Relocating to Pittsburgh from San Francisco (Advice Needed) (Lebanon, Washington: environment, work)

[Shenandoah]

Originally Posted by hnsq

A decent article attempting to explain the population issue in Pittsburgh is:
Forum: Young people are NOT leaving Pittsburgh
Personally, I am a guy in my 20's (with a degree in Computer Information Systems) dating a girl going to school to be a doctor, and I know we are both amazed at the opportunities for jobs. Granted these two fields are better than most in terms of job outlook but still...I don't think it is as bad as everyone says.

Google tried to lure our young Carnegie Mellon computer whiz-kids out to California. They weren't interested, they preferred staying here in the Pittsburgh area. So, Google came to Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh's growth is slow, but steady. Which IMHO, is a more stable type of growth, rather than a meteoric fast whizbang unnatural growth. Same goes with our real estate market. Slow, stable and steady growth.

There are some condo's and apartments on the North Side of Pittsburgh, some right on the river, in growing and established neighborhoods.
But, for stability, safety, stately old homes, along with proximity to the city, then look at Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Mt Lebanon, Sewickley. And if someone is charging $200k for a fixer-upper, then you'd better run - you can just about buy a mansion in the $200k and up range.

Someone else mentioned Union Twp in Washington County, nice farmlands, good safe neighborhoods in the villages, you can leave your car unlocked without worry, but the school district isn't one that I'd recommend for high schoolers. Not gangs, but the school board and teachers are the problem there. That's where my kids went. Wish I would've home schooled them.

blessings, Shen

[scottfleisher]

Thanks TRO and Shenandoah,

The $200 house we saw was not labeled as a fixer-upper - we were just suspicious because of what we are used to in SF. We had been scanning the listings on realtor.com and when we were driving around Mt. Lebo we recognized one. Our first thought was, wow! It's nicer than in the pictures. Then we tried to remember how much we saw it listed for and we remembered it as $285. It just seemed so low compared to what we were used to...when we came home, we looked up the listing on realtor, and it wasn't $285 as we remembered...it was $185!

We're definitely going to make another visit soon, and we want to really hone-in this time. I can't say how much I appreciate everyone's help so far...

One more thing (back to business), do you think Mt. Lebo could use another chiropractor, or would I be better off in the city proper?

[Katiana]

I don't know. I think you should do a little market research, however chiropractors do that.

[mister brewski]

Also keep in mind the going rates for chiropractors in Pittsburgh. I have no idea how much they charge, but I'd bet it is less than in SF.

[Shenandoah]

The two that I go to charge $40 per visit. And I don't go that often, maybe once or twice a year, as needed.

They probably charge more in Mt Lebo and the city, tho. Also, if you are participating with various insurances (get on with Highmark and UPMC), then you'll get the UCR. From what I recall, at UPMC (for an HMO), chiropractic visits were covered when referred by the PCP, for 12 visits.

Do you also practice homeopathic and naturopathic healing?

blessings, Shen

[scottfleisher]

Re: Mt. Lebo

Any disadvantages (or advantages) to living right on Washington? This would be near the Galleria area...

[airstrip]

If you may be having children down the road, I would think living right on Washington might be too busy of a street. Too dangerous for little ones running around, possibly into the traffic. In my opinion, that's what I would be concerned about. The area around the Galleria is always heavily traveled.

[juliegt]

Hi,

Like you, I am considering relocating from the SF Bay Area to Pittsburgh. I have two teenagers and people tell me that adolescence is a terrible time to relocate kids so I am on the fence about the move.

The ability to get a great house in a good school district is a big part of the appeal. Plus, I could get a home with no mortgage or a very small one.

I visited last summer and really liked the area. I don't know how I'd fare in the winter being a native Californian, but I think I'd be ok.

Anyway, I'd like to hear from you if you do actually make the move. Is it what you hoped for?

Take care,

Julie

[scottfleisher]

Hi Julie,

We are about 90% there in our decision to make the move. We've narrowed it down to two very different areas:

1. Mt. Lebanon
2. Shadyside / Squirrel Hill

We like Mt. Lebanon because the schools are supposed to be wonderful, the houses look great, and it's very affordable.

We like Shadyside / Squirrel Hill because it's in the city proper and closer to shops and businesses. I'm not sure if the schools here are considered to be as good, unless you go private.

What neighborhoods have you looked at?

Best,
Scott

PS: Where do you live in the Bay Area?

[TRO Z]

Scott,

Just read your question about buying on Washington Rd....Let me say this...NO...

The 3 most common set backs for appreciation, I see in the S.Hills Area...1) Major Road or Highway 2) Electric Towers 3) Water Towers...

Just a heads up, but if your in love with the house why not...