Philadelphia
Please click here to download a printable version of Philadelphia.

Once in the city known as “the City of Brotherly Love”, you will have no trouble navigating around the region. The best ways to get around Center City ( Philadelphia's downtown) are by foot, taxi or public transportation. If you plan on visiting the surrounding countryside, regional rail and cars are your best bets.

Year after year, Philadelphia is rated as one of the best walking cities in the country. And it's no wonder why - the city layout is simple to master and our neighborhood streets are filled with fun and diverse shops, restaurants, museums, parks and people.

The compact Center City boasts founder William Penn's easy-to-follow grid street design. It spans just 25 blocks between two rivers - the Schuylkill and the Delaware. In between, the north/south streets are numbered and the east/west streets have tree names (e.g., Walnut, Spruce, Pine).

In addition, Center City has five main parks or squares ( Franklin, Washington, Rittenhouse, Logan and Center), conveniently spread out so as to serve as perfect rest stops during your day out. Curb cut-outs make the city stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Colorful directional signs called "Walk! Philadelphia" have been added throughout Center City that will help you navigate even better. Center City District, the organization responsible for "Walk! Philadelphia," also populates the streets with uniformed goodwill ambassadors who act as strolling concierges. These ambassadors answer questions, give directions and stay in radio contact with Philadelphia police to promote public safety.

Philadelphia is the second largest city on the East Coast, Philadelphia ranks fifth in the nation, with a metropolitan population of 5.8 million. It is quite convenient to visit sister cities as it is located only 100 miles south of New York, 133 miles north of Washington, D.C., and 55 miles from Atlantic City.

PHILADEPHIA HAS Four distinct seasons with moderately cold winter and hot, humid summer. January average temperature, 33 degrees Fahrenheit; July average temperature, 75 degrees; average yearly rainfall, 41 inches; normal seasonal snowfall, 21 inches.

Popular neighborhoods to live within a short distance to the CBD (Central Business District)

Center City
The Center City area of Philadelphia is the area where most suburban residents work, and where most tourists visit.

Center City also contains many of the most historic areas of the city, including Independence National Park, home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It is also the home to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and most major hotels, as well as the seat of Philadelphia's government, City Hall.

This area consists of such areas as Center City East and West, Chinatown, the Delaware Penn’s Riverfront, Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill and Washington Square.

Those who live here are predominantly in high rise apartment buildings or in expensive townhouses in the Society Hill area. This area is more expensive then sister neighborhoods for rentals and home purchases.

Society Hill is described as the heart of reclaimed 18th-century Philadelphia. Today, it's a fashionable section of the old city, just south of Independence National Historical Park, where you can stroll among restored Federal, colonial, and Georgian homes--even the contemporary architecturally modern is interesting and immaculately maintained Described as one of the countries most successful inner city communities it offers picturesque 17th and 18th century townhouses on charming tree-lined cobblestone streets, interspersed with award-winning contemporary townhouses give Society Hill a feeling of warmth and livability. Wind your way through charming pocket gardens to museums, theatres, restaurants, and numerous city attractions. Society Hill is truly an example of urban living-just minutes away (walking distance) from the excitement of the city, yet quiet and tranquil with wonderful parks and gardens.

The Waterfront/Penn’s Landing community is located on the Delaware River along Columbus Boulevard and I-95. The community is within walking distance to the trendy shopping and dining of South Street and right in the center of Philadelphia’s prime nightlife. The Waterfront offers numerous clubs and bars and a Dave and Buster’s restaurant. Its proximity to I-95 and I-76 allows for an easy commute to the interior of the city and beyond

Rittenhouse Square is in the heart of Center City and its namesake is the destination of choice for mothers on play dates with their children, employees taking a break from work and neighbors enjoying a friendly game of chess. Although you can find a number of town homes and brownstones in this prestigious neighborhood, most of the rental homes are in high rise buildings. Rents are on the higher side and start around $900 and up. Hundreds of restaurants and shops of every kind are within walking distance. Taxi service is ready to take you anywhere you want to go. Rittenhouse Square is home to a diverse group of people including single professionals, families with children and an increasing number of retirees who are rediscovering the joys of city life. Rittenhouse Square is just blocks from both Market Street and Broad Street, the main commercial corridors in Center City.

