Just returned from Pittsburgh (first-time visitor), and... (crime, hotel)

[RFinDE]

...I liked the city! I was part of a large group in town for a conference and we were there for a week (returned home yesterday). Our hotel was a few blocks away from Market Square and we walked to various sections of the area for dinner, sometimes heading back to our hotel on darkened streets after 9 p.m.

Glad I didn’t read this forum before the trip because I probably would’ve been overly concerned about our safety. We were in the direct vicinity where some of the recent stabbings occurred (had no idea until I read about them later in the news and this forum). Other than being approached by a few random people asking for or selling something and seeing a man arguing with himself, there was nothing out of the ordinary.

We enjoyed ourselves each night after conference activities and was glad to finally visit Pittsburgh. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but as a visitor, I thought it was a nice city.

[_Buster]

Originally Posted by RFinMD

...I liked the city! I was part of a large group in town for a conference and we were there for a week (returned home yesterday). Our hotel was a few blocks away from Market Square and we walked to various sections of the area for dinner, sometimes heading back to our hotel on darkened streets after 9 p.m.

Glad I didn’t read this forum before the trip because I probably would’ve been overly concerned about our safety. We were in the direct vicinity where some of the recent stabbings occurred (had no idea until I read about them later in the news and this forum). Other than being approached by a few random people asking for or selling something and seeing a man arguing with himself, there was nothing out of the ordinary.

We enjoyed ourselves each night after conference activities and was glad to finally visit Pittsburgh. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but as a visitor, I thought it was a nice city.

Great! glad to hear. your chances of being stabbed in Pgh are like being struck by lightning, unless you instigate it

[gobing]

Just visited Pittsburgh first time loved it. I was mostly in the culture district area felt safe the whole time. Pan handlers no worse then any other city. Before visiting i came to this forum and some made it feel like a bad dangerous city and after visiting i did not see that at all.

[_Buster]

Oh BB is back! I never thought of it as political, but there has has always been a city vs suburb rivalry here which kinda makes me cringe because there's no good reason for it. Personally I think its just online bravado , i'm suburban myslef but like the city too

[Knepper3]

Suburban rules! JK, I'm suburban and never really felt attacked or dismissed. Everyone has their preferences, I just like space and the ability to interact when I want to . I love heading to the city but could never live there.

[bradjl2009]

Originally Posted by _Buster

Oh BB is back! I never thought of it as political, but there has has always been a city vs suburb rivalry here which kinda makes me cringe because there's no good reason for it. Personally I think its just online bravado , i'm suburban myslef but like the city too

It's legit two or three people who are the cause of most of it too. I know plenty of people who live in the suburbs and they do not say things remotely like a couple here do.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by Knepper3

Suburban rules! JK, I'm suburban and never really felt attacked or dismissed. Everyone has their preferences, I just like space and the ability to interact when I want to . I love heading to the city but could never live there.

Bingo

[Knepper3]

I think people who feel unsafe in Pittsburgh have never really spent a good amount of time in other major cities. I know there are areas I might avoid at night but even those if I found myself on a main street at midnight I wouldnt freak out. The most unsafe I ever felt was driving near Trenton at night lost. Not a major city but there is crime everywhere, most places you need to go looking for it.

[bradjl2009]

Originally Posted by Knepper3

I think people who feel unsafe in Pittsburgh have never really spent a good amount of time in other major cities. I know there are areas I might avoid at night but even those if I found myself on a main street at midnight I wouldnt freak out. The most unsafe I ever felt was driving near Trenton at night lost. Not a major city but there is crime everywhere, most places you need to go looking for it.

I totally agree with you. Yes, in light of recent events this month the city should have more cops in Downtown out and about, but I have never felt personally unsafe the times I have been out and about. I work Downtown too.

[_Buster]

Originally Posted by Knepper3

I think people who feel unsafe in Pittsburgh have never really spent a good amount of time in other major cities. I know there are areas I might avoid at night but even those if I found myself on a main street at midnight I wouldnt freak out. The most unsafe I ever felt was driving near Trenton at night lost. Not a major city but there is crime everywhere, most places you need to go looking for it.

Trenton I get, I haven't been there much but I can see how someone immediately gets a bad impression. Pittsburgh seems much safer even if there have been news stories of random violence, it may not be so random and its probably a lot less given the population. Anyway your chances of being a victim of random violence in Pgh are really low. Compared to Trenton, Philly, Baltimore, or even DC