🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Pittsburgh home for several months, and I can confidently say that this steel city has won my heart. With a unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty, Pittsburgh is an attractive destination for remote workers. The city’s affordability, rich history, and outdoor activities make it an excellent choice for digital nomads looking to experience the best of American culture. The “City of Bridges” boasts an impressive 446 bridges, a testament to its engineering prowess and scenic charm. As a Pittsburgh digital nomad, you’ll enjoy a high quality of life, with plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s many neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character.
Pittsburgh’s vibe is a mix of small-town friendliness and big-city amenities, making it easy to connect with locals and like-minded remote workers. The city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology is evident in its many coworking spaces, startups, and universities. As a digital nomad in Pittsburgh, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to network, learn, and grow, both personally and professionally. With a nomad score of 67/100, Pittsburgh is an excellent choice for remote workers looking for a balance of work and play.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, digital nomads have plenty of options. Here are three areas that stand out for their character, amenities, and affordability:
- Shadyside: This trendy neighborhood is a favorite among young professionals and remote workers. With its vibrant atmosphere, boutique shops, and eclectic restaurants, Shadyside is the perfect place to experience Pittsburgh’s urban charm. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Shadyside averages around $1,200 per month (approximately $1,550 CAD).
- Oakland: Home to the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, Oakland is a hub for innovation and learning. This neighborhood offers a mix of historic and modern architecture, with plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants to choose from. A one-bedroom apartment in Oakland costs around $1,100 per month (approximately $1,430 CAD).
- Lawrenceville: This up-and-coming neighborhood is a hotspot for artists, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. With its converted warehouses, street art, and indie coffee shops, Lawrenceville has a unique, hipster vibe that’s hard to resist. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lawrenceville averages around $1,000 per month (approximately $1,300 CAD).
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Pittsburgh is relatively low compared to other major US cities. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a digital nomad in Pittsburgh:
- Rent: As mentioned earlier, a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable neighborhood costs around $1,100-1,300 per month (approximately $1,430-1,670 CAD).
- Food: Eating out in Pittsburgh can range from $10-20 per meal (approximately $13-26 CAD) for casual dining. Groceries are also affordable, with a weekly shop costing around $50-75 (approximately $65-97 CAD) for basic items.
- Transport: Pittsburgh has a comprehensive public transportation system, with a monthly pass costing around $97 (approximately $126 CAD). Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available, with an average fare of $10-15 (approximately $13-19 CAD) for a 10-minute ride.
- Coworking: Coworking spaces in Pittsburgh typically charge between $200-500 per month (approximately $260-650 CAD) for a full-time membership, depending on the amenities and location.
Internet & Coworking
Pittsburgh’s internet speed averages around 43 Mbps, which is relatively fast for a US city. As for coworking spaces, there are plenty of options to choose from, including:
- The Beauty Shop: A stylish coworking space in the Strip District, with memberships starting at $200 per month (approximately $260 CAD).
- ** Industrious Pittsburgh**: A modern coworking space in the heart of downtown, with memberships starting at $400 per month (approximately $520 CAD).
- The CoLab: A collaborative workspace in the South Side, with memberships starting at $300 per month (approximately $390 CAD).
Some popular cafes for remote work include:
- Tazza D’Oro: A cozy coffee shop in Highland Park, with excellent espresso and a quiet atmosphere.
- The Coffee Tree Roasters: A specialty coffee shop in Squirrel Hill, with a wide selection of pour-overs and a relaxed vibe.
- Presto Cafe: A modern cafe in the Strip District, with a variety of coffee drinks and a spacious seating area.
Pittsburgh has a growing community of digital nomads and remote workers, with plenty of opportunities to connect and network. Some popular meetups and events include:
- Pittsburgh Digital Nomads: A Facebook group for remote workers to connect, share tips, and plan meetups.
- Nomad List Pittsburgh: A meetup group for digital nomads to explore the city and share experiences.
- Pittsburgh Startup Week: An annual event that brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, and remote workers to share ideas and knowledge.
Culture & Lifestyle
Pittsburgh has a rich cultural scene, with a mix of industrial heritage, artistic expression, and outdoor activities. Some must-try experiences include:
- Pittsburgh food: Try a classic Primanti Bros. sandwich, with coleslaw and fries on the side, or sample some of the city’s famous pierogies.
- Outdoor activities: Explore the many parks and trails in Pittsburgh, such as Frick Park or the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
- Local customs: Attend a Pittsburgh Steelers game to experience the city’s sports culture, or visit the Strip District on a Saturday morning to see the vibrant market scene.
- Dating: Pittsburgh has a lively dating scene, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and events to meet new people. Try the popular dating app, Bumble, or attend a social event at a local brewery.
As a digital nomad, you’ll typically enter the US on a tourist visa (B2 visa) or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if you’re eligible. There is no specific digital nomad visa for the US, but you can stay in the country for up to 90 days on a tourist visa. Be sure to check the US Department of State website for the latest visa requirements and regulations.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some insider tips for navigating Pittsburgh as a digital nomad:
- SIM cards: Purchase a prepaid SIM card from a provider like AT&T or Verizon for affordable data and voice plans.
- Transport: Use the public transportation system or ride-hailing services to get around the city.
- Safety: Pittsburgh is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Weather: Pittsburgh has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for snow and ice in the winter months, and enjoy the mild spring and fall seasons.