Located in western Pennsylvania in the United States, Pittsburgh is a beautifully scenic and often undersold city that is positioned at the confluence of three rivers. The city has quite a number of bridges – more than 400, in fact, and it's thanks to this that Pittsburgh is often fondly referred to as the 'City of Bridges'.

Though, for the same reason, those moving to Pittsburgh can end up taking a while to figure out how to navigate the complicated network of roads and bridges.

Living in Pittsburgh as an expat

The second most populous city in the state, Pittsburgh is a major centre of steel production, education and technology. Apart from steel, other thriving industries include glass, aluminium and petroleum. There are more than 1,600 technology companies with a presence in the city, including industry giants such as Google, Facebook and Apple. 

Pittsburgh also has dozens of higher education institutions, including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, both of which are industry leaders in research and development.

Pittsburgh locals are generally friendly and welcoming, so new arrivals shouldn't find it too hard to settle in. Sports fans will enjoy Pittsburgh's fanatic sports culture, and supporting local teams can be a great way to meet people. The city offers a laid-back lifestyle and for those who enjoy a drink or two, there are new breweries, wineries and distilleries constantly springing up all over the city. Culture vultures will have plenty of museums and galleries to keep them occupied.

Cost of living in Pittsburgh

The cost of living in Pittsburgh is relatively affordable in comparison with other major cities such as New York and Los Angeles. New arrivals will find that accommodation costs in the city are reasonable, and they will have plenty of areas and suburbs to choose from. 

That said, newcomers will have to budget for the high utility costs in Pittsburgh, and those planning on owning a vehicle will have to account for hefty gas (petrol) prices. 

Families and children in Pittsburgh

Parents moving to Pittsburgh with children will be glad to know that the city's reputation for high-quality education extends to its public schools, with magnet and charter schools being especially highly regarded. While there are no schools in Pittsburgh offering a foreign curriculum, there are language-immersion schools and schools that teach the International Baccalaureate.

There is also plenty to see and do, and the city has a brimming events calendar, so parents will be spoilt for choice when it comes to entertaining their tots and teens at the weekend.

Climate in Pittsburgh

The climate in Pittsburgh is continental and marked by snowy frigid winters and sweltering summers. The weather in Pittsburgh is also quite unpredictable owing to the cold air masses coming from Canada. Thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence in summer, while the city experiences snowfall for at least seven months.

There's a lot to love about life in Pittsburgh. The City of Bridges offers a good quality of life while maintaining a low cost of living, and, as a proudly diverse region with a multicultural heritage, new arrivals moving to Pittsburgh will have no trouble settling in quickly.

Pittsburgh's climate fluctuates between humid continental and humid subtropical, with four distinct seasons. Pittsburgh winters, between December and February, are cold, with average temperatures between 21°F (-6°C) and 39°F (4°C), although the mercury often drops much lower.

In spring, things warm up quickly, while summers, between June and August, are hot and sunny with temperatures averaging between 58°F (14°C) and 82°F (28°C). Pittsburgh receives heavy rainfall, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, but late spring and summer tend to be the wettest. Some snow does fall in winter.

The cost of living in Pittsburgh is slightly higher than the national average, but still well below some of the country's major cities. In Mercer's 2023 Cost of Living Survey, Pittsburgh was ranked 65th out of 227 cities surveyed. This puts it well below other major cities in the US, and ranks it far lower than the likes of New York City (6th), Los Angeles (11th) and San Francisco (14th).

Cost of accommodation in Pittsburgh

Though accommodation costs are rising in Pittsburgh, it is still a relatively inexpensive place to rent or buy property. Newcomers are likely to find housing perfectly suited to their needs and budget. Those who are looking to keep their expenses minimal are advised to find a home in the areas and suburbs on the outskirts of the city. Young professionals and single new arrivals seeking convenience and proximity to all of Pittsburgh's vibrant spots should look no further than the city centre or the trendy Strip District. New arrivals should be prepared to pay steep rental fees in these neighbourhoods, though.

Additionally, utilities are fairly steep in Pittsburgh and can add quite a bit to monthly expenses, especially during the cold winters, so new arrivals should budget carefully. 

Cost of transport in Pittsburgh

Most areas are connected to well-priced public transport, and those who live a few miles from the downtown area have the option of cycling or walking.