Northwest Philadelphia is a section of the city whereas the area is divided by Wissahickon Creek into two subsections. To the east are Germantown, Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill, and to the west are Roxborough and Manayunk, each contain their own groups of neighborhoods.

Unlike the other sections of Philadelphia, the Northwest retains a more suburban feel. It is known for its hilly terrain, mainly in the areas between the Wissahickon and the Schuylkill River. This hilly terrain has become a distinct characteristics in several neighborhoods in the area, especially that of Manayunk and Roxborough (where many of the city's broadcast transmission towers are located)

Northwest of The City Chestnut Hill, Germantown and Mt. Airy
Each of these neighborhoods are very distinct in character.

The neighborhood of Chestnut Hill, in the northwestern corner of Philadelphia City Proper, is one of the region's most beautiful and architecturally distinguished communities & is located along cobble-stoned Germantown Avenue.

Chestnut Hill is an official Historic District, and home to more than 100 architecturally significant residences, parks and gardens, the Woodmere Art Museum, and the renowned Morris Arboretum. It is also the home to more than 200 boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, cozy cafes and fine restaurants. Chestnut Hill is the highest point within the city limits of Philadelphia and is known for its enclave of suburban gentility, with its "Main Street" flavor. Chestnut Hill's housing ranges from affordable apartment homes to million dollar mansions. This quaint town has it all - the area's best boutique shopping, dining, nightlife and cultural opportunities can be found on and around Germantown Avenue, the quintessential main street and the heart of Chestnut Hill. Surrounded by open spaces and park areas, Chestnut Hill offers the best of both worlds: the attractions and bustle of the city in the open air and greenery of the suburbs

The Mt. Airy area of northwest Philadelphia, with a population of more than 40,000 people, has gained national distinction for its richly diverse population. A comfortable and welcoming place to live, it is home to people of many racial and ethnic backgrounds, economic levels, occupations, family life-styles and age groups. The area boasts a wide range of housing, from apartments to mansions

Germantown located approximately 6 miles from Center City has been fully built up as a part of an urban city, but is rich in historic sites and buildings that have been preserved.

Northwest of the City Manayunk and Roxborough

Nestled along the east bank of the Schuylkill River in northwest Philadelphia are the neighborhoods of Manayunk and Roxborough.

Manayunk has been transformed from a run down industrial center into one of Philadelphia's most popular and desirable neighborhoods. From the many town homes and apartments in Manayunk, you'll enjoy walking to the upscale bars, restaurants and shops along Main Street. Biking enthusiasts will enjoy riding the bike trail that connects Manayunk's towpath to Valley Forge Park. Manayunk is convenient to Center City and the Main Line via 76 and City Line Avenue. If you prefer, just walk to the R6 and take the regional rail line into town.

The 22-mile bikeway incorporates the Manayunk Towpath, which parallels the Canal and the Schuylkill River. Along the Towpath, visitors will find historical signage about the industrial heritage of Manayunk and its Canal. In the days of heavy industry, company executives would live at the top of the famous hills of this area. The workers lived at the bottom of the hill. Roxborough Avenue was the dividing line. Those houses on the uphill side of Roxborough Avenue were said to be in the Roxborough neighborhood. Those houses below the Avenue were said to be in Manayunk.

South Philadelphia

Rocky, the movie, made South Philadelphia, one of the largest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, famous. South Philly is a great place to live if you like to eat and play! The Italian Market, numerous restaurants and authentic cheese steaks are found here.
South Philadelphia's residents include old timers, many of whom are Italian-American, and new comers who enjoy affordable living in town homes and apartments. The community of South Philadelphia has been described as the city's most colorful and ethnically diverse neighborhood, although it is often thought of as distinctly Italian. South Philadelphia is one of the most expansive neighborhoods of Philadelphia and one that, in reality, is made up of many smaller neighborhoods bearing such names as Grays Ferry, East Oregon, Hawthorne, Marconi Plaza, Packer Park, Passyunk, Pennsport, Point Breeze, Queens Village, Tasker and many more.

