Located near the western border of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is a city with a long and storied history that dates back all the way to 1758. Over the years, the city has been known for various aspects – including its factories at one point and its vibrant arts and culture scene in more recent years.
But beyond all that, perhaps the most famous thing about Pittsburgh is its nickname, the Steel City. If you’re interested in learning how this came to be, join us as we take a closer look at the origins of this nickname and the history of the city.
A Brief History of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh was originally founded as a fort over 250 years ago by British general John Forbes in honor of the Earl William Pitt. Subsequently, in 1794, the fort was designated as a borough and this gave rise to the name Pittsburgh, which was a combination of Pitt- and -borough.
The Rise of the Steel Industry
In the 19th century, various factors including the increased industrialization of the country and the rising demand for steel led to a boom in the steel industry. With abundant resources such as coal and iron ore, Pittsburgh was in a unique position to capitalize on the steel boom. In addition, being located near the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River made it easy for the transportation of raw materials and finished products in and out of the city.
Because of this, the city became the industrial capital of the region and became home to many major steel companies. Among these was Carnegie Steel, which was founded by Andrew Carnegie, the namesake of Carnegie Mellon University, one of the leading private research universities in the world. The steel production that Pittsburgh was known for eventually led to the city gaining the nickname of the Steel City.
The Modernization of Pittsburgh
In the late 20th century, the demand for steel decreased, and this led to the city shifting away from its focus on steel production in favor of a more modern and diversified economy. The city began to focus on technology and innovation, giving it a modern-day reputation as a tech hub that’s home to over 1,800 tech companies which employ more than 80,000 people.
At the same time, the city also began focusing more on the development of its healthcare industry, setting up institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Today, the UPMC is one of the leading nonprofit health networks that has over 40 different hospitals under its wing and which provides medical care to residents in Pittsburgh and the surrounding regions.
Architectural Influences of Steel in Pittsburgh
Despite the shift in the city’s focus and reputation, the Steel City moniker has stuck over the years. Many Pittsburgh residents take pride in the city’s unique history and the nickname serves as a reminder of the city’s contribution to the country’s industrial growth.
You will also find many architectural features and landmarks that have clearly been shaped by Pittsburgh history as a major producer of steel. Many of the skyscrapers that dot the modern city’s skyline were also built using locally produced steel.
Living in Pittsburgh
With a population of just over 300,000, Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania. The city has been regularly voted as one of the best places to live in the United States as well as one of the top 10 places to retire. In recent years, there has been a resurgence in the number of people choosing to move to Pittsburgh to take advantage of the relatively plentiful job opportunities available in the city.
Moreover, the city is also known for its relatively low crime rates compared to other major cities in the United States, as well as its fast and efficient public infrastructure and services. The cost of living in the city is also affordable, making it an attractive location for families that are looking for a balance between urban amenities and good value.
How Pittsburgh’s History Has Shaped its Modern Housing Market
It is without a doubt that the modern housing market in Pittsburgh has been largely shaped by its history as an industrial hub. Throughout the city, you will still find architecture that is influenced by steel wealth from past decades – such as the mansions in affluent neighborhoods like Shadyside.
The economic downturn that was brought about by the decline in steel in the late 20th century also led to many people leaving Pittsburgh in search of better opportunities elsewhere. This resulted in a decline in the population from over 650,000 at one point to just under half of that today. At the same time, this has also resulted in numerous vacant homes throughout the city.
Nonetheless, as tech companies have begun establishing offices in the city in recent years, the housing market has also seen a boom as more young people are moving to the city.
Selling a Home in Pittsburgh
Whether you’ve inherited a home, are planning to transition to assisted living, or are selling a home to pay debts, there hasn’t been a better time to sell a house in Pittsburgh given the growth in the housing market. For the most efficient and quick sale, sell your home to a professional home buyer like HomeBuyers of Pittsburgh.
HomeBuyers of Pittsburgh is the #1 homebuyer in the area, and we buy homes of all sizes in as-is condition. If your priority is to sell your home as quickly as possible, we are your best bet and we can help you get cash for your home in as little as 21 days. We also offer fair market values for the homes we buy and do not charge any additional closing fees or agent fees – ensuring that you’re able to get the most competitive prices for your home even in this market.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our team today and get a fast cash offer on your home!
