Support Neighborhoods on Patreon and get access to behind the scenes videos! www.patreon.com/user?u=25503794 Where to next? Spring Hill? Mount Washington? Beechview? Fairywood?
Really appreciate you showing the brighter side of these neighborhoods that the news does a poor job in showing only the bad side. Keep up the good and honest work. ❤Pgh
Hey Dean, I just wanted to give a personal thanks. My wife and I own a small ecommerce business in California and we've been searching endlessly for a place to move to and set down roots. We've visited Chicago, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis, and many others. We'd like to eventually open a storefront and own a home in a place that's friendly, safe, and affordable. By freak accident I discovered your videos and have binged them all to the point that I check youtube Saturday evening specifically looking for your uploads. It's opened my eyes to Pittsburgh as a hidden gem. From what I feel in your videos, Pittsburgh feels like a mix between the old San Francisco I grew up in and the Boston I spent my young adult life in. It's great and I can't wait to check it out. But the Wilkinsburg video has really taken the cake. The trees, the brick roads, the downtown, and the attitude. All 10/10, very moving, and very human. I'm sure for at least the next week I'll fantasize about rennovating a house and a storefront there. Just like you did a feature on urban hiking in Pittsburgh, I'd love to see one aimed at people looking to move there, or to get people to consider moving there. The city remains off the radar of most people I know but I think it could really benefit from young people who are tired of high cost, big city living but still want something that feels urban and connected. You're a rad dude. Keep up the good work.
Wilkinsburg penn ave is not a good place for a storefront. Most all the shoppes there are dying small businesses for the simple fact that the people that live there don’t have money to spend.
@DeuceCannon, Boston area resident here (Nashua, NH) who's spent a lot of time in and around PGH in the past few years. Hoping to relocate to PGH within the next few, but in the info gathering phase now. Nice to hear that somebody else misses the old Boston -- I know I do! But like you, I see most of the positive things now missing from Boston when I go to Pittsburgh.
It's very affordable here, the cost of living is very low, and the people are top notch! You should check out Homestead Pa. an up and coming area with a rich steel making history. Plenty of older buildings just right for restoration. Unlike Ca. most of these communities are very business friendly.
I love to see 15221 getting a good look visually...Wilkinsburg raised....so I've seen the good ,bad,and ugly I'm just glad it's getting a positive look💯
I was born in Wilkinsburg at Columbia hospital in 1964. My uncle worked at Jerry Nuzum Chevrolet for years and my dad and I visited him at lunch break often. My dad was a plumbing contractor, self employed. I moved to Houston in 1998 because Pgh doesn't need too many chemical engineers nowadays and I still miss her. I really appreciate your video and echo the sentiments about being positive. There was a time when I wouldn't even go there. I hope it turns itself around and reinvents itself just like it's big sister Pittsburgh has done. Thanks much.
While in high school in a neighboring district, I worked out of a business on Penn Ave in Wilkinsburg. In exchange for also taking care of the showroom and offices, the owner let me have a small apartment on the 3rd floor. This was from 1969 to 1971, and Wilkinsburg was a really great place to work and play. I recently moved back to the Greater Pittsburgh Area and sometimes visit the Strip District via Penn Ave when the Parkway is jammed. I can't even recognize which building it was because Penn Ave is so dilapidated. Everyone I knew is long gone. Hate to say it, but Wilkinsburg is probably now prime real estate for gentrification, and that would displace a lot of people.
Dean, I thank you for these videos. Sincerely. From the bottom of my heart. I live in a town about 30 minutes from Pittsburgh and I’ve always been blinded by the stereotypes and “bad” things said about these places that I doubt I would’ve ever seen past them. These videos shine the light in the dark and where and what needs to be exposed. You’re cinematography and camera angles are truly spectacular and I love your personality. Again, thank you for these videos. You’re doing a phenomenal thing here.
These videos are INSANE. I didn't grow up in Pittsburgh, but I grew up in Altoona and to see PA getting represented in such a beautiful way is amazing. I wish I had a series like this on every city, but i'm glad I at least have this for Pittsburgh :) thank you so much for doing these
Sir. I'm at 11:56. I've followed your series for a while now, damn near watched every video on your channel that I can see. As a former amatuer youtuber, and responsible for all my own editing and production. Knowing how much effort you put into the trash pick up scene, with the flying drone...I'm beyond impressed. You truly care about your work, and the city of Pittsburgh. I respect just how much effort you put into this series, and when I have the money I will support you on Patreon. Please, keep up the good work. Your love of this city, which I lived in for a decade, is beyond impressive and admirable.
