Hyup. I was born and raised here, and love the city to death.
Wilkinsburg is a bit of a strange part of town. It’s one of a few neighborhoods that have resisted annexation for a century plus. Just look at a map of Pittsburgh and you’ll see big empty holes (literally mount Oliver is completely surrounded by the city). This results in some weird circumstances, wilkinsburg has really high taxes, shit schools, and is one of the rougher parts of town.
On the other hand, I love where I’m at in the city, I got a beautiful 1800 sq ft 4BR home built in 1890 along the river. I can see the water from my front stoop. $160k, and I have a few roommates. Currently slowly renovating the place.
It is a bit ironic opening Instagram or something and seeing posts like “omg! Pittsburgh is so affordable, my rent is under $2k!!!” For those shitty “luxury” apartments going in all over the country. Meanwhile, my mortgage is $830 because I bought during covid.
I feel the creep and know the city isn’t gonna be affordable forever. Wages are still a bit shit around here.
Most roofers don’t tie off.
When I got my chimney repaired, the guy walked across the peak of the roof, not even holding onto anything, like he was walking down the street.
Not trying to deflect blame on the workers, and I’m not sure what else the company is responsible for, but occupational safety is often an afterthought to folks who work a trade. You should see some of the shit people pull working on live power in maintenance departments at big industrial sites like steel mills.