Pros of living in McKeesport

1. Very affordable cost of living

• One of the biggest advantages.
• Overall cost is below the U.S. average, with especially cheap housing and groceries.
• Home prices are far lower than nearby Pittsburgh—often tens of thousands instead of hundreds of thousands.

This makes it attractive for:

• First-time buyers
• Investors / fix-and-flip
• People relocating from expensive states

2. Proximity to Pittsburgh

• About 20–30 minutes from Pittsburgh (depending on traffic)
• You can commute to jobs, hospitals, universities, and entertainment

Many people live there to save money while working in the metro area.

3. Suburban feel + space

• Smaller population (~19k residents) gives it a quieter, less dense vibe
• More space per dollar compared to big cities
• Access to rivers and outdoor activities nearby

4. Diversity and community roots

• Historically a working-class steel town
• Strong sense of local identity and long-time residents

Cons of living in McKeesport

1. High crime rates (biggest drawback)

• Crime is significantly higher than national averages
• Violent crime can be multiple times higher than average depending on the source
• Ranked among the least safe cities in Pennsylvania in some analyses

This is the #1 reason many people hesitate to move there.

2. Economic struggles

• High poverty rate (around 27%)
• Limited local job opportunities
• Many residents commute elsewhere for work

3. Declining population

• Long-term population loss from its industrial peak
• Fewer businesses, less investment, and some vacant properties

4. Limited amenities & nightlife

• Not much in terms of:
  • Restaurants
  • nightlife
  • shopping
• You’ll likely rely on Pittsburgh for entertainment

5. Older housing stock

• Many homes are older (early–mid 1900s)
• Often:
  • need repairs or renovations
  • require ongoing maintenance

This is why prices are low—but it can mean extra costs.