Pittsburgh was ranked the most livable city in the United States, and 29th worldwide, in a 2009 survey by British magazine, The Economist, and in 2007 Pittsburgh was rated as "America's Most Livable City" by Places Rated Almanac.

Arts

Downtown Pittsburgh is located at the junction of three rivers and is only a short ride away from campus… To take advantage of what the city has to offer, we simply say "show and go." That is, show your Pitt id and get on the bus for free. About three miles later you will find yourself in the heart of the "big city." Downtown Pittsburgh is a place with big opportunities in a small space at the junction of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. Downtown you will find cultural centers such as Heinz Hall and the Benedum Center, venues for the Pittsburgh Symphony, Civic Light Opera, the Pittsburgh Ballet as well as visiting Broadway shows. Enjoy stage and musical productions at the Byham Theatre or O'Reilly Theatre or take in an independent film at the Harris Theatre.

Business

If you are looking for internships or employment, you have a lot to choose from. Home to HJ Heinz, Ketchum Communications, General Nutrition Center, American Eagle and PPG Industries to name a few, Pittsburgh is home to a number of Fortune 500 headquarters. And they are all in a concentrated area of the city that you can walk across-from the Allegheny to the Monongahela Rivers-in about 20 minutes. Pitt students enjoy all of the benefits of a much larger city with few of the problems. Pittsburgh is one of the safest cities of its size, large enough to offer plenty of activities but small enough to easily get around.

Events

Pittsburgh is host to more than three million visitors per year. Why? Because there is so much to see and do. Point State Park, where the Ohio River begins, draws huge crowds during events such as the Pittsburgh Arts Festival, the annual speed boat regatta and the Head of the Ohio crew regatta, to name a few. More than just a rowing race, the Head of the Ohio attracts Olympians as well as collegiate rowers from more than 75 colleges and universities. It is an event that showcases all aspects of recreation along Pittsburgh's riverfront, both on and off the water.

Pittsburgh will host the 2009 G20 Economic Summit, where the world's financial representatives and leaders will come together to discuss economic policies and address the global financial crisis.

Local Culture

Do you like to keep up with the music scene? Check out new local and national bands at Club Café or the Rex on the South Side, a very short, free bus ride from Oakland. Bookstores, delis and movie theatres in Squirrel Hill and gift shops in Shadyside are also within walking distance from campus. Whether you ride the incline up to Mount Washington, shop at Station Square, spend a day at the Carnegie Science Center or the Andy Warhol Museum, or stroll through the Strip District markets, you will find this town has endless entertainment possibilities.

Sports

Often referred to as the City of Champions, Pittsburgh is a sports fan's paradise. Come see the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team, or the Pittsburgh Pirates play at PNC Park, which was voted the best baseball stadium in the nation by ESPN Sports. It is especially dramatic on fireworks nights and PNC Park is also a great venue for large concerts such as the Rolling Stones and Pearl Jam. The city has also been host on several occasions to one of golf's premier events, the U.S. Open, and the region boasts more golf courses per capita than any other state in the country.

Pittsburgh's own six-time Super Bowl champions invite you to catch the fever of Steelers football. For Panther football games, the University provides free transportation for all Pitt students to and from Heinz Field which the Panthers share with our own 2009 Steelers Super Bowl champions.

All three of the city's major sports teams are complemented by strong college and amateur athletics in the area. Try throwing a touchdown pass to Steelers Super Bowl receivers at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, where the city's sports heritage comes alive inside the Heinz History Center.