Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Relocation Guide

Yes, truly the heart of Pittsburgh. Is it just like every other city's downtown? Not really. Sure, it has the skyscrapers, the subway, the government buildings and the Convention Center, but it has its own unique personality too. The looming black Steel Building stands tallest on the horizon, keeping watch over its lesser neighbors. The futuristic One Oxford Centre (we used to call it the Jetson's Building) shows the first signs of the Pittsburgh Renaissance, when we left the smoky city behind and headed for high technology. PPG's mystical gothic glass castle, an innovative architectural design by Philip Johnson, reflects Pittsburgh's changing culture, creativity and corporate success.

Besides business and government, the Downtown area also offers diverse cultural entertainment. From the classics to cutting-edge contemporary, The Benedum Center, the Byham Theater and Heinz Hall feature Broadway musicals and shows, dance performances, national and international tours, and local special events and performances. For film buffs, The Harris Theater offers alternative and foreign films. Addicted to art? There are also plenty of galleries. If visiting downtown, a must-see is the Strip District. Another multi-ethnic community, the Strip is lined with fresh produce markets, wholesale stores, restaurants and coffee shops that hustle and bustle all day long. It's also home to the Senator John Heinz Regional History Center, a history museum for the Western Pennsylvania region.

Come nightfall, the Strip comes alive with a night life as varied as its shops and markets. Go to Metropol or its sister Rosebud for live bands, industrial dancing and a new age atmosphere. Or hang out at Donzi's or Crewsers, two restaurant/nightclubs on the boardwalk with great views of the river. Looking for something a little more casual? Whiskey Dick's is a large bar that often has live bands or "stupid human tricks". If nothing else, go to see their interesting choice of decor and ornamentation. You may also want to visit Pluto's or the 31st Pub for local alternative music.

Courtesy of Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Buying Your First Home

• Buying Your First Home - Making The Right Move

• Buying vs. Renting

Buying A Second Home

• Buying A Second Home - Living The Dream

• Ready To Be A Landlord? - Finding A Great Rental Property

Tips For Every Buyer

• Key Factors For Making A Good Investment

• Getting The "Real Scoop" On The Houses You're Looking At

• Next-Door Nightmares

• How To Negotiate To Your Advantage

• Why You Need A Good Home Inspection

• Should You Buy A “Fixer-Upper”?

• Home Warranties - Five Facts To Consider

• RESPA - The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act

Financing Tips

• Saving For A Down Payment

• What Are They Talking About?

• Get The Scoop On Your Credit Report

• Eliminate Your Mortgage

After You Buy

• Finding A Place For Everything

• Homeowner's Survival Kit

• 10 Repairs You Can Do Yourself

• Decorating On A Budget

• Home Security Dos And Don'ts

• Homeowner's Insurance

Building & Remodeling Tips

• How To Talk To A Contractor

• Five Simple Steps To A Beautiful Bath

• Kitchens: What's Hot?

• Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Windows

• Raise Your Home's IQ

Tax Advantages

• Can You Deduct The Cost Of Home Improvements?

• Tax Advantages And Restrictions For Homeowners

• The Ins and Outs Of Home Offices