which suburb (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Ross Township: environment, highrise, relocating)

[Ken_B.]

Hi, I will be relocating to the Pittsburgh area in December. I will rent for a year or so and wanted some opinons on an area to settle in for that first year or two.

I am originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia and haved lived near Boston for about 5 years. I don't like the racial tension of the Phila area or the overly high brow attitudes of the Boston metro. Looking for balance and down to earth environment.

I'm a tech professional and will be working downtown. I don't want to pay the $200 plus to park there and I don't want to live in the city because I prefer the suburbs and want to avoid the city wage tax which I understand is 3%?

I like newer or renovated areas with newer or upgraded shopping and larger streets. I was told Robinson Township was like this but I am strongly considering renting in a highrise in Monroeville not far from the mall.

Some have been encouraging me to go south of the city because of the T but I also understand that the bus lines feed into the city from the east and west. I'll be visiting the area for the first time in mid September for a look around.

All advice welcome. Thanks.

[PApisces]

I think you should look in the Ross Township area. I lived in Pittsburgh for 7 years and went to Monroeville MAYBE 3 times. The North Hills/Ross Township area has everything you will ever need, and it's a much easier commute to downtown.

I am moving bact to PGH in October from Dallas, TX, and just found a house in Ross Township 5 Minutes from Ross Park mall, and 15 minutes from downtown. I know for sure there are a couple "Park and Ride" areas in the North Hills for PAT transit buses.

[Hopes]

I think you would like the areas around North Park. There are some very nice apartment communities near there. The infrastructure in North Hills is newer than all the other suburban areas of the county. As a result, the roads are wider and the houses are spaced farther apart.

[Ken_B.]

Thanks for the advice, I have not looked into the "north hills" at all. I assume PApisces and Hopes were referring to the same general area? Is there a specific community in Ross township that would be good to check out?

Also any thoughts on Robinson versus Monroeville?

[prototypepariah]

robinson mall is nicer...I think it's more upscale as well.

[PApisces]

Originally Posted by Ken_B.

Thanks for the advice, I have not looked into the "north hills" at all. I assume PApisces and Hopes were referring to the same general area? Is there a specific community in Ross township that would be good to check out?

Also any thoughts on Robinson versus Monroeville?

I lived predominantly in West View the last 5 years I was in PGH. I have friends who live in zip code 15237, and that's where I have found my new home. I believe that is referred to as "Franklin Park"., but, I have been gone a few years and am nt exactly sure of all the borders!

West View is a very nice community. It is def a little more "working class", than Franklin Park, but, the crime is low and it's not "working class" = "ghetto", if that makes sense.

I'd look at: West View, Shaler, Mccandless, Ross Township, some parts of Bellevue, Franklin Park. Also, Cranberry, Wexford, and Allison Park, although they are a little bit further out. I have been gone 7 years, but, based on the answers to my questions on here as well as what I have read, things haven't changed that much.

However, avoid the "north side" section of pittsburgh. Do not mistake "North Hills" for "north side". It's like night and day! lol

[Burghie]

North Hills area are OK. Up and coming areas like Pine and Richland Twps have nicer and bigger house, obviously noted from the price of the house there, which are quite pricey IMHO. The downside is is quite a drive to downtown.

I've lived in Monroeville for 6 years and moved to Robinson for 2 years and have since moved back to Monroeville. As far as Robinson being more upscale, I dont quite think so. There are areas in Robinson that are run down as well, however we only see the booming development on/around the highway corridor. Monroeville is losing some business, however there are some major development planned. Bechel is moving to there, as well as LA Fitness. Monroeville is still the commercial/retail hub for the easter suburbs, although other places like North Huntingdon/Irwin is up and coming.

[TRO Z]

Ken--

I lived in philly for 13 years, so I understand what your saying about the racial tension...Monroeville kicks off those same feelings to me...

All the other options are very good...If you have children, the N.Hills or S.Hills would be your better bet...Good school districts in both..

But if your single and the Montour SD doesn't mean anything to you..Then I would 100% call robinson home...There's plenty of new development townhomes everywhere up there..rents are very inexpensive (est 600 to 800 for 1Bd).

And if your looking to buy...Pennsbury... 15025 zip code

It's a true gem, this townhome development even has a sports bar in it...2bd townhomes (est 100k)...Young professionals who out grew the Southside...

Good luck in your search....

[zip95]

As far as high brow attitude....compared to Boston, you won't find much of that in this metro. Maybe pockets here and there, but overall this is a "down to earth" city.

As far as "newer or renovated areas with newer or upgraded shopping and larger streets" you can find that around any of the local malls.

As far as racial tension, I'm not sure what you mean. I'll just tell you the demographics and you can draw your own conclusions. Monroeville and many of the surrounding eastern communities are integrated. Robinson, Ross, and the South Hills are not. I guess your conclusions will depend on what factors you believe increase or lessen racial tension.

Some general comments: Although there are growth areas in all regions, Robinson is the only mall-containing town with significant growth.

Good Luck

[guylocke]

robinson mall is nicer...I think it's more upscale as well.

ROBINSON MALL NICER THAN ROSS PARK?

hahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

*cough*

That's funny, I'm sorry.

Ross Park Mall may not be quite as big, but it is a lot nicer and does a lot better than Robinson. BTW, Nordrom's had no interest in Robinson but will be opening their doors in the fall at Ross Park!