Many expats find that it's not necessary to own a car in Pittsburgh, but those with children or who live far out from the central area might need to invest in one. This can be pricey, especially as gas (petrol) is more expensive in Pittsburgh than in many other US cities.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Pittsburgh

The City of Bridges has something to entertain new arrivals from all walks of life. The cost of entertainment and eating out will largely depend on newcomers' personal preferences and budget, as Pittsburgh boasts a diverse range of nightlife and restaurant options. The art and culture scene in the city is also well-established, the most popular museums will charge a fee while small independent galleries are typically free of charge. 

Pittsburgh also has a range of wallet-friendly outdoor activities for nature-loving new arrivals to enjoy. The Steel City is home to three nationally recognised sports teams. However, sports fans will have to budget to enjoy these games as ticket prices are quite steep. 

Cost of education in Pittsburgh

There are plenty of excellent public schools in Pittsburgh, which can be attended free of charge. This includes charter and magnet schools. Private schools, on the other hand, charge school fees and can be expensive.

Cost of living in Pittsburgh chart

Prices may vary depending on product and service provider. The list below shows average prices for Pittsburgh in January 2023.

Newcomers looking for accommodation in Pittsburgh will discover that the city has something to suit everyone. Whether new arrivals are searching for a family-friendly home in the suburbs or a studio apartment in the city centre, they're bound to find something that fits their budget and needs.

Most new arrivals rent property at first to get to know the city and its neighbourhoods.

Types of accommodation in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a fast-growing city, and an eclectic mix of housing styles are available here. Plenty of new developments are popping up, including luxury condos and apartments. Most of these are in the city centre. Further out, housing is usually more spacious and not as modern.

Apartments

Apartment living tends to be the most common close to the downtown area. Apartments are a fantastic choice for young people who want to live close to the action in the city centre. Generally, apartment complexes in Pittsburgh are in excellent condition.

Condos

Condos are similar to apartments but with a wider range of communal facilities such as gardens, swimming pools, fitness centres and laundry facilities. Condo living is a great option for new arrivals, as these complexes have a noticeable sense of community, which is conducive to making friends.

Duplexes

Duplexes and fourplexes consist of either two or four living units attached to each other in some manner. These are often found in neighbourhoods located close to the central areas.

Houses

New arrivals will be spoilt for choice when it comes to houses in Pittsburgh. One will need to move further away from the city centre for the best picks, but houses in Pittsburgh are generally spacious and offer good value for money. These mainly consist of ranch, American foursquare and row houses.

Finding accommodation in Pittsburgh

The internet is a great place to start when looking for accommodation in Pittsburgh. Online property portals such as Zillow and Trulia can give newcomers a good idea of what's available at different price points in each area, along with information on what types of property dominate each neighbourhood. Most newcomers to the city will rent a property via a local real estate firm. Real estate agents often have intimate knowledge of the local property market and will frequently have access to listings before they're published, so newcomers stand a good chance of finding their dream rental this way.

Newcomers can also rely on local neighbourhood social media groups to assist them in their house hunt. This approach often yields the best result, as local people are usually familiar with their city's best areas and suburbs. 

Renting accommodation in Pittsburgh

Once new arrivals have narrowed down their preferences in terms of the type of housing and suitable suburbs, finding a property shouldn’t prove too difficult.

Making an application

When prospective tenants have found a property they’d like to rent, they’ll need to start by filing an application. Depending on the situation, they can either do this directly through the landlord or via the agent overseeing the property. As long as all the relevant checks and references are verified, a lease can be signed. Foreign nationals moving to Pittsburgh will benefit from having their US bank account and social security number set up, as this will speed up the whole rental process.

Leases

A standard rental contract in Pittsburgh is usually valid for a year, with the option to renew at the end of the initial term. Depending on where in the city one hopes to live, it may also be possible for tenants to negotiate a shorter lease.

According to the state of Pennsylvania's laws, tenants will need to give landlords at least 15 days' notice should they wish to terminate a 12-month or six-month lease. At least 30 days' notice is required for rental agreements that run for more than a year. Newcomers should be sure to read the contract carefully and raise any concerns they may have with the landlord or agent before signing on the dotted line.

