which suburb (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Ross Township: showing, apartments, condo)

[guylocke]

yeahhhhhhhhhhhh, I just re-read all that, Robinson VS. Monroeville?

*a-hem*

Yes, Robinson is nicer..

*whistle whistle*

[Ken_B.]

Thanks VERY MUCH for the friendly and fast responses. I'll be sure to have a look at these other areas on my visit out in 3 weeks. It's a one shot - after that I'm pulling up with the Penske truck so I really need to make the exploration visit count.

Great group of folks here from what I can see - thanks again!

[cmlane1]

This is my first post, and I feel compelled to reply. Having lived in the suburbs of Pgh. (N, S, E, and W) for most of my life, I would highly suggest avoiding Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon if you'd like to avoid the noveau riche attitude. After living near Philly and Boston and most likely experiencing people with true wealth, Upper St. Clair and Lebo will leave you laughing and scratching your head. Just my two cents.

[fleetiebelle]

That said, if you don't want to drive and park downtown, I wouldn't discount the South Hills' access to the T. Sure, you can get a bus from Robinson or Monroeville, but then you end up sitting on a bus in the endless Fort Pitt or Squirrell Hill tunnel traffic. At least the T has a dedicated track and doesn't get stuck in traffic.

[smuckerd]

Look into Cranberry or Wexford (Franklin Park) area. Finding the right houses to rent is difficult I found. If renting and single, and no kids, then it seems the apt. complexes are fine.

[guylocke]

I would highly suggest avoiding Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon if you'd like to avoid the noveau riche attitude. After living near Philly and Boston and most likely experiencing people with true wealth, Upper St. Clair and Lebo will leave you laughing and scratching your head. Just my two cents.

Regardless of whether you find their way of life funny compared to the wealth in Philadelphia (the cost of living is also much higher in Philly), these places are still absolutely beautiful and I would never write them off because some of the locals are snotty. As a matter of fact, I've found these people rather down to earth compared to Fox Chapel.

[sublimesting]

We just bought a house in St. Clair Heights (Birdland) on the border of Mt. Lebo and Scott (but in Scott). It seems like a nice, classic neighborhood, with kids playing in the street and big yards and no busy traffic. Married couples with good jobs. Yet, we can make it downtown, South Hills Village or Robinson in 5-10 minutes.

[Pghtebbie]

See, for me Monroeville=parkway. There is no way you are going to make me get on that sucker for all the money in the world! OP, think Schulykill Exprswy. You don't drive it unless you have to.

I grew up in Lansdale, so I know what you are talking out in Phila. I have lived here for 10 yrs. You said you want balance, low brow, work downtown, avoid city tax, newer/reno areas. You said nothing about kids.

I would also recommend North Hills area, although that area is getting kinda crowded.

I live in Crafton/Ingram, which is west of downtown (zip 15205), near Robinson. Rent is cheap, but you won't find newer/reno. Old houses, older population. But convienent to downtown (15mins tops). I pass Pennsbury often, it looks like fun. We are very close to the Southside, 15203(college bar area).

Fox Chapel area, along Freeport road, has lots of new townhouses going up, but I am sure the rent is high. That is a more high brow area...

[la_torquemada]

IMO, Monroeville is 20 years ago. It's aging, a little run down, and inconvenient because you have to travel through the perennially-clogged and mysteriously slow-going Squirrel Hill Tunnels to get there. Head north, the communte and ammenities are much better. If you like quaint older suburbs with nice older homes, check out the near north suburbs like West View, Ross, and McCandless. If you want a spanking-new McMansion, the Cranberry area is your bag.

[guylocke]

IMO, Monroeville is 20 years ago. It's aging, a little run down, and inconvenient because you have to travel through the perennially-clogged and mysterious slow-going Squirrel Hill Tunnels to get there. Head north, the communte and ammenities are much better.

In your opinion? Not really, those are facts! lol. Monroeville is but a shell of its former glory. It's going down hill and fast. A ton of their business is heading to Plum and north (with the rest of the world), aka, Westinghouse.