Perhaps the most famous landmark in South Philadelphia is the sports complex at the corner of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue. Here, the Philadelphia Eagles (professional football), Philadelphia Phillies (professional baseball), Philadelphia 76ers (professional basketball), Philadelphia Flyers (professional hockey), Philadelphia Phantoms (minor league hockey), Philadelphia Kixx (indoor soccer), Philadelphia Wings (lacrosse), and Philadelphia Soul (arena football), and the annual Wing Bowl (an event sponsored by the sports talk radio station, 610-WIP) make their home in the massive state-of-the-art sports arenas surrounding the well-known intersection: Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, the Wachovia Spectrum, and the Wachovia Center.

Northeast Philadelphia

The area generally referred to as Northeast Philadelphia consists of two major sections, the Far Northeast and the Near Northeast. The Near Northeast is home to such places as Foxchase, Frankford, Holmesburg Lawndale, Lexington, Mayfair, Oxford Circle, Tacony and Wissinoming if you decide you want to pursue living in these very affordable neighborhoods.
Over 400,000 people reside in this area of Philadelphia. Primarily a residential area with numerous strip malls and shopping centers, Northeast Philadelphia is home to most of what would be considered the "middle-class" residents of the city. It is also home to numerous small businesses as well as several major industrial corporations primarily along the stretch of I-95 which runs through this area of the city.

FINDING A RENTAL UNIT
In order to maximize the availability of apartments, we suggest that you not begin your search any sooner then 4 weeks prior to the intended occupancy date.

There are two types of categories of buildings in which a person can rent and each property has its own rules, regulations and application paperwork affecting the time frame in which a tenant will be able to move into the apartment.

• Rental building which typically makes for the easiest transaction since it is only the managing agent who gives approval and completes all of the paperwork and lease.
• Single Family Home/Condominium, which is privately owned by a person in which you would negotiate direct and work together on any paperwork and lease.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS AND PAYMENTS
Upon submitting an application of your chosen residence, the landlord will typically require you to provide one month’s rent and at least one month’s security deposit.

MISCELANEOUS

Most Landlords will require all Tenants to provide:
An employment verification letter, attesting your title, start date, length of assignment with the company, and annual salary. OneWorld will work with you in obtaining this from the Global Mobility Group should you need this document.

• A bank reference which can be pulled up on line at time of application
• Some Landlords will require an international credit check
• Photo ID such as a copy of your Passport and VISA Attached

  
  If you are sharing with a roommate, Landlords will use all lease applicants’ combined salary in order to qualify them for the amount of rent. If you do not meet the required credit score or annual income requirement you might be asked to produce an extra security deposit or a guarantor/co-signor. Typically a guarantor must live in the United States, and should not be your employer.

  Most leases will allow Tenants a certain time frame (such as 60 days) in which to provide the Landlord written notice to break a lease earlier then the original end date. If your lease does not have this “out-clause or diplomatic clause”, we will recommend asking the landlord to include the following paragraph, however do not be surprised if some Landlords refuse this clause, and by law, in certain states are within their rights to do so:

OUT/DIPLOMATIC CLAUSE. If the tenant is transferred 50 miles or more (radius) from the Premises by his current employer. the Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease by providing Landlord with 60 days notice. The termination shall be effective on the last day of the second calendar month following the month in which the Landlord receives the notice of termination from the Tenant. In consideration of such termination, the Landlord agrees to reimburse the Tenant for the security deposit after final walk through and finding acceptable condition per the provisions of the original lease.

• Upon choosing a move in date, please keep in mind that some buildings require you to reserve in advance their “service” elevator. Most move-ins are allowed Monday thru Saturday between the hours of 9:00am to 5:00pm and we will assist you with building specifics on this matter.

 Transit

BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

Aside from walking, Philadelphia's excellent transit system is the best way to get around town. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), the nation's fifth-largest transit system, is the most comprehensive bus/subway/commuter-rail system in the United States. SEPTA's vast network of bus, subway, and trolley commuter services will get you anywhere you need to go — or at least very close.

