#Best Pizza In Pittsburgh Pa

[pittsburghbeautiful]

Your Guide to Finding The Best Pizza in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s pizza scene stands toe-to-toe with America’s major cities. Dozens of establishments compete to be named the city’s best pizza spot. The city offers an impressive array of pizza styles, from century-old family recipes to modern artisanal creations in a variety of neighborhoods. The search for the perfect slice takes you from Downtown’s bustling pizzerias to hidden gems tucked away in…

[popperfur]

Ranking us cities I've been to

10. Roanoke, VA (the verticality of the mountains is really the only good thing about it, run down empty night in the woods-esque place)

9. Indianapolis, IN (In truth I've never set foot in this city but everytime we drive through it we deal with some of the worst drivers in the world, and all the cheesecake factory looking protestant churches you can see along the highway don't paint a pretty picture, it's also the Shelbyville to my Springfield so there's a natural hatred)

8. Silver Spring, MD (got as far as here while trying to visit DC, went to my first Ikea and had some delicious pizza, was shocked how the suburbs just never stopped between there and Baltimore, the dark energy of Rebecca Sugar's birth permeated the atmosphere)

7. Lexington, KY (my husband is from here so the one point I'll give it is that multiple wonderfully strange gay men come from here, otherwise it's a bumfuck ghost town, I don't believe for a second that 300k people live there)

6. Galesburg, IL (reminds me of a sims 2 neighbourhood, not much else to say, stayed with our dear lesbian friends here and had a wonderful time)

5. New York City, NY (would probably be ranked higher if I spent more than two days there, so vibrant and fun to just walk around in, love the subway, kind of overhyped)

4. Louisville, KY (where I live, only habitable place in Kentucky, all the gay people from the state have to live here so it's fun, it's also at the perfect point in the country to have like every regional fast food chain, the generic interior city of all time but it's my home and I love it)

3. Baltimore, MD (the people here are so mean it's funny, looks just like an Irish city, standing in the alley where divine ate dog shit was a spiritual moment for me)

2. Pittsburgh, PA (perhaps the most beautiful city in the US, barely being able to see the sky above the tall skyscrapers and mountains, it also helps that it was thronged with furries since I was there for anthrocon)

1. Chicago, IL (the best city in the US and maybe the world, the people are so nice and fun and the food is incredible, I love the l train so much it's unreal)

[pizzafiestadowntown]

How Many Slices Are Usually in a Large Pizza?

When you order a large pizza, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How many slices am I actually getting?” Whether you're planning a party, feeding a family, or satisfying a late-night craving, understanding the number of slices in a large pizza can help ensure everyone gets their fair share.

The Standard Slice Count for a Large Pizza

Typically, a large pizza is cut into 8 slices. This standard is widely followed by most pizzerias across the United States. These slices are usually big enough to serve as a satisfying portion for one person, especially if paired with sides like breadsticks or a salad. However, the actual number of slices can vary depending on the size of the pizza and the establishment you order from.

Some pizzerias might cut their large pizzas into 10 or even 12 slices, especially if the pizza has a thin crust or is designed to serve a larger group with smaller portions. On the other hand, specialty pizzas with thicker crusts or more toppings might stick to the classic 8-slice division to make each piece more filling.

Factors That Affect the Slice Count

Pizza Size: A large pizza generally has a diameter of 14 to 16 inches. The size determines how many slices can comfortably be cut without making them too small or too large.

Crust Type: Thin-crust pizzas often yield more slices because they are easier to cut into smaller portions. In contrast, deep-dish or stuffed-crust pizzas might stick to fewer, larger slices to accommodate the density and richness.

Customer Requests: Many pizzerias allow customers to customize their slice count. If you’re sharing a pizza with a group of children, for example, you might ask for more, smaller slices.

Planning for Your Pizza Party

If you're hosting a gathering, understanding slice counts is crucial. For adults, two to three slices per person is a reasonable estimate. For children, one to two slices might be sufficient. If your group includes some pizza lovers who might eat more, it’s a good idea to order an extra pizza or two just in case.

For those who want to sample different flavors, consider ordering multiple pizzas in different styles. It’s a great way to accommodate varied tastes and ensures everyone leaves happy.

Finding the Best Pizza

When it comes to enjoying pizza, the quality matters as much as the quantity. If you’re in Pennsylvania, searching for the best pizza in Pittsburgh PA will lead you to some fantastic spots with generous slice sizes and flavorful toppings. Many of these places also offer customizable slice counts, so you can tailor your order to fit your needs.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how many slices are in a large pizza helps you plan better, avoid waste, and ensure everyone is satisfied. While the standard is 8 slices, it’s always worth checking with the pizzeria, especially if you’re ordering for a group or exploring a new spot. Whether you prefer thick crust, thin crust, or a fully-loaded pie, every "pizza slice" promises a piece of happiness.

[thecommonplea]

From Office Lunches to Elegant Weddings: What Can Professional Caterers Handle?

It’s lunchtime at your office, and instead of the usual sandwiches or takeout, your employees are greeted with a beautifully set table filled with vibrant salads, fresh entrees, and even a dessert station that’s impossible to resist. Or maybe you are planning a wedding, dreaming of a menu as elegant as the occasion, but the logistics of feeding a hundred guests have got you stressed. Well, you can bid adieu to the stress and even throw epic office lunches because the best Pittsburgh catering restaurants have got you covered!

They are the heroes who can turn meals into experiences and manage everything from office lunches to lavish weddings. Here’s what these pro caterers can do to make every event memorable!

The Office Lunch Revamp: Fresh, Convenient, and Impressively Professional

Office lunches are one of the simplest, yet effective ways to boost team morale. But let’s face it, no one gets excited about cold pizza or a pile of boxed salads. Instead, to keep things interesting, you can opt for professional corporate lunch catering in Pittsburgh. Expert caterers can bring in freshly prepared meals that meet everyone’s dietary needs. Whether we are talking about gluten-free or vegan, caterers can make office lunches both delicious and efficient.

