Submitted by TightestKnees t3_zrh4jc in pittsburgh
Hey guys, I just got a huge work opportunity and will be living in Pittsburgh for the summer.
I’ve been to the states a few times before and one thing that struck out to me was that you’re a it screwed without a car, so I’m guessing Pittsburgh is the same.
Do you know what the best option is to get a car for such a short stay? Note I’m originally from Ireland and under 25 so that may limit my options a bit.
Thanks!
Yup, if you're living close to the T and/or active bus routes you can survive. I have friends who haven't had a car in 20 years. They do use Zipcar on occasion, like if they want to do a Costco run. Uber is also available if on occasion you need to get somewhere not on the public transit routes, though obviously I wouldn't suggest that as a way to get to a regular stop like work or groceries.
But just know, Google doesn’t tell you elevation changes effectively. It’ll tell you to walk the steps from second Ave up to Duquesne in 2 minutes, and it is legit straight up the side of a mountain.
Google actually does report elevation changes (and they can be sort of seen in Streetview), but this is still very good advice, since people don't usually think to pay attention to it.
Got it, thanks a million!
It really depends on where you will be and where you will need to have to go. Any specifics on what part of Pittsburgh you'll be in and where your work location is?
So just looking at the map, the office is on smallman street which seems to be in the strip district? I haven’t booked accommodation yet, I need to start looking into that.
You’ll be fine without a car here.
The strip is a perfect place to work if you don't have a car.
Not sure about your budget, but there's housing right in the strip, cheaper housing on the Northside, and very easy bus transit from the nearby Lawrenceville and Bloomfield neighborhoods.
I'd say a place in Polish Hill, Lawrenceville, or Bloomfield would be ideal.
I agree with the above. Depending on where you are you could be pretty set. The Strip District has groceries, stuff to do, and a quick trip to downtown.
From what I can tell by looking at the map, the office is in the strip district. I haven’t booked accommodation yet, though it should be possible to do short stay 3 month lease around there I’m guessing?
Oh yeah. If you want - you can DM me, I know of a few options and would be more than happy to answer any other questions. I’m sitting in the strip district as we speak.
Sweet, will do, thank you!
It all depends on where you are staying and working. If you can use the bus or light rail service to get to and from work you will be good. If you plan on getting out of the city to site see, you will need a car.
If you’re staying in the east end of the city you probably wouldn’t need a car. Other areas you might need one though. All depends
A rental car for 3 months would be pretty pricey. Would the company reimburse?
You don't really need one. You should probably consider a cheap bike though, it's very useful around here
Or city bike membership and a good backpack. At least you would have an ebike that way
> city bike membership
I’ve been using mostly a bike and transit the past 5-6 months and have only needed a car for when my girlfriend needs to go places, depending on where you are you might not need a car
If youre in the city you dont really need a car. Really depends where you are though if youre outside of the city.
25% of city households don't have a car. It's certainly doable.
What area are you going to be in? The city proper will be better for it than any of the suburbs.
In the summer, working in the strip.... you'd be well set with a bike and living anywhere within the city pretty much.
You absolutely do not need a car. I would try and allot my funds so that I can live closer to work (though I would avoid Lawrenceville as being too pricey for no very good reason. It has been my experience that under 25's get crushed when buying automobile insurance unless you can pay cash and buy only liability without collision coverage, a risky idea in this city. Parking is also expensive if driving to work daily, but you might be entitled to free parking.
Not strictly necessary, but very helpful. Make sure your housing and job site are bus accessible. Ideally without a transfer.
Zipcar
You will need a car if you want to go anywhere outside your work-life area.
It depends on where you're located. It takes two hours by bus to get to the same place driving would take 20 minutes.
leadfoot9 t1_j13dzbf wrote
If both the job and your accommodations are in the actual city and not the suburbs (or worse... Butler County), there's a good chance you'll be fine with no car, though a bicycle might be nice for additional independence from the whims of our spotty transit.
I recommend going on Google maps and using the distance tools in conjunction with Streetview to scope out routes to work, the grocery store, the post office, and any other trips you might be making regularly. Also, check some bus schedules for the neighborhood on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit website. Then you can decide for yourself if you need a car.