Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh has been recast into a pleasing blend of turn-of-the-20th-century architectural masterpieces and modern skyscrapers and consistently ranks among the nation's most livable cities. Pittsburgh today has a real sense of fun, with various outdoor activities on its rivers and in its parks, unique shopping downtown and in the suburbs, and dining in some of the state's most interesting locales.

A community that was once solely dependent on heavy manufacturing and steel production has blossomed into an economically diverse center combining a tradition of innovation with emerging industries, such as robotics and life sciences, and world-class universities. Former riverfront industrial sites now feature bustling retail districts, office complexes and residential neighborhoods that are shining examples of the region's environmental transformation.