Only a few people decide to alter their addresses only for the change of scenery. Usually, there is some bigger reason for relocation. Maybe you are starting college in a different state or you’re moving for a different lifestyle, and perhaps you or your spouse are going after a great new job.
There are so many reasons why people chose to move and whatever the case might be, it is unlikely that you will meet a New Yorker who is leaving the City willingly, with no bigger reason. But, after they get there, the story somewhat changes. When it comes to moving to Pittsburgh from NYC, although it sounds difficult at the beginning, it usually ends up in a good way.
There are inherent distinctions between the City of Bridges and the Big Apple, and while Pittsburgh may be deemed the ultimate place to reside by some, it may be perceived as the complete opposite by others. However, it is crucial to bear in mind that the extent to which one experiences positive or negative aspects of their relocation is solely determined by their own perspective.
Consequently, directing one’s attention towards the favorable aspects undoubtedly facilitates the discovery of contentment, regardless of location. Presently, let us examine a few fundamental aspects that one should acquaint themselves with prior to transitioning from New York City to Pittsburgh.
What to know before moving to Pittsburgh from NYC
The biggest difference between these two is definitely the size of the population. As we know, New York City is the most populous city in the USA by far. With more than 8 million residents, it is also one of the world’s largest cities. And once you add so many tourists that are in the city at all times, the number grows pretty quickly and NYC looks even more populated than it truly is.
Knowing that you can see why it can be different living in Pittsburgh with a much smaller population of around 300.000. So, before you call the movers Manhattan, think about the differences and similarities between these two great cities. The Big Apple never sleeps, compared to Pittsburgh, which is a more laid-back city. According to your preferences and needs, you will enjoy more one or the other. Also, the current family situation can make a distinction.
Whether you prioritize a single and career-focused lifestyle or embrace the role of a family person, the choice of location can significantly impact your experience. While some individuals successfully navigate the challenges of raising a family in New York City, many would concur that smaller cities like Pittsburgh offer a more manageable environment for child-rearing.
To ascertain your stance on relocation and its suitability for your circumstances, it is advisable to visit the prospective destination and gain firsthand impressions before making a final decision. In the event that such a visit is not feasible, alternative means such as utilizing online platforms like Google, Facebook groups, reviews, and blogs can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of Pittsburgh.
The weather
Although we can say they are both in the North East of the USA, there are some differences between the climates. If you are moving to Pittsburgh from NYC, the first thing you’ll notice is there is no ocean. Even though there is a lot of bridges, Pittsburgh isn’t on the coast like New York. And that has some effect on the climate.
They both have all four seasons, which is great if you are used to it in NYC. It may come as a surprise, though, that Pittsburgh has less sunshine than the Big Apple. All in all, climates are similar. It will not be nearly as shocking as it would be if you were moving from Miami to NYC. It’s just that Pittsburgh is a little colder and has a bit more snow in winter. You are already used to snow in NYC, so it won’t make a big difference. And remember how awful was to have sunburns in the City during summers? Well, you can avoid that problem here, because the summers are a little colder, too.
Cost of living
It is safe to say that if you are moving to Pittsburgh from NYC you will love this one. Guess what! You are moving into a lot cheaper city. Everything is more affordable in Pittsburgh than in NYC − starting with real estate. Whether you are buying or renting, you will have left more of your paycheck left in your wallet at the end of the month. Your average median home cost in Pittsburg is currently around $218,400 while it’s $654,300 in New York City.
If this wasn’t enough to make you happy about moving, you should know that the same goes for food, clothes, services, restaurants, entertainment, and taxes. The cost of living index is 87.5 in Pittsburg, which is pretty low compared to the national average of 100. And once you compare this to NYC which has the cost of living index of 187,2, you’ll get an even better idea of how exactly affordable your new home is compared to Big Apple.
New York is known to be expensive in every way. So it should not come as a surprise that, compared to it, Pittsburgh has a low cost of living. If nothing else, that is a good reason to look at the moving companies’ prices and think about options. If there isn’t something that is stopping you, Pittsburgh can be a great place to live in. So if your income remains the same as while you were in NYC, you will have left much more money to spend or save.
People
We can’t say that there is a lot of difference between the people of Pittsburg and New York. The main thing is that the people in Pittsburgh are a little more laid back than the others. For example, there are much fewer drivers on the streets, so of course, there will be less tension. And more parking space, which is always great. But don’t make the mistake of confronting someone when it comes to sports. They are pretty pumped out about that. Everyone is a fan of either Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers, or Penguins. So try to pick a sport, and soon before later you will be attending the matches and learning the rules.
There are multiple universities around, so there is a lot of young people. Even in the neighborhoods known for a primarily older population, the change is coming. Younger professionals are moving to Pittsburgh from NYC and other cities, taking the places of the older generation. Of course, one of the reasons for that is the fact that Pittsburgh is safer than NYC. So, people with children prefer it over the Big Apple.
Their laid-back areas are very social, though. You will not have any problem using your neighbor’s garage for some of your stuff while you decorate, for example. On the other hand, even if you have good friends and neighbors in NYC, you will probably have to use some cheap storage in NYC for your belongings. It’s not that people aren’t polite enough to help you − it’s just that there is a shortage of space for everyone.
Entertainment
Even though there is no city like New York, after all, its nickname is the City That Never Sleeps, you will find that Pittsburgh has a lot to offer. It will certainly be slower than NYC in every way, but it still has its charms and in case you’re not so much into the NYC nightlife scene, you may enjoy Pittsburg more than you think. For example, you can always visit some of the theaters or movies. If you prefer world-class museums that are full of tourists and residents, you can visit:
- The Carnegie Museum of Art,
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History,
- Carnegie Science Center,
- Andy Warhol Museum.
As you will see, most museums are a legacy of the business magnate of the steel industry and a great philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. So if you are moving to Pittsburgh from NYC, make sure to hire piano movers for your great love because there will be a lot of opportunities and venues to show your talent. And after you finish with the educational part, you can enjoy one of the many bars and restaurants that the city has to offer.
Driving
One of the biggest changes you may face when you move to Pittsburg from New York City is driving. While you’ll rarely know a person in NYC that owns a car and most people rely on public transportation. Things are quite different in the City Of Bridges. Pittsburg is definitely a driving city so the sooner you get a car and start driving the better. You will certainly be glad that you own a car since public transportation is not exactly the best so this is something to keep in mind when planning your relocation.
In case you’re wondering how much it would cost you to move to Pittsburg from NYC, the good news is that you can get Brooklyn moving quote free of charge. Any reliable and professional movers and storage NYC, like Big Apple Movers, will provide a complimentary in-house moving estimate and tailor a personalized plan for your upcoming move. Go ahead and contact us by phone or email to start planning your move to Pittsburg!
