Moving to Pittsburgh: What You Need to Do First

Whether you're running, cycling, swimming, or getting into anything else active, Pittsburgh is an awesome city to do it. If you've considered joining us here in the 'Burg, check out a few of these great tips by blog contributor, Gabriel Patel of healthwellwise.com!

Are you new to Pittsburgh? Then you have so much to discover! Seriously, this Midwest city is full of amazing food and even more amazing adventures. Before you get to all of the fun, however, you may need to work on getting yourself set up as an official Pittsburgh resident. Wondering where to start? We've got you covered with the following tips and suggestions. 

Start By Getting Your Home Set Up 
 
Before you’re packed up and ready for moving day, you’ll need to schedule moving day. Start by researching local movers that are able to handle the size (and distance) of your move; a great resource is Angi, which provides ratings and reviews from past customers as well as direct contact info. The housing market is still pretty hot, so choose your mover and schedule the day of the move ASAP to ensure you’re not caught in a backlog. 
 
Next, because having a comfortable home can make your move less stressful on the other end of your move, make sure you have all of the basics set up in your new home. If you haven’t already, a good place to start is the USPS website, where you can change your address. You may need to update your address with specific businesses and organizations as well. 
 
Once you have your official Pittsburgh address, you can also begin connecting utilities. You can find local utility providers via the City of Pittsburgh’s website. This site provides information for everything from the basics -- like water, electricity and gas -- to cell phone providers.
 
If you want to connect your home to other services, including the internet, you may need to do your own digging to find quality connections in your new neighborhood. This list of the top national internet service providers will help, especially since most of the options listed are available in the Pittsburgh area. No matter which you choose, take some time to go over basic digital security measures after your move so your family stays secure and protected. 
 
Then Make Sure You’re Licensed to Explore 
 
Once your home is squared away, you can move on to changing your license, insurance and vehicle registration. Having all of these items updated ASAP can help you avoid fines and tickets if you should get pulled over in your new city. Locate your closest DMV office, and start working on your official Missouri license and registration. 
 
During your DMV appointment, you may also be asked for proof of insurance. If your current insurance policy is still registered under your old address, now is the time to change it. You can compare the top auto insurance providers in Pittsburgh by checking out the Money Geek site. 
 
Finally, Get Out and Get to Know Your New City 
 
Getting your utilities, license and all of that other official business straightened out is hard work. So reward yourself with a night or weekend exploring all of the excitement and fun that Pittsburgh has to offer! There’s something for everyone and every appetite. 
 
If you’re into craft beer, you can sip your way through Pittsburgh on a local brew tour. During this VIP excursion, you’ll visit ten of the city's top breweries and get to taste a variety of beers. Many also offer 2-for-1 specials when you use Go Explore’s digital passport. So take a friend or make some new friends! Because who doesn’t love free beer? You should also check into the many dining venues, including dozens of diners. 
 
But it’s not all about beer and good eats -- you’ll need to stay in shape, too! There are many ways to get in your exercise and continue or start your fitness regimen, whether it’s a jog through a park or attending the several classes in studios and gyms scattered throughout the city. Coach Ken can help maintain your fitness level or take you to the next level, whether you need help with your first 5K, are shooting for a PR in the marathon, racing multi-sport, or just need some structure to your current plan.
 
From good beer to good food, Pittsburgh has it all! Just don’t forget to check a few essential items off of your moving checklist, so you can explore your new city without any stress or hassle. You can even win fun prizes and score exclusive discounts just for exploring your new hometown!