Pittsburgh is the 2nd largest city in Pennsylvania. It has an estimated population of 312,819 inhabitants as of 2006. The downtown area has a large economic influence, which ranks it as the 25th city in the nation for jobs within the urban core. The triangular tract of the downtown area is shaped by the Allegheny River, and the Monongahela River that meet where the Ohio River forms. It is nicknamed The City of Bridges, as well as The Steel City for the many bridges in the area, and the past steel manufacturing base, respectively.
The downtown area is spotted with high-rise buildings, more than 400 bridges, 2 railways, and a pre-evolutionary fortification. It is tight and compact, and holds the tallest skyscraper in the U.S. - the U.S. Steel Tower at 841 ft. The Cultural District is continuing to grow, packed with theaters and arts venues. The norther part of the city is mostly composed of residential neighborhoods and architecturally interesting homes. Heinz Field, Carnegie Science Center, Andy Warhol Museum and Penn Brewery are located in the north side. The south side is the most popular area of the city to own a home, as the value of homes have increased by roughly 10 percent annually for the past 10 years. Finally, the east end houses the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University and Carlow University, as well as many museums and educational areas.
Pittsburgh has had a long history with sports. The Pittsburgh Crawfords and the Homestead Greys were both very successful in their leagues, as well as the MLB franchise team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pittsburgh Pipers, Pittsburgh Rens, and Pittsburgh Pit Bulls have all been in the city's professional basketball scene. However, football has kept it's position as the most popular sport in the region for a long time now. High school football has gained extensive press coverage, and college football has been a huge success in the state. The NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers are major in not only the city, but the nation, having won four Super Bowls thus far.