Short lets

Short lets in Pittsburgh are usually fully furnished with high-quality appliances and furniture that make for a comfortable stay as new arrivals acquaint themselves with their new city. Rental prices for short lets are typically higher than those for long-term rentals, but they usually include cleaning and utility fees.

Deposits

According to the Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law, a landlord may charge a tenant the equivalent of two months' rent as a security deposit for the first year of renting and the equivalent of one month's rent during all subsequent years of renting.

Some landlords may also require tenants to take out renter's insurance.

Utilities

Renters need to carefully check the terms of their lease to determine which utilities are included and what additional expenses they’d be liable to pay for. In most instances, the landlord covers standard utilities such as gas, electricity and water, while tenants will be expected to pay for telephone services, internet and cable.

Nonetheless, new arrivals will need to set up the utilities with a provider of their choice if the landlord or real-estate agent is yet to do this. Most utility providers allow tenants to do this online or telephonically, they will simply need to verify their identity by providing their social security or driving licence number, new address, move-in date and payment information.

Utility bills will usually arrive monthly or every other month, depending on a newcomer’s selected package. Additionally, new arrivals are encouraged to take meter readings upon moving in to avoid incurring the previous tenant’s bills.

Bins and recycling

The City of Pittsburgh provides single-stream recycling to single-family homes, duplexes and small apartment blocks, which allows all recyclable materials to be placed in one bin. Pittsburgh also does regular curbside rubbish collection, with different days for residential rubbish and recyclable materials, new arrivals can visit the City of Pittsburgh's environmental services' website to find the schedules for the different areas and suburbs.

The best places to live in Pittsburgh

With such a wide variety of areas and suburbs in Pittsburgh, expats will have loads of options when it comes to deciding which neighbourhood suits them best. There’s something for everyone – from buzzing inner-city areas to tranquil family-friendly suburbs.

Below are some options worth considering.

City living in Pittsburgh

Bloomfield

Affectionately known as the ‘Little Italy of Pittsburgh’, Bloomfield is popular among students and young professionals. Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh are both nearby, while the downtown area is just a 15-minute drive away. Public transport links are good, and the area is home to numerous authentic Italian restaurants and cafés.

Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville is considered by many to be Pittsburgh’s major up-and-coming area. Its trendy industrial aesthetic and artsy atmosphere is a major draw for residents, not to mention the reasonable cost of rental homes in this area. As a bonus, new arrivals moving to Lawrenceville will find they have some of Pittsburgh’s best nightlife right on their doorstep.

Regent Square

Regent Square is one of the more unique neighbourhoods in Pittsburgh, and it is favoured by many young professionals. This suburb is special in that it offers a small-town feel within the city. As a charming tree-lined neighbourhood, Regent Square is home to Frick Park, a popular dog park, and it boasts soccer fields, a clay court and hiking trails.

Strip District

The Strip District is a hip and trendy neighbourhood lined with converted warehouses. Many startups base their operations here, which has led to a booming residential market. New arrivals moving to Strip District will have access to speciality shopping and food experiences. The Heinz History Center and Pittsburgh Opera are also a stone's throw away. 

Family-friendly suburbs in Pittsburgh

Mount Washington

Hailed by many as Pittsburgh’s most scenic neighbourhood, Mount Washington offers a stunning panoramic view of the city below. The area has plenty of green spaces and excellent schools. All sorts of accommodation can be found here, from humble apartments and townhouses to spacious family homes and even a few mansions for the well-heeled.

Squirrel Hill

With several highly rated schools and over 1,100 acres of parks, Squirrel Hill is the ideal place to raise a family. This lush and affluent neighbourhood is pricey but offers a high quality of life – it’s also one of the most culturally diverse areas in Pittsburgh.

Aspinwall

Nestled in Allegheny County, Aspinwall boasts a range of highly sought-after amenities such as bars, coffee shops and excellent schools, all while offering its residents a suburban lifestyle. Newly arrived families will enjoy the plethora of green spaces in Aspinwall and the homes with expansive yards and gardens. The neighbourhood is also served by reliable public transport links, making getting around fairly straightforward. 

Edgeworth

One of Pittsburgh's most affluent suburbs, Edgeworth has beautiful 19th-century Victorian homes lining its streets. The schools surrounding the neighbourhood are highly rated and children can walk to school as the area is fairly safe, thanks to the strong sense of community here. 