In fact, stays say 80% of companies order business catering at least once a month, with 32% ordering weekly. In fact, 40% of businesses that order catering request food for over 20 people to keep up employee morale and improve job satisfaction.

And because caterers are used to working around busy schedules, they can set up and break down quickly, so your team has a great meal without interrupting the work day. Rather than dealing with a rushed delivery order, everyone can take a moment to savor thoughtfully prepared dishes, so they understand how much they are valued.

Private Events: When the Details Matter

Whether it’s a small gathering at home, a family reunion, or an intimate function at a venue nearby, there’s still a lot that can go into pulling an event together. If you want to enjoy the event instead of putting a lot of thought into the planning, you can opt for professional event catering in Pittsburgh.

Professional caterers can step in to handle everything from menu selection to clean up, taking the pressure off so you can relax with your guests. Caterers are experts in creating a personalized experience, working with you to design a menu that feels like “you,” whether it’s a gourmet tapas spread or a casual barbecue setup. They even bring all the necessary equipment and staff, making sure each guest is attended to without you having to lift a finger.

Weddings: Making the Dream Feast Come True

Wedding food is no cakewalk, but hiring wedding caterers in Pittsburgh can make the work easier for you. They are experienced in creating culinary masterpieces that match the occasion’s grandeur. From sit-down dinners to lavish buffets, they work closely with the couple to design a menu that reflects their tastes. Skilled at managing timing, presentation, and variety, they ensure the food service flows seamlessly, so guests are constantly delighted without any delays.

In a Nutshell-

No matter the size or style of your event, professional caterers can bring invaluable experience to the table (quite literally!). They can handle the logistics, so you are free to focus on the occasion, rather than managing it. Looking for seasoned party planners in Pittsburgh, PA, who can make your event shine and take care of all the necessary details that you might easily overlook? Reach out to the team at the Common Plea today! For over 50 years, they have had a legacy of transcendence built on delivering exceptional culinary experiences and effortless event coordination. From getting you the most exclusive venues to taking care of the bespoke menus, their personalized services ensure that your event is nothing short of spectacular!

[minttindiancuisine1]

Penn Hills, a suburb of Pittsburgh, offers a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes. Here are some of the best restaurants in the area:

Green Forest Churrascaria: A Brazilian steakhouse offering a rodizio-style dining experience with an array of grilled meats carved tableside, alongside a well-stocked salad bar and hot dishes.

Cafe 33: A cozy cafe known for its eclectic menu featuring American and Mediterranean dishes. The cafe is popular for its hearty breakfasts, fresh salads, and flavorful sandwiches.

Royal Myanmar: A family-owned restaurant serving authentic Burmese cuisine. Guests can enjoy traditional dishes like tea leaf salad, mohinga (fish noodle soup), and flavorful curries.

Pizza Palermo: A local favorite for its wide variety of pizzas, subs, and Italian-American classics. Known for generous portions and friendly service, it's a go-to spot for casual dining.

Penn Hills Thai Cuisine: This spot offers a taste of Thailand with a menu full of spicy curries, noodle dishes, and stir-fries, all prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.

[starloftspittsburgh]

Best Place for Sauce In Downtown Pittsburgh Theater District

Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room, located in Pittsburgh, PA, is a delightful culinary gem for food and beer enthusiasts alike. Specializing in delicious brick oven pizzas, this establishment offers a unique dining experience in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. With an extensive menu that caters to all tastes, patrons can savor a variety of gourmet toppings and homemade crusts, all baked to…

[lovemesomesurveys]

whats the first thing you think of in the morning? What time is it and my need for coffee. have you/do you own something that's been recalled due to safety reasons? I probably have before, but I can’t recall a specific time at the moment. do you smile at strangers in public? If we make eye contact I likely will or if they smile at me first. what's the weirdest, best tasting concoction of food you've made? I like dipping my sandwiches in my ramen because I like the taste of the mayo and ramen. Mustard and Pizza Rolls is good, too, as well as scrambled eggs and ranch. do you like to play jenga? Yeah, but it’s nerve wracking.

do you remember the game perfection? Hmm, I don’t think so. do you like gardening? No. are you adopted? No. if so, have you ever met your biological parents? -- if you plan to go to college, what for? I did, I majored and got my degree in psychology. if you don't plan to go to college, whats your plan? -- name 5 things you could use from walmart right now Creamer, ice cream, almond milk, more ranch dip, and chips. whats your favorite christmas song? All the classics. I love Christmas music. if you have a dog, does it sleep with you? No, she has a whole couch to herself that she sleeps on. do you like fresca? I couldn’t tell ya the last time I had it. who would you want to be with if you found out the world was ending? My family. would you rather your middle name be your first? No. does it bother you if your socks don't match? Yes, mine always match. what about if your bra & underwear don't? I don’t care about that. do you like jigsaw puzzles that are 500+ pieces? Yeah. I’ve actually been really wanting to do a puzzle. if you get married, who would cook? I don’t plan on ever getting married, but it would definitely be an added perk if my significant other could cook. would you name your child after someone you know? If I wanted to have to kids I don’t see why I wouldn’t consider doing that. have you ever been on a cruise? No. what celebrity do you get told you look like? I don’t get told that I look like any celebrity. have you ever taken a vicodin? I do take Vicodin as part of my pain management regimen for my chronic pain. are you a vegetarian? No. I’m a chickentarian, ha. I eat a lot of chicken. how many towels do you use after a shower? Just one. what kind of shoes do you prefer to wear? Adidas. where do you work, if you do? I don’t have a job. do you like v-neck tshirts? No. do you wear sweats a lot? I don’t wear sweats, but I live in lounge shorts and leggings.  how long does it take you to get ready on a bummy day? Everyday is a “bummy” day for me. If I’m going somewhere then it adds like 20 minutes because I do something with my hair (currently I’ve bee wearing a wig because I cut my hair super short for reasons and it’s going through an awkward phase and it take a few minutes dealing with that) and getting dressed takes me a little longer these days. If I’m not going anywhere I don’t do my hair and I likely just stay in what I was wearing the day before to be honest. does wearing your hair up symbolize that it is unwashed? It usually meant I didn’t feel like doing anything with it. do you like roller coasters? Only the Cars and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad roller coasters at Disneyland. have you ever been to pittsburgh, pa? Nope. do you like seth rogan? Eh, he’s okay. would you accept a friend request from someone you thought didn't like you? No. Why would I want to. did you know tanning is more of a cancer risk than smoking? I didn’t know it was more of a risk, but I definitely knew it was a high cancer risk. I’d have to fact check that. would you smoke marijuana if it were legal? It is legal here and I have smoked it before. if you believe in god, why? Because I do. do you think before you speak? I definitely try to. I think I generally do a good job at that. are you easily embarrassed? Yes. would you ever flash a cop if you knew you'd get out of a ticket? No. have you ever seen the hbo show entourage? Nope. whats your favorite commercial? I don’t have one.