It would be great to see Wilkinsburg thriving. It's a great little area. I grew up out in Westmoreland County (live in Pgh now), and we would come in to visit family in the South Hills often. We would always go through Wilkinsburg to stop at Salvatore's Pizza, and sometimes stop at the animal shelter in Homewood to volunteer walking dogs. It's been a couple years since I've been to Salvatore's but it's still doing great and stands as one of my favorite places to eat in the entire area. Wilkinsburg has so much potential to be what it used to be - we just need more people to take time and effort to make it that.
Hey man, just wanted to thank you for your videos. I moved to Toledo 4 years ago and while I cannot imagine my life being any different, I miss my home. Pittsburgh is such a special place and capture that so beautifully in your videos. I was pretty down yesterday and I am randomly found your channel. I ended up watching all the neighborhood videos (minus this one of course). It just made my day and filled me with such joy. Thank you for that. On another note, your film editing is fantastic. You have a real talent and thank you for sharing that with me and the world.
I moved here in 2012 after High School and really never explored much....your videos really help me find cool places to visit and appreciate the city more. Job well done !
This series seriously rocks so much. I'm sitting around on Christmas Eve from my kitchen table in Kilauea, Hawaii, missing my hometown so much. Regent Square, Pittsburgh. Pizzelle cravings and all. Thank you for this work!
This series doesnt get enough love. I love seeing the growth of the city I grew up in while still maintaining those core values. Dean you are the best.
Hey there. I just watched your video. I grew up in wilkinsburg all my life. And you did do a great job shining light on wilkinsburg. But keep in mind most of the natives from this area are black people. There are way more black businesses in wilkinsburg. For instance, 9cafe just opened about less than a year ago. Tierra the owner is a wonderful black lady she would have been great in the video. Also, most of the barber shops in wilkinsburg are black owned and have been there for years. They would have Made a great contribution to this movie too. Thank you for your work and I’m praying that wilkinsburg doesn’t become a product of gentrification like East Lib!
Joy Silas- I’m also from Wilkinsburg (a Gen X’r in my mid 40’s now) and I concur!!! My parents bought their home in the mid 70’s & was the 1st AA Family on our street. It was a nice documentary but doesn’t quite capture the full “true” picture of Wilkinsburg.
My grandparents parents and myself and my sisters were raised in Wilkinsburg. My granddad Power owned a neat market on the corner of Wood and South...Power’s Meats. My other grandfather was a Wilkinsburg Police officer. Our beautiful old home on South Ave near the hospital is 3 apartments now.
Nice documentary. I was born & raised in Wilkinsburg. Our family was one of the first AA families on our street back in the 70’s. I’m in my mid 40’s now & moved out of Wilkinsburg in the late 90’s when I went to college but it will always be home to me!
Hi Dean (Aka young Rick Seback) it's nearly midnight and I've been binge watching the neighborhood episodes. No shame, these are AMAZING. I was born and raised in Clairton, transplanted in Canonsburg. Please please keep this up. Huge fan!!
You are bringing back memories. We moved out in 1978, when I was 11. At the 4:35 mark, you stood across the street from my grandparents home at 609 Peebles St. I rode my bike all over those streets, alleys and Frick. Fairly flat streets around that area, for Pitt. Dad's parents in Verona, different story. Grandma Louise always told us, Peebles Street and the sidewalk in front of their house @ 609 was the city of Pittsburgh. Their house was in Wilkinsburg.
Brian Emery as if Wilkinsburgh is any better? absolutely not. Carrick has history too, and your negative attitude is another reason why a Carrick video should be made, to wipe out some stigma.
Dean, I love old buildings, too. But it’s a given among the staunchest preservationists: it’s always much cheaper to tear down & rebuild than to renovate.
