Relocating to Pittsburgh from San Francisco (Advice Needed) (Lebanon, Fox Chapel: environment, health insurance)

[scottfleisher]

I'm starting to have second thoughts...is the economy as bad as it appears?

[Gerbil]

I think Downtown is making a comeback. Lots of new development there, and I am pretty sure a small grocery store is planned (aside from the specialty store mentioned already). It wouldn't be a full grocery store but would carry staples like milk etc. You would also be near the Strip District where you could do for fresh meat, fruit and veggies, etc.

As far as the economy, it's not really doing well but it's also not bad. "Stagnant" is probably the worst word you could realistically apply to it. So I doubt you will have difficulty finding clients. But you may want to scope out the various neighborhoods and see how many chiropractors are already there.

Good luck in making your choice.


Edit: Here is an interesting piece on the city's economy, which you may find enlightening... Pop City - How Pittsburgh Job Growth Really Rates

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by scottfleisher

I'm starting to have second thoughts...is the economy as bad as it appears?

I would certainly do some market research before giving up a thriving practice.

[TRO Z]

Many, Many of the downtown buildings are being aquired by out of state investors who have big plans for downtown..But they are continuing to use some of the same management companies that have seen the downtown area turn to the suburbs for their business due to high business taxes and unreasonable triple net leases.

Pittsburgh is certainly trying to keep all those people who work downtown to live and spend their cash downtown...Only problem with that, the suburbs of pittsburgh are very affordable and the commute from almost any suburb into the city is only 1 hour give or take..

I personally love going out downtown, Bosa Nova..Olive or Twist, Sevicha, Tonic, etc..But most Pittsburghers will work in Pittsburgh, have lunch or maybe do a happy hour in the city..Then off to the Burbs..

Our belief is that the revitalization of downtown Pittsburgh will require the next generation of youth in Pittsburgh wanting to live and stay in the city.. as well as people like yourself moving from over priced areas of the country..

Unfortunely not many young professionals like you actually want to move to our city..

[claremarie]

You are wise to have second thoughts about the economy in Pittsburgh. There is a reason that you can buy an entire house in Pittsburgh for what you are paying for a small condo in SF. There are plenty of aging folks in the Pittsburgh area, which may bode well for those offering chiropractic services, but Pittsburgh is also very much a small town when it comes to professional services. People tend to stick with the same doctor they've had for decades, switching only when their insurance changes or their doctor retires or dies.

[scottfleisher]

Well, we haven't put the house (or in our case, condo) up for sale yet, so I appreciate all of the advice. We're coming to visit this weekend, so maybe we'll get a feel for things. We're staying downtown (Omni) and will be visiting Shadyside as well. Is Mt. Leb worth the trip?

[TRO Z]

I am from Mt. Lebo, so the obvious answer would be ....YES, it's worth it.....

Judging by your choice of Downtown hotels, you will certainly enjoy the Mt. lebo shopping area..Do yourself a favor and stop by Bistro 19....If you would like any further info about Mt. Lebo, please feel free to send me a PM..

Have a safe trip..

[looking4hm]

Hello - My partner & I relocated to PGH recently and I am from NYC. We decided to live downtown to start. We love it but we miss having our own "green". The only downside is the lack of grocery stores and a yard. In terms of groceries most everyone has to drive to a place regardless of where they live. Downtown is no different and the market is not that far away. If you decide to live downtown the best bet is to find a place in or near the "cultural district". Safer and more lively.

Shadyside is great but so far I have found it to be a bit unwelcoming. Consider Highland Park or Regent Square.

[Drover]

If schools are a concern, I'd limit my Pittsburgh-proper search to ZIP codes 15120, 15217 (with the exception of the 3800 block of Fiber Way) and 15218 because they feed into Taylor Allderdice HS, which is about the only non-magnet city school that does not suck. (Technically Allderdice does have a magnet program in engineering; other than that, it is a zone school.) A good chunk of ZIP code 15207 also feeds into Allderdice as do bits and pieces of other ZIP codes, but the three mentioned above feed entirely into Allderdice, again excepting the 3800 block of Fiber Way in 15217.

Mike Madison, professor of law at Pitt, moved from San Fran to Mt. Lebanon. He blogs about Pittsburgh here, occasionally using San Fran as a basis of comparison. His e-mail address is michael.j.madison at gmail dot com. It wouldn't hurt to ask him if he'd be kind enough to give you a quick impression of Pittsburgh v. San Fran.

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by scottfleisher

Well, we haven't put the house (or in our case, condo) up for sale yet, so I appreciate all of the advice. We're coming to visit this weekend, so maybe we'll get a feel for things. We're staying downtown (Omni) and will be visiting Shadyside as well. Is Mt. Leb worth the trip?

Please keep us posted on the decision -- I'm very interested, as we are thinking of moving back...