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 Pittsburgh is the fourth largest corporate headquarters city in the United States, behind only New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Yet Pittsburgh has retained its "small town" charms, and a quality of life few other cities can offer.
Only Pittsburgh, of 379 US Metros, has always been a "Most Livable" Top 20 Region! Living and working conditions have a significant effect upon the success and growth of individuals and the firms with which they partner or are employed. What enabled MSA (Management Science Associates, Inc.) to grow the capabilities of its personnel, R&D, service offerings and success in the past 50 years was not independent of its environment. Its revenue grew in all but one of those years, and its dynamic organic growth was achieved through its innovations in technology & business practices. Such a record may not have been achieved if MSA's HQ were in the 378 Metro regions with which Pittsburgh was compared by "Places Rated Almanac," which rated Pittsburgh #1 in both 1985, when Rand-McNally was its publisher, and in its 25th Anniversary Edition released in April, 2007. It was never rated lower than 14th during all those years! More significant than its repeat #1 Rating, which no other US Metro area has achieved, is that it is the only US Metro to have been ranked in the Top 20 in all rating periods! That consistency is similar to MSA's organic growth in the past 45-50 years! The 7-county Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area was ranked using statistical data from over 200 private and public agencies, including the US Census, Department of Education, National Golf Association, Medical institutions and the AAA. The same nine categories of data used in the 1985 Rand-McNally Places Rated Almanac were used in the recent study: housing affordability (cost of living), transportation, jobs, education, climate, crime, healthcare, recreation, ambience (performing arts, museums, historical districts, restaurants, etc.). Pittsburgh wasn't #1 in any of the individual categories, but its lowest category rating was 35.6%, and all its other ratings ranged 5-29%, so its #1 overall rating was due in large part to only 1 of its 9 ratings being slightly outside the top 1/3rd! MSA is continuously growing and hiring graduates with a sound technical and/or analytical-based foundation, so former residents and newcomers who are Steeler-Pirate-Penguin fans, or motivated workers who want access to outdoor life, less traffic and great health and education facilities may wish to consider joining MSA. Other high tech firms and non-profit organizations are also hiring in Pittsburgh, the only consistently "Most Livable" US Metro Region in the past 25 years. It has been continuously ranked as one of the best US locations in which to raise a family as well as one of the best areas outside the South in which to retire. However, many MSA employees continue to be employed or consult after they pass normal retirement age, reflecting the many interesting and enjoyable work opportunities that are often available to such employees at MSA. "International Flair" From Polish Hill to Bloomfield, Squirrel Hill to Oakland, many different cultures and nationalities are represented here. You'll find the finest Kosher products, the best Italian bakeries, fabulous sushi and a wide variety of International restaurants. Ranging from Asian and Middle Eastern to European, you'll also find diverse international entertainment, quick access to various churches, synagogues and mosques, and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. "Medical Miracles" Pittsburgh has always been known for its advanced medical care and pioneering transplants. UPMC's Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Magee Women's Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center are all situated in Oakland, within a three block radius. "Culture Shock"  The Andy Warhol Museum and the Mattress Factory are both unique art experiences that should not be left undiscovered. You will also find the Pittsburgh Public Theater, a wonderful local theater featuring high quality performances. For an interesting afternoon, try taking the kids to the Pittsburgh Children's Museum for some educational fun, or to the Carnegie Science Center for science and technology exhibits, including a real submarine. You could also visit the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, the only national indoor bird zoo. 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.
"Academic Avenue" Besides being a cultural and medical hub, Pittsburgh is also home to well known academic institutions, the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.  Not to be hidden in the shadows of these major schools, Carlow College is quickly making a name for itself as the nation's fastest growing women's college,  and Chatham College of Shadyside has established itself as a quality liberal arts school. Duquesne University has been rated in the Top 5 percent of best values in college education by Money Magazine and in the Top Half of all national universities by U.S. News and World Report. Robert Morris College is also making headlines with its downtown location and its 230-acre campus in Moon Township. Last but not least, Point Park College offers its students the campus of Downtown Pittsburgh, within walking distance to the best features of this wonderful city. Many of todays high tech firms can trace their roots to a Carnegie Mellon graduate. The strengths of these universities have helped to establish medical and software development as economic engines for the area.
"Black and Gold"  PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is the newest edition to the Pittsburgh skyline, located on the north shore of the Allegheny River between the Fort Duquesne and Roberto Clemente bridges. Not to be outdone, the Pittsburgh Steelers' new stadium, Heinz Field sits nearby, ready for the four-time Super Bowl winners to begin the new season. In the center of downtown one can find The Igloo, otherwise known as Mellon Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins, two-time Stanley Cup champions.
"Shop 'Til You Drop!" Robinson Towne Center with its famous IKEA home store, a 24-hour Super Kmart, a large multi-theater Showcase Cinema, and a multitude of other various shops and restaurants is the welcome committee of shopping malls for those traveling into downtown from the airport. From downtown, hop on the "T" (the subway), and take a five minute ride over to Station Square, where you'll find one of Pittsburgh's best shopping, dining and entertainment locations. If you're adventurous, stay on the "T" through the southern suburbs of Dormont, Mt. Lebanon and Bethel Park, all the way until South Hills Village (a complete two-story mall with every popular store imaginable). Of course, you could always go back to East Carson Street on the South Side, to find a more unique cultural type of shopping. Cross over the Monogahela River and visit Pittsburgh's newest outside shopping mall The Waterfront, where along with your favorite big chains like Home Depot, you can also find a fun place for all ages, Dave and Buster's, plus other eateries like TGI Fridays. A Loews Theatre, Improv and Sing Sing (Pittsburgh's piano bar) are just a few of the other attractions to this complex. "Boogie the Night Away" The South Side offers a famous strip of night clubs, local pubs and even a coffeehouse or two. Music fans have their choice of entertainment whether it's alternative, classic rock or the blues — Carson Street, on the South Side, is the place to find live music in the 'burgh. Nick's Fat City, Excuses and the Blue Note are just three of the many places you can find a live band on a weekend night. You'll also find plenty of restaurants if you work up an appetite dancing! If you're looking for something completely out of the ordinary, go to the Lava Lounge — sip one of their ginseng martinis while surrounded by an artistic environment created by local talent. The Strip comes alive with a nightlife as varied as its shops and markets. Go to The Crane for live bands, industrial dancing and a new age atmosphere. Or hang out at Donzi's a restaurant/nightclub on the boardwalk with great views of the river. Further up the Strip is the 31st Pub for local alternative music. Looking for something a little more casual? The Sport's Rock Café is the place to go to watch your favorite sports team while getting a bite to eat and playing air hockey with your friends.  "Mother Nature"Pittsburgh offers plenty of opportunity for play all year round. City and suburban parks offer endless recreational facilities, hiking and biking trails and over fifty area golf courses. Ski resorts such as Seven Springs and Hidden Valley are less than an hour away and white water rafting is also nearby "Flying High" Pittsburgh International Airport is a world-class facility that is also a full service mall with restaurants and shops galore. No doubt travelers to Pittsburgh appreciate the various storefronts, as well as the extremely clean surroundings and all-over efficiency of the airport. Other services include FedEx, UPS, US postal drop boxes, various banks, fitness and massage. |
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