And best of all, you can get an all day-pass for unlimited use on SEPTA buses, trolleys, subways and trains for only $5.50.

PATCO and NJ Transit also provide convenient service between New Jersey and Philadelphia. PATCO, the Port Authority Transit Corporation, also called PATCO Hi-Speedline, is a fast, easy and economical way to travel in Center City Philadelphia and to southern New Jersey. For PATCO travel information or for a New Rider Guide, call 215-922-4600 (in Philadelphia ) or call 609-772-6900 (in New Jersey ).

SEPTA
PATCO
NJ Transit
SmarTraveler - For up-to-the-minute traffic info

BY TAXI
Taxis can be found all over town and can easily be hailed curbside and are great ways to get to various destinations throughout the city if you're in a hurry.

Olde City Taxi: (215) 338-0838
Quaker City Cab: (215) 728-8000
United Cab Association: (215) 238-9500
Yellow Cab: (215) 922-8400

PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES:
Philadelphia is served by all modes of transportation:

Air:
The Philadelphia International Airport is located only eight miles, yet 25 minutes from Philadelphia's Center City. The cheapest and most efficient airport transportation is the Port Authority Transit's 28x Airport Flyer. This bus departs every 20 minutes from num- erous downtown locations and carries over 40,000 riders every week. For schedules and fare information, visit PAT's website at www.ridegold.com

From Philadelphia, fly to more than 100 cities in the United States and 16 destinations abroad.

Rail:
Philadelphia's Amtrak's 30 th Street Station is a major East Coast hub, with trains that run along the northeast corridor serving Boston, New York, Baltimore and Washington.

Additional Suggested Publications and Websites:

The Not For Tourists Guide to Philadelphia is a handy- guide to the city. This little black book divides Philly into 27 neighborhoods, with each map marked by NFT’s user-friendly icons locating the essentials of life. NFT covers everything from restaurants, museums, landmarks, bars, post offices, and schools to information on kid-friendly activities, dog runs, airports, public transportation options, and where to get the best cheese steak in town. The guide offers sections on Downtown, South, West, North East, and North West Philadelphia, as well as details on the city’s Parks & Places, Colleges & Universities, Sports, Transit, General Information, and Arts & Entertainment. It’s the greatest thing to happen to Philly since cream cheese. Not For Tourists Guide can be ordered on line or picked up at most book stores including some pharmacy and grocery stores too.

http://www.gophila.com/
http://www.philadelphialiving.com/
http://www.onlinephiladelphiaguide.com/

Pittsburgh
Please click here to download a printable version of Pittsburgh.

Yes, truly the heart of Pittsburgh. Is it just like every other city's downtown? Not really. Sure, it has the skyscrapers, the subway, the government buildings and the Convention Center, but it has its own unique personality too.

The looming black Steel Building stands tallest on the horizon, keeping watch over its lesser neighbors. The futuristic One Oxford Centre shows the first signs of the Pittsburgh Renaissance, when we left the smoky city behind and headed for high technology.

Besides business and government, the Downtown area also offers diverse cultural entertainment. From the classics to cutting-edge contemporary, The Benedum Center, the Byham Theater and Heinz Hall feature Broadway musicals and shows, dance performances, national and international tours, and local special events and performances. For film buffs, The Harris Theater offers alternative and foreign films. Addicted to art? There are also plenty of galleries. If visiting downtown, a must-see is the Strip District. Another multi-ethnic community, the Strip is lined with fresh produce markets, wholesale stores, restaurants and coffee shops that hustle and bustle all day long. It's also home to the Senator John Heinz Regional History Center, a history museum for the Western Pennsylvania region.

Pittsburg neighborhoods, all mainly affordable tend to be labeled in four sections: North of the City, South of The City, East of the City and West of The City. Although each has many neighborhoods in which to live, we have listed just a sampling to give you an idea what might appeal most to you.

Popular neighborhoods to live within A short distance to the KPMG Office

North Side

Most visitors trek to the North Side to experience Pittsburgh’s newest and most celebrated cultural and entertainment destinations, including The Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz Field, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, PNC Park, Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, and the Carnegie Science Center.

