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
Pittsburgh's Biggest Villains
Pittsburghers can hold a real grudge. There are so many local personalities and entities that have drawn our ire, from a certain healthca...

Zip Lining, Alpacas, and Video Games— Your Guide to Remake Learning Days {SPONSORED}
On this bonus sponsored episode by the Grable Foundation, we're celebrating a Pittsburgh original. What if learning looked like meeting a...

What To Know About the PA Governor’s Race
May 4 is the deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania's 2026 primary election. Register to vote, check your status, and find your pol...

What's Next for Downtown After the Draft?
Local leaders hustled to fix sidewalks, fill storefronts, and revamp public spaces ahead of the NFL Draft. But what's in store for the Go...

'Your City Could Be Better': Meet Nashville's Rogue Bench Builders — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Pittsburgh? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love ha...

Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!
The NFL Draft is finally here! Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo and contributor Colin Williams share what we're looking forward to (...

Pittsburgh Record Shops, Bookstores & Library Adventures You Need Right Now
It's the season to celebrate great books and music! In honor of Record Store Day, Independent Bookstore Day, and National Library Week, t...

Are All Pghers Hot? Plus, Furries, Strip Club Lore & More from 'The Pitt' S2
The latest season of 'The Pitt' is a wrap! And we're still doing our best Nurse Dana, "Baby Jane Doe" impressions. City Cast's Megan Harr...

Your Guide to Pittsburgh's 176 City Parks
Tomorrow is Earth Day, and we think the best way to celebrate is by visiting one of the city's 176 gorgeous parks. Plus, with so many par...

Strawberry Pretzel Standoff, Wine Walks & More Can't-Miss Food & Drink
Spring in Pittsburgh means one thing: it’s officially food fest season. From Vegan Restaurant Week and a mac-and-cheese marathon in the S...

