Emily King - Moon Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh at night.

Hardworking. Industrial. Practical. These are the terms that have identified Pittsburgh since its days as a steel town. Nicknamed The Gateway to the West, the citys location at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers and the head of the Ohio River made it an ideal location for trade and commerce.

A word that better identifies todays Pittsburgh is reinvention. New arrivals are drawn here by its top universities, technological advances, and pioneering medicine. Its a city on the rise, recognized as much for its cutting-edge art, its food scene, and its tech startups as it is for its champion sports teams. Abandoned warehouses from the bygone industrial era have been converted into galleries, hip eateries, and upscale boutiques.

What hasnt changed are its people. Defined by a rich history of immigration, they have never lost their hard-working, humble spirit. The city is a patchwork of colorful, multicultural neighborhoods, no two of them alike. To really understand the heart of the Burgh, roam the streets of Bloomfield at Little Italy Days, wander the Strip Districts iconic fish market, and browse the upscale boutiques in Shadyside.

At their core, Pittsburghers are still practical and down-to-earth, but they are, above all, friendly. Walk into any neighborhood bar and someone is guaranteed to invite you to pull up a stool, enjoy an I.C. Light, and talk about the latest Pirates or Steelers game. One thing hasnt changed: Youll be welcomed here.

Dont be put off by its gritty exterior: The Strip District holds a lot of surprises. A