What do you like most about living in the greater Pittsburgh area?

[Craziaskowboi]

Today, I learned that the U.S. Census Bureau has no standard criteria for the definition of a Metropolitan Statistical Area. I feel much smarter knowing that now.

[Charley Barker]

Originally Posted by Goodjules

Really? The Chicago Art Institute blows ours away IMHO, LA and SF have some impressive museums too. Pittsburgh's museums are good, but there are many other cities that have museums that rival ours.

Don't forget the Detroit Institute of Art. A venerable institution.

[Goodjules]

Originally Posted by Charley Barker

Don't forget the Detroit Institute of Art. A venerable institution.

I actually meant to include it. Thanks for mentioning.

[Charley Barker]

Jennings Environmental Education Center . . . this place is minutes away from Moraine State Park, off PA SR528 north. How we have missed this up to now is beyond me.

Very unique. There are mixed woods and prairie (the only recognized one in all of PA) habitats. It was discovered by naturalist Otto Jennings around the turn of the 20th century and has been preserved and expanded. It is home to rare species including the Blazing Star and Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. We spotted a Red Headed woodpecker which made Mrs. Barker very excited as this was something of a rare find in these parts (spotted above the marsh on the Oakwoods Trail, between the Hepatica and Old Field trails). Trails are well designed and maintained. Good job DCNR!

[svband76]

Originally Posted by Charley Barker

Jennings Environmental Education Center . . . this place is minutes away from Moraine State Park, off PA SR528 north. How we have missed this up to now is beyond me.

Very unique. There are mixed woods and prairie (the only recognized one in all of PA) habitats. It was discovered by naturalist Otto Jennings around the turn of the 20th century and has been preserved and expanded. It is home to rare species including the Blazing Star and Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. We spotted a Red Headed woodpecker which made Mrs. Barker very excited as this was something of a rare find in these parts (spotted above the marsh on the Oakwoods Trail, between the Hepatica and Old Field trails). Trails are well designed and maintained. Good job DCNR!

I love the state parks and city parks all within an hour or so drive. They're being heavily used since March, which is a good and bad thing. There was an hour or so wait to rent a boat at Raccoon State Park last month. Traffic on usually quiet walking trails, etc.

[gg]

I do want to mention the hills/views and cycling! Love it.