Pittsburgh ranks 3rd on list of best cities for artists
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By now, Pittsburghers are used to their city making various “best” lists.
The Steel City has been named a top place for everyone from sports fans and foodies to retirees and Gen Xers.
Now it’s also been recognized as one of the top 10 U.S. cities for artists — ranking third in a new report from rent.com, an apartment search engine and online marketplace catering to millennials.
Acknowledging that artists often are underpaid for their work, the report says “on top of a thriving cultural scene, artists need to live in a place that supports their passion and livelihood. That ranges from affordable housing for work and creation, walkability to get around to gigs and much more.”
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Rent.com ranked cities with population above 50,000 on the basis of walkability, affordable rent for both studio apartments and working studio space and density of museums and arts organizations, including theaters, artistic collectives and performing arts spaces.
The top 10 included:
1. Hartford, Conn.
2. Minneapolis
3. Pittsburgh
4. Washington, D.C.
5. Seattle
6. Philadelphia
7. Berkeley, Calif.
8. Chicago
9. St. Louis
10. Baltimore
As of March, the average rent for an 820-square-foot apartment in Pittsburgh was $1,256, according to rentcafe.com. The website found Carrick to be the most affordable neighborhood, with average monthly rent of $656. At the top of the scale were East Liberty, Highland Park, Larimer and Morningside, where monthly rent averaged $1,669.
Compare that to the average rent in No. 8 Chicago, which the website says is $1,862 for a 720-square-foot place.
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But it’s not all about the Benjamins. Here are five things besides finances that make Pittsburgh a great city for artists and art lovers alike:
1. A wealth of museums and galleries — from renowned facilities like the Carnegie Museum of Art, The Warhol and Mattress Factory to neighborhood galleries, public art projects and artist collectives
2. World-class music and theater organizations — From Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Pittsburgh Opera to dozens of smaller theater and music groups and homegrown musicians like The Clarks and Donny Iris who call Da Burgh home
3. Supporting organizations like Pittsburgh Cultural Trust — and performance venues like the Benedum Center, Heinz Hall and even Heinz Field that play host to local, regional and national touring acts
4. Fairs and festivals promoting the arts — like the flagship Three Rivers Arts Festival that celebrates the arts in every form, along with smaller, neighborhood music and arts happenings
5. Those views — From the rivers to the bridges, from Mt. Washington to the South Side Flats, from downtown to dozens of distinct neighborhoods, everywhere you look, there’s something unique and beautiful to see.
“In 2018, Pittsburgh ranked as one of the top cities in America for artistic vibrancy,” the rent.com report said. “It’s no small wonder.”