Any Pittsburghers here?

[HayGan]

You have gotten alot of good advice here from so many other 'Burghers! I prefer the South Hills but then again I have always lived on this side of the Golden Triangle so I am partial.

Beechview, Dormont and Mt. Lebanon are all great neighborhoods for good T access. Other areas of the region also have good bus service so don't let the fact that there is no T in those areas turn you off of them. Dormont and Mt. Lebanon fall outside of the city so you will hve lower income tax in those areas. You can also get to the T from cerain parts of Bethel Park and South Park (Library). We live in South Park and really like it. It is a smaller community within driving distance of alot of things and it is so close to (you guessed it) South Park.

Housing is fairly reasonable throughout the area. You will find that many neighborhoods in the city (with the exception of a few) offer nice but fairly inexpensive housing options. Just as in any city there are neighborhodds to stay away from but the ones mentioned here are all clean and safe neighborhoods.

My DH is actually a realtor in the area (primarily South Hills but works anywhere in the region.) He would be more than happy to help you out if you are still looking. Just send me a PM and I can get you in contact with him if you are interested.

Welcome to the 'Burgh! (PS - if you really want to fit in, wear some black & gold )

 

[poohandwendy]

We live in South Park and really like it. It is a smaller community within driving distance of alot of things and it is so close to (you guessed it) South Park.

OMG, I knew you were from the area, but I didn't know we lived in the same flippin twp!!! woohoo, that has to be a record of some sort, because SP is not very large, by any means. (roliepolieoliefan used to live here too, she is how I found the DIS)

 

[sjh801]

Dh is originally from Pittsburgh. Neville Island, to be exact. Is anybody familiar with the Island?

Familiar??? I lived there as a child! Of course, that was afew years ago! Ha ha! I actually am just a few miles away. When we were little, we lived there, my cousins and my grandparents did too. Did your husband graduate from Neville or Cornell? My mom was even born on Neville Island. When she died this past year we had to put originally from Neville Island in her obituary even though she had moved long ago. She was Neville Island to the core! She never lost that connection.

Wait unitl I tell my sister that someone mentioned Neville Island on the DIS Boards!!!

 

[HayGan]

Here are a few links that you might find helpful for the South Hills

Allegheny County Parks

South Park Township

Bethel Park

Mt. Lebanon

Dormont

City of Pittsburgh

Carnegie Library

Carnegie Museums

Kennywood Amusement park

 

[HayGan]

OMG, I knew you were from the area, but I didn't know we lived in the same flippin twp!!! woohoo, that has to be a record of some sort, because SP is not very large, by any means. (roliepolieoliefan used to live here too, she is how I found the DIS)

Yep! I can just about throw a rock and hit the elementary and high schools DH was a big star of the high school back in the day (actually still holds a record for most tackles in a game.) I have to hear that little tidbit about a thousand times every football season

 

[poohandwendy]

Yep! I can just about throw a rock and hit the elementary and high schools DH was a big star of the high school back in the day (actually still holds a record for most sacks in a game.) I have to hear that little tidbit about a thousand times every football season

LOL, and I bet you heard ALOT of that this past football season...Go Eagles! (state champs, football and varsity soccer)

 

[amy4bruce]

Hey, thanks a lot guys! One more question (just want to make sure): the weekly pass is good for 7 days from day first used, or day bought, or is it a calendar week (Sunday-Saturday)?

It's a calendar week. If you're coming in the middle of the week, you may want to buy the tickets. The problem is that they aren't unlimited - one ride per ticket. A transfer, though, for the second ride, is only $.50, and is good for about three hours.

 

[buckylarue]

Darn, that's what I was afraid of. I arrive on a Thursday and leave the following Tuesday. I am on Social Security disability, so my Medicare card entitles me to half-price rides except rush hour, correct? If so, I'll probably buy a pack or 2 of half-fare 2-zone tickets from the PAT website. Unused tickets do not expire, do they?

 

[amy4bruce]

Darn, that's what I was afraid of. I arrive on a Thursday and leave the following Tuesday. I am on Social Security disability, so my Medicare card entitles me to half-price rides except rush hour, correct? If so, I'll probably buy a pack or 2 of half-fare 2-zone tickets from the PAT website. Unused tickets do not expire, do they?

