Reply #30: I moved here from CO about 4 years ago.

[distantearlywarning]

I love it here. Pittsburgh has soul and character. It's the best place I've ever lived. I know that people have a lot of bad things to say about it, and I've never understood that. I've been nothing but happy here, and consider it a second hometown. It's diverse (despite the admittedly provincial attitudes farther out - but I live in the city, so I don't get exposed to those people), great cost of living, terrific architecture, beautiful green spaces, education level is very high in the neighborhoods I live in, a "blue" city, public transportation, friendly people, you name it. It's so far beyond where I used to live (Co. Springs) in every respect it's not even fair to compare them because the Springs looks shabby when you add everything up. But yes, there are a lot of old houses and other old things here, so if you're used to suburban McMansion areas, Pittsburgh probably looks a little bleak. I prefer to call it character, myself. :-)

BTW, I've lived in 6 different states and been all over the world, so I'm not naive about what other places are like. New and shiny looks beautiful on the outside, but is often covering up mediocrity and callousness. In comparison to other places I've been and lived, Pittsburgh is really an underrated city.

And to the person who just moved here and is depressed, I also agree with the person upthread who said that February is the worst month here and to wait a little while until things "green up". Also, maybe you're living in the wrong neighborhood. I have personally found the East End to be liberal, educated, diverse, and decidedly non-provincial.