Nobody’s quite sure why, but one of the founders of Pittsburg (no h) originally named it New York of the Pacific (that's like naming Hoboken the LA of the Atlantic – just sayin). A little over 30 years later it was renamed Black Diamond because they found coal in them thar hills (and forgot that coal is worth less than diamonds). Finally, when a big steel company moved into town, it was again renamed and, obviously, this time the name stuck. That is, until another big company moves to town (let's hope it's a funny name like Fuddruckers or Weinerschnitzel).
So, if you’re thinking of renting an apartment in Pittsburg, you have yourself your first piece of local trivia
Pittsburg, California
Nobody’s quite sure why, but one of the founders of Pittsburg (no h) originally named it New York of the Pacific (that's like naming Hoboken the LA of the Atlantic – just sayin). A little over 30 years later it was renamed Black Diamond because they found coal in them thar hills (and forgot that coal is worth less than diamonds). Finally, when a big steel company moved into town, it was again renamed and, obviously, this time the name stuck. That is, until another big company moves to town (let's hope it's a funny name like Fuddruckers or Weinerschnitzel).
So, if you’re thinking of renting an apartment in Pittsburg, you have yourself your first piece of local trivia. You’re welcome.
Now, on to a not-so-trivial pursuit – finding you an apartment to rent in Pittsburg.
The Klondike Bar of Apartment Info
The Klondike Bar was invented in the other Pittsburgh, but it's still a delicious ice cream novelty on the other side of the nation. Pittsburg has tons of rentals to choose from: apartment complexes, townhouses, condos and duplexes. The median gross rent is $1,269. In California terms, that is pretty standard, so whether you choose a 1 BR condo or a 3 BR townhome, you'll have no trouble settling in.
Locals say you ought to try to snag a place south of the BART station in the Oak Hills neighborhood. Tree-lined streets and lots of parks make this ‘hood one of the most popular in Pittsburg. Plus, if you commute to The City (Fog City, SFO, City by the Bay, JUST NOT FRISCO), BART’s right there.
Pittsburg, like most California cities, has a higher cost of living than the average U.S. city of its size. It got hit hard during the recession and had one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. That said, apartments in Pittsburg may run rent specials to help out with the move-in cost, so be sure to check with the leasing office.
Crime rates in Pittsburg are actually improving, showing a steady decline over the past few years. The city’s crime rate is lower than the U.S. average – in fact, sleepy Petaluma in the North Bay has a higher number of violent crimes than they do in Pittsburg (plus Winona Ryder, from Petaluma, shoplifts).
So, stay out of Antioch
Nearby Antioch, with 36,000 more people, has over five times the amount of violent crime as Pittsburg, according to FBI statistics. The property crime rate, on the other hand, is higher than the state’s average. Overall, though, it’s a pretty safe little city.
Pittsburgians are right proud of Old Town, the redeveloped downtown area
The usual California-style weekly farmer’s market takes place in Old Town. You can also hobnob with folks from all over the Bay Area at the annual Pittsburg Seafood Festival held in Old Town. Since Pittsburg sits right alongside the Delta it’s a great town for boat owners. The Pittsburg Marina, also remodeled a couple of years ago, has guest slips and security cameras. It's also a great place for pet lovers to find pet-friendly apartments.
Life in Pittsburg is a little more laid back than some of the other cities in the Bay Area, and folks that live there like it that way. We think you will too. Good luck in your Pittsburg apartment hunt!
