economy that supplanted it.

It's becoming a boutique city for certain people with certain skills. Someone mentioned "high COL"....for what you get it should be way higher.