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FAQs
So what is Downtown really like? Our experts give you the answers...
Where do you get your groceries?
People who live downtown (i.e., in the center of it all) have more grocery shopping options than people in the suburbs. Within 10 minutes there is:
- Rosebud Fine Food Market and Deli (opened in March, 2008, at The Encore on 7th Street). 
- Giant Eagle at Camp Horne Road
- Southside Giant Eagle
- Parkway Center Giant Eagle
- Market District Giant Eagle
- Trader Joe's
- Whole Foods
- The Strip
At many buildings, there is a doorman to help you bring in your groceries and hold them until you park.
Do you feel safe?
Downtown Pittsburgh is one of the safest downtowns in the country. Click here for some proof!
In the words of residents:
"I'm a woman alone and I walk to and from the theater, dining etc. In 13 years I have NEVER had a problem, nor do I know of anyone who has. Plus I'm in bed while other theater-goers are still winding their way out of the parking garage."
"Most of the time the panhandlers are exceedingly polite and well mannered. It bears mentioning that sometimes they are not [but] I was never frightened, just angry."
"The kids take some getting used to - the volume, the language, the swagger. No one has ever harassed me."
"I locked my car in the suburbs, and I lock my car here. Basic awareness applies to both places. I don't walk the alleys at night alone, but I walk my dog in the alleys all the time."
What is the population of the Golden Triangle?
There are 4,000 people that live in the Golden Triangle, which is about .8 square miles.
The greater downtown area includes the Golden Triangle and the collar around it (North Shore, South Shore and parts of the Strip, Uptown, and Bluff). It is approximately 2 square miles and includes over 5,100 units (this usually translates into 7,600 people calculating 1.5 persons per unit).
How much is your parking?
Depending on the garage and the services available, downtown residents pay between $100 - 210 per month for parking. Depending on the layout of the garage, some garages are able to exempt downtown resident leases from the City's parking tax, which reduces the monthly fee to about $100-120 - half the commercial rate.
Do you have a car?
Many downtown residents do not have a car. Of those that do, some have found that their car use averages about once a week since moving downtown. These residents are able to  park in far off (and cheaper) lots or garages and take public transportation to pick up their car when needed.
Depending on lifestyle and preference, some have found that the cost of renting a car when needed is less expensive. More importantly, they find renting to be less of a headache: no maintenance, no annual insurance premiums, no car washing, no search for a trustworthy and skilled mechanic, no inspections, etc. For daily travel these residents use public transportation.
Besides public transportation, Downtown residents can also take advantage of car-sharing services via Zipcar.
Don’t you miss having a house?
"I only occasionally miss having a garden. Having fresh flowers and herbs at one's doorstep was nice. Although, having someone to change a high light bulb or fix a clogged sink for you is an advantage of apartment/condo living. ...living with far less responsibility has been blissful. The maintenance involved in [suburban living] was often oppressive. It truly is a "life style" issue."
Do you like living Downtown?
"DUH!"
If you are considering moving to the Downtown area, or you are a current resident and need additional information, please contact:
Patricia Burk
VP, Housing & Economic Development
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
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