Moving from California to Pittsburgh....Please help with advice!!! (Ross Township: real estate, rentals) - City-Data Forum

magali03050811 · 10-08-2011, 11:02 PM

Hello everyone,
My husband's job has openings available in Pittsburgh and we're seriously considering to move there because we feel the cost of living would be cheaper than California.

A little bit about us:
My husband is the only one who works and makes around $60,000 to $70,000 yearly but we have 3 small girls and currently rent a condo in California with 2 bed 1 bath and we pay $1400 monthly.

We would need a least a 3 bed house if possible to be able to give our girls a little bit more room. We would ideally want to pay anywhere from $800 to $1000 so that we have enough left for everything else. I have looked in craigslit and although there seems to be a few available we're not sure where to start. He would be working in downtown 7th Ave. and would preferably would use public transportation.

Any ideas on what areas are within our budget? Our kids go to Elementary School now and would also like some kind of suggestions on schools.

Our main reason to want to move is so that my husband is able to spend more time with us and not work so much. His income would stay about the same if we move but better hours.

Any suggestion are greatly appreciated

Bong477 · 10-09-2011, 08:32 AM

Single family homes rentals are somewhat hard to come by. Your price range is doable, but will be a bit tough. If you were buying it would actually be easier. I'd try westview and ross township to start which will put you into the north hills school district and a relatively easy commute to downtown.

h_curtis · 10-09-2011, 09:03 AM

I would look at school districts first and go from there. You probably should live in a suburb with that budget and having three kids. 3 bedrooms can be had, but not plentiful. Here is a small school list to start with. There are others equally as good that I am sure I am missing, but it is a start.

1. Mt. Lebanon 2. Upper St. Clair - if he will be working in the South Hills.

3. Fox Chapel 4. Hampton -- if he will be working in Oakland

5. North Allegheny -- city

All are okay for city commutes IMHO. The trick is going to be finding a 3 bedroom. It can be done, but not for $800 a month, unless you don't mind a place like Sharpsburg. That is in the Fox Chapel School District and you can get a 3 br for that price with no problem.

BrianTH · 10-09-2011, 09:40 AM

I agree finding whole-house rentals can be tough, particularly in the areas well-served by public transit. I'd suggest working with a real estate agent who does whole-house rentals, who can look for options fitting your criteria.

magali03050811 · 10-09-2011, 11:33 AM

We currently have a 2bed 1bath condo and would like something a little bigger with a yard. My kids love nature so the suburbs sound great and my husband is willing to travel 20 to 30 minutes max to work. I guess coming from California near the beach we would prefer something with no hills for driving during winter since I know we won't have a clue what to do in slippery roads. If we move it's most likely going to happen end of December or beginning January which will put us at the coldest months according to what I have read.

This is so stressful since we don't have any family up there. I also didn't mention but I'm having our 4th baby girl at the end of November so things get even more complicated. The option of moving is overwhelming but if it means more time as a family we're open to it.

I really appreciate the responses so far so please any other suggestions I would really take into consideration. I have read that schools in Pittsburgh are probably much better than California and I'm incline to believe it since our schools here focus on ESL a lot. One of my daughters is actually in a bilingual class but she's very smart and speaks both languages fluently so I think she would adjust to English only quick.

Hopes · 10-09-2011, 11:44 AM

It's difficult to find house rentals, especially over the internet, because it's cheaper to own than rent here. You'll have a better chance of finding something via a realtor or driving around and looking for "for rent" signs.

Definitely consider school district, but don't only focus on the top districts listed by Curtis. Your budget is your main criteria. Our regions average and above average school districts are superior to most in California. So don't feel you need THE BEST district.

That said, someone mentioned West View which is a very affordable area within one of the better school districts called North Hills School District. It's very convenient to downtown too. You might find affordable housing in another area of the North Hills School District called Ross Township.

AnneWest · 10-09-2011, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magali03050811

I guess coming from California near the beach we would prefer something with no hills for driving during winter since I know we won't have a clue what to do in slippery roads. If we move it's most likely going to happen end of December or beginning January which will put us at the coldest months according to what I have read.

Um... This stood out. Pittsburgh is hills.

You're coming to an area where houses sell for more because they have a level yard.

I live west of the city, near Robinson Twp. and North Fayette Twp. You may want to check this area out also. Good school districts in each, and we have Port Authority Park&Ride lots available for public transpo.

Katiana · 10-09-2011, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnneWest

Um... This stood out. Pittsburgh is hills.

You're coming to an area where houses sell for more because they have a level yard.

I live west of the city, near Robinson Twp. and North Fayette Twp. You may want to check this area out also. Good school districts in each, and we have Port Authority Park&Ride lots available for public transpo.

Exactly! You might find a place with a level yard; they're out there. But it is extremely unlikely you will find a place that entails no hill driving, especially if you have any more than a very short commute, e.g. more than ~2 miles.

magali03050811 · 10-09-2011, 12:26 PM

[quote=AnneWest;21214066]Um... This stood out. Pittsburgh is hills.

Too funny! Well that shows you how much I know about Pittsburgh, although I have seen ads for homes mentioning flat yards so that makes sense. I'm not a bad driver just not used to snow but I suppose that would be the last of my concerns and I'm sure we would get used to it.

Tallysmom · 10-09-2011, 12:49 PM

[quote=magali03050811;21214126]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnneWest

Um... This stood out. Pittsburgh is hills.

Too funny! Well that shows you how much I know about Pittsburgh, although I have seen ads for homes mentioning flat yards so that makes sense. I'm not a bad driver just not used to snow but I suppose that would be the last of my concerns and I'm sure we would get used to it.

I think the first thing would be snow tires. All weather radials wouldn't cut it. The second thing is to SLOW DOWN, and make a little room. I'm in California, too -- tailgater land.

And yeah -- you'll get the hang of it. Good luck -- and I'm jealous.... I'd love to move back home to Pittsburgh!