[craigz93]

rules: we’re snooping on your playlist (rude). set your entire music library on shuffle and report the first 10 songs that pop up. then choose 10 victims.

(I’m doing 4 of these because 4 ppl tagged me and I truly think that doing it once doesn’t say anything about me and I will tag 10 ppl in total, I’ll provide links to youtube if the songs are available :) )

I\ve been tagged by @btec-draco-malfoy

1. Cigarettes & Saints - The Wonder Years (Funny how this thing starts off with one of my favorite bands ever. No Closer To Heaven wasn’t my fav record of theirs but it still had its moments. One of the best songs they’ve written here)

2. Car Radio- Twenty One Pilots (The Ohio bois. Blurryface was okay, but if you don’t absolutely love Regional At Best/Vessel then I don’t know how you like music. Their story is incredible too. They went from playing homecomings/30 people at the Outpost in Kent OH, to stadiums. Also it’s on my bucket list to see them for a hometown Columbus OH show. They’re always nuts.)

3. Circles- Pierce The Veil One of my favorite bands as well. Because of the Mike Fuentes situation I have distanced myself from them quite a bit. But I can’t deny these dudes were my shit from 2013-Mike Fuentes situation. (Their drummer Mike was accused of sexual harassment and ever since then they haven’t spoken about it in public, nor have played shows, and Mike left the band. Kind’ve makes me think it happened). 

4. Swamp- Brockhampton (These dudes are changing music. One of the best groups in years. I listened to all 3 Saturation albums in one night after discovering them.)

5. No Lover - Jetty Bones (The best female-fronted music act I’ve heard in a long time. And their songs are relatable for anybody.)

6. I’m Still Standing -  For The Win (One of the best, most underrated bands in the scene today. Saw them w/ 25 ppl at the Outpost and it was bonkers.)

7. I Don’t Love You Anymore- Real Friends (RF bringing the awk sadboi love songs since 2013. I fucking love these dudes. and such wonderful people irl. When I saw them open up Warped in Pittsburgh PA it was wild. And it was fun going hard to them w/ kids from another state.)

8.  Plane vs. Tank vs. Submarine- Tigers Jaw (The infamous “Pizza” album that changed emo forever. I recently just found this album last year. But there are videos of kids destroying each other to this album at my college in 2010. Finally saw them this year. Good times :)) 

9. Deluxe Capacitor- Hot Mulligan (This band mainly from the Northern (Upper Pennisula) Michigan is changing the world. Once you learn their songs they’re fun to scream back at Tades their singer. Also filled w/ some great people who welcome you by name at every show once they know you. 

10. 11:11- Waterparks (I was hoping Waterparks would make it in here. I fucking love these dudes. Entertainment grew on me a bit, but nothing will compare to the love I have for their Nov 2016 release “Double Dare”

I’m tagging: @deideinogod, @foliea-dun, @tutuandtea​, @deideinogod​ bc y’all are basically the only ones i talk to on here x) 

[pittsburghbeautiful]

Satisfy Your Cravings: Discovering the Best Pizza in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a city that takes its pizza seriously. With a variety of styles, toppings, and crusts, there is no shortage of options for pizza lovers. Whether you’re a yinzer or a visitor, finding the best pizza in Pittsburgh can be a daunting task. In this article, we will guide you through the pizza scene in Pittsburgh and help you discover the best pizza places in the city. Criteria for…

[wpanews]

National Pizza Day 2021: Who Makes Pittsburgh's Best Pie? | Pittsburgh, PA Patch

National Pizza Day 2021: Who Makes Pittsburgh’s Best Pie? | Pittsburgh, PA Patch

It’s a debate with no clear-cut answer: Which Pittsburgh pizzeria rises above the rest? Patch is celebrating National Pizza Day on Feb. 9 by asking people where they go for their favorite pie. What follows is a list of some of the more popular pizzerias in town, but it isn’t meant to be inclusive. Feel free to mention your favorite place in the comments section even if it isn’t mentioned…

[fangirlhaley]

My ABC’s

I was tagged by one of my faves: @depressed-moose-78

A Age: 21

B Birthplace: Parkersburg, West Virginia

C Current time: 8:35 pm

D Drink you last had?: Tea!

