Doesn't anyone have info. on New Castle?? (Pittsburgh, Erie: relocating, travel)

[S.Joel]

I posted some questions yesterday about New Castle, Erie...So far no responses. So now I am focusing on New Castle. What does the area have in the way of shopping, martial arts instruction, cub scouts. And are there any red flags regarding race(my family is inter-racial). I have two young children. Is the area nice? I love the houses and prices I have seen on Realtor.com. I am so hoping for feedback, please. Thanks Sabrina.

[Katiana]

Try doing a search. I've seen a lot about New Castle in previous threads. Also try looking on the Pittsburgh forum.

[gswpa]

My family is also interested in Lawrence county. We now live north of Pittsburgh. I am originally from the Erie area. One warning about Erie - if you like your spring and summer to last from June to August, then that is the place for you.

[springpure]

New Castle has had a more stellar past, but is just beginning to go through a small-town renaissance. Brand new state-of-the-art high school, new parks, classic street lights with huge hanging planters everywhere. The factories, for the most part, have gone years ago. But there are now smaller companies sprouting up. And a new industrial park or two. And some new shopping centers. Because New Castle is only 40 miles by divided highway from the world-class Pittsburgh airport, folks who do a lot of flying for business are buying here. Pittsburghers are discovering the area, and deciding that the prices, quality of life, and low crime rate, justify the commute.

Through its ups and downs, New Castle has maintained with pride, a lot of quality housing. And some not so quality housing. We bought somewhere in the middle. And we paid $49,500 in 2004. Believe it. Craftsman style, on the inside and out, between 1500 and 1600 sq ft. Taxes:$1300 (Before homestead exemption and Senior state tax reduction. After reductions--$about $780) 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, 27 x 13 living room, 13 x 14 dining room, 12 x 12 den or breakfast room. modern kitchen, floored attic, full basement, 27 x 12 front porch, single garage, 40 x 180 lot.

We are just blocks to our hospital, a huge deli-type Giant Eagle grocery store, Sears, Super Wal-Mart, Staples, Lowes, Kmart and more. 20 minutes to an enclosed mall, and 30 minutes to one of the largest outlet centers in the country. We have nearby access to one of the best hospital systems in the world, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. We are 6 and 20 miles from two of the highest ranked small colleges in America. (Westminster and Grove City) Sporting and cultural events are available to the public at both schools. Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony perform in New Castle. There is a professional quality playhouse. The homes in our area are generally well-maintained, as well as the lawns. The people are welcoming and super friendly. The climate is spectacular in the summer-spring-autumn, and becoming more temperate in the winter. If it snows, the roads are quickly cleared. There is easy access to other areas on interstates 79 and 80, each just a few minutes away, and State Route 60 which is about to become an interstate. It is 5 minutes away. The crime rate is very low in the whole county (Lawrence). New Castle is surrounded by idyllic rolling farmland, largely occupied by the Amish. We employ Amish to work at our home on occasion, at a great price for quality hard work. Perhaps best of all, we have a mayor who reads your email, and actually calls you to see what he can do to help you. Seniors ride most routes on our bus system free, non rush hour. Round-trip bus fares to Pittsburgh are only $6--for everyone, from a brand new (May 2007) $2.5 million park-and-ride lot in downtown New Castle.

On September 5, 2007 Pennsylvania approved a $430 million project to be built just outside the city limits of New Castle. Valley View Downs will include a harness racetrack and casino. Taking into consideration the surrounding development that is planned, the project is expected to generate up to 4,000-5,000 new jobs in our immediate area. It is hard to overestimate the economic impact this will have on our town, as well as Lawrence County. This is the largest dollar project ever to be built in our county. We wonder how long our discount housing prices can last.

I have lived in New Castle for 3 years. It is a great little town that is just about to find itself again, and more. I have a lot more information, and oictures, if you like. springpure@aol.com

[MurphyPride]

Spring Pure-
we are relocating to New Castle from Texas and I could certainly use some advice on neighborhoods- are you familiar with winter avenue? is it a decent area ? we have 5 children and my main concern is their safety and comfort - thank you and May God Lovingly Bless!

[lclisamarie]

Originally Posted by MurphyPride

Spring Pure-
we are relocating to New Castle from Texas and I could certainly use some advice on neighborhoods- are you familiar with winter avenue? is it a decent area ? we have 5 children and my main concern is their safety and comfort - thank you and May God Lovingly Bless!

I am living in Florida now, but my family still lives in New Castle or the surrounding areas. I would suggests a township like Neshanock or Shenango, they have good schools and are really quiet and peaceful. Mohawk is a good area with good schools too. As far as New Castle itself, I would stay away from the lower East Side, or the lower West Side. Upper North Hill is still a good bet. My one brother lives in a little town called Wampum. He has 2 children and the oldest one goes to Mowhawk schools which is very good. It is a quiet little town and is only about 20 min. from the aiport, minutes from 60.
Please remeber though, right now the majority of p[eople that live and "work" in New Castle have to travel to either Ohio, Cranberry Township or Pitt. because the new jobs are not in New Castle yet. Whatever you decide to do, good luck.

[Shenandoah]

Like the other poster, I'd recommend staying in the areas covered by the good school's like Neshannock or Shenango, Mohawk. Wampum is a nice small town, as is Hermitage or Sharon, but if you are looking for a nice small town atmosphere, with low taxes, cheap but nice housing, look in Ellwood City in Lawrence County. It's just south of New Castle, but within a 45 minute drive of either Pittsburgh or Boardman Ohio. Check out on Realtor.com for the zipcode: 16117 Ellwood City PA.

blessings, Shen

[ohyeahh]

ummm i lived in nc alllll my life n im tellin youu to stay away from herre. like seriouslyyy.. if you come herre youll b stuck. its horrable tha only good part is tha upper north hill i mean jus yesterdayy me n 3 ppl was sitting around n saw a guy get arested in tha back yard we werre in!! it was acuallyyy really funnyy. but he tryed to jump a fence n fell n a undercover cop put a gun to his head n they arested him right therre.