We've got three professional sports teams to root for. A strong economy fueled by robotics. And a cultural scene that deserves a standing ovation.
But what makes Pittsburgh really special is that you can actually afford to live here, according to a marketing firm that ranks cities' livability.
Livability.com has named the Steel City one of its Top 100 Best Places to live in 2025 - a city where you can buy a home, build a career and have enough disposable income left over to splurge on game tickets, craft beer and pierogis.
"Pittsburgh is a dynamic city offering a range of experiences, from its rich history and vibrant arts scene to its passionate sports culture," Livability.com said in its announcement. "It's a place where people can afford to live, work and play."
Cities are ranked based on a combination of factors, including affordability, opportunity and quality of life. Pittsburgh received a 727 Quality of Life "LivScore" out of a possible 1,000 - good for a tie for 25th with Bloomington, Ind. Flower Mound, Texas, received the highest rating at 875. Cities that ranked close to Pittsburgh include Vancouver, Wash. (731) Charleston, S.C. (719), Ashville, N.C. (699); and Ann Arbor, Mich. (715).
With a population of 310,519, Pittsburgh stood out in the crowded field for its 450 bridges that connect different areas of the city, top tier universities, one of the best health care systems in the world, and plenty of museums, parks and fun things to do after 5 p.m.
You also don't have to break the bank to own a home in one of the city's 90 neighborhoods, since houses here are priced below the national average, the report noted. The average property tax is $2,477 and renters pay a median $948 monthly.
"The cost of living in Pittsburgh is slightly lower than the national average," the report said. "The median home value in Pittsburgh is $206,135, and the average household income is $100,657."
The city cheers for three professional sports franchises - the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins - and it connects residents through a vibrant cultural scene, which includes more than 30 museums, Livability.com noted.
The report observed that Pittsburgh's local economy has transitioned from an industrial past to a future built on technology, health care, education and professional business services. Major employers include UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Health Network. Other large companies headquartered here include PNC Financial Services, PPG Industries and Kraft Heinz, which is dually headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh.
Livability.com's rundown on Pittsburgh's cultural scene highlighted the August Wilson Center, which honors Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson; and the Andy Warhol Museum, which celebrates the king of pop art and native son of the city.
As for shopping, the Strip District received a mention for its historic charm and specialty shops that offer everything from fresh produce and ethnic grocery spots like Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. and Lotus Food Co. to antique stores such as Mahla & Co. Antiques. Beyond the Strip, the report noted that neighborhoods including Lawrenceville and Shadyside are popular spots for boutique shopping.
The legacy of H.J. Heinz still reflects Pittsburgh's spirit of culinary innovation, the report said. From high-end dining at Morton's Steakhouse, Downtown, to craft beers and wood-fired pizza served under stained glass at the iconic Church Brew Works, the food scene got a nod for being bold and diverse.
"No doubt, this is a city of innovators," the report said. "The first cable suspension bridge, polio vaccine, Ferris wheel and emoticon - a smiley face - can all be traced back to Pittsburgh."
That spirit of entrepreneurship is still strong.
"More than 70 clean-tech companies are doing business here, and the Pittsburgh International Airport is the first in the world to be powered entirely by natural gas and solar energy," Livability.com said.
Livability.com partnered with Applied Geographic Solutions to analyze data from more than 2,000 U.S. cities with populations between 75,000 and 500,000 and assigned them a score to create the top 100 list.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 3:42 PM