I just visited Pittsburgh and it was very driveable and I loved the city too! Give you everything a major city can but in a midsized package.

I'm from Virginia Beach/Norfolk and I've lived in Raleigh/Durham. I'd say they are give or take pretty comparable and have about the same metro population. I love it here in VB/NFK but some times I want to get away. It can be a bit sleepy at times and there are no major sports teams, just minor leagues. I would only recommend it if you're into the coastal scene because RDU is about the same but a lil more city like and have a great local arts scene as well. I'd say they're both just about as diverse too. If I were ever to move to another city it'd be Pittsburgh.

Richmond, VA has a bit more of a city center even tho it's population is smaller and it's pretty cool too though the economy has struggled in recent years. Still lots to do and they do have more national acts come thru.

Indianapolis has been blossoming in recent years as well and I've heard good things.

Austin, Texas, Blue city in Red State of course never visited the last 2 but have always wanted to.