Situated in a beautiful spot where the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers meet, Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania. It is a city historically known for two things – steel and bridges – 446 of them throughout the city, in fact. But beyond being known as a city with a rich industrial heritage, it is also a city known for being warm, welcoming, and progressive, and one that is very popular with the LGBTQ community.
A Look at Pittsburgh’s History
Traditionally, Pittsburgh has been known as a steel town home to titan Andrew Carnegie, and hub of the steel and coal mining industries. While Pittsburgh is certainly proud of its rich industrial legacy, it is also proud of its role in United States history dating back to as long ago as the mid-1750s when it played an essential part in the French and Indian War, and later the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, where is served as an important underground railroad hub. While Pittsburgh was a center of industry for many years, eventually as the country changed, Pittsburgh changed too, retaining its character and important role in the American industry, but also growing in new and important ways. Today, Pittsburgh is known as a city of industry, but also of art, education, and culture. Pittsburgh is home to prestigious schools like Carnegie Mellon University and multiple museums and history centers, as well as three professional sports teams, plenty of excellent restaurants and entertainment opportunities, and many thriving businesses. Today, Pittsburgh is known as one of the most welcoming and progressive cities in the United States.
A Few Fun Facts About Pittsburgh
Find more fun facts about Pittsburgh here.
Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ Community
Pittsburgh has a large, thriving LGBTQ community that is well supported by a variety of resources. Some of those resources include:
Since the late 1970s, The Pittsburgh Equality Center (PEC) has been providing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and allies in the greater Pittsburgh area with resources and opportunities to encourage visibility, understanding, and equality within the LGBTQ communities and the Pittsburgh community at large. The center accomplishes those goals through social support programs, resources, education, networking opportunities, and advocacy.
PFLAG Pittsburgh is Pittsburgh’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters that include more than 200,000 members across the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, resources, networking opportunities, and support to the LGBTQ community, both in Pittsburgh and across the country.
What’s the Weather Like in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has what’s known as a humid, continental climate – this basically means that residents will experience all four distinct seasons, including warm summers, and cold, snowy winters. Fall and spring are typically pleasant, offering mild temperatures, and beautiful blooms and foliage. The warmest month in Pittsburgh is July, with an average temperature of 73 °F, and the coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 28°F. Pittsburgh averages 38 inches of rain and 41 inches of snow per year.
Pittsburgh Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Pittsburgh Pride is Pittsburgh’s annual gay pride celebration, and you won’t want to miss your chance to experience the festivities! Typically held in June, the celebration includes a wide variety of vendor booths, multiple stages with local and nationally known entertainers, a children’s activity area, a parade, parties, educational and networking events, and more. You won’t want to miss it!
Queer PGH is not so much an event itself as it is a helpful guide to all of the LGBTQ events, restaurants, businesses, and news issues of interest to the LGBTQ community in Pittsburgh. Written by and for the queer community in Pittsburgh, you’ll want to be sure to check it out to stay updated on all there is to be a part of.
A Look at the Best Pittsburgh Neighborhoods
Generally, Pittsburgh is a warm and welcoming city and depending upon your interests and lifestyle needs, there are many neighborhoods that you might enjoy. There are some neighborhoods that particularly stand out as being popular with the LGBTQ community, including:
Shadyside is one of the most popular neighborhoods for the LGBTQ community. It is known for its historic homes, walkable areas, and boutiques, galleries, and restaurants situated on tree-lined streets. It is also known as a center of LGBTQ nightlife and offers plenty to see and do. The median price of homes currently listed in Shadyside is $499,895.
Penn Hills is a wonderful neighborhood for LGBTQ families with children. The neighborhood includes beautiful historic homes, tree-lined streets, and a good school system. It is fairly close to downtown and has access to several highways. It’s also fairly affordable – the average price of homes recently sold in the area is $129,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Reel Q is an annual LGBTQ film festival held in Pittsburgh and is one of the longest-running LGBTQ film festivals in the country. In fact, it is the 6th oldest LGBTQ film festival in the entire world. You won’t want to miss your chance to view some of the progressive, inspiring, and amazing films that are shown each year.
Famed modern pop artist Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh, and you’ll definitely want to visit the museum that bears his name and holds many of his incredible art pieces. Located in the North Shore area of Pittsburgh, it is the largest museum in the United States dedicated to a single artist.
Parks and Recreation
Stonewall Sports is Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ and allies recreational, not-for-profit adult sports league. The goal of the league is to create a connected and diverse LGBTQ community by providing a fun recreational space for people to meet and socialize through sports and associated events. Multiple sports are offered, and all ability levels are welcome!
Located at the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, Point State Park offers beautiful scenery and views from every angle. Beyond its beauty, however, it offers plenty to see and do, including biking and hiking trails, playgrounds, outdoor concerts, and more. It’s a perfect place to spend a beautiful day outside.
Pittsburgh Nightlife
Blue Moon has proclaimed itself the “Friendliest LGBTQ Bar in Pittsburgh,” and it may very well live up to that name. It offers cheap, strong drinks, great service, and friendly patrons. Blue Moon frequently hosts karaoke nights, open mic nights, and other events that make it a popular hotspot for the LGBTQ community.
5801 is a lively gay hangout in the popular Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh. It is known for its daily drink specials, its warm and friendly crowds, its spacious deck and patio area, and its poker and dart leagues. There’s something for everyone, and it’s usually a very popular choice for locals in the LGBTQ community.
Contact a Pittsburgh Realtor Today
If you want Pittsburgh to be the next place you call home, there’s no day like today to find an agent that’s a great fit for you, and begin the search for the perfect house in a neighborhood you’ll love. Contact a Pittsburgh gay realtor for a free, no-obligation consultation any time!