These get better and better every time! Makes me proud to be from Pittsburgh! I always say I want to get out of this place but these videos make me realize the small beauty in where I’m at. I would love if you could do a video on Troy Hill, that’s where my grandparents grew up and I know they would love these videos and especially if you did one on their hometown! Thanks for your great work! I hope you stay warm out in the Pittsburgh cold!
just wanted to update: I did show my grandparents this series and they couldn’t get enough! They watched almost every video in one sitting before dinner haha
Thanks for the great videos! I work insane hours during my week and love spending time with my family on off days exploring The Great City of Pittsburgh. You're videos are becoming relaxing and informative to my kids who are 9 and 6. It's like you're quickly becoming my 9 year old son's Rick Sebeck. Keep up the great filming.
I just discovered your content and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate it. I love the aesthetic and the authenticity these neighborhood videos have. It’s so cool how you show the good side of every community. I wish every Pittsburgher could see these. Your videos are so well produced and too good for RU-vid! I hope your platform expands some day because you have too much talent, well done.
I just watched all of these back to back. I can't believe how accurately you've shown the unique neighborhoods and sense of community, and in such a heart-felt way. As someone who just moved away from the burgh, it makes me terribly homesick in the best way. I'm a little emotional being reminded just how much pittsburghers love their city. Thank you.
I absolutely love the positivity these videos are giving to PGH neighborhoods. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this series! I travel to many of these neighborhoods for work as a social worker and it’s so refreshing to learn some history behind each community!
I found this series this afternoon and just haven't been able to stop watching. I know a lot of these neighborhoods personally and as much as I love Pgh I don't think of them as 'beautiful'. I don't know anything about film making, so I don't understand how you're doing it, but you do make them all look beautiful. You have a serious talent and I'm so glad that you're putting it toward our neighborhoods. ...also...I appreciate your love of cats : )
I have watched all your neighborhood episodes and have enjoyed them all, but I think this is the best one yet; very informative and eye-opening. Perhaps more than any of your episodes so far, the theme of this one is very focused, clearly and persuasively presented, both visually and through your interviews. To me, the theme here is that positive and exciting things are happening in Wilkinsburg because the people in the community care and are working hard to revive this once thriving community. Congratulations on constructing such a moving and entertaining video.
Went to St. James, then WHS. Worked at George Aikens and Isaly's. Hung out at Ward's Texaco. Hooped st Greenstreet, played football at Frick Park hollow. Went to the Boys Club. I had friends from one and to the other. Shout out to Maplewood Avenue, Clover Farms, Woodlawn Cemetery, Channel 4, Whitney Field, Sol's Sporting Goods, Open Pantry, Smith's Bakery, Zern's News Stand, The Dolphin Bar and Grille, Dandy Dollar, Hardee's, Columbia Hospital, Scotty's Diner, Colonial Pharmacy, Little General. Great town that will never be forgotten.
Love this series, I'm not originally from the area but I moved here in the spring. I've been waiting for this video, I live right behind the house which you mentioned with the chickens! Keep it up these are a great way for someone not from the area to learn that ALL of Pittsburghs communities are great in their own way.
I’m from Bloomfield and now live on the west coast, these are fun to see how things have changed, would love to see carrick in there if time allows it for you.
So cool to see this!! I've lived in Wilkinsburg for about a year and a half now and it's definitely been my favorite place I've lived over the 7 years I've been here. Also seeing all the streets and places I walk past almost every day is cool. Love the way you're bringing light to all of these places.
The people, the energy, the architecture, the murals ... the positivity. I've loved my visits to W'burg. BeechviewBeechviewBeechview ... thank you, DB!
This series is wonderful! I dont know how long this will go on/if it gains the popularity needed to continue, but one day I hope to see millvale on the thumbnail! I doubt it's close enough to pittsburgh to make it, but one can only hope! Keep up the wonderful work, beautiful cinematography, and everything else that goes into these! I'll keep sharing these around till everyone in pittsburgh has seen their hometown reviewed!
I'm not going to lie, I always felt Wilkinsburg was pretty much off limits as far as keeping it safe. After this, I may even venture over to Madeline's. These vlogs really give you a different perspective of the City. I"m guessing most of us keep ourselves in our own little bubbles, because it's comfortable and feels safe. I'm not seeing that I'm missing out on a lot of things that other people are offering. Thanks for keeping it going. 😀👍
Happy holidays to you Dean. Thanks for bringing all of your energy to the culture and diverse neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Find the gems! Sushi, bagels, coffee, dog parks, and Dean’s blog always make for a great weekend. Peduto should thank you for your free PR campaign on the Burgh. Keep up the good work!
