Pittsburgh: The CollegeCity

Each fall when thousands of students arrive to attend one of its 33 colleges and universities, this city does something completely un-citylike. It stops and takes notice. Oakland, the local epicenter for college students, pulses with activity and excitement. Throughout the city, signs welcoming students decorate buildings and shops. People offer directions and dining suggestions, and businesses advertise student specials.

These are the moments when you forget you're living in a 250-year-old city that is in the midst of an economic and cultural renaissance. When you feel like you're in a rural college town where the locals are friendly and leafy neighborhoods are everywhere. At the same time, you're surrounded by business and cultural opportunities that rival any metropolitan area. And that's when you remember: this is what Pittsburgh, The CollegeCity, is all about.

Once an industrial city and producer of a third of the world's steel, Pittsburgh has recreated itself as many times as hockey great Mario Lemieux has rescued the Pittsburgh Penguins. Today the city sparkles with new life while retaining its unique personality and charm. You'll feel the energy the minute you enter the city. There is something big happening here.

You'll probably appreciate the skyline first. It's a breathtaking view of water, bridges, green spaces, glass towers and elaborate steeples. This coupled with the city's two new professional sports stadiums, Heinz Field for the Steelers and PNC Park for the Pirates, creates a lot to take in at first glance.

When you've recovered from that first exhilarating view, you'll start to notice the culture. The city is home to more than 200 museums and art galleries, including the world famous Carnegie complex of museums in Oakland, the funky Andy Warhol Museum and the groundbreaking Mattress Factory. The cultural district overflows with live theatre, music and dance, thanks to the world-famous Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Public Theater and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Edgier theater troupes push the envelope at venues such as the City Theatre and Quantum Theatre. The local music scene is hip; all over the city you will find local bands jamming in clubs once frequented by Pittsburgh's jazz greats.

When you're ready to look into career opportunities, you won't have to look far. The city is a technological hotbed ripe for budding startups. It is home to eight Fortune 500 companies, 250 international corporations, two of the country's largest banks and a health system that's ranked in the nation's top 10. And by the way, if you're looking for a transient city in which people come and go, look somewhere else. Pittsburghers plant their roots.

People from all over the world have migrated to Pittsburgh for centuries. These diverse cultural groups formed neighborhoods of every variety all over the city, marked by one-of-a-kind ethnic shops, restaurants and churches. No wonder traveling around the city is almost like hopping from one European village to the next.

Prepare to be surprised by The CollegeCity. The landscape, the people and the history make this place truly unique. You won't find any cold aggressiveness here, but you will find a pervasive determination to explore new frontiers. In this city, expect a courtesy wave from the driver you just allowed in front of you. Ask anyone for directions --we can't promise they'll get you to the right place, but they are sure to give it their best shot. Mention the Steelers, and you've made yourself a best friend. Oh, and don't be surprised when people you pass on the street look you in the eye and smile.

You've been warned.


To find out more about the educational opportunities in Pittsburgh check out the Pittsburgh Council Higher Education at www.pchepa.org.