E Easiest person to talk too: @youngdumbbroke-collegekid and @familybusinesswritingbro

F Favorite Song: “Purple Rain” by Prince

G Grossest Memory: I honestly don’t really have one....That’s a lie, I just thought of one while typing this. Shanya, one of my best friends, and I were on a road trip once to Hershey, PA for Hershey Park and the chocolate factory. It was so fun, but that’s beside the point. She never really goes on long car trips and we didn’t know that she gets motion sickness in the car. She was playing my Nintendo and laying on MY pillow... note how everything is MINE in this scenario. And literally she threw up everywhere all over everything. It was a horrendous car ride oh my lord.  

H Horror (yes or no): Yes yes yes! One of my favorite genres but I 100% can’t do dolls or clowns

I In Love: Lol...With a lot of celebrities and one boy who probably forgets I even exist. 

J Jealous Of People?: No

K Kiss (first real one): Haven’t had that happen yet lmao

L Love At First Sight Or Should I Walk By Again?: I feel like you can find someone beautiful at first sight but love is so much deeper than an outer appearance and it takes time to get to know someone. 

M Middle Name: Renee

N Number of Siblings: 3

O One Wish: Pittsburgh Con 2018

P Person Who Last Called: My mama

Q Question you’re always asked: Why do I have to learn this? (I’m a teacher)

R Reason To Smile: Life is pretty good....Misha Collins is in this life too so

S Song You Sang Last: How Far I’ll Go from Moana was playing in the car when I was pulling into my driveway on my way home so I 100% was singing along to that. 

T Time You Woke Up: Today it was 10 which is super unusual for me to wake up that late honestly

U Underwear colour: blue

V Vacation Destination: This year I’m going to Garden City, SC for a week...Beach life for daysssss. 

W Worst Habit: Biting my nails. It’s constant. 

X Xrays: Hundreds

Y Your Favorite Food: Pizza

Z Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

I tag a few of my favorites as always: @paranormally-castiel @familybusinesswritingbro @youngdumbbroke-collegekid @sammyimpala-67 @unh0lyangel @iamdibandmothman2 @sassysousa @go-live-your-dream-assbutt @67btardisstreet

[darker-soft-starker]

Thank you for tagging me xoxo @noncommited-writer 😘

Nickname: Smash

Day job: Paralegal, Dumbass

Hometown: Loserville 

I can’t live without: Energy drinks. Any caffeinated drink I can guzzle in a minute or less if required. Or my dog.

Favourite food: I’m sorry to say....broccoli. I just fucking love it alright, don’t come for me. It’s so good.  City/Beach

Sweet/Savoury

Cat/Dog

Adventure/Comfort

Books/Movies

Nights in/Nights out

Summer/Winter

Tea/Coffee

Early bird/Night owl

Pizza/Pasta

Europe/Asia

Spring/Autumn

Breakfast/Dinner

How would you describe your style?

Depends on how busy I am. I oscillate between boho-meets-punk and lazy, frat-boy couture.

What’s your best trait?

Idk. I’m a pretty giving person I guess? 

What’s your worst trait?

I can be vindictive, moody, withdrawn and prone to melancholy. What’s your coffee order?

Soy caramel macchiato bc I’m both lactose intolerant and basic af....

What makes you happy?

Fandom, ballet, travel, friends, money lol, roadtrips and singing (poorly) in the car, being out in nature, painting

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

People who walk slow (whilst having no sense of spatial awareness) and chronic tardiness.

What’s your most used emoji?

😂

What’s your favourite colour?

Hmmm, forest green. Alternatively, black. It’s a colour in my heart, okay?

What’s your favourite memory?

Oooh. That’s hard, I have a lot of genuinely nice ones. Hmmm... I spent a week staying with a friend in Greensburg, PA a couple years back. I’d never seen a groundhog before then. We drove up to Pittsburgh one night and went to a piano bar and got very drunk. The men at the piano played (Land) Down Under to our amusement, no one else got the joke.

What’s your favourite holiday?

New Years Eve for sure. Does that count? I like Halloween, but NYE makes me the happiest

I tag @starkerintheparker, @bloomblood​, @otpcutie​, @peachbabytarte​, @readysetstarker​, @mdcbd​, @another-starker-hoe​, @inastormbestdressfearless​, @css1992​ only if you feel comfortable!

Wasn't tagged by anyone but I saw that this wasn't circulating in the Starker fandom. So I'll tag Starkers🥰

Tag at least 3 people!

@starkerthanreality @starkcrossedlovers @readysetstarker @darker-soft-starker @tonyandpeterstark @starkerforlife6969 @starkerobsession @starkerchemistry

I also nominate anyone who wants to join! Just reblog💖💖💖

[vintagemodeandabode]

Weekend Road Trip: Pittsburgh, PA

Looking to do an easy road trip and catch a game, we decided to drive up to Pittsburgh with our best friend for the Labor Day weekend. I was pleasantly surprised by the options for attractions to visit, so we had no problem finding activities for after the baseball game. If you are looking to take a trip to Pittsburgh yourself, here are my recommendations based on what we experienced…

Accommodations: 

 Honestly, we didn’t even look at accommodations beyond Airbnb, because it is our go to for cheap and pleasant lodging. The Airbnb we chose was in the Perry North area, which is slightly north of downtown Pittsburgh. It was the perfect location, since it was in a quiet suburban neighborhood with easy parking, but was still minutes away from downtown. The Airbnb itself was ADORABLE and well thought out, with its coffee/tea bar, wifi info framed throughout the house, and complimentary toiletries. Jennifer is a great host, so I highly recommend staying with her if you are in Pittsburgh. 

Attractions: 

 We started our weekend with a visit to Randyland, a kaleidoscope of color, found objects and architectural elements assembled together into a quirky outdoor space. Your eye is drawn every which way, and the artist itself in a very enthusiastic tour guide if need be. Photo-ops abound at Randyland! 

