Pittsburgh is a bohemian haven for people wanting to escape the "rat race" of larger, coastal metropolitan areas, according to a new book by Forbes magazine publisher Rich Karlgaard.

His book, "Life 2.0," is based on the premise that location is a prime factor in determining people's success, happiness and fulfillment.

"After traveling the U.S. by small airplane during the summers of 2002 and 2003 to gather material and stories for this book, I am convinced that the 'where' of finding your happiness might be as important as the 'how,' " Mr. Karlgaard said.

While he did not visit each of the 150 cities listed in the book, Mr. Karlgaard did research on those he did not see in person, said Ken Howell, a spokesman for the book, which is published by Three Rivers Press, a division of Random House.

Mr. Karlgaard divided the 150 cities into six categories, but did not rank cities within categories. Pittsburgh was in the Bohemian Bargains category. These are cities with a lively downtown, reasonable cost of living and unusual neighborhoods. St. Louis, Cincinnati and Milwaukee also are in the category.

Other categories are Happy Hootervilles, the best small towns; IQ Campuses, university towns with strong economies and cutting edge technology industries; Porch Swing Communities, family oriented cities that have good schools, parades, country fairs and "homey" activities; Steroid Cities, fast growth metropolitan areas that are still decent places to live; and Telecommuting Heavens, cities with good weather, hiking trails, a small airport, decent restaurants and other amenities.

In his description of Pittsburgh, Mr. Karlgaard pays homage to the city's transformation under its two "renaissances," its hilly landscape, rivers, friendliness, educational institutions and culture. He notes the city's downsides are crime and difficult race relations.

In his book, Mr. Karlgaard writes that the cost-of-living gap between urban coastal cities and the heartland of the country is now the widest it has been since the Great Depression.

"A 2,500-square-foot house in coastal California or suburban New York; Boston; and Washington, D.C., now costs six to eight times more than the national average of $260,000," Mr. Karlgaard notes.

He also suggests that the "sophistication gap" between the regions is shrinking steadily, with computers, fax machines, cell phones, cable television and broadband Internet access making business, news and culture accessible regardless of location.