Shaler (Pittsburgh, Shaler Township, Munhall: for sale, real estate, chapel)

[juliegt]

You were all so helpful with my last posting about Munhall, I thought I'd ask about Shaler.

What is it like? Is it a small town or a neighborhood? How far is it from Pittsburgh? What's the Shaler Area School district like?

Thanks,

Julie

[Hopes]

Shaler is a nice middle class township with a little bit of every other income bracket too. It's blue collar, white collar professionals, and small to midsized business owners all mixed together. It wouldn't be odd to find a doctor and a taxi driver living on the same street as neighbors. Shaler seems filled with down-to-earth people regardless of their backgrounds and occupations.

Shaler is a very family oriented township where most people put the priorities of children first. Many people who grow up in Shaler either never leave Shaler or move back to raise their families there. That's part of the family oriented lifestyle. You might find one family in five houses on the same street so cousins can play together and be a daily part of their grandparents' lives. Families that choose to make the financial sacrifice to have a stay at home parent aren't viewed as unsuccessful, even if they just barely make ends meet. Almost everyone understands and even respects families that make that sacrifice. I guess that's another reason people move back to Shaler to raise families. Shaler residents are generally not the type of people to judge someone based on the car they drive.

It's a very large township and school district. There are rural areas, suburban areas, and mill town areas all within the school district. The actual part of Shaler Township is mostly suburban nestled among tree filled hills (like everywhere in Pittsburgh). Although Shaler isn't one of Pittsburgh's most affluent townships, many people consider it highly desirable. Housing prices continue to appreciate at amazing rates, but there are still many bargains to be had.

One of the draws to Shaler is that it's amazingly convenient to downtown. The center of Shaler is 9 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. It's easily accessible via route 8, route 28 and I79. Commute times without rush hour traffic can be mere minutes. With rush hour traffic, it's about 20 minutes into town from the farther areas of the township. There's actually areas of the township that are a few minutes away from downtown. Commutes to Oakland are even easier. Not only is Shaler convenient to downtown and Oakland, but it's also convenient to North Park, Hartwood Acres, mall shopping on McKnight Road, Pittsburgh Mills off of route 28, and Waterworks. You can be at any of these places within 5 to 10 minutes. If you want to hop over to some city neighborhoods, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and Bloomfield are very closeby. There are three grocery stores within the township (more than three actually and a few just outside the township line to provide even more options).

Shaler schools rank above average at 22nd out of 64 high schools in the county.

Shaler is a very safe township. Even the mill towns near the river that are part of the school district are very safe. Is it a small town or a neighborhood? Well, Shaler consists of both. There are two small mill towns in the township, many suburban neighborhoods, and some more rural farm-type areas too. Whatever type of housing you're trying to find, it's in Shaler. There are historic victorian houses on a street called Glenshaw Avenue. This Glenshaw Avenue house is for sale right now for near 400k. The houses around it are amazing historic victorians. There's an historic neighborhood immediately surrounding this house. You might find another house for a better price on the side streets. Here's one for 250k.

There are small historic neighborhoods spread throughout the township. But whatever type of housing you'd like, it's in Shaler. You can find a ranch or split level for anywhere near 100k to 200k. You can find larger homes in almost every price range---new, old and inbetween. There are even old farmhouses. Land is fairly expensive because new lots are scarce due to people wishing to build new homes in Shaler. But there's still many fields and woods to give Shaler that rural feel in many areas.

Shaler's definitely a township worth considering for families who aren't trying to live in the most expensive district with among the wealthiest of Pittsburgh's wealth. It's middle suburban America. I know quite a few doctors who bought their first starter homes in Shaler until they were more establihsed in their practices.

I'm not sure what elese to say. Let me know if you have any other questions. I live in a township immediately next to Shaler so I know the area extremely well.

[juliegt]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Shaler is a nice middle class township with a little bit of every other income bracket too. It's blue collar, white collar professionals, and small to midsized business owners all mixed together. It wouldn't be odd to find a doctor and a taxi driver living on the same street as neighbors. Shaler seems filled with down-to-earth people regardless of their backgrounds and occupations.

Shaler is a very family oriented township where most people put the priorities of children first. Many people who grow up in Shaler either never leave Shaler or move back to raise their families there. That's part of the family oriented lifestyle. You might find one family in five houses on the same street so cousins can play together and be a daily part of their grandparents' lives. Families that choose to make the financial sacrifice to have a stay at home parent aren't viewed as unsuccessful, even if they just barely make ends meet. Almost everyone understands and even respects families that make that sacrifice. I guess that's another reason people move back to Shaler to raise families. Shaler residents are generally not the type of people to judge someone based on the car they drive.

It's a very large township and school district. There are rural areas, suburban areas, and mill town areas all within the school district. The actual part of Shaler Township is mostly suburban nestled among tree filled hills (like everywhere in Pittsburgh). Although Shaler isn't one of Pittsburgh's most affluent townships, many people consider it highly desirable. Housing prices continue to appreciate at amazing rates, but there are still many bargains to be had.

