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Overview
The rapid industrial growth came at a cost, and by World War II, thick clouds of smog enveloped the city. Over the next several decades, though, Pittsburgh pulled an amazing about face by firmly focusing on raising its general standard of living. Once known as the Steel City, sometimes even the "Smoky City," Pittsburgh is now a vibrant, flourishing metropolis that's routinely rated among the most livable cities in the United States. It's a place that's firmly established as a leading center of health care, biomedical research and development, robotics, finance and, yes, even tourism.
To be sure, Pittsburgh has always served as a mecca for sports fans. It's three major professional teams the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers enjoy wide national appeal, owing largely to the massive amount of community loyalty they engender. Whether you're in Shadyside or Southside, just take a look around. The teams' trademark black and gold color scheme is a proud fixture everywhere, from police uniforms and fire trucks to hydrants and even bridges. So deep is the average Pittsburgher's love affair with local sports heroes that the concepts of "good" and "bad" weeks are often determined by what's transpired on the field or ice.
Sports aren't all that define the town, though. In Pittsburgh, there's also a strong commitment to learning and the arts. This legacy of philanthropy and patronage owes much to Andrew Carnegie, who left his mark on Pittsburgh by granting funds to establish Carnegie-Mellon University, four topnotch museums, a dazzling fine arts center and the 19-branch Carnegie Library system. One of the Carnegie museums pays homage to another famous son Andy Warhol, the face of American Pop Art, and is the largest museum dedicated to a single American artist.
Similar commitments to quality of life can be felt in other facets of the day-to-day, most visibly in the many public green spaces, parks and riverside trails maintained throughout the city's hilly landscape. From many of these areas, walkers, joggers and bikers are treated to spectacular views of a skyline that's scene sleek, towering glass and steel architecture is a dramatic departure from the days when the grey cloud of industry loomed over the 'Burgh. At night, Pittsburgh's pulse pulls away from the CBD and toward the bright lights and cool scenes of areas like Carson Street on the South Side and the Strip District, where restaurants and bars appear.
Indeed, one needs venture only as far as the other side of the Monongahela River, scale Mount Washington (or ride the funicular, whichever you choose) and look back over your right shoulder. The three rivers coming together, the sleek architecture reaching skyward, the lovely public space known as the Point, and the new sports facilities along the north banks of the Allegheny it's easy to recognize that this is one American city getting the most out of its second life.
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