This tradition of building big and bold is nothing new to the North Side. When you venture off-the-beaten-path to the community’s residential neighborhoods and business districts, you’ll experience the grandeur of an earlier century. Along charming tree-lined streets, you’ll see finely preserved homes from the Victorian era, rich with architectural detail that reflects the wealth of a city on the rise. In the midst of these neighborhoods, you’ll find restaurants and taverns that carry on the ethnic traditions of the North Side’s earliest settlers.

The North Side is the term Pittsburghers use to collectively describe the 18 neighborhoods that wrap around the northern banks of the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers and climb up the adjacent hillsides. Although the North Side is comprised of many neighborhoods, several are designated as historic districts and stand out as destinations for visitors in search of a glimpse into the city’s heritage.

Manchester, one of the earliest settlements, was developed in the 1780s by a British population who claimed land from the Lenape (Delaware) and Shawnee tribes. It soon became a middle-class suburb with its own riverfront industrial base and commercial district. Examples of homes built during this period are still visible today, including representation from the Italianate, Queen Anne, and French Second Empire.

The Mexican War Streets were laid out in 1848 by General William Robinson, Jr., who had just returned from service in the Mexican-American War. The community’s streets carry the names of notable generals and battles such as Resaca, Palo Alto, Buena Vista, and Monterey. Like Manchester, the arrival of streetcar lines prompted this neighborhood’s growth. These quiet streets are lined with Victorian brick rowhouses and abundant trees, making it a desirable neighborhood for preservationists.

Allegheny East, also known as Deutschtown, developed in the mid-1800s as Allegheny City expanded. German immigrants were the first to populate the community, as indicated by the neighborhood’s name. In addition to a thriving business district on East Ohio Street, Deutchtown is also home to finely preserved Victorian row houses.

Allegheny West is a short stroll from a mix of entertainment -- Heinz Field, PNC Park, Carnegie Science Center, the Children's Museum and the National Aviary. This is a tiny, historic neighborhood on the city's North Side - officially the smallest neighborhood in Pittsburgh. In 1990, the City designated the residential sections of the neighborhood as a City historic district, encompassing about 210 buildings. Allegheny West has surged in popularity in the last decade. Its residents include young single professionals and families. At the turn of the century, the homes in Allegheny West were the estates of some of Pittsburgh's most prestigious families. The meticulously restored structures now represent a mix of single family homes and apartments, condominiums, and office buildings.

Although Mt.Washington is the most popular destination for camera-carrying visitors seeking picture-perfect skyline views, the hilltop communities of the North Side also offer incredible vistas of the “Downtown” central business district skyline and the hills, valleys, and rivers of our neighborhoods. For starters, make your way up to Riverview Park in the Observatory Hill neighborhood. There’s nothing sweeter than a free summertime jazz performance on the lawn as you watch the sun set on the city skyline. And night time is the right time for a visit to the Allegheny Observatory, which features free tours and frequent lectures on the wonders of the starry skies.

Brighton Heights is a quiet, friendly, and family-oriented neighborhood. Its residents like the term "urban suburban" -- all the advantages of the city, but the feel of a small town. It is situated on the north shore of the Ohio River, and is surrounded by the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Observatory Hill and Marshall-Shadeland. The Brighton Heights neighborhood is bordered to the east by Riverview Park, one of the city's largest and most beautiful parks. Along with the world renowned Allegheny Observatory, the park offers a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelters and hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.