One of the draws to Shaler is that it's amazingly convenient to downtown. The center of Shaler is 9 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. It's easily accessible via route 8, route 28 and I79. Commute times without rush hour traffic can be mere minutes. With rush hour traffic, it's about 20 minutes into town from the farther areas of the township. There's actually areas of the township that are a few minutes away from downtown. Commutes to Oakland are even easier. Not only is Shaler convenient to downtown and Oakland, but it's also convenient to North Park, Hartwood Acres, mall shopping on McKnight Road, Pittsburgh Mills off of route 28, and Waterworks. You can be at any of these places within 5 to 10 minutes. If you want to hop over to some city neighborhoods, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and Bloomfield are very closeby. There are three grocery stores within the township (more than three actually and a few just outside the township line to provide even more options).

No wonder I was confused. It looks like it's right in Pittsburgh on some maps.

Shaler schools rank above average at 22nd out of 64 high schools in the county.

Shaler is a very safe township. Even the mill towns near the river that are part of the school district are very safe. Is it a small town or a neighborhood? Well, Shaler consists of both. There are two small mill towns in the township, many suburban neighborhoods, and some more rural farm-type areas too. Whatever type of housing you're trying to find, it's in Shaler. There are historic victorian houses on a street called Glenshaw Avenue. This Glenshaw Avenue house is for sale right now for near 400k. The houses around it are amazing historic victorians. There's an historic neighborhood immediately surrounding this house. You might find another house for a better price on the side streets. Here's one for 250k.

The 250k home would be at least 1 million here, the Glenshaw Ave hone would be well over $1 million. I'm not exagerating either.

There are small historic neighborhoods spread throughout the township. But whatever type of housing you'd like, it's in Shaler. You can find a ranch or split level for anywhere near 100k to 200k. You can find larger homes in almost every price range---new, old and inbetween. There are even old farmhouses. Land is fairly expensive because new lots are scarce due to people wishing to build new homes in Shaler. But there's still many fields and woods to give Shaler that rural feel in many areas.

Shaler's definitely a township worth considering for families who aren't trying to live in the most expensive district with among the wealthiest of Pittsburgh's wealth. It's middle suburban America. I know quite a few doctors who bought their first starter homes in Shaler until they were more establihsed in their practices.

I'm not sure what elese to say. Let me know if you have any other questions. I live in a township immediately next to Shaler so I know the area extremely well.

You really know your stuff. I wish I could move right now. It sounds great there. Although, I do have a nice life here. But I can literally affford the home of my dreams in Pittsburgh for a manageable price. If I want to live in a vey nice, but not my fantast home, I could pay cash and not have a mortgage! Just the high property taxes. I'm assuming Shaler's taxes are high too?

Thanks for all the detailed info.

Julie

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by juliegt

You really know your stuff. I wish I could move right now. It sounds great there. Although, I do have a nice life here. But I can literally affford the home of my dreams in Pittsburgh for a manageable price. If I want to live in a vey nice, but not my fantasty home, I could pay cash and not have a mortgage! Just the high property taxes.

If you bought a great house outright, you'd be living the high life in Shaler.

Originally Posted by juliegt

I'm assuming Shaler's taxes are high too?

That's a given in Allegheny County. The tax differences between Allegheny County townships are minimal.

Originally Posted by juliegt

Thanks for all the detailed info.

You're welcome.

[PAMamma]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Shaler is a nice middle class township with a little bit of every other income bracket too. It's blue collar, white collar professionals, and small to midsized business owners all mixed together. It wouldn't be odd to find a doctor and a taxi driver living on the same street as neighbors. Shaler seems filled with down-to-earth people regardless of their backgrounds and occupations.

Shaler is a very family oriented township where most people put the priorities of children first. Many people who grow up in Shaler either never leave Shaler or move back to raise their families there. That's part of the family oriented lifestyle. You might find one family in five houses on the same street so cousins can play together and be a daily part of their grandparents' lives. Families that choose to make the financial sacrifice to have a stay at home parent aren't viewed as unsuccessful, even if they just barely make ends meet. Almost everyone understands and even respects families that make that sacrifice. I guess that's another reason people move back to Shaler to raise families. Shaler residents are generally not the type of people to judge someone based on the car they drive.

It's a very large township and school district. There are rural areas, suburban areas, and mill town areas all within the school district. The actual part of Shaler Township is mostly suburban nestled among tree filled hills (like everywhere in Pittsburgh). Although Shaler isn't one of Pittsburgh's most affluent townships, many people consider it highly desirable. Housing prices continue to appreciate at amazing rates, but there are still many bargains to be had.