Home to the renowned Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh values education highly. The quality of local public schools is high, with options including charter and magnet schools. There are also private schools that base their teaching on religious or alternative education methods.

Parents looking at schools in Pittsburgh will have to consider many factors, such as proximity to home and work, particular neighbourhoods, the specific educational needs of the child, and budgetary concerns.

Public schools in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s public schools generally have a good reputation, though naturally some outperform others. Since school attendance is assigned based on residential zones, it’s a good idea to do thorough research before deciding where to live. If unsure about a school, parents should check its Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) score, which measures reading, writing, mathematics and science achievements.

Charter and magnet schools

Like public schools, charter and magnet schools receive state funding. However, they are generally considered more culturally diverse, offering a more personalised educational approach. Charter schools follow the state curriculum but are self-managed, meaning they are typically more innovative and flexible in their teaching styles than traditional public schools. Magnet schools, on the other hand, have specialised curricula in fields such as the arts, science and languages.

Magnet schools offering language immersion are a decent substitute for the lack of international schools in Pittsburgh. These schools are not bilingual, but do teach a foreign language daily. From Pre-K to Grade 5, there are various schools offering this programme for Mandarin, Spanish and French. From Grade 6 onwards, students at these schools usually continue at the Obama Academy of International Studies, which teaches the International Baccalaureate.

IB schools

While there are no schools teaching foreign curricula in Pittsburgh, a handful of schools in the city and its surrounds do offer the globally recognised International Baccalaureate. An International Baccalaureate Diploma allows students access to international education in 140 countries worldwide. 

Public school districts such as Upper St. Clair, Steel Valley and Pittsburgh Public Schools all have schools that offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum. New arrivals who would like for their children to receive a globally transferable education would do well to secure housing in the areas and suburbs within these districts. 

Private schools in Pittsburgh

There are several private schools in Pittsburgh offering an excellent standard of education. These schools are often based on alternative education models, such as Montessori or Waldorf, or are religious schools.

Unlike public schools, private schools charge fees, so newcomers planning on taking this route should ensure there’s enough in their budget for it. A distinct advantage of private schools is that they aren’t zoned, so families have more options when it comes to choosing where to live.

Special-needs education in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh provides an extensive range of educational services and support for students with special needs in public schools. These services include learning, emotional, autistic, life-skills and multiple-disabilities support.

Outside the public school system, the city has a few exceptional private schools that offer inclusive education. Pittsburgh also has several schools that cater to specific disabilities, such as schools for the deaf, the blind, and students with other special education needs.

Tutoring in Pittsburgh

Many Pittsburgh parents choose to have their children tutored. There are a vast number of options available to students who require extra help with specific school subjects. Some of the top tutoring companies in Pittsburgh include Pittsburgh Tutor and Pittsburgh Prep. Parents who don't want to work through a tutoring service will find that there are also many private tutors in the city, ranging from retired teachers to university students.

Those moving to the City of Bridges will have plenty to keep themselves busy during their downtime. Pittsburgh has something for everyone, whether new arrivals prefer retail therapy, partying the night away or dining out at excellent eateries.

Shopping in Pittsburgh

The downtown area is the shopping hub in Pittsburgh and is home to the city's 'diamond district', a collection of high-end jewellery stores. The area has a range of well-known department stores as well as boutique clothing stores.

For expats on a budget, outlet shopping is a great way to spruce up one's wardrobe at a fraction of the usual price. Grove City Premium Outlets is less than an hour outside Pittsburgh and has more than 130 outlet stores for the ultimate shopping experience. There's also Tanger Outlets in Washington County, south of the city, which has over 80 outlet stores.

Eating out and groceries in Pittsburgh

From local legends to elite fine-dining restaurants, foodies are sure to find something to tickle their taste buds. Foodies can weigh in on a decades-old debate by trying the pizza at both Mineo's and Aiello's, two legendary pizzerias located just a few doors down from each other in Squirrel Hill. Throughout Pittsburgh, there are also plenty of excellent upscale eateries to be explored.

When shopping for groceries, Pittsburgh has all the nationwide chains that one would expect, but expats looking for a taste of home should head to The Strip, which is well known for its selection of speciality and international grocery stores.

