Settled in Edgewood (Pittsburgh, Wilkinsburg, Columbia: real estate, crime rate, houses)

[tmorrisn]

It's been a while since I posted, but I wanted to give some information about Edgewood as a possible neighborhood. I noticed there was a post on Regent Square a while back too - so may this will help shed some light on stuff.

The borough borders Swissvale, Wilkinsburg and the city of Pittsburgh. When people refer to Regent Square, they are actually referring to the intersection of 3 areas - the city, Edgewood, Wilkinsburg and perhaps a small sliver of Swissvale. Technically, only the portion of houses west of Braddock and north of Swissvale is Regent Square - however real estate ads include the 5-6 blocks (or more) east of Braddock as well.
Depending on which section - your taxes will vary while the price of your home will not.
The entire borough is safe - as the monthly newsletter reporting crimes generally reports 1 car theft and several shoplifting incidents each month. This past month, there were a few DUIs as well. I feel very safe walking at night.

The neighbors are friendly, and speaking only for my street - my neighbors are a mix of professionals and middle class and a mix of white, black, and well a small population of asian/indian/other. I would say the adults on my block range from mid/late 20s - mid/late 40s although there is a older gentlemen at the end of the block.

The neighborhood is gorgeous (I have no idea how everyone can afford such wonderfully maintained lawns) and extremely quiet. There is a borough wide curfew for all children under 18 - which helps. The only noise I can complain about would be the dogs barking - but since I have dogs, and they occassionally bark, I really can't complain.

There is a park-n-ride lot (East Busway Hamnett Lot) just over the line in Wilkinsburg - and while I wouldn't want to walk there by myself, I feel perfectly safe leaving my car there.

I am really enjoying my time in Pittsburgh so far - and being close to the Waterfront and Monroeville has been really helpful in getting settled.

The map of the borough can be found here:
EDGEWOOD, PA - BOROUGH INFORMATION OF INTEREST TO THE PITTSBURGH AREA

[Hopes]

I'm so glad you enjoy Edgewood, tmorrism!

Thanks for sharing such a detailed description of your street. It sounds like the perfect neighborhood for anyone who is looking for diversity!

[prototypepariah]

I wonder why that area doesn't get mentioned more. I think the other side of those tracks/bus is very ugly and beat up bad. But it's a pretty stable divider. The north side gets a little rougher too up by rt 8. but on the whole it's a beautiful area.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by prototypepariah

I wonder why that area doesn't get mentioned more.

I don't know Edgewood well enough (except for the negative reputation of the school district). I think I've only driven through there twice in my life. I never hear about it on the news so it's probably a "no news is good news" type of place. I'm only comfortable recommending areas that I know first hand or that have well known reputations (good or bad) that I can feel confident in what I share. That's why I'm glad tmorrisn took the time to share with us.

[Sideblinded]

Edgewood has some really nice affordable homes. Many people think of it as Regent Square, most of the business district in Regent Square is actually in Edgewood!

How close to Braddock are you?

[tmorrisn]

I'm actually on the "other side of the tracks", so I'm pretty far from Braddock - maybe 3/4 of a mile. It's less desirable b/c it's not considered Regent Square, but I think it's equally nice here.

[laois90]

Thanks for that bit of insight. I too am thinking of moving to Pittsburgh but don’t know where yet. I am amazed at the affordability of the homes there and enjoyed my last (which was my 1st) visit there. I saw a house on Westmoreland Ave in Swissvale and was wondering what your opions on that area are? Are you near there? as your neighborhood sounds beautiful.

[prototypepariah]

swissvale can get pretty seedy especially around braddock, south of 376. My thinking is that you could get some very different opinions of the place. Braddock is very beat up, so closer you are to that the more rough things get. The west end is kinda nice, swissvale park or something, it's technically part of the city of pittsburgh. Columbia ave at the top has an amazing view, I wouldn't want to drive down in winter but it's cool. I thought the houses up at the top were in pretty good shape.

But like I said that in comparison to squirrel hill or regent square is a higher crime rate kinda spot so you'll want to make sure your comfortable with the area before making a purchase.

good luck.

[laois90]

Thanks prototypepariah
I'll keep looking as I'm sure Pittsburgh is full of the old victorian homes I love

[Sideblinded]

Just to clarify, when I asked how close to Braddock, I meant Braddock Ave/Regent Square business district.

Theatre & Restaurants, stores etc..