Observatory Hill, is a tight-knit community with stately, restored homes, a cute business district and historic Riverview Park. Named for beautiful Allegheny Observatory, which sits high atop a hill in Riverview Park, the Observatory Hill neighborhood is home for nearly 14,000 residents. Observatory Hill was originally part of Allegheny City and was home to some of the city's wealthy business owners and industrialists. The Observatory Hill includes part of historic Riverview Park which offers a swimming pool, horseback riding, hiking trails, and a bike path. Convenient shops and easy access to Downtown Pittsburgh make Observatory Hill an accessible, fun city neighborhood. Observatory Hill is an older neighborhood where stately, restored homes on wooded lots provide a sense of country living in a unique city neighborhood. It's popular for its affordable city housing with great views. Many of the homes date back to the 1800s, including a number of huge historic mansions on what is commonly referred to as "Judge's Row" on Perrysville Avenue. New neighborhoods are going up in Observatory Hill as well for those who want a new house in an old neighborhood. Residents of Observatory Hill are proud of the variety within their neighborhood. They boast a diverse mix of long-time and new homeowners, skilled and professional workers, and numerous ethnic and racial backgrounds. Together, they have worked to preserve and rejuvenate the historic quality of the area.

Highland Park sits on the corner of the city of Pittsburgh, northeast of Downtown, and is surrounded by the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of East Liberty, Lincoln-Lemington-Belmar, Larimer and Morningside. The Highland Park neighborhood is best known as the home of the Pittsburgh Zoo. It also features beautiful 500-acre Highland Park, with tennis courts, a public swimming pool, picnic areas, wooded trails and a community designed and built Super Playground. Tree-lined streets full of Victorian, Tudor and Colonial homes -- from modest to grand -- characterize the family-oriented neighborhood of Highland Park.

South Side
A neighborhood once known as the “Workshop of the World,” the South Side is now one of Pittsburgh’s favorite playgrounds. Join locals who come here to spend their hard-earned leisure time - you’ll find no shortage of recreational choices. Quiet coffee shops and bookstores? Check. Live music, art exhibits, theatre productions, and new release films? Got it. Biking trails and boat launches? Yes, the South Side has that covered, too.

And if you’re hungry (or thirsty)--well, we could go on forever. With more than 75 restaurants and bars, the options cover everything from old-fashioned pierogies to modern Japanese steakhouses. Same goes for shopping, where you can score everything from designer denim to eco-friendly home décor. Within 20 walkable blocks, the South Side serves up an unsurpassed urban vibrancy.

Much of the area we now call the South Side Flats was originally the village of Birmingham, a community history that is commemorated with a mural at the corner of 12th and East Carson Streets. Like many Pittsburgh neighborhoods, the South Side grew to keep pace with the city’s industrial boom, giving it the nickname of the “Workshop of the World.” Glassmaking was the predominant industry in the early 1800s. In the latter part of the century, the banks of “the Mon” became the site of Pittsburgh’s mighty iron and steel operations, and the adjacent Flats and Slopes became the home of industrious immigrant populations who labored there. A new generation of Americans arrived from Germany, Ireland, Poland, Lithuania, the Ukraine, and the Slavic nations. They built their own schools and churches so to continue their native customs and speak their native languages.

Today, we think of the South Side in terms of two communities. The most popular visitor spot is the low-lying “South Side Flats,” a neat grid of renovated Victorian rowhouses with the Carson Street business district at its center. But the hills that tower above the Flats are just as interesting, albeit quieter. Lace up your walking shoes and trek up 18th Street to the “South Side Slopes.” Here, the homes cling to the hillsides for views of the compact action of the Flats and the skylines of the “Downtown” central business district and Oakland.

One could assert that the South Side’s history of ethnic diversity is what set the stage for today’s cultural eclecticism, which has been described as a blend of the “Old Guard and Avant Garde.” Just like the community’s early days, people from all walks of life find a place for themselves on the South Side, making East Carson Street one of the best people-watching spots in the city. Perch yourself in the front window seats of one of the district’s coffee shops or restaurants and you can watch senior citizen residents, Ukrainian priests, tattooed punks, and urban hipster office workers roll by in a vibrant parade of humanity.

It’s diversity that keeps the East Carson Street business district buzzing, too. The district is punctuated at each end by the large-scale shopping complexes Station Square and South Side Works, which each include a mix of locally owned businesses and national chains. What gets really interesting is the span between 10th Street and the Birmingham Bridge. Here, tucked into beautifully restored Victorian-era storefronts, you’ll find ethnic dining from Cambodian to Ukrainian; chic fashion shops and thrift stores; and sophisticated wine bars and friendly neighborhood “shot-and-beer” joints.

