Pittsburgh, a city of about 300,000, is located in southwestern Pennsylvania. It is nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. PGH

History

The city was founded in the 1750s during the French and Indian War. The rivers flowing through Pittsburgh made it easy to ship goods into and out of the city, and during the Industrial Revolution Pittsburgh became a hub of commerce and manufacturing. By the time of the Civil War Pittsburgh boasted nearly 1,000 factories.

Steel production became the city's chief industry in the late 1800s, and Pittsburgh experienced several decades of growth and prosperity. But the U.S. steel industry shrank in the late 1970s, and Pittsburgh's wealth and population began to decline.

Rebirth

Pittsburgh has recovered from the collapse of its steel mills. The city has rebuilt itself and developed new industries, and today it is known for its financial, educational and health care institutions. The city is home to 28 colleges and universities, earning it the nickname "The College City."

Because of its low cost of living, low crime rate, cultural and entertainment venues and rural surroundings, Pittsburgh is consistently voted one of the most liveable cities in the country.

The city itself is beautiful: Rivers wind under dozens of bridges--more than any other city in the world, except Venice; glass towers rise high above Downtown. Two new sports stadiums, Heinz Field for the Steelers and PNC Park for the Pirates, brighten the scene with their lights and gold seats.

Pittsburgh also offers entertainment and cultural opportunities on par with many major cities. The city is home to more than 200 museums and art galleries, including the world famous Carnegie complex of museums and the funky Andy Warhol Museum. The cultural district features live theater, music and dance, including the world-famous Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Public Theater and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

Career opportunities are abundant. Pittsburgh is home to several Fortune 500 companies, 250 international corporations, one of the country's largest banks, and a health system that's ranked in the nation's top 10.