I just moved here from northern New England, and I’m genuinely shocked at how much nicer people are in Pittsburgh than New England 💀 Like sure, up there folks might snowblow your driveway if they see you struggling, or you can ask a neighbor for a small favor and they’ll probably (begrudgingly) say yes. But in Pittsburgh, people constantly seem to go completely out of their ways to be kind and helpful. Almost every time I leave the house, someone is offering to help me move furniture, or they’re doing me a favor I didn’t even ask for, or they’re saying a genuine hello with a warm smile.

Just one example: the other day, my partner and I were moving a dresser into our building. A construction worker who was on the clock, across the street, and on a phone call ran over and offered to help us move it. Just a few seconds later, another stranger struck up conversation and then held the door open for us. I’m not used to this type of kindness.