Nightlife in Pittsburgh

With a wide variety of local wineries, breweries and distilleries, Pittsburgh is a great city for those who enjoy a drink. There are also cocktail bars, rooftop lounges and beer gardens scattered throughout the city. Top areas for a fun night out include trendy Lawrenceville, student-friendly Oakland and local favourite Bloomfield.

Arts and culture in Pittsburgh

Culture enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven with all that the Steel City has to offer. The Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh are a must-see and are comprised of an art museum, a natural history museum, a science museum and the famed Andy Warhol Museum. Dedicated to the renowned pop culture artist from Pittsburgh, the museum showcases his legacy and influence on modern culture.

Those interested in theatre will be pleased to know that Pittsburgh is a regular stop for touring Broadway productions. In addition, the city has its own thriving theatre scene, where theatre buffs can enjoy high-quality productions of plays, musicals, ballets and operas.

Outdoor activities and sport in Pittsburgh

There's plenty to keep nature-loving residents occupied in Pittsburgh. The city has several breathtaking parks and trails that lend themselves to excellent hiking and cycling. For those who prefer to exercise indoors, Pittsburgh has a wide selection of gyms offering all sorts of equipment and classes, ranging from boxing to aerial yoga and more.

With a number of stadiums in Pittsburgh, sport fans moving to the city will be in a prime spot for taking in some world-class sporting games. Locals love to support the city's three major teams – the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), and the Pittsburgh Pirates (Major League Baseball). Joining Pittsburghers in cheering on their teams is a great way to make some friends.

See and do in Pittsburgh

New arrivals to Pittsburgh will discover a wealth of things to see and do in this buzzing Pennsylvania metro. We have listed a few favourites below. 

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Enjoyed by both young and old, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History educates and entertains in equal measure. The museum explores our planet’s natural and cultural past and features exhibits ranging from dinosaurs, geology and wildlife to Ancient Egyptian and Native American history. The little ones will love the interactive Discovery Basecamp exhibit and the Bone Hunter's Quarry, where they can dig up their own replica fossils.

Carnegie Science Center

A winner with the kids, the Science Center offers more than 250 hands-on exhibits that explore everything science and tech, from cars, planes and energy to the solar system and space exploration. There’s also plenty to do here, and visitors will need an entire day to take full advantage of attractions such as the indoor climbing and zipline courses, the four-storey Omnimax Theater, and the Henry Buhl Jr Planetarium and Observatory. Don’t miss out on the Miniature Railroad and Village, which exhibits Pennsylvania’s history with animated miniature horse-drawn carriages, cars, trucks and aeroplanes. Visitors can also marvel at the USS Requin, a World War II submarine, with guided tours by former submariners.

Phipps Conservatory

Situated in Schenley Park, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a popular family outing that boasts gorgeous gardens and a 13-room Victorian glasshouse with seasonal exhibits such as orchids, bonsai trees and other intricate flora. The kids will enjoy the Discovery Garden, which offers children's activities, and the Garden Railroad, where they can explore the tropical Treasure Island.

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium make up five animal habitats that include everything from marine and coastal wildlife to forest dwellers, island animals and plains game of the African savannah. Kids adore interacting with the animals, and environmentally concerned parents can rest assured that it is a responsible zoo that greatly focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of animals.

Duquesne Incline

A fun activity for the whole family, this funicular is also a working museum that has been running since 1877. It takes passengers to the affluent Mount Washington neighbourhood atop the hill, and the cars offer spectacular views over the city on the way up. Once arrived at the upper section, riders can look at photos and displays on the history of the incline, as well as the inner workings of it.

What's on in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's calendar is chock-full of events, and new arrivals will have no shortage of festivities to pick and choose from. They're also a great way to meet people and make friends, and newcomers to the city should take full advantage. 

Below are some of the more prominent events on Pittsburgh's calendar.

Pittsburgh Restaurant Week's Winter Celebration (January)

Pittsburgh Restaurant Week is a great time for new arrivals to discover all the eateries in their new city. Discounted prices, special offers and a festive atmosphere make this a week not to miss out on. 

St. Patrick's Day Parade (March)

Like many cities across America, Pittsburgh rises to the occasion when it comes to St Paddy’s Day, complete with a parade, marching bands, floats and a Miss Irish Eyes crowning luncheon.

