nice place to live in PA. between Pittsburg and Weirton WV. (Pittsburgh: crime, houses)

[brogan]

Looking for a city or town between Pittsburgh and Weirton W.Virginia. I currently live in subburbs of Denver Colorado and have enjoyed 13 yrs. here, but my husband may be getting a job in Weirton WV. I understand this area to be a bit depressed.and was told to check out western PA. or Eastern Ohio. My oldest daughter will be attending Univ. of Pitts. next year working on her masters. I would like to live somewhere between these two places. If anyone out there has any suggestions they would be appriciated. I'm looking for a place to live where I could be within walking distance of a nice downtown area with eatery's and shops, possibily open my own small business. thanks brogan

[Hopes]

Send PittNurse a private message. I think she might know that area better than anyone else here. I think the problem you're going to have is your desire to be wtihin walking distance of a nice downtown area. Most people who are moving here from Colorado seem to have that wish, but Pennsylvania's small towns are mostly bla if not deteriorated. Although it's not halfway between Pittsburgh and Weirton, the ONLY town I think fits your description is Sewickley. But maybe PittNurse knows of some others that are farther West for you.

[barneyg]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Send PittNurse a private message. I think she might know that area better than anyone else here. I think the problem you're going to have is your desire to be wtihin walking distance of a nice downtown area. Most people who are moving here from Colorado seem to have that wish, but Pennsylvania's small towns are mostly bla if not deteriorated. Although it's not halfway between Pittsburgh and Weirton, the ONLY town I think fits your description is Sewickley. But maybe PittNurse knows of some others that are farther West for you.

Beaver itself is nice and affordable from what I've seen/heard. I only went through there once but it seemed to have an active downtown. It's not on the direct route between Pittsburgh and Weirton but there's easy access either through Route 65 to Pitt or Ohio Route 7 to Steubenville and Weirton.

[SteelersFan09]

I would recommend to steer clear of Stuebenville.

[prototypepariah]

is he working in the casino's? just curious...and I took a ride there once and not much is going on after washington - would washington be too far?

[Hopes]

I think Washington is too far south. You're probably thinking of Wheeling, Proto. Weirton is west of the airport.

[JoeP]

The West is the least developed area, once you go west of the parkway to route 22 to Weirton you have a few miles of rural suburban area and then not much until Weirton (only 20 or so minutes at that point anyway). The outer area west of the parkway includes Oakdale and some townships that I can't think of. Around the parkway is Robinson Township which would be central to 22, the parkway (and the city) and the airport.

However there is a new toll road that cuts southwest directly from the airport to 22 so you could live in Moon township (northwest of Robinson) or a little further northwest in Beaver County (Hopewell township).

I would recommend to steer clear of Stuebenville.

That would be another option to that would be a lot cheaper.

Steubenville is fine and has decent neighborhoods. Many in Pgh think the whole town is a dump because downtown is a dump, but there are good areas west of downtown that are safe and nice - and very affordable.

The main problem with Steubenville (and Weirton across the river) and Wheeling is that unlike Pgh, it's small and undiversified - and still depends on steel which is gone from Pittsburgh.

The remnants of steel in the upper Ohio Valley are slipping away (most of it already has) and without much of other industries, the area is economically depressed.

It's stable in a sense that the area's population is older and doesn't rely on employment, but most who are younger and looking for a career, wouldn't seek this area out. Many from that area have to move entirely or make the commute to Pittsburgh.

[Thieroff]

There are a few nice towns between Pittsburgh and Weirton.


US22/30 would be the main route traveled between there. I grew up in the area also.

The areas you can look into are Oakdale, Imperial, Bavington, Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway.

There are other CDP type areas around there also.

Weirton isn't so bad, Steubenville could be a little better. There's a decent amount of crime down there, and the downtown area is trashed.

Anywhere along the Ohio river is looking at tougher times nowadays now that all the mills are gone. Beaver County has some nice area, but there are also some tougher areas.

Best of luck

CT

[Katarina Witt]

As the OP wants to be able to walk to a downtown, that would seem to eliminate Steubenville if it's downtown is a dump. Burgettstown is a cute little place; I can't remember if it has a downtown. In Beaver County, PA, the only town that might qualify is Beaver. It has an active downtown (though I'm not sure what one buys there, it seems to be mostly restaurants), and a nice large park which was having some sort of carnival the last time we were there in June. You have to be into old houses to live in Beaver proper.

[brogan]

Thanks everyone I'm still checking out cities in western PA. and possibly OH. The job my husband is thinking about is a casino job in Chester,just north of weirton WV. It's great to get imput from people who know the area. I will be visiting later this month, flying into Pittsbourgh and staying with realtive in Carnegie Pa. She is new to area and does not drive.I plan to drive West towards WV. and visit cities along the