Downtown Attracts Young, Urban-Minded Residents

 

PITTSBURGH, PA — According to findings released today in a study of Downtown residents, commissioned by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), 44 percent are age 40 or under, with the most between ages 25-29. Downtown also appeals to “empty-nesters” between ages 50-59. Fifty-four percent of residents are single or unmarried.

 

Convenience of Downtown’s central location was a key driver in making the decision to move Downtown. Additionally, residents sought an urban lifestyle and cited the availability of unique housing options as other reasons for choosing Downtown. More than half of the respondents indicated they were very satisfied with their decision to move Downtown.

Conducted by Strategic Metrics Group last fall, the survey was distributed to residents in all 18 residential buildings/properties Downtown. The goals of the survey were to identify:

 Just three percent of households have children, but that is up from zero percent nine years ago. Downtown captures residents from the City, the suburbs and beyond. Approximately one-third of residents came from elsewhere in the City, one-third previously lived in the Pittsburgh suburbs, and one-third lived outside the region. Annual household income skewed higher for Downtown residents with 34 percent making over $100,000, compared to 18 percent in the U.S., 16 percent in Allegheny County and nine percent in the City of Pittsburgh.

 

Out of 1,355 quality of life factors cited by residents, 94 percent were favorable with the most mentions about access to restaurants, proximity to Cultural District (arts, events, etc.), close to work or school and convenience. Of the six percent who offered suggestions on what would improve their experience with Downtown living, most focused on a more vibrant environment, nightlife and shopping (especially grocery). Some residents pointed out issues with noise, parking and congestion.

 

“Understanding who makes up the residential population Downtown and what is important to them will help us focus our efforts as this population continues to grow,” said Patty Burk, Vice President of Housing and Economic Development for the PDP. “It’s not surprising so many residents expressed their satisfaction with living Downtown because it’s truly the most unique and vibrant neighborhood in the City.”

 

To help potential city dwellers experience what living Downtown is all about, the PDP is holding its Sixth Annual Walk and Dine: a downtown living tour on Wednesday, May 20. Guests tour several properties and enjoy food from Downtown restaurants at each tour stop. Tickets are still available by going to www.DowntownPittsburgh.com or by calling 412-566-4190. Standard tour tickets are $60. The exclusive VIP tour, which includes a cocktail reception at actor David Conrad’s condo and limousine service to each tour stop, is $150.

The PDP recently added a dynamic feature to its Website, www.DowntownPittsburgh.com/living/search that includes a searchable database of Downtown properties. Users can search for properties based on rent/own options, number of bedrooms, parking availability, pet-friendly and other criteria.