Pittsburgh visit, very disappointed (Bethel Park, Lebanon: apartment complex, renting, condo)

[tallydude02]

There aren't many new apartment complexes in the region because of the low demand.

Unlike the Durham area, Pittsburgh has already experienced its population boom decades ago. This is reflected in the supply of apartments. The population is more stable and many people aren't moving in. Apartment buildings from the 1970's are probably the most current you going to get.

Also the housing is among the most affordable in the country, so many can afford a home. Generally speaking, most of the apartments around here cater to those with bad credit.

I rented a duplex in Canonsburg when I was waiting for my home to be built and I had quite a hard time finding a decent rental. The duplex I rented was barely acceptable, but I was so happy to have my own home. This area is great for homeowners, not so great for renters.

I'm not saying every rental is a dump, but I suggest a realtor's help. I once shared your frustration.

[DaBurgh]

Originally Posted by Aqua Teen Carl

Good point, you can't really have big town living when.... you don't live in a big town.

Also, many people will suggest Mt. Lebanon and other areas towards the city. If traffic is a concern then I would not suggest these. Sewickley is a decent option if you want that "walk around" vibe but housing there might be limited. My suggestion would be to try Waterford Landing in Moon:

Waterford Landing : Home

Sewickley a decent option?

My armpit it is!

[Hopes]

Doesn't sound like the OP saw much of Pittsburgh except for the western suburbs.

[fleetiebelle]

My first stop was Carnegie (pronounced carNEgie, inexplicably)

The pronunciation is pretty explicable. It's how Andrew Carnegie pronounced his name.

[BrianTH]

I once went to Paris, and inexplicably everyone kept calling it Par-EEE.

And don't even get me started on Edinburgh . . . .

[Mugatu]

I live in Oakdale (well the mailing address is anyway), and I'm not quite sure what you are expecting. I too work in Robinson so the location is extremely convenient for me. I like being close to the new, modern, un-armpitty Settlers Ridge shopping complex and a lot of the other conveniences in the area. I use the nearby Montour Trail almost daily for jogging or biking. It's quick drive on the Parkway West into the city (there's ways to avoid the tunnel traffic too). Yeah, once you go west towards Imperial and beyond it gets very rednecky, but that's true of many areas in and around Pittsburgh unfortunately. It's just the way it is, this isn't a very diverse area.

There's not an abundance of apartments in the area but there are more than 3. Have you tried Chestnut Ridge, Settlers Place, the Highlands at Montour Run, Ventana Hills, Thorn Run, etc. There's got to be some vacancies around. And most of these complexes are newish, built after the 70's at least.

But from one transplant to another potential transplant, I'd say that if you're this disappointed before even moving here, you should look elsewhere. You won't magically find a way to like this area if you don't find it appealing from the beginning. The oldness and grittiness of the area obviously isn't your cup of tea, and that's fine. I moved up here from Florida and generally like the area, mainly because it's so different than the miles and miles of antiseptic strip malls I was used to seeing and totally flat surroundings. My biggest issue is with the insular, close-mindedness of the locals, but that's for a different thread.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[onwardandupward]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Doesn't sound like the OP saw much of Pittsburgh except for the western suburbs.

Exactly. Pittsburgh is a very compact city, so judging the city of Pittsburgh, or even the MSA, on what you've seen 15 miles outside the city, is not really fair.

[hempfield mania]

I vote for "stay in Durham." Just sayin'

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by Jrn14

Well older classic cities like Pittsburgh are more likely to have "ancient homes" (from the 50s-70s) and to be a little closer together then cities in the Sunbelt. I still think you could find something to suit your needs just fine... you just need to keep looking and maybe try some different avenues... perhaps as suggested contact a realtor. It seems that you expected there to be a brand new spacious affordable vacant apartment complex across the street from your job that is in walking distance from a grocery store, water park, 5 star hotel, and a bird sanctuary.

Apparently you have little experience with the sunbelt. It's not all like "South Fork" on the old TV show "Dallas". I don't have a lot of experience with Texas, but California has some of the smallest lots I've ever seen, and Colorado is a close second.

My nephew rented in a newer complex in Wexford, though that's not close to the job.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

I once went to Paris, and inexplicably everyone kept calling it Par-EEE.

And don't even get me started on Edinburgh . . . .

I once had a very rude waiter in North VerSales.