Any Pittsburgh Disers out there??

[karebear1]

I need some help! There's a possibilty that my DH and I may be moving to the Pittsburgh area in the next 6 months or so. I was wondering if anyone can give me some ideas of good neighborhoods, towns to look into to. Always looking for good school districts (even though we have no children in school anymore- they're all grown and in college), newer or new subdivisions, where the homes have a good size lot. Easy access into the big city- and no more then 45 minutes away from downtown. Any areas to avoid??? Any websites you can refer me to about the city?
Any info you could give me would be appreciated. How are the winters there?? Both DH and I grew up in the midwest- DH in Green Bay and me in Ohio, so we're use to cold winters- so don't be afraid to tell it like it is.
Thanks!

 

[momof2inPA]

My friend just moved back to the area and was looking for the same kind of criteria. For schools she liked the areas of Pine-Richland, Upper St. Clair, and Mt. Lebanon, but Mt. Lebanon has older homes and smaller lots. Fox Chapel has always been a popular area, and Sewickley is nice, especially if you are interested in private schools. I like Moon Township, too. I guess it all depends on what you're willing to pay for a house. If you go out of Allegheny county, the property taxes are a lot lower, but the commute is a lot longer.

My husband works downtown, too. We live probably an hour outside of the city, but it's a short trip to the airport and DH travels, so it works out ok.

There are a lot of Pittsburghers on the boards who will probably give you more advice.

 

[karebear1]

Mom........... I was so excited when I saw that you answered this thread because I recognize your name... must be from the t-shirt thread. We're looking in the $350-$450 range. 3-4 bedrooms at least 2.5 baths. We're willing to make the drive an hour or less to downtown. Are any of the areas you mentioned above newer- like with shopping, community etc.? I don't mind an old house at all- they have soooo much character, so if there was an neighborhood that was older, but full of homes with character that'd be great too!

 

[Marseeya]

Mom........... I was so excited when I saw that you answered this thread because I recognize your name... must be from the t-shirt thread. We're looking in the $350-$450 range. 3-4 bedrooms at least 2.5 baths. We're willing to make the drive an hour or less to downtown. Are any of the areas you mentioned above newer- like with shopping, community etc.? I don't mind an old house at all- they have soooo much character, so if there was an neighborhood that was older, but full of homes with character that'd be great too!

Oh my, at those prices you're going to have a difficult time finding something decent closer to the city (unless you're talking $300,000... are you?). Try Washington, which is about 30 miles away, and you might find something reasonably priced. There's a lot of shopping there, lots of restaurants, and an easy drive to Pittsburgh.

We live 55 miles south of Pittsburgh, but there's not a lot of shopping here. Nice little town, good community, but we have to drive at least 30 miles north, east, or south to shop (other than grocery stores).

 

[firstmickey]

Hi...I live in Cranberry Township which is about 35 minutes north of the city.
It's very suburban...you should be able to find just about any kind of house you want in your price range....even new construction.

We have lots of shops, a great school district and not too much traffic. It's very easy to get into the city from here. (79 to 279) plus we are right where the PA turnpike and 79 meet so it is pretty easy access to everywhere.


I will be happy to PM you some more information if you are interested.

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh so I can help you look somewhere else also.

 

[firstmickey]

Oh my, at those prices you're going to have a difficult time finding something decent closer to the city (unless you're talking $300,000... are you?). ).

I don't agree with this statement at all. (sorry)


Pittsburgh is not a difficult housing market...especially at the $300, 000 price range. You should be able to find a house in whatever town you want to live in near Pittsburgh for that amount.

 

[Pam]

I'm about 40-45 miles north of Pittsburgh. I live in a rural area and hate venturing into Pittsburgh!!

About 15 or so miles north of Pittsburgh is Cranberry Township - a lot of people who work in Pittsburgh live there. (I do venture quite frequently to there! ) I think the school districts are quite good there, there's lot of house building going on, shopping malls, Walmart, Target, Costco, Krispy Kreme.

I, too, am guessing that you are saying $350-$400,000! My daughter goes to Pitt and shares an apartment with 3 other girls - her cost for rent each month, without utilities is $422.50!!

Hope this helps you!

 

[Loubon]

There's a lot of crazy DISers in Pittsburgh....

 

[Pam]

I don't agree with this statement at all. (sorry)


Pittsburgh is not a difficult housing market...especially at the $300, 000 price range. You should be able to find a house in whatever town you want to live in near Pittsburgh for that amount.

I think Marseeya meant the OP would have a hard time finding something to rent for $350.00 to $400.00 a month.

 

[firstmickey]

I think Marseeya meant the OP would have a hard time finding something to rent for $350.00 to $400.00 a month.

Oh...ok....that makes more sense then!

 

[Loubon]

See what I mean? They can't even read right!

 

[firstmickey]

See what I mean? They can't even read right!

Oh...what do you know.....you live in Jersey!

 

[sjh801]

You have lots of possibilities in the Pittsburgh area. Lots of old and new in all areas in Greater Pittsburgh. I'll PM you tonight.

 

[poohandwendy]

There are many good communities surrounding Pgh within the $350-450 range. I agree with Cranberry, Pine-Richland and Upper St Clair (where I grew up, so I am partial, LOL). I love the flavor of Mt Lebanon, but I agree with Momof2 that you will not find a decent sized lot there. Some of the older homes there are awesome though.

There also is Peters Township, which is a nice community outside of the Allegheny County tax area...I like it because it is an established community with good schools, but you have more options for larger lots (as long as you are not building a new home).

I think if I were chosing, I would probably go fro Cranberry or Pine-Richland.

And the winters? Much like Ohio. Not tons of snow (I guess that is dependent on what you are used to), but with the hills...it can be a hassle. Too many months of grey skies...that's the biggest downfall of Pgh for me.

 

[Skatermom23]

Hi...I live in Cranberry Township which is about 35 minutes north of the city.
It's very suburban...you should be able to find just about any kind of house you want in your price range....even new construction.

We have lots of shops, a great school district and not too much traffic. It's very easy to get into the city from here. (79 to 279) plus we are right where the PA turnpike and 79 meet so it is pretty easy access to everywhere.


I will be happy to PM you some more information if you are interested.

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh so I can help you look somewhere else also.

My mom and brother live about five minutes down the road from you! It is really a nice area.

 

[Pam]

See what I mean? They can't even read right!

Well... for years I did think you were a woman......

 

[firstmickey]

Well... for years I did think you were a woman......

Bwaahahahhaaa!






(that made my day, Pam...thanks! )

 

[massielovesdisney]

I live in Center Twp. Beaver County about 35 min. from downtown.
Our school district is great and the crime rate is low in our community. Not too developed like Cranberry and Robinson Twp. But we are in a building boom right now. Houses to buy go from about 75,000. - 400,000. If your talking renting that is about 450.-1500. a month. I hope this helps.

 

[Lars624]

Well... for years I did think you were a woman......

 

[Pam]

Bwaahahahhaaa!






(that made my day, Pam...thanks! )

You guys stop laughing at me!!

I said that I live in a rural area!!

I don't get out much..... I'm sheltered...... naive....... okay, a little dense..........