 We then ventured over to the PNC Park to catch the Cincinnati Reds vs Pittsburgh Pirates game. Though it was rainy and chilly when we went, it is an enjoyable baseball park with stunning views of downtown and the river. The baseball and football stadiums are situated closely together, so it’s an entertaining area for sports fans, with lots of close options for food/drinks if need be. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for parking, street parking is non-existent in this area. 

 On our second day in Pittsburgh, we drove over to University of Pittsburgh/Cathedral of Learning area, found easy (and FREE) parking, and enjoyed a pleasant walk through the campus area towards the museums. Take a peek inside the Heinz Memorial Chapel if you walk through the campus lawns. This beautiful gothic church has stunning stain glass and architectural details, and at the time we were visiting had an instrumental concert playing. (St Paul Cathedral is another place to visit for stunning gothic architecture) 

 Though there are a plethora of museums to choose from in Pittsburgh, we chose to visit the Carnegie Art & History Museum. Unfortunately, it’s not cheap to visit each museum, so we wanted the most bang for our buck. With our student IDs, we got admission to the museum for $10 ($20 for adults) and were able to enjoy two museums for the price of one! The exhibits we enjoyed the most were the ancient architecture, dinosaurs, and modern art. 

 After the museum, we drove up the hill to the Mt Washington neighborhood, which has observation decks with gorgeous views of the city. You can also take a ride on the historic Duquesne Incline, which are cute trolleys that slowly scale the hill ($5-7 for a round trip ticket). We popped into the local ice cream shop for twisted cones to enjoy before our trek to the bottom on the incline. The line wasn’t bad waiting for the trolley at the top, but once off, we saw the long line waiting for us from the bottom (so be prepared to wait in line for this adventure). Before getting back in line to return to the top, we explored the shops and restaurants at the Station Square. 

 Restaurants/Bars: 

 We enjoyed some local beers at the baseball game, I recommend trying I.C. Iced Mango, but didn’t venture to any other bars besides the Tiki Lounge. Being a retro enthusiast, one challenge on my bucket list is visiting tiki bars in each city we visit. The Tiki Lounge is in an area of town with plenty of bars to choose from (if tiki isn’t your thing) but I enjoyed it’s fun Polynesian decor and my Blue Hawaiian drink. We enjoyed all the restaurants we visited, which we chose based on local to our attractions and reviews on Yelp (our go-to restaurant rater). Central Ave Slice was a local pizza shop we ate at in the Perry North area. It’s in a town with great small town vibes and has delicious New York style pizza. Stack’d Burgers near the University of Pittsburgh offers a dizzying array of customizable burger choices, and Little Tokyo Bistro has delicious sushi and hibachi grilled food. We also enjoyed some ball park food at PNC Park along with a Pittsburgh staple, a Primanti Brothers Pittsburgher Cheese Steak. 

 All in all, Pittsburgh was a great city to visit and it would be nice to visit again to see some things we missed, like the Andy Warhol Museum. Hope these recommendations help you on your own trip to Pittsburgh!

[traceyropper-blog]

America's Safest Affordable Cities … That Won't Put You to Sleep

mihailomilovanovic/iStock

Buying a home these days is a high-stakes, need-to-have/nice-to-have equation. You need a home within an hour's drive of work; it would be nice to have one that's in walkable distance. You need a full-size kitchen with room for your five-person brood; it would be nice to have a chef's kitchen with La Cornue Grand Palais range, Meneghini Arredamenti fridge, and, heck, a Mugnaini wood-fired pizza oven. You need at least 2.5 bathrooms; it would be nice to have a master en suite spa with a touchscreen-controlled smart bidet. Dream the dream, my friends!

So what's the neediest of all need-to-haves? You need to find a safe place to live where you can still afford a great home. And wouldn't it be nice if there were even fun stuff to do after work and on weekends? Yes, indeed.

Realtor.com set out to find these seductive strongholds where you can have it all. And we're not talking about the boonies: We zeroed in on metropolitan areas, which include cities and the surrounding suburbs. (Note: Cities often have higher crime rates than their less-populated surroundings.)

Research-and common sense-indicates that when crime goes up, property values go down. Meanwhile, home buyers will pay more to live in locations with lower rates of violent crime, according to a 2015 Auburn University study. It doesn't hurt that these areas typically also have top public schools.

“When homeowners think about the biggest investment of their life, top of mind is how safe an area would be to live in and raise a family,” says Rick Palacios Jr., director of research at John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

They also want to make sure that their investment appreciates over time, which it typically won't do as much in areas with growing crime. “High crime rates unnerve potential home buyers,” he says. Um, yeah.

The good news: Crime has declined sharply since the early '90s. Violent offenses, which include homicide, assault, and robbery, plummeted 49% from 1993 to 2017, according to FBI data. This explains why some of our safest places were once known for riots and rampant car thefts before they rebounded. (The downside: Gentrification is leading to some longtime residents being priced out.)

The places that made our affordable safe harbor ranking are a mix of smaller metros that never really struggled with high crime, and cities once riddled with problems that have successfully pulled off a turnaround. Our list is concentrated on resurgent Midwest, Southern, and Rust Belt cities. No Western metros were included because home prices are simply too high.

We analyzed crime data provided by NeighborhoodScout, a website that tracks community data, focusing on America's 150 largest metros. We eliminated those with high rates of violent or property crime, and with home prices above the (roughly) $300,000 national median. Next, we zeroed in on cities with great extracurriculars-running the gamut from nightlife, to kayaking, to great indie bookstores-as tracked on Yelp.com.**

Safety, affordability, and fun! Yep, they can coexist. Let's take a tour.

Safest affordable metros

Tony Frenzel

1. Grand Rapids, MI

Median home list rice: $280,000 Total crime rate: 18.38%

Luxury condo building in Grand Rapids, MI

realtor.com

As some Michigan cities, including Flint and Detroit, continue to face hard times, Grand Rapids is booming. The very low 2.5% metro unemployment rate is reason No. 1 for the upswing.

