Has the Covid-era and work-from-home scene gotten you to consider making a move? It might be time to think about moving to the Steel City.

According to Moving.com, Pittsburgh has made their list of Top-10 mid-size cities, also known as the best second-tier cities in the U.S.A.

What makes a mid-size city so attractive? Experts say it’s a city that’s under 1 million people in population, but it still retains the plus-sides of a strong job market, cultural opportunities, and an abundance of amenities. In the Moving.com rankings, Pittsburgh finds itself at number 6 on their list.

In their ranking of smaller-size cities, several benefits and reasons to move to a place like Pittsburgh include:

  • Finding it affordable — with a lower cost of living;
  • Less traffic — making for an easier work commute, adding valuable minutes to your day-to-day life;
  • More residential neighborhoods — tree-lined streets and a good-size yard aren’t just a pipe dream, found only in the ‘burbs;
  • A family-friendly feel — which often includes better public schools (important whether or not you have children); and
  • A higher quality of life, including an abundance of parks and cultural events.

So how does Pittsburgh rate?

With an average home price around $230,000 (compared to the national average of $284,000) and a cost of living that’s 9% below the U.S. average, Pittsburgh is an attractive city for anyone looking to relocate. Additionally, the median rental price is $1,550 per month, which makes finding an affordable place to live easier for many people.

And it’s not just known for the steel industry anymore. Some of the top Pittsburgh-area employers include: PNC, PPG Industries, Kraft Heinz Co., United States Steel Corp., and Arconic.

Pittsburgh is home to more than 90 unique neighborhoods, from Mt. Washington boasting some of the most beautiful views in the country, to Downtown’s city vibe, to the hustle and bustle and international shoppes in the Strip District.

As for ‘family-friendly” and fun for all ages … you can’t go wrong with options ranging from the Duquesne Incline to the Botanical Gardens, exploring the Children’s Museum or Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, or even making your way to Kennywood, America’s finest traditional amusement park.

Sports fans will find that they, too, love the City of Champions, as Pittsburgh proudly houses three professional teams in the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins, not to mention various college sports teams at the D1 and D2 levels.

Feeling ready to explore? And maybe even make it even more affordable? Check out our list of Top 10 Free Things to Do in Pittsburgh!