Need neighborhood advice (Washington, Crafton, Green Tree: mortgage, work, houses)

[tonycpsu]

I'm looking to move in the near future, and need some advice on areas to look closer at. Here are the factors in my decision:

* I work in Oakland, and my girlfriend lives in Robison Twp, so easy access to those two areas is essential.
* I'd like to keep my morning/evening commutes under 30 minutes.
* I haven't decided if I'll buy or rent, but I want a 2BR, about 1,000-1,200 sq. ft. an attached garage, and at least a bit of yard. My upper limit for mortgage/rent payment is around $1,000.
* Low crime, clean streets, and a reasonably quiet neighborhood are important.
* I'd like a nearby grocery store, but don't want to live in a strip mall paradise like Robinson.

Areas I've been considering and looking into more closely are the South Side, Mt. Washington, Green Tree, Scott Twp, and some areas to the North like Spring Hill and Ross Twp. I live to the East now so I don't know those areas well, so if anyone's got any ideas, I'd appreciate some help.

Thanks.
-Tony

[Hopes]

Stay away from Spring Hill. Green Tree and Crafton would be the fairest commute for both of you.

[Gerbil]

Another place to consider would be Greenfield. It's convenient to Oakland and also to the parkway (which would get you to Robinson pretty quick). There is a grocery store there, and I am pretty sure you could get the sort of home you are looking for within your price range.

If you dislike the grocery store in Greenfield you could take a short drive to one in Squirrel Hill or Homestead too.

[TrayyBall]

the area of greenfield that border hazelwood could be sketchy, other than those areas, greenfield is a nice place to live, i would consider looking into squrrel hill.

[NewBurg]

I agree.... Greenfield is a nice neighborhood to consider. You can find a very nice house for a fraction of what you'd pay in Squirrel Hill. I don't end up in Greenfield often, but I kind of remember the areas closer to the business district being much nicer. There's was also an article in the Post Gazette a while back about how houses have appreciated greatly there in the last 3 years.