Pittsburgh's Economy Through the Eyes of a Ragpicker Who Digs Too Deep in the Polyester Bin

goddamn right i'm judging pittsburgh's unemployment rate by how many 70s leisure suits i find at goodwill. heard some tech bro at *Trace Brewing last week bragging about how steel city's job market is 'hotter than a Stefano's calzone fresh out the oven.' let me tell you-when the thrift racks run dry of decent flannel, that's your real economic indicator.

the pro-tips of a broke vintage hawk:
- when Lawrenceville rents hit $1,450 for a studio (source: cried about it on r/Pittsburgh) but unemployment's only 4.3%, you know those 'economic growth' articles ain't lying. - the university medical center hired 800 people last quarter-i clocked this 'cause nurses keep donating pristine 80s power blazers. - avoid the northside Salvation Army after 3pm unless you want to fight a UPMC intern over Dan Marino jerseys.

Shit you need to budget for in this town
| Thing | Cost | How it Screams 'Economy' | |-------|------|---------------------------| | Primanti's sammich | $8.50 | Still cheaper than NYC but tourists keep it alive | | Bloomfield 1-bedroom | $1,195 | Up 14% since 2020-landlords are vultures | | Bus to Cleveland | $25 | Escape when the gray skies last 11 days straight |

overheard at Attic Record Store: 'my cousin got laid off from that robot startup down by the rivers. swore he's moving to Philly if he can't score a union gig at USS Edgar Thomson Works in a month.'

the drunk advice? don't trust any yinzer who says 'just get a job at Arby’s on McKnight Road-they always hiring!' Spoiler: they’re not. if you’re freelancing, stalk the happy hour crowd at Coop de Ville-half those people work remote for West Coast companies but pay Pennsylvania rent. geniuses.

last thing: that 'robotics corridor' near Strip District? it’s real. found 3 MIT grads arguing about AI while digging through $5 vinyl at Government Records.

final warning from a local: 'dahntahn's all shiny now but if US Steel* tanks again? whole damn city's gonna smell like mothballs and regret.'

You might also be interested in:

• https://topiclo.com/post/huambos-economy-whats-actually-keeping-the-lights-on-no-fluff
• https://topiclo.com/post/bhopal-where-budget-students-go-to-eat-cheap-and-explore-cheaply
• https://topiclo.com/post/saratov-commute-times-how-long-will-you-spend-stuck-in-traffic
• https://topiclo.com/post/networking-in-kermnshhs-whispers
• https://topiclo.com/post/latakias-secret-spots-even-the-locals-pretend-they-dont-know