It has been a little over three years now since I moved to Pittsburgh. I’m happy to report that my homesickness is abating, enough for me to recognize and appreciate some things I’ve come to like* about living in this city.
View from Grandview Avenue, Mount Washington
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WQED, FM 89.3. Twenty four hours of classical music; the station back home is classical only during the day.
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The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Yes, I work here but even if I didn’t, I’d still be using it all the time for free books, ebooks, and music, not to mention free music performances and lectures.
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The somewhat more temperate climate and longer growing season; I come from the Great Lakes state, and it’s much colder there longer.
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The walkability of life in a big city; I love that I can take public transit or walk downtown, which is less than 3 miles away from where I live…
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In Chatham Village on Mount Washington, an historic garden cooperative that is like living in a park.
Chatham Village, Mount Washington
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The lower cost of living, from food to housing to car insurance.
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It’s only two hours to Lake Erie, which I visit every year for my Great Lakes’ fix.
Lake Erie
- Since Pennsylvania was one of the original thirteen colonies, it’s in the heart of many historic sites in American history, a joy for this history lover.
- The East End Food Co-op. To this vegan’s delight, I think they have the best produce in town.
- Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, a professional ballet company; I’ve been attending their wonderful performances since I moved here.
~Maria
*There are a few hassles: expensive annual car inspections are required; you’re not permitted to buy alcohol in drugstores or supermarkets or even by mail; and initial driver’s license & car registration applications are done in two different locations. But, hey, no place is perfect, right?
