Pittsburgh Has 20K Vacant Homes…and a Housing Shortage
Pittsburgh's lost more than half its population since our peak in 1950, and our city has more than 20,000 vacant homes. How do we also have a housing crisis? Public Source's Charlie Wolfson joins host Megan Harris to explain why so many houses are sitting empty, what (if anything) the city can do about it, and why our neighbors in Cleveland are doing a much better job turning abandoned houses into affordable homes.
Notes and references from today’s show:
- How does Pittsburgh have 20,000 vacant homes — and a housing shortage? (Public Source)
- Where does Cleveland clobber Pittsburgh? Its land bank. (Public Source)
- 'A really steep lift': Pittsburghers in their 20s and 30s find home ownership less and less attainable (Public Source)
Learn more about the sponsors of this January 26th episode:
The Ascent by Christopher Walker
Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Where To Get Pittsburgh’s Best Ice Cream
Pittsburgh's ice cream and soft serve shops are opening for the season! Host Megan Harris is with City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit, an...
Pittsburgh's Secret Stairways
If your summer bucket list involves exploring more of Pittsburgh, consider making a visit to a set of our city steps, aka our first form...
Is Heinz Worth the Hype?
Heinz ketchup has a chokehold on Pittsburgh. From stadiums and museums to our own home pantries, it’s the brand on the table and in any g...
Your Guide to June 2026 in Pittsburgh
Summer in Pittsburgh means neighborhood festivals, yard sales, and so much more! This June, we're checking out movie series, signing up f...
'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Where would Pittsburgh be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just...
Taxing Pool Tables, School Closure Aftermath & Breweries in Bankruptcy
After almost three years of debates and hearings, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to close nine school buildings and make other...
The Weird Things You Can and Can't Do in a Pittsburgh Backyard
Want to get a little ambitious with your backyard this summer? Maybe you're thinking of getting a beehive or some chickens, or you've dec...
Why Pittsburghers Love Cleveland
Looking for a low-cost, easy getaway this summer? Look no further than Cleveland! From free art to giant pastrami sandwiches, there's a l...
The Best Indian Food in Pittsburgh
Love Indian food, but want to indulge beyond butter chicken and naan? You're in luck! City Cast contributor Aakanksha Agarwal is joining...
Lion McBaby Face, Catena’s Defeat & Inclusionary Zoning Returns
A new iteration of Pittsburgh’s contentious inclusionary zoning policy is headed back to the City Planning Commission. City Cast’s Megan...