“The economy is strong here, with lots of jobs at different levels,” says Trisha Cornelius, a local real estate agent with Keller Williams. “The neighborhoods are affordable and clean. There isn't much in the way of urban blight.”

Indeed, only 2.2% of homes here are vacant, compared with 9.6% in Flint and 6.5% in Detroit, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Meanwhile, the metro has been attracting younger residents lured by those plentiful gigs, the affordable housing, and the influx of craft breweries in the area.

“A 25-year-old can actually afford to buy a home here,” Cornelius says. They're snagging luxury, one-bedroom condos priced at around $200,000 like this converted, historic school building spanning two city blocks.

But bargain prices won't last forever. While the national housing market is starting to slow, realtor.com projects Grand Rapids will be the second-hottest market in 2019, with a 8.2% projected sales price growth.

Local R&R: Buckle your blades on for ice-skating in Rosa Parks Circle.

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2. Pittsburgh, PA

Median home list price: $173,000 Total crime rate: 18.44%

Home in Brighton Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA

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As Pittsburgh's steel mills shuttered and residents pulled up stakes, many neighborhoods fell into a crime-ridden, downward spiral. But that feels like ancient history these days, as the city continues to reinvent itself as a thriving corporate center for startups and tech biggies like Uber and Google alike. Now those once-hurting neighborhoods, like Brighton Heights, are seeing their fortunes rise and rise, with an influx of new workers moving in.

Brighton Heights “is a neighborhood in transition. … When I was growing up in the '90s, it was certainly not a place for a first-time home buyer; but that's changed,” says local restate agent Bobby West of Coldwell Banker.

Young professionals and home flippers are buying up many of the community's Craftsman-style homes built in the early 1900s for under $150,000.

The number of violent crimes plummeted 24.8% from 2000 to 2014, according to the most recent FBI data. While crime is low in the metro, there are still some problem areas within the city limits. And residents are still hurting from last October's tragic shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, a hate crime that left 11 dead.

Local R&R: Fixate on flora fantasies at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

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3. Port St. Lucie, FL

Median home list price: $285,100 Total crime rate: 19.16%

Four-bedroom home in Port St. Lucie, FL

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About two hours north of Miami, Port St. Lucie is a quiet Atlantic beach town, long a magnet for  retirees.

“Here, it's just a really calm mix of people, mostly families and retirees,” says Richard L. McKinney, a real estate agent at Atlantic Shores Realty Expertise. “People are just coming here to live and commute to work, so we don't get all that ruckus that comes with tourism” in other Florida ocean areas.

This beach town is made up of lots of new single-home and condo communities. And prices are still reasonable, leading realtor.com to name Port St. Lucie one of the most affordable beach towns in June. Buyers can find condos just minutes from the beach for $150,000, says McKinney.

Local R&R: Gaze or gape at gators at the Savannas Preserve State Park.

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4. El Paso, TX

Median home list price: $175,800 Total crime rate: 20.48%

El Paso, TX, ranch house

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A combination of tougher police action and changing demographics has led to substantial decline in violent crime in this once-dicey metro on the U.S.-Mexico border. In the early '90s, El Paso often had more than 50 homicides a year. But from 2012 to 2016, the city averaged fewer than 18 homicides, according to the city's police department. That's good news for locals, and for long-term property values.

Finding a single-story, brick ranch under $200,000 in El Paso is a breeze. In fact, last year realtor.com named El Paso one of the best markets for middle-class home buyers. Developer-friendly zoning laws and low land costs make building homes here cheaper than in other parts of the country.

Local R&R: Manage your mountain mania! Start climbing at Franklin Mountains State Park.

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5. Syracuse, NY

Median home list price: $160,000 Total crime rate: 21.4%

Condos in Syracuse, NY

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In the early 2000s, former industrial center Syracuse began pumping millions into renovating crime-ridden communities near downtown to entice college students to live there after graduation, instead of scramming as soon as possible. Crime dropped so much that everyone from young professionals to empty nesters bought up remodeled condos there.

“Over a decade, downtown Syracuse went from being unsafe to the hottest spot to live” in the area, says Amber Spain-Mosher, a real estate agent at Re/Max in Syracuse. “The residential growth downtown is unlike anything we've seen before. And it shows no sign of slowing down.”

Homes in nearby urban neighborhoods have also received a boost. As the city became safer, more people swooped in and bought up fixer-uppers just above the $100,000 price range. That's played a role in home prices rising 9.6% over the past year.

Local R&R: The 13-day Great New York State Fair attracts nearly a million visitors annually.

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6. Hartford, CT

Median home list price: $260,000 Total crime rate: 21.97%

Three-bedroom home in Parkville in Hartford, CT

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Hartford is a charming town with stately, older homes and rich history dating to Colonial America. And it's packed with affluent and highly educated homeowners who live in the burbs.

But that's not the only reason crime is low here. Several neighborhoods in the city proper, which has a higher crime rate than the metro, have seen an increase in development. Investors are setting their sights on areas such as Parkville, a once-dicey neighborhood that now has a burgeoning startup and art scene. They're flipping 100-year-old multifamily homes, then selling or renting them out to Connecticut College grads.

“All the work to make downtown safer is paying dividends: Standard old office buildings are being converted into nice apartments,” says David Griggs, president and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance, Hartford's economic development arm

Local R&R: Huckleberry hysteria! Go nuts visiting the Mark Twain House, where the American Master lived from 1874 to 1891.

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7. Fayetteville, AR

Median home list price: $272,600 Total crime rate: 23.21%

Two-bedroom home in Fayetteville, AR

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Retail giant Walmart has its headquarters in Bentonville, in the Fayetteville metro, and that's long ensured high property values and low crime. And as the company continues to expand, so does the real estate market here.