Get there by car, bus, or walk from Downtown. The Carson Street business district is less than 2 miles from Downtown Pittsburgh central business district and adjacent residential areas are flat and easily walkable; a stroll up to the South Side Slopes is a bit more challenging.

From the flats of historic South Side, up the hills or through the tunnels to close-knit ethnic city neighborhoods, the southern part of Pittsburgh offers a variety of activities for visitors and residents alike.

The South Side offers a famous night clubs, local pubs and even a coffeehouse or two, a.k.a. East Carson Street. Music fans have their choice of entertainment: whether it's alternative, classic rock or the blues -- Carson Street is the place to find live music in the 'burgh. Nick's Fat City, Excuses and the Blue Note are just three of the many places you can find a live band on a weekend night. You'll also find plenty of restaurants if you work up an appetite dancing! If you're looking for something completely out of the ordinary, go to the Lava Lounge -- sip one of their ginseng martinis while surrounded by an artistic environment created by local talent

Shopping in the South is virtually unlimited! From downtown, hop on the "T" (the subway), and take a five minute ride over to Station Square, where you'll find one of Pittsburgh's best shopping, dining and entertainment locations. If you're adventurous, stay on the "T" through the southern suburbs of Dormont, Mt. Lebanon and Bethel Park, all the way until South Hills Village: a complete two-story mall with every popular store imaginable. Of course, you could always go back to East Carson Street, where you'll find more off-beat treasures such as an entire store of jewelry making accessories (The Bead Mine), a magic store (The Cuckoo's Nest) and environment-friendly gifts and products (E House Company).

Eastern Neighborhoods

If you don’t mind a little further commute, East Pittsburgh is so diverse, active and interesting that it could be a city all by itself. From multi-cultural Squirrel Hill to the trendy shops on Walnut Street in Shadyside, East Pittsburgh is much like Pittsburgh's own "New York City" with a hometown flavor. Go a little further East via I-376, and you'll reach Monroeville, a large convention and exposition center, shopping district and residential area. The East has one of the most diverse neighborhood populations in the Pittsburgh area. From Polish Hill to Bloomfield, Squirrel Hill to Oakland, many different cultures and nationalities are represented here. You'll find the finest Kosher products, the best Italian bakeries, fabulous sushi and the widest variety of International restaurants in Pittsburgh. Hope you're hungry! Ranging from Asian and Middle Eastern to European, you'll also find diverse international entertainment, quick access to various churches, synagogues and mosques, and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Western Neighborhoods

The western part of the city is one of Pittsburgh's best kept secrets. Beginning within city limits at the West End, it expands to suburban boroughs such as Crafton with its fabulous old homes, to Robinson Township, a huge shopping district and large residential neighborhood. Most commonly known for the Pittsburgh International Airport located in Findlay Township, the west is in the middle of an economic development boom that's making it an attractive location for shopping, entertainment and living.

The opening of the new $1 billion Pittsburgh International Airport in 1992 was a major step in the right direction for the west. The airport is also a full service mall with restaurants and shops galore. Now residents of Pittsburgh can go to the airport not just to fly, but to shop and dine as well -- and even catch a take-off or two. No doubt travelers to Pittsburgh appreciate the various storefronts, as well as the extremely clean surroundings and all-over efficiency of the new airport. No need to hunt for a phone here -- there are 800 public telephones available!

Robinson Towne Center was the beginning of the shopping center maze that has now seemed to appear overnight. The famous IKEA home store, a 24-hour Super Kmart, a large multi-theater Showcase Cinema, and a multitude of other various shops and restaurants have made the West an unbeatable location for shopaholics all over the city. A brand new Wal-Mart and Home Depot have recently been added to The Pointe, a new shopping center located across the highway from Robinson Towne Center in North Fayette Township. The Post Gazette Pavilion features many national and international acts, as well as local talent. In fact, many local performers have had the opportunity to open for "big name" headliners.

