Relocating to Pittsburgh from San Francisco (Advice Needed) (Lebanon, Washington: insurance, condo)

[kettlepot]

Originally Posted by Tallysmom

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

I second Tallysmom's request. It would be great for outsiders to have another outsider's perspective on Pittsburgh. So please when you have time, perhaps even while your there if you have internet access, blog us on your impressions of PGH. We'd like to know how things turn out.

[scottfleisher]

Sure, maybe we can start an enclave!

[OutaFL]

Pittsburgh is great. I'm thrilled to be moving there this weekend from South Florida (where I was born) The beautiful Victorian townhouse I bought would probably be 10x in San Fransisco, 4x more in Florida (if there were such historic architecture in Florida). There is MUCH more to do and see, and the people are generally much friendlier, especially on the road. I hope more and more Americans will wake up, and stop moving to the used-up environments like CA, AZ, FL (they're running out of drinking water here) etc., and see what the the great city of Pittsburgh has to offer. I've traveled extensively in North America and Europe, and Pittsburgh favorably compares to the best. I guess that's one of the reasons its been rated (once again) America's most livable city. I know its not perfect and no place is. But for those who would treat me as a polyanna or "cheerleader", why would I choose it if I wasn't into it? There's MY outsiders view of Pittsburgh.

[scottfleisher]

All of this is very encouraging. From what I've learned, I'm going to check out Shadyside, Downtown, and Mt. Lebo to see what each has to offer. I'll try to check in, for those who are interested, and share my thoughts. More to come...

[cariad]

Originally Posted by scottfleisher

Thanks again for all the answers so far!

Shadyside was definitely our first thought (followed by Squirrel Hill). Then, a place downtown caught our eye (the Carlyle?). And finally, I was shocked (happily shocked) to see what you could buy in Mt. Leb for 300k. I know that these are three very different areas, but I want to live where I practice (chiropractic) and that's why I'm considering the children (although we have none yet) so early in my decision. By the way, I'm 34 and she's 29, if that helps at all...

If you want to live where you practice then consider very carefully.Speaking as a former Pgh. suburbanite I never considered going downtown for Dr's, etc., unless there was no alternative. Traffic and parking made that a nono. Also if you locate east(shadyside, squirrel hill), IMHO, you are not likely to get clients from the South, north and west-and vice/versa. So you should research the demographics and determine where you are likely to get most of your clients from and go for that area.

[scottfleisher]

Very good point. In SF, people seek services where they work - not where they live. Sounds like Pittsburgh is a different animal. In that case, I'll give special attention to Shadyside/Squirrel Hill, Mt. Lebo, and someone just recommended two other areas:

1. Fox Chapel?
2. Sewickley??

Please advise!

[cariad]

I have lived in Shadyside, Squirrel Hill and in Scott on the border of Mt. Lebanon. They are all good areas and so are Fox Chapel and Sewickley. I would also consider living downtown if that is where I worked. You should try to visit all of them to see which area most suits your lifestyle.

[Hopes]

scottfleisher,

Are you only interested in Pittsburgh's most affluent townships?

Pittsburgh has many wonderful middle/upper middle class townships too.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by scottfleisher

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

Pittsburgh's economy might not be booming, but it's definitely stable.

The unemployment rate isn't high here---- people do have jobs.

For a chiropractor, that equates to a population of people who have health insurance.

Furthermore, Pittsburgh has a large eldery population, and they definitely seek the services of chiropactors.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by scottfleisher

Shadyside was definitely our first thought (followed by Squirrel Hill). Then, a place downtown caught our eye (the Carlyle?). And finally, I was shocked (happily shocked) to see what you could buy in Mt. Leb for 300k.

Buy a 200k house and save the saved 100k for advertising your business. There are many great upper-middle class neighborhoods in Pittsburgh aside from the ones you're considering.

Mt. Lebanon, Squirrel Hill and Shadyside have a significant Jewish population. Will you be able to effectively tap into that network to get referrals to your new practice if you chose Mt. Lebanon, Squirrel Hill or Shadyside?

Originally Posted by scottfleisher

I know that these are three very different areas, but I want to live where I practice (chiropractic)

Why do you want to live in the same township where you work? Traffic is nothing in Pittsburgh compared to where you live now. You could purchase a home in a nearby township, and your commute could still be 10 minutes.

Originally Posted by scottfleisher

.....and that's why I'm considering the children (although we have none yet) so early in my decision.

If you basing your purchase decision on a home to raise children, I wouldn't consider buying downtown.