Submitted by TightestKnees t3_zrh4jc in pittsburgh

Hey guys, I just got a huge work opportunity and will be living in Pittsburgh for the summer.

I’ve been to the states a few times before and one thing that struck out to me was that you’re a it screwed without a car, so I’m guessing Pittsburgh is the same.

Do you know what the best option is to get a car for such a short stay? Note I’m originally from Ireland and under 25 so that may limit my options a bit.

Thanks!

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leadfoot9 t1_j13dzbf wrote

If both the job and your accommodations are in the actual city and not the suburbs (or worse... Butler County), there's a good chance you'll be fine with no car, though a bicycle might be nice for additional independence from the whims of our spotty transit.

I recommend going on Google maps and using the distance tools in conjunction with Streetview to scope out routes to work, the grocery store, the post office, and any other trips you might be making regularly. Also, check some bus schedules for the neighborhood on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit website. Then you can decide for yourself if you need a car.

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Different-Rough-7914 t1_j13e7tk wrote

It all depends on where you are staying and working. If you can use the bus or light rail service to get to and from work you will be good. If you plan on getting out of the city to site see, you will need a car.

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412bikecycler t1_j13i2wx wrote

If you’re staying in the east end of the city you probably wouldn’t need a car. Other areas you might need one though. All depends

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Confident_End_3848 t1_j13kbyd wrote

A rental car for 3 months would be pretty pricey. Would the company reimburse?

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Ntovorni t1_j13mjn2 wrote

I agree with the above. Depending on where you are you could be pretty set. The Strip District has groceries, stuff to do, and a quick trip to downtown.

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benifit t1_j13nemp wrote

Not strictly necessary, but very helpful. Make sure your housing and job site are bus accessible. Ideally without a transfer.

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Invasion_of_the_Cat t1_j13os7o wrote

You don't really need one. You should probably consider a cheap bike though, it's very useful around here

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Small-Cherry2468 t1_j13r8eg wrote

It really depends on where you will be and where you will need to have to go. Any specifics on what part of Pittsburgh you'll be in and where your work location is?

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TightestKnees OP t1_j13t1ao wrote

From what I can tell by looking at the map, the office is in the strip district. I haven’t booked accommodation yet, though it should be possible to do short stay 3 month lease around there I’m guessing?

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Ntovorni t1_j13teaf wrote

Oh yeah. If you want - you can DM me, I know of a few options and would be more than happy to answer any other questions. I’m sitting in the strip district as we speak.

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diabeet0 t1_j13yvgn wrote

I’ve been using mostly a bike and transit the past 5-6 months and have only needed a car for when my girlfriend needs to go places, depending on where you are you might not need a car

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ArgyllFire t1_j14053z wrote

Yup, if you're living close to the T and/or active bus routes you can survive. I have friends who haven't had a car in 20 years. They do use Zipcar on occasion, like if they want to do a Costco run. Uber is also available if on occasion you need to get somewhere not on the public transit routes, though obviously I wouldn't suggest that as a way to get to a regular stop like work or groceries.

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Lyonors t1_j14r47c wrote

But just know, Google doesn’t tell you elevation changes effectively. It’ll tell you to walk the steps from second Ave up to Duquesne in 2 minutes, and it is legit straight up the side of a mountain.

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stadulevich t1_j1533oa wrote

If youre in the city you dont really need a car. Really depends where you are though if youre outside of the city.

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chuckie512 t1_j154e2a wrote

25% of city households don't have a car. It's certainly doable.

What area are you going to be in? The city proper will be better for it than any of the suburbs.

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chuckie512 t1_j154y81 wrote

The strip is a perfect place to work if you don't have a car.

Not sure about your budget, but there's housing right in the strip, cheaper housing on the Northside, and very easy bus transit from the nearby Lawrenceville and Bloomfield neighborhoods.

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DennisG47 t1_j15hnng wrote

You absolutely do not need a car. I would try and allot my funds so that I can live closer to work (though I would avoid Lawrenceville as being too pricey for no very good reason. It has been my experience that under 25's get crushed when buying automobile insurance unless you can pay cash and buy only liability without collision coverage, a risky idea in this city. Parking is also expensive if driving to work daily, but you might be entitled to free parking.

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412beekeeper t1_j15jgvd wrote

It depends on where you're located. It takes two hours by bus to get to the same place driving would take 20 minutes.

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jcaino t1_j15tvib wrote

In the summer, working in the strip.... you'd be well set with a bike and living anywhere within the city pretty much.

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leadfoot9 t1_j16l3nb wrote

Google actually does report elevation changes (and they can be sort of seen in Streetview), but this is still very good advice, since people don't usually think to pay attention to it.

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CarelessPangolin2890 t1_j17fl8l wrote

You will need a car if you want to go anywhere outside your work-life area.

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