If you pose the above question to a Pittsburgher, their likely response would include the city’s industrial past, championship sports teams, many bridges, three rivers — and perhaps Primanti Brothers sandwiches.
Whether you’ve relocated to Pittsburgh, are visiting the area, or are simply curious about the city, read on to discover why these are some of the main things Pittsburgh is famous for!
4 Things Pittsburgh Is Known For
-
Steelmaking History
Until the early to mid-1980s Pittsburgh had a thriving steel industry that drew laborers from all over the U.S. and the globe, leading to a vibrant and diverse community, which is still there today.
At its height, the sector produced more than half of America’s steel, earning Pittsburgh the moniker “Steel City” and strengthening the city’s economy.
The Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, George Washington Bridge, and Chrysler Building were all constructed using steel from our steel mills.
The complete collapse of the steel industry happened between 1981 and 1986, when the bulk of Pittsburgh’s steel mills shut down resulting in the unemployment of over 150,000 steelworkers. Pittsburgh’s population fell by about 50% due to the steelworkers leaving Steel City to search for employment elsewhere.
Even though its steel mills have gone quiet, Pittsburgh’s industrial past still plays a big role in the city’s identity.
Its economy has moved away from heavy industry and toward technology, healthcare, financial services, and higher education, but Pittsburgh’s steel heritage continues to be seen in many aspects, from the names of local businesses and sports teams to its historical sites and museums.
-
Champion Sports Franchises
Also known as the “City of Champions,” Pittsburgh is home to 3 major league teams: the Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB), Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), and Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL). Each team has a rich history of world championships and Hall of Fame players.
Pittsburghers particularly take great pride in the Steelers — notably because they were the first team in National Football League history to win six Super Bowl championships.
Recently recognized as one of the best sports cities in America, Pittsburgh is also proud of the Penguins, who have won five Stanley Cups, and the Pirates, who hold five World Series trophies.
-
Many Bridges
Another nickname for Pittsburgh is the “City of Bridges” because, at 446, it boasts more bridges than any other city in the world.
Its bridges not only provide essential transit connections between the city’s 90+ neighborhoods, separated by the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers, but also offer stunning views of the Steel City’s skyline.
Most of the bridges are named after prominent Pittsburgh residents – such as pop art star Andy Warhol and legendary baseball player Roberto Clemente – and are painted yellow, which is an official color for Pittsburgh.
-
Primanti Sandwiches
Pittsburgh’s most popular culinary treat is a primanti sandwich.
To make the sandwich, two slices of Italian bread are stacked with tomato, coleslaw, melted cheese, grilled meat, and french fries.
The creators of this famous and unusual sandwich served at Primanti Brothers sandwich restaurants since the 1930s, designed it to help hungry truckers dropping deliveries in Pittsburgh’s Strip District easily eat their meals.
The truckers frequently had just one hand available when driving, so the restaurant placed their sides (coleslaw and fries) on their sandwich, allowing them to eat the full meal with one hand and operate the vehicle with the other.
When visiting Pittsburgh, you should definitely check out the original Primanti Brothers in the Strip neighborhood if you’re a foodie who enjoys sampling local specialties while on vacation.
Other things Pittsburgh is well-known for include:
- Mount Washington. A few years ago, USA Today rated the evening view of Downtown Pittsburgh and its waterways from Mt. Washington as one of the most breathtaking skyline vistas on earth.
- Heinz, the company behind America’s favorite tomato ketchup was founded in Pittsburgh in 1869 by Henry John Heinz, and it now sells 650M+ bottles of ketchup a year.
- Prestigious academic institutions such as Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, which are both widely recognized for their computer science and robotics programs.
Thanks to Carnegie’s collaboration with the ride-hailing giant Uber to develop autonomous vehicle technology, Pittsburgh has gained a reputation as a major player in the AI race.
- A stable and affordable housing market. Pittsburgh was largely spared from the 2008 housing bust that devastated so many other cities, and it was recently named the U.S. city with the most affordable home market
- A growing technology hub that has attracted promising startups in industries like robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing, as well as big tech firms like Google, Facebook, and Amazon
- World-class museums such as the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Andy Warhol Museum, the largest museum in North America devoted to a single artist
- Celebrities, including Mac Miller, Andy Warhol, Wiz Khalifa, Roberto Clemente, and Fred McFeely Rogers, better known as Mr. Rogers
Are You Looking for a Fast and Hassle-Free Way to Sell Your Pittsburgh Home?
If so, please get in touch with Home Buyers of Pittsburgh at 412-444-8914 or info [at] urbanpgh.com.
As Pittsburgh’s #1 professional home buyer, we specialize in quickly buying homes for cash in any condition, eliminating the need for renovations, open house preparation, and other time-consuming and stressful steps associated with a traditional home sale.
Once you reach out to us, we will come to your house and, following a brief 20 to 30-minute assessment of your property, make you a guaranteed competitive cash offer. If you accept the offer, we can close your house sale on your terms in as little as 21 days.
Contact HomeBuyers of Pittsburgh right now to discover how easy selling your home can be!