I seriously love this series so much, I know I say this in every video but my God it's fantastic. I have lived in Pittsburgh area almost all of my life except for the two years I was away for College. Anyway I have learned so much about the city that I didn't know about. Also as a person that enjoys photographer as a hobby your video quality always just blows me away. The editing and shots are on par with major studios. I hope one day that this series continues to expand into further suburbs, Robinson I think would be a cool place to talk about because of the mall and all the business and if it gets further outside the city places like Beaver County would be cool since there is lots of history there. Anyway thank you again for your work and putting the city on the map. This channel is going to explode I can just feel it.
Hey Dean, I'm a Pitt student and I really appreciate your videos, you make me realize how many more cool places there are to explore here- great series, carry on
I'm from Pittsburgh PA you gave me a whole new look on wilkinsburg I new it when it had a bad rap in 1987 keep up the good work the world needs more people like you!!!!!🖐️ And RU-vid also new subscriber from Verona Pennsylvania come to my neck of the woods
I moved to wilkinsburg about 6 months ago and I love it. The only reason I likely won't stay here permanently is that I have 3 kids and the schools are just... Bad. I've been working with grounded as a steward in their community cares program - I pick up garbage and help to maintain vacant lots. Just wanted to give it a shout out. It's a new program and we need more stewards. If you live in Wilkinsburg, think about joining us! The garbage in this community is just overwhelming. We can really change the example we are setting to our children and the world by handling it.
west homestead over here has a ton of history! i know it's not within the city limits, but it's close enough, damn it! on a serious note, beautiful shots, beautiful interviews. thank you for showing the lovely side of the city that is so overlooked.
Been watching ur mini series and love it so far..and love the Librarians point of view in this one about her neighborhood and also the baker mentioning how her Bakery has been numerous things
just binged this series...love the wes anderson feel to the shots/narrative, and of course the interviews. keep up the good work. and for all of us enjoying his content, maybe toss him a buck or two on patreon, seems to deserve it.
Thanks again for your video. Amazing. My wife and I are always exploring the city and we’ve used your movies for ideas. Amazing. I will try and hit you up on Patreon.
I'm not from pa., but I'm proud of the young people and how they love their neighbors and their community. Reminds me of when I was a kid. Keep up the good work
The highest point in Allegheny county is in Wilkinsburg. The last time I drove thru was 7 years ago all I saw was liquor stores and check cashing stores.
I used to live near Fairywood. That area would be interesting. It's most interesting because the "bad" housing complex there was torn down some years ago and replaced with "Emerald Gardens", a new housing complex that is a mostly-gated community ( I used to live there some time ago ). I think you should probably cover Crafton/Ingram too. That area has a pretty strong type of vibe and is split into two types of housing/areas. I just moved to Lawrenceville from a large house in that area; so I'm excited to see what you have to say about this area---Particularly considering the massive changes it's had over the last 10 years. Either way, great work man. Love seeing these!
I always loved wilkinsburg and find it beautiful even when just riding through and i felt bad that news just covers the bad and never the good. You rock!
You should do Wilmerding! It's a small town, not many people.know it exists, it's near Turtle Creek. There's a lot to cover over there, it doesn't look like much at face value, but there's definitely history there
I love love love love love Wilkinsburg. “The City of Churches!” It is truly one of the most beautiful cities around. Grand! Like truly GRAND! And in 2023 Wilkinsburg was NOT annexed by Pgh and they are growing and growing downstreet! Amazing place, amazing people. Just simply one of the best. I’m hoping and praying they don’t fix their “annexation” problems with gentrification. Let that stay in E. Liberty, respectfully. But all the best to the people of WilkinsBURG. May yinz continue to flourish
Thank you so much for blogging these neighborhoods!!! (I remember frequenting that library....lol) For someone who was born and raised in Pittsburgh, it's refreshing to see the old neighborhoods that you display but It is so sad and unfortunate to see the decline of Wilkinsburg. When I moved there 28 years ago, it was such a great city to live in at the time, then It seemed to start declining 5 years after I moved there...That's when I had to move. I now live in Maryland now but looking at it now just breaks my heart.So now it's known as "Will Kill Yunz Burgh"?? Wow!! Really?? Such a shame..
