I’m thinking about applying to Carnegie Mellon and/or UPitt, but I have never actually been to Pittsburgh. I know it is a pretty decent-sized city and has a lot of good opportunities, but is it a safe, quality, and fun environment? What kind of feel does it give off? Thanks.
The area of Pittsburgh where the schools are located is very nice. We were there during the winter months…it was brutally cold. The area was very active, filled with students and nice places to eat etc.
We just got back from a visit to UPitt. The area the two schools are in seems to be quite safe and offers a lot of great restaurants and museums, etc. but also offers quite a bit of green space. We came away with a great impression of the city.
I was a CMU student 25 years ago. Yet I know the area around Pitt and 5th Avenue in general has gentrified a lot since then. Back then the area around CMU was very safe but once past Panther Hollow bridge (3/4 of the way between CMU and Pitt) there were steam grates which had homeless people on them 24x7. A lot has happened since then and the steam grates may not be there anymore. But it’s worth checking out via Google Earth or asking others if the homeless have been given proper shelter instead of sidewalk living and panhandling outside Pitt.
Pittsburgh is a wonderful city and the area around the universities has plenty of affordable restaurants and bars. There is a lot going on culturally (at heavily discounted prices for students), lively local sports, etc. Local companies are supportive of the schools in terms of internships, etc. Everything you’d want from a major city (although public transportation could be better.) And the people are really friendly and helpful!! I always jump at chances to go there. In many ways, it’s a perfect student city.
We visited CMU in 2015. Didn’t care for CMU but LOVED Pittsburgh, the city. Especially if you are into tech. Hip, affordable, beautiful area.
We love Pittsburgh. CMU and Pitt are very nice campuses in a nice area.
Pittsburgh is a great city. Great arts, sports, restaurants and close to outdoors activities.
Great city, but I’m biased. Quite a few “most livable city in the US” and similar awards over the years.
Unless you don’t like cold for a few months. But I was from Wisconsin.
To the above - CMU/Pitt have pretty much taken over everything that used to be between the campuses (no more PHs at PHI :() - I never saw homeless folks on the streets when I was there, and certainly not recently.
Lol although I’m from New England I stay in Pittsburgh for the summer. It’s a pretty well-rounded city, probably good enough for you, but it’s just not very interesting imo. Good living standards, but it’s quite hilly so commuting in the area can be a hassle in the winter and also causes lots of wear on our brakes 