Strip District

Got a craving for food and fun? The Strip District less then 1 mile from Downtown Pittsburgh Central District has one of the smallest populations among city neighborhoods. Once the center of Pittsburgh’s wholesale produce industry, “The Strip” (as locals know it) has grown into a marketplace of specialty groceries and restaurants, coffee shops, street vendors, museums, art galleries, and chic boutiques. This is not necessarily a place you want to live unless you like 24 hour urban life.

Locals will tell you that grocery shopping in The Strip isn’t a chore - it’s a cherished Pittsburgh experience seasoned with the sights, scents, and sounds of Pittsburgh’s ethnic diversity. Chinese, Polish, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Syrian, Thai, Greek, Korean, Irish - The Strip is Pittsburgh’s melting pot, and we think you’ll agree that the results are delicious.

After sundown, the Strip District takes on a different flavor. Its diversity in dining and entertainment options makes it one of the city’s most favored nightspots. Take a seat at a tapas bar or an Irish pub. Sit back for sophisticated jazz or let things loose at a hip nightclub.

The Strip is home to other traditions that have lasted throughout changing times. Several all-night and early-morning diners that once served the drivers of booming truck traffic now tend to the cravings of customers leaving the nightspots that occupy the Strip’s old warehouse buildings. Shopping in the Strip is a way for many families to preserve their ethnic traditions through the purchasing and cooking of traditional foods.

Transit

Finding your way around Downtown is a breeze with the Wayfinder System. A network of over 1,500 color-coded signs divides the city into 5 districts, paving the way to the area's major attractions, libraries, universities, post offices, parks, parking lots and related points of interest.

The mass transit needs of county residents are served by the Port Authority of Allegheny County, the 14th largest public transportation system in the country. Every day, more than 700 buses serve Allegheny County. The Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway provides fast and frequent service between downtown, the East End and the eastern suburbs. The South Busway provides convenient service between downtown, Station Square and the South Hills.

Using the North Hills Expressway HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane gives commuters quick service between the North Hills, North Side and downtown Pittsburgh. The Airport Busway, links downtown Pittsburgh to the Carnegie interchange of the Parkway West in the South Hills, greatly upgrading service to Pittsburgh International Airport and the communities in airport corridor.

The Port Authority also operates a 22.5 mile light rail system, known as the "T" which connects the downtown and the South Hills, with easy transfer to and from buses at major stations.

Taxi Cabs:

Taxi service requires a phone call to either a Yellow Cab or Checker Cab dispatcher or a walk to the nearest hotel or Downtown cab stand.
Water Ferries

The Port of Pittsburgh Commission offers a water taxi service during the summer months, with stops at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the Point area, PNC Park, Heinz Field/ Carnegie Science Center, and Station Square.

Driver’s License

Out-of-state driver's licenses must be converted to a Pennsylvania driver's license within 60 days of establishing permanent residency in the state.

Airport

Pittsburgh International Airport is only 25 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh. The cheapest and most efficient airport transportation is the Port Authority Transit's 28x Airport Flyer. This bus departs every 20 minutes from num- erous downtown locations and carries over 40,000 riders every week. For schedules and fare information, visit PAT's website at http://www.ridegold.com

The Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), opened in 1992 and situated on 12,900 acres 16 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh, is among the world's most modern airport terminal complexes. In 1998, more than 20.5 million travelers passed through PIT, which offers more than 600 daily non-stop flights to over 110 cities including many non-stop international flights.

Sports

We do not normally include a section on sports, however we had to give credit where credit is due. The Pittsburgh Steelers is considered one of the best American Football teams in the nation and their fans have always been the most loyal and dedicated in all of sports, and their followers extend beyond the far reaches of the earth. Don’t miss the opportunity to see a game: http://media3.steelers.com/

Heinz Field, home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the University of Pitts- burgh Panthers, and the Pirates' PNC Park are both located on the North Shore, across the Allegheny River from Downtown.

The Gateway Clipper Fleet offers ferry service from Station Square to the two stadiums. Also, the Roberto Clemente Bridge is open for pedestrian traffic only on Pirates game days to facilitate parking Downtown

Additional Suggested Publications and Websites:

Visit Pittsburgh
WPXI
About Pittsburgh