Renewal & Reality: Why Not Wilkinsburg? (Full Episode)

With a thriving main street, dozens of churches and a prosperous middle class, Wilkinsburg was once among Pittsburgh's most popular suburbs. But changing times, a failing economy and crime damaged the borough and its citizens. Wilkinsburg is among many local communities fighting to come back - but it faces unique challenges including a troubled school district. The borough’s revival attempts haven’t earned the same media attention as other turnaround neighborhoods like Braddock, East Liberty and Lawrenceville, so they’re fighting to tell their story. Economic development and the spirit of rediscovery are giving many neighborhoods a second chance. So - why not Wilkinsburg?

[@gypsyskyy9451]

I visited my daughter in 2014 and 2015 who lived on Franklin in Wilkinsburg, and although gritty there was plenty of good stuff. i loved it! I fell in love with PGH and hope to move there and yes I would consider moving to Wilkinsburg. Looks like they are working on improving what needs to be improved. The old houses are amazing, the archetecture is beautiful. Loved Nancys Diner and Biddles. Yeah its near Regent Square but so what. Its still Wilkinsburg!

[@akilgay8536]

I grew up, all my life in Wilkinsburg. !!!!! Right up the street from Johnson Elementary School on Franklin Ave, up until I was 15 Years Old, then my Mom and I moved down here to Atlanta, Georgia. And I miss the Burgh very much !!!!! I want to come for a visit !!!!

[@rosaevangelista5060]

Been looking at this same mess for 40 years. Not just wilkensburg though, Homewood is worse

[@peggyokelly2118]

MY MOTHER IRIS BROWN 93 YR OLD GRANDPARENTS AND PARENTS LIVED IN WILKINSBURG. MY MOTHER AND I LIVE IN WILKINSBURG AND MEMBERS OF CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF WILKINSBURG. I WORK AND VOLUNTEER IN WILKINSBURG. I LOVE WILKINSBURG AND I LOVE YOUR PEOPLE...GOD HAS HIS HAND OF PROTECTION OVER YOU WILKINSBURG.

[@Klonkus]

You know there are a lot of dangerous people online who just now could find out where you live down to your home address, some bad, bad people and you just essentially gave them the key to your front door. You are an old fool.

[@GuinsGuy1]

Interesting video but keep in mind that the Biddle Avenue area is a far different place than the majority of the borough. That area borders Regent Square and has been able to maintain a nice quality of life in spite of the problems. None of the rampant crime problems of the areas beyond Pennwood. Very sad.

[@therodgers6417]

i have lived in this town since 9/2016

[@l-dogthegreat4746]

#PrayForWilkinsburg #PrayForWilkinsburg #PrayForWilkinsburg #PrayForWilkinsburg #PrayForWilkinsburg

[@rosaevangelista5060]

Things you cant get in wilkensburg Pa: good coffee, quality groceries (Not the bottom of the chain Savalot) a real hamburger that isn't fast food, a quality sit down family resturaunt ( though one is bout to open) a decent playground, ice cream, bakery goods, drug free trouble free shopping district.