Pittsburgh Earth Day Festival (April)

Newcomers to Pittsburgh will enjoy the citywide celebration of sustainability, which toasts the city’s evolution from its Steel City past to its green future. Attendees shouldn’t miss out on events such as the Eco Short Film Showcase and the Growing Up Green Festival.

Pittsburgh Pride (June)

One of the biggest parties of the year, Pittsburgh Pride should definitely not be missed. The festival celebrates the city’s LGBTQIA+ community, and with more than 30,000 attendees last time round, it keeps getting bigger and better.

Rock, Reggae & Relief (August)

Visitors sway to the sweet rhythms of reggae and rock at this Caribbean-inspired benefit festival, which seeks to promote the city’s culture scene while also giving back to the needy. 

A Fair in the Park (September)

One for the art lovers, A Fair in the Park is held at Mellon Park and celebrates art in a variety of forms, including clay, fibre, wood, jewellery, glass, metal and mixed media, and features the work of more than 100 local and national artists. 

Light Up Night (November)

Newcomers to Pittsburgh will know the holiday season has officially kicked off when the Christmas tree is lit up in Downtown Pittsburgh. A beautiful, family-friendly spectacle that also gives new arrivals the chance to mingle with locals.

Getting around in Pittsburgh is relatively easy thanks to a well-developed public transport system consisting of buses, light rail and inclines. Downtown is a compact area, and parts of Pittsburgh are very pedestrian- and cycle-friendly. Anyone living in the city centre is unlikely to need a car, though families and those living in the suburbs might find that driving makes their lives easier.

Pittsburgh's public transport system is run by Pittsburgh Regional Transit, which operates an integrated ticketing system mainly based on the ConnectCard smartcard. It can be loaded with credit and is valid for all three modes of public transport, as well as bicycle rental.

Public transport in Pittsburgh

Buses

Pittsburgh's fleet of more than 800 buses is a great way to get around. There are both regular and rapid transit bus services. Rapid transit services have their own busways, allowing them to skip traffic. There are currently three operational busways.

It's worth mentioning that most bus routes terminate downtown, so commuters that need to get from one side of Pittsburgh to the other will likely need to make at least one transfer to get there.

Light rail

Known as 'the T', Pittsburgh's light rail system is clean, efficient and convenient. With three lines and more than 50 stops, the T is fairly comprehensive and is used by many for their commute.

The T can be an affordable mode of transport, given that its downtown route is free of charge from First Avenue to Allegheny.

Funicular

There are two historical funiculars in operation in Pittsburgh: the Monongahela Incline and the Duquesne Incline, both of which run between different parts of South Shore and Mount Washington. The Monongahela Incline is the oldest continuously operating funicular in the United States.

The inclines are great for experiencing a part of history while enjoying a panoramic view of the city. For those living in the area, they can be a useful form of transport, but are mostly a tourist attraction.

Taxis in Pittsburgh

Hailing a cab in the City of Bridges isn't as simple as one might think. Unless riders are in Downtown, hailing one off the street is unlikely, and the better option would be to call for one in advance. Most taxis operating in Downtown, called City Cabs, are black and white and can be hailed off the street, but the city does have hundreds of other cab companies one could call.

Ride-hailing applications such as Uber and Lyft also operate in Pittsburgh.

Driving in Pittsburgh

Most new arrivals will find they don't need a car, especially if they live in the downtown area. Parking is expensive, and gas (petrol) prices in Pittsburgh are some of the highest in the US. In addition, downtown can be difficult to navigate, as streets are not laid out in a grid pattern, consisting of hundreds of one-ways, 400 bridges and a busy network of criss-crossing freeways.

However, for expats with children or those who wish to travel outside the city, owning a car can be highly useful. For the first year of residency, those moving to Pittsburgh from abroad will be able to drive on a valid foreign driving licence. It isn't necessary to have an international driving permit, although this can make things easier. After a year, expats are required to replace their foreign licence with a Pennsylvania licence. This often requires going through theoretical and possibly a practical driving test.

Cycling in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a fairly cycle-friendly city, with several dedicated cycling trails and lanes. It's possible to travel with a bicycle on any form of public transport.

Those who don't have their own bicycle can opt to use the city's bicycle-sharing scheme, known as POGOH. Previously, ConnectCard holders were entitled to unlimited free 15-minute trips, but this has changed. Cyclists will now need a POGOH membership, or they can opt for the pay-as-you-go option.