“We don't have the wrong side of the tracks here,” says Jill Bell, a local real estate agent at Crye-Leike. “[Even neighborhoods like] far south Fayetteville that had a bad reputation in the past has been revitalized.”

Local R&R: Get your theater on! See nationally acclaimed productions in an intimate setting at TheatreSquared.

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8. Springfield, MA

Median home list price: $244,950 Total crime rate: 26.14%

This four-bedroom Cape Cod in Springfield, MA, is listed for $249,900.

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Massachusetts has the top public schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. It's no wonder buying a home in the state isn't cheap-the median list price is $450,000. That's where the Springfield metro sets itself apart: Folks can score reasonably priced homes, enroll their children in high-performing schools, and live in a low-crime area.

Communities such as East Longmeadow, home to East Longmeadow High School, which boasts a 98% graduation rate, are highly sought-after. And buyers can find many four-bedroom, Cape Cod–style homes priced around $250,000.

But crime within the Springfield city limits is higher, with neighborhoods such as McKnight and Forest Park all having some issues. In Forest Park, the vehicle theft rate is three times higher than the statewide rate-so be cautious.

Local R&R: Ramp up your roller-coaster love with a trip to Six Flags New England.

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9. Cincinnati, OH

Median home list price: $233,600 Total crime rate: 26.26%

Renovated condos in Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, OH

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Cincinnati doesn't exactly spring to mind when most folks think about low crime. In 2001, the city burst onto the national consciousness when riots broke out after the police shooting of an unarmed 19-year-old black man. In the years that followed, many avoided the city.

But in recent years, things have improved. The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, where much of the rioting took place, might be the city's biggest success story. Many of the three-story brick buildings, built 150 years ago by German immigrants, have been remodeled and turned into condos that sometimes sell for over $500,000. And OTR, as it's known by the locals, is among the region's top spots to be on a Saturday night with bars and nightclubs.

The Cincinnati metro is packed with booming, low-crime suburbs with good schools and new, sprawling subdivisions, including some just across the Ohio River and in Warren County, one of the state's fastest-growing counties.

Local R&R: Chow down on Cincinnati-style chili-with spaghetti and copious amounts of cheese, natch.

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10. Fort Wayne, IN

Median home list price: $180,000 Total crime rate: 26.62%

Buyers can snag four-bedroom homes in Fort Wayne, IN, for $150,000.

realtor.com

These days, the streets of downtown Fort Wayne are lined with new businesses, restaurants, and moving trucks. But this Midwestern destination for young professionals wasn't always like this.

“A decade ago, Fort Wayne's downtown wasn't the best place after dark,” says Ryan Dollens, a real estate agent and appraiser with Keller Williams Realty in Fort Wayne. “There was nothing going on-it was eerie.”  

Things started to change in 2010, when the city spent $30 million on Parkview Field, now home to Fort Wayne's popular minor-league team, the TinCaps. Then the city started to renovate Harrison Square in downtown, which included building new apartment complexes, a hotel, and a park with amphitheater. The efforts paid off.

“By adding all these businesses, restaurants, and apartments, they've really been able to clean up the streets,” Dollens says.

Buyers have responded, with prices soaring 11.1% over the past 12 months. Last July, it was ranked second on realtor.com's hottest markets list. But despite the hype, buyers can still snag three- to four-bedroom, two-story homes just outside downtown for under $200,000.

Local R&R: Soar with the butterflies and other wildlife at the Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve.

* A metropolitan statistical area is a designation that includes the urban core of a city and the surrounding smaller towns and cities. We limited our rankings to just one metro per state to ensure some geographic diversity.

** We used Yelp.com for the number of per capita nightlife venues, highly rated restaurants, kayaking/rafting/scuba diving opportunities, gyms, libraries, bookstores, and campgrounds.

Allison Underhill contributed to this report.

The post America's Safest Affordable Cities … That Won't Put You to Sleep appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

[ballsballsbowls]

RULES: Copy this post into a new text post, remove my answers and put in yours. When you are done, tag up to 10 people and also tag the person who tagged you… and most importantly, have fun!

A) Age: 31

B) Biggest fear: That my rotating list of illnesses is never going to improve and that it’s going to get WORSE and that the best years of my life are already behind me.

C) Current time: 11:05

D) Drink you last had: Coffee. Before I went to bed last night, it was some vodka in seltzer drink @kvltprince had made me

E) Every day starts with: Get out of bed, take Daytime Meds, go get coffee. Every day I spend here has a new step: get woken up by kitten.

F) Favourite song atm: Uh, I’ve been listening to mostly Russian rap during my vacation and I don’t know the names of the songs. I can tell you it;s probably by Tony Raut though.

G) Ghosts, are they real?: YES

H) Hometown?: Pittsburgh, PA

I) In love with?: @kvltprince and a bunch of other people that 1.) I am not sure they would want me to call them out or 2.) They and their SOs both follow me so I suspect that is problematic at best. I think I’m in love with someone new about once a week, so the list gets pretty long.

J) Jealous of?: People with parents that know how to be loving and supportive. People that can do anything without having to take their medical conditions into account

K) Killed Someone?: I thought for years that I was indirectly responsible for someone’s death, does that count?

L) Last time you cried: I’m sure I’ve cried in the last two weeks but I don’t remember when exactly

M) Middle name: Buzzkill

N) Number of siblings: An older sister and a younger brother

O) One wish: Beyond the obvious, “I want enough money to swim in it like Scrooge Mcduck”, I wish every single cat and dog had a loving home

P) Person you last called/texted: My mother

Q) Questions you are always being asked: What college are you going to again? How do you spell your last name?

