Pittsburgh was fueled by the manufacturing industry until the 1980s when the United States steel industry collapsed. The city's economy is now largely based on healthcare, education, technology and financial services.[5] Robotics, in particular, is a major sector of the local economy.

The Wall Street Journal dubbed the city "Roboburgh." Despite a declining population,[6] Pittsburgh remains the principal cultural and economic influence in the eastern Ohio River Valley. Because of its low cost of living, economic opportunities, education, transportation and medical infrastructures, Pittsburgh is consistently ranked high in livability surveys.

In 2007 Pittsburgh was named "America's Most Livable City" by Places Rated Almanac.[7] Established: 1758 City Population (2000): 369,879 County Population (2000): 1,281,666 Location: South Western Pennsylvania Average High Temperature (July): 82.5° F Average Low Temperature (January): 20.8° F Port: Pittsburgh is the largest inland port in the U.S., providing access to the nation's 9,000 mile inland waterway system. ** The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $450, for a two-bedroom, $575. ** Pittsburgh is the only city rated among the five most livable cities in the United States in the last three Rand McNally surveys.  ** Pittsburgh was once considered the "Steel Capital of the World. 

Andrew Carnegie, whose philanthropy, is well known throughout the world, owned and operated the largest steel manufacturing company, until he sold it to a group of investors in 1901. The group of investors led by J.P. Morgan formed a company that became known as United States Steel Corporation. Bridges: Allegheny County Pittsburgh is known as the city of bridges. It is believed that the metropolitan Pittsburgh area has over 2000 bridges that span 8 feet or greater.

The reason for the many bridges is that the City of Pittsburgh is surrounded by three rivers. The Monongahela River from the south and the Allegheny River from the north, join to form the Ohio that goes to the West. All three rivers meet in front of the Golden Triangle. Pittsburgh's three rivers help to form the largest inland port in the country Media: Two Major Newspapers: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Tribune Review Thirty Two Radio Stations; and Five Major Television Stations: KDKA (CBS)WPXI (NBC)WTAE (ABC)WQED (PBS)WNPA (FOX) Colleges and Universities:

There are 29 colleges and universities in southwestern Pennsylvania including Carnegie Mellon University University of Pittsburgh Duquesne University Point Park University Robert Morris University Geneva College Sports: Pittsburgh cheers for four major sports teams, the Penguins Pirates Steelers Riverhounds Airport: The Pittsburgh International Airport was ranked one of the top five U.S. airports by Conde Nast Traveler.

Tourism: An average of 3.9 million people visit Pittsburgh annually. Pittsburgh ranked in the top five Most Livable Cities in the 1983, 1985 and 1989 editions of the "Places Rated Almanac." Pittsburgh Firsts First U.S. Public TV Station - WQED First U.S. Radio Broadcast - KDKA, Nov. 2, 1920 First U.S. Movie Theatre - 1905 First Ferris Wheel - 1893 First Retractable Dome - Mellon Arena First Night World Series Game - 1971 First Polio Vaccine - Jonas Salk, 1954 Baseball's First World Series Game: A 1903 showdown between the Pirates and the Boston Red Sox. The Pirates lost in nine games. Baseball's First Night World Series Game: Played October 13, 1971, between the Pirates and Baltimore Orioles at Three Rivers Stadium. Rookie pitcher Bruce Kison allowed one hit and no runs in six innings of relief. The Pirates win the series behind MVP Roberto Clemente. First NFL Team To Win Four Super Bowls: In a six year period between the 1974-76 and 1979-80 seasons, the Steelers won Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV.

On Location in Pittsburgh Film crews are drawn to Pittsburgh for its architecture, neighborhood charm and great local support. Highlights include: The Mothman Prophecies The Deer Hunter Silence of the Lambs Lorenzo's Oil Hoffa The Wonder Boys Inspector Gadget Desperate Measures Milk Money Money For Nothing Kingpin Roommates Only You Boys on the Side Dominick & Eugene Striking Distance Sudden Death Night of the Living Dead Pittsburgh Food Pittsburgh's ethnic diversity inspires the region's local food. And while fine dining choices abound, visitors usually set aside at least one meal to experience a hometown favorite.

The Big Mac, the world's most famous hamburger was invented in Pittsburgh by McDonald's franchise owner Jim Delligatti in 1968. Pierogies, found at restaurants all over Pittsburgh, are a product of Pittsburgh's Polish heritage. Cooked in butter, these delicious dumplings are stuffed with potato and other flavorings, depending on the creativity and tradition of the cook. Chipped Ham, a spicy lunch meat, made its debut in 1933 at Isaly's, a locally based family chain of dairy stores. Former Pittsburghers have been known to have it shipped across the country when they get a yearning for this hometown favorite. Klondikes, another Isaly's original, is a vanilla ice cream bar dipped in chocolate and packaged in a silver wrapper.

When Sam Isaly invented them in 1929, klondikes sold for a nickel each. Wedding Soup, that delectable Italian broth with tiny meatballs and rich egg pastina, is served throughout the city. Fried Zucchini Strips, thin, crispy and savory, are a hometown original and popular as an appetizer. Pittsburgh Salad: take a salad, any salad, and top with french fries. Heinz Ketchup, invented here, by H.J. Heinz. Check out the full story at the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center in the Strip District.