No, the tickets never expire. They're even good after a fare hike, although you do have to add the extra few cents. (No fare hike planned in the immediate future, fortunately.)

 

[buckylarue]

Great; thanks again for all the info!! I'll get my ticket order in ASAP!

 

[Magalex]

We might just have to plan a DIS Meet someday. We (myself, DH and DS 6) spend alot of time at South Park on Sundays.

 

[HayGan]

We might just have to plan a DIS Meet someday. We (myself, DH and DS 6) spend alot of time at South Park on Sundays.

Sounds great I have 2 boys (6 & 4)

There are so many DISers from the area - we really should have a DIS meet!

 

[HayGan]

Bucky, the bus and T system is really easy to use around here.

I'm sure you will love Pittsburgh. It really is a great city

 

[amy4bruce]

There are so many DISers from the area - we really should have a DIS meet!

Count DW, DD6 and I in.

 

[JoBird]

HI-

Would any of you mind too much if I come in and join the talk? I have been following this thread since the first post but haven't said anything yet.

BuckyLarue, I am going to ride your coat tails, if you don't mind. You see, I have been researching Pittsburgh for a month now. My DH leaves today for an interview there with the company he is with. I have been very anxious about having to move, but this thread has made me feel so much better!
Of course, it might not work out, but if it does, we might be looking for a house around the same time as you! The even funnier thing is the houses that we have been looking at on-line have mostly been in the Mt. Lebanon area. I have three children that would be going to school, and it seems they have pretty good schools there in that area.

Anyway, long post, I know, but I wanted to introduce myself in case I pop in with a question or two, and you not think it funny of me.
Thanks!
Jodi

 

[Magalex]

HI-

Would any of you mind too much if I come in and join the talk? I have been following this thread since the first post but haven't said anything yet.

BuckyLarue, I am going to ride your coat tails, if you don't mind. You see, I have been researching Pittsburgh for a month now. My DH leaves today for an interview there with the company he is with. I have been very anxious about having to move, but this thread has made me feel so much better!
Of course, it might not work out, but if it does, we might be looking for a house around the same time as you! The even funnier thing is the houses that we have been looking at on-line have mostly been in the Mt. Lebanon area. I have three children that would be going to school, and it seems they have pretty good schools there in that area.

Anyway, long post, I know, but I wanted to introduce myself in case I pop in with a question or two, and you not think it funny of me.
Thanks!
Jodi

Great choice you have made by looking into the Mt. Lebanon area. Yes it is true the school system is known for its excellence. Also convenient for any extra activities(sports, dance, family oriented). Very safe area to grow up in.

 

[JoBird]

Here's a question for you:

Are there any newer neighborhoods in this area, or are they mostly older homes? This will be our fourth house in 8 years; we travel with my DH's company. We have always had brand new homes, but this time I'm interested in looking at both types. I'm kind of tired of the "new" neighborhood look, but I don't want to buy an older house in need of restoration, either. Are there any gated communities around?

My children will be in grades 6th, 2nd and preschool (4 year). Mainly, we are interested in the best school system possible.

Thanks... and buckylarue, I hope I'm not stealing your thread! Forgive me if I am.

 

[amy4bruce]

Here's a question for you:

Are there any newer neighborhoods in this area, or are they mostly older homes?

Pittsburgh is a little strange this way. I know people who live in the house they grew up in. Some of them just keep it, and some of them go out and buy it later on.

Believe me, there's new construction, but there are a lot of well kept older houses as well.

Mt Lebanon has some incredibly beautiful neighborhoods. It also has very high property taxes, as opposed to the city itself. Of course, the city makes up for it in other way.

 

[amy4bruce]

Mainly, we are interested in the best school system possible.

Well, Mt Lebanon has an excellent school system. I have many friends who send their children there. You should be aware, though, that there is no school bus system. You'll have to make arrangements to get your kids to school.

The city schools, like all city schools, are hit and miss. My daughter, entering first grade, is lucky enough to go to a Science and Technology Magnet School less than half a mile away. In a few years, though, I'll be concerned about what high school she'll be going to.

 

[poohandwendy]

Mt Lebo is an excellent school district (although it was my schools rival, LOL) and the neighborhoods are awesome. The houses are unique and well built and maintained (for the most part). We love driving through and checking out some of the older ones, beautiful area, IMO. Only a wee bit more urban than what I was looking for.