R) Reasons to smile: You have to remember that I worked in retail so long, I smile pretty much reflexively when anxious or upset, so I may not be the person to ask. But I think cats are a pretty good reason to smile.

S) Song last sung: “I Know Him So Well” from Chess

T) Time you woke up: 11am

U) Underwear colour: Purple

W) Worst habits: Eating/drinking too much, ignoring my phone, wallowing in self-pity

X) X-rays you’ve had: Teeth/jaw, chest, pelvis, skull

Y) Your favourite food: Probably pizza, though i love an awful lot of food. My favorite food to tell people I like is probably Okra just because I love the reactions.

Z) Zodiac sign: Leo sun, Capricorn moon, Sagittarius ascendant

I was tagged by @coldestcaress

I guess I’ll tag @kay-the-strange @kitswulf @luciafarul @probablynothing @ihtiriekko @sigistrix-elric @mallac721

[creative-salem]

Link Share - Highlights from around the North Shore

Every week (when we can swing it because Salem keeps us SOOO busy) we compile a link share of stories about creativity, local blogs, and great press about local happenings, artists, and businesses AND links to local calls for art. If you ever see something awesome online that gets those creative juices flowing send us a link! 

Dining With Kids at Adea’s Mediterranean Kitchen in Salem

I dine out for work quite a bit. subscribe now Rarely do I bring my spawn with me, though-save the time I dragged Peter to a few tiki bars before he started day care. Andy is now too picky, and Peter’s most adventurous cuisine is sweet potato puree.

6 Best Food Tours Where You’d Least Expect Them

Foodie cities like New York and Philadelphia offer a cornucopia of Culinary Walking Tours, but the following six – Frederick MD, Salem MA, Richmond VA, Pittsburgh PA, Providence RI, and Boston MA – would not be the first places you’d think of for first-class epicurean adventures.

Kokeshi Bursts Onto the North Shore With Fried Chicken Ramen and Octopus Hot Dogs

Almost two years after opening Bambolina, an acclaimed “neo-Neopolitan” pizza-focused restaurant in Salem, owners Tim Haigh and Larry Leibowitz have introduced a new project to the neighborhood: Kokeshi. Now open at 41 Lafayette St., a very short walk from Bambolina, Kokeshi features Haigh’s and Leibowitz’s take on Asian street food, from ramen to banh mi and beyond.

Off Season of the Witch: Reasons to Visit Salem in Late Winter

Autumn gets all the attention, but late winter is also the season of the witch in Salem, Massachusetts. More than 300 years after the witch trials and executions that occurred between 1692-1693, Salem is known for its place during a dark mark on our nation’s history (the events of which remain a cautionary tale about isolationism, and pursuing an “other” as a threat).

Woodturning the Salem Film Festival 2017 Best Storyteller Award

Woodturning the Salem Film Festival 2017 Best Storyteller Award. Maple vase 12Tx6w with two carved spirals and mother of pearl pinstripes represents a film reel unraveling.

Salem Creative Agency Has Success With Local Job Board

SALEM, MA – Creative agency Sir Isaac moved from Jamaica Plain in Boston to Salem around 2011. The company has about a dozen employees – many of whom live on the North Shore – and found that the energy of Salem worked well for them.

Stuff You Missed in History Class: History Meets Fiction at House of the Seven Gables

Tracy and Holly talk to lead interpreter and researcher David Moffat about the evolution of the historic Turner-Ingersoll mansion into the fiction-inspired House of the Seven Gables.

Salem Chop Suey Sandwiches, A Sign of Summer – New England Historical Society

Chop suey sandwiches have marked the beginning of summer for generations of people who grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts. The beloved cheap treat was once sold throughout New England and as far south as Coney Island in New York. They’ve been sold at the Salem Willows seaside park since at least 1905.

​Salem cookie startup Goodnight Fatty’s goes from half-baked to full-blown – Boston Business Journal

When Erik Sayce and fiancée Jennifer Pullen first opened their pop-up cookie shop last fall, they didn’t tell anyone what they were doing for two weeks. Not family, not friends. They had put down $1,200 for a small electric oven and other supplies, and made a deal with a local cafe called Derby Joe ‘s to sell cookies on weekend evenings.

Hotel Happening

And now for some good (re-)development news: the conversion of the 1895 Newmark’s Building on Essex Street into the new Hotel Salem, a 44-room boutique hotel complete with rooftop bar, ground-floor restaurant, and shuffleboard in the basement. The Hotel Salem will join The Merchant as the second Salem hostelry to be operated by Lark Hotels,…

Gunning for glory

SALEM – Revolutionary War Capt. Levi Preston of Danvers is a die-hard New England Patriots fan, firing his musket at every home game – despite the fact that he died in 1850, 110 years before the Patriots would play their first game at Boston University’s Nickerson Field.

Completely Random Subjective Food/Drink Poll Because Polls Are Cool

SalemRecycles Annual Book Swap

Presented by SalemRecycles, the community comes out in droves and...

PEM PM ARTOPIA 2017

The Write Space: January Gill O'Neil

ST PADDYS POLL - GREY VS RED CORNED BEEF

A battle for the ages and apparently a geographically influenced...

Annual National Guard Muster Schedule and Information - APRIL 1, 2017

First Muster – Salem, Mass Saturday, April 1, 2017 The...

Life After Midnight: Strange History, Salem Style Episode 2

"Life After Midnight: Strange History, Salem Style" is a podcast...

Witch Hunt Podcast Episode 10

Witch Hunt Podcast Episode 10: It's Still Happening - Show...

FYI Salem #22 - Matt Smith, Salem's Director of Traffic & Parking

Tune in for the twice-monthly podcast version of FYI Salem!...

Feminists of Salem Podcast -Episode 1

Our first episode (ever!) of our new podcast series. Currently...

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Link Share – Highlights from around the North Shore was originally published on Creative Salem