Relocating To Canonsburg From Sf Bay Area (Pittsburgh, Bethel Park: estate, apartment complex)

[pittsmove]

Hi Everybody,

I am new to this forum, joined a couple of weeks ago. This is my first posting, but I have been following the threads for quite some time. I have seen many postings about finding a good place to live in Ptssburgh suburbs, but I have some specific questions. Please help:

1. My husband got good offer in an IT co. in Canonsburg. We would like to live between Pittsburgh and Canonsburg, but not in Washington County, so more towards Pittsbugh. Please suggest some good neighborhoods in this area.

2. We have a 3 years old who goes to pre-school. We would like to continue with that. So, we need to be living near some good montessori/preschools

3. Since my husband will have to travel quite often, I would prefer an area which is in close proximity to shopping, doctor etc.

So is there a good place in the 18 miles stretch between Pittsburgh and Canonsburg. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Geeo]

There is a lot of development between Pittsburgh and Canonsburg along the I-79 corridor, which has become the "Main Street" out that way. Lots of new housing plans and shopping centers. The catalyst was Southpointe, a massive office/shopping/housing complex that has been building for about 15 years along 79. I-79 will also offer you easy access to the airport. Canonsburg's claim to fame is that it is the birthplace of singer Perry Como and Bobby Vinton (I think). It's an older town with a lot of suburban development from Pittsburgh encircling it now. From what I can see driving from the highway, the area is green with rolling hills and very pleasant. I'm not familiar with the schools, though.

[5stones]

Why NOT live in WASHINGTON county?
Peter's Township just north of Cannonsburg has one of the best school districts in the state. Washington county realestate taxes are lower than Allegheny county. Plenty of families have moved from Mt lebo into Peter's for the tax reasons and the larger lots.

as for other areas in Allegheny county. look at Mt lebo or Upper st clair.

those are top 3 areas to live in the south hills.

[pittsmove]

Thanks very much for the insight. Being in the bay area for last 7 yrs, I am a bit apprehensive of relocating to a quiet small town. Also, about the winter... Well what can you do... we have no option. My thoughts of living near Pittsburgh is driven by the perception that all the big city hustle and bustle will be in Pitts, we don't want to miss that. And as my husband will be driving against the traffic, he shouldn't have problems in commuting to Canons. We are looking for renting a decent place initially for about $1250 a month. So, do you all think that Canons will be better in all respect. All suggestions will be highly appreciated.

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by pittsmove

Thanks very much for the insight. Being in the bay area for last 7 yrs, I am a bit apprehensive of relocating to a quiet small town. Also, about the winter... Well what can you do... we have no option. My thoughts of living near Pittsburgh is driven by the perception that all the big city hustle and bustle will be in Pitts, we don't want to miss that. And as my husband will be driving against the traffic, he shouldn't have problems in commuting to Canons. We are looking for renting a decent place initially for about $1250 a month. So, do you all think that Canons will be better in all respect. All suggestions will be highly appreciated.

I live in Oakland, CA -- so I think I get where you're coming from. Your best bet it to get back there for a week or so and really look around. If you can take it, maybe have the little one stay with Grammy and Grampy? That way you and hubby can run yourself ragged without having to worry about the wee one.

I have to go to Walnut Creek to get my hair cut and those trips are AWFUL... a long 20 miles on three boring freeways (580 to 13 to 24). But Pgh is different. It's not all freeways to get to places like it is out here. So that 18 miles is easier in a way.

And "townships" sound quaint and rural... they aren't really. Maybe someone else can figure out why some places are designated as townships when they are burgeoning small cities like Cranberry Twp. At one point -- they may have been quaint and rural, but that isn't the case now.

Good luck -- and I envy you! I wanna move, too!

[pghlibrarian]

Originally Posted by pittsmove

Thanks very much for the insight. Being in the bay area for last 7 yrs, I am a bit apprehensive of relocating to a quiet small town. Also, about the winter... Well what can you do... we have no option. My thoughts of living near Pittsburgh is driven by the perception that all the big city hustle and bustle will be in Pitts, we don't want to miss that. And as my husband will be driving against the traffic, he shouldn't have problems in commuting to Canons. We are looking for renting a decent place initially for about $1250 a month. So, do you all think that Canons will be better in all respect. All suggestions will be highly appreciated.

pittsmove-

I'd suggest the apartment complex that we're living in - Lincoln Pointe
- it's technically in Bethel Park, but across the street from Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair, and up the road from the South Hills Village, a large shopping center. The commute to Cannonsburg would be about 10-15 mins., the trolley line downtown to Pittsburgh is steps away, and it is anything but a "sleepy town" area. I'd liken it to Walnut Creek or Pleasant Hill in the Bay Area.

The rents are not bad (we pay $950 a month for a 1BD with a garage space and a fireplace), it's a relatively new place, and it's dog friendly.

[pittsmove]

Hi pghlibrarian,

Thanks so much, I took a look already and from the website its quite impressive. Can you suggest any other apt. complexes around this area. Sorry if I am being a bit too pushy ! But we would like to finalize something before we move.

My sincere thanks ...

[5stones]

areas of Dormont and Mt Lebo are nice and have shopping and resturants. They also are close to Downtown and very easy to get to Canonsburg. (20min)
I would not recommend living in Canonsburg... it's ok, a little depressed, but not too bad, older housing etc...(think antioch ca) but compared to san Fran...you'll be going crazy.
Peter's is like Moraga or lafayette
Dormont & mt lebo as the OP said like walnut creek.

snow... they are really good a getting the main roads plowed. neighborhoods take longer, but overall I was really impressed with snow removal and salting etc.. BUT be warned...of hills and some driveways are very narrow and steep!! If you are very unsure buy snow tires.

Usually there is only 2 BAD snowstorms that really mess things up. so wait until 10am and get to work! avg snows of 4"-5" at a time really don't mess thing up for long thye keep on top of the roads.

[pghlibrarian]

Originally Posted by pittsmove

Hi pghlibrarian,

Thanks so much, I took a look already and from the website its quite impressive. Can you suggest any other apt. complexes around this area. Sorry if I am being a bit too pushy ! But we would like to finalize something before we move.

My sincere thanks ...

Sorry, I've been away from the PC all weekend, and didn't have a chance to respond until now. We also looked at the Dorchester Apartments which are also close to South Hills Village. They were a little older, but closer to the "T". The residents seemed a little older as well.

Hope this helps.

[pittsmove]

We bank with Bank of America and Citibank here in Sunnyvale, CA. Any branches of these banks in the neighborhood of Pittsburgh/ Canonsburg?