For many years, Pittsburgh was the hub of this country's industrialized growth:  steel mills and smokestacks dotted the landscape.  Most of these are now gone--today's metropolitan Pittsburgh is the center of new growth.  What was once a heavily industrialized town has turned into a diverse corporate, medical, financial and educational center.

    Pittsburgh has received many awards and recognition for its accomplishments.  It belongs to the "Most Livable City Club," being the only city to place among the top five communities in the three editions of the Places Rated Almanac.  Factored into those ratings are the city's low housing costs, strong cultural community, stable neighborhoods, diversified economy, moderate climate, low crime rate and strong educational and medical communities.

    If you're a sports enthusiast, Pittsburgh is home to the Super Bowl Champion Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins, as well as Pitt Panther football and basketball.  If you'd prefer to participate rather than watch, you'll find that western Pennsylvania supports a very active lifestyle, including walking, running, hiking and biking in our numerous city, county and state parks, and the scenic Rails-to-Trails which traverse our area.  There is white water rafting on the Youghiogheny River, skiing at the Seven Springs and Hidden Valley resorts, cross-country skiing at Boyce Park, and fishing in our numerous rivers, streams and lakes.  For the golfer, there are numerous public and private courses.

    Pittsburgh boasts the world-class Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, performing in beautiful Heinz Hall conveniently located in downtown's cultural district.  You will also find there the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, official home of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and the Civic Light Opera, as well as the Byham Theater, the O'Reilly Theater, the Harris Theater, and the Wood Street Galleries.  Together with the Carnegie Museums (The Andy Warhol, Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History, and the Carnegie Science Center), the many music festivals, dance companies, and art galleries, Pittsburgh has much to offer to suit just about any taste in the arts.

    If you're looking to get the flavor of Pittsburgh, a great place to start is with Pittsburgh Magazine--you'll find guides to restaurants, events and shopping as well as all of the information you'll need about healthcare, education, transportation, etc.  Also, check out Visit Pittsburgh and The Pittsburgh Portal for much more info.  We hope you enjoy your virtual tour and will come to visit us in the near future!