One of the draws to Shaler is that it's amazingly convenient to downtown. The center of Shaler is 9 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. It's easily accessible via route 8, route 28 and I79. Commute times without rush hour traffic can be mere minutes. With rush hour traffic, it's about 20 minutes into town from the farther areas of the township. There's actually areas of the township that are a few minutes away from downtown. Commutes to Oakland are even easier. Not only is Shaler convenient to downtown and Oakland, but it's also convenient to North Park, Hartwood Acres, mall shopping on McKnight Road, Pittsburgh Mills off of route 28, and Waterworks. You can be at any of these places within 5 to 10 minutes. If you want to hop over to some city neighborhoods, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, and Bloomfield are very closeby. There are three grocery stores within the township (more than three actually and a few just outside the township line to provide even more options).

Shaler schools rank above average at 22nd out of 64 high schools in the county.

Shaler is a very safe township. Even the mill towns near the river that are part of the school district are very safe. Is it a small town or a neighborhood? Well, Shaler consists of both. There are two small mill towns in the township, many suburban neighborhoods, and some more rural farm-type areas too. Whatever type of housing you're trying to find, it's in Shaler. There are historic victorian houses on a street called Glenshaw Avenue. This Glenshaw Avenue house is for sale right now for near 400k. The houses around it are amazing historic victorians. There's an historic neighborhood immediately surrounding this house. You might find another house for a better price on the side streets. Here's one for 250k.

There are small historic neighborhoods spread throughout the township. But whatever type of housing you'd like, it's in Shaler. You can find a ranch or split level for anywhere near 100k to 200k. You can find larger homes in almost every price range---new, old and inbetween. There are even old farmhouses. Land is fairly expensive because new lots are scarce due to people wishing to build new homes in Shaler. But there's still many fields and woods to give Shaler that rural feel in many areas.

Shaler's definitely a township worth considering for families who aren't trying to live in the most expensive district with among the wealthiest of Pittsburgh's wealth. It's middle suburban America. I know quite a few doctors who bought their first starter homes in Shaler until they were more establihsed in their practices.

I'm not sure what elese to say. Let me know if you have any other questions. I live in a township immediately next to Shaler so I know the area extremely well.

I just saw this post and I wanted to add…
2 years ago, we bought a house in Shaler, (knowing really nothing about the area,) and we’ve now been living here for almost 1 1/2 years (major renovations prior to moving in) and your description of the area is extremely accurate and a very thorough assessment. Truly.
BRAVO!

[Tiger Beer]

Informative about Shaler. Are there several zip codes that go through there, it seemed to come up on different zip code searches. Sounds like a real interesting area.

Anyone have more to add about Shaler? Although the above description is wonderfully descriptive.

[Hopes]

Thanks, Tiger.

I knew I had posted a detailed description of Shaler in the past, but I could never find it when people inquired about it more recently!

There are multiple zip codes but they also overlap other townships and even the city zip codes.

15116 is Glenshaw --- parts of Shaler, Hampton, O'Hara/Fox Chapel share this zip

15101 is Allison Park --- parts of Shaler, Hampton and McCandless share this zip

15223 is Etna --- shares zip with Pittsburgh

15209 is Millvale --- shares zip with Pittsburgh

15212 is Reserve Township --- shares zip with Pittsburgh

I think that's all of them.

When you search real estate, make sure it says Shaler for the School District. That's the only way you can be sure.

The Glenshaw and Allison Park parts of Shaler are more suburban type developments.

Even though Reserve is closer to the city, it's more rural in many areas with older homes.

Etna and Millvale are river towns that have older houses.

Income demographics are lower in Etna, Millvale and Reserve---safe working class/middle class areas, for the most part, with some poverty intermingled.

[little eggplant]

I spent the first 49 years of my life living in Shaler and going through the school systems. While cost comparisons are relative to your means, I would like to add that since we moved to New England 8 years ago, I never pass up an opportunity to tell those back in the 'burgh to appreciate their being in Western PA because everything is cheaper there compared to where I am now! Food, utilities, entertainment, etc are all less expensive than both NH and ME where I currently am located. Shaler is a great place, not the fanciest in town but certainly not the dregs either. I will defend Shaler forever - it is a great place!

[Bagger]

Originally Posted by little eggplant

I spent the first 49 years of my life living in Shaler and going through the school systems. While cost comparisons are relative to your means, I would like to add that since we moved to New England 8 years ago, I never pass up an opportunity to tell those back in the 'burgh to appreciate their being in Western PA because everything is cheaper there compared to where I am now! Food, utilities, entertainment, etc are all less expensive than both NH and ME where I currently am located. Shaler is a great place, not the fanciest in town but certainly not the dregs either. I will defend Shaler forever - it is a great place!

I spent my first 30 odd years there leaving in 1979. Fond memories of the place... I lived in Glenshaw but had a lot of friends in Alison Park. Glad to hear it's still a nice place to live! And one of the things I did like about Glenshaw was how close dahntahn Pittsburgh was and yet the country was nearby also.

[hinsey86]

I just want to ditto everyone Hope wrote. We bought two years ago, a few miles north of Shaler. and really wanted to be in Shaler. We had a limited time to find something and at the time could not find a house in Shaler that was a good fit for us. The one we fell in love with got taken right before we could put a bid in. I like that is a bit removed from the city but so very close. It is a great area.