Facts about Allegheny County

Strategically located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic states, Allegheny County - with a population of 1.35 million - is only a short flight or a day's drive from many of the world's busiest commercial centers, including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Boston, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto, Canada. These markets encompass more than 50 percent of the populations of both the United States and Canada. This county has a transportation system that takes advantage of all modes of travel and includes one of the nation's most modern aviation facilities. Allegheny County is uniquely positioned to deliver its world class high-tech, bio-medical, manufacturing and communication products to markets throughout the world.

The landscape of Allegheny County can be characterized as rolling hills punctuated by several scenic river valleys that offer breathtaking vantage points to experience the splendor of all four seasons. Surrounded by many rural farming communities, the spring season is the time of rejuvenation highlighted in the rebirth of the many forests and greenways that frame the local highways and byways. The long days of summer afford the opportunity to work and yet still cut loose to enjoy the many recreational activities available to the local population. Fall is probably the most appreciated time of the year for many Allegheny County natives. The hills come alive with a kaleidoscope of red, yellow and orange hues that leave the observer warm inside to carry through the winter doldrums until the onset of spring.

In a 1985 survey of 329 metropolitan areas by Rand McNally's "Places Rated Almanac", Allegheny County and the Greater Pittsburgh Area earned the title, "Most Livable Community in the Nation". This rating reflected our strength in housing, health, education, arts, recreation, economics, safety, transportation and climate. In subsequent editions of the Almanac, our region has continued to rate consistently high, and has drawn raves in many other publications as well, earning top ten areas to live accolades from Money Magazine, Fortune Magazine, National Employment Review and Century 21 Real Estate Corporation, among others.

The 1995 Uniform Crime Report also gives the region high marks for safety, with Pittsburgh having been found to be safer then 44 of 48 cities with more than 300,000 residents. Allegheny County also boasts the lowest crime rates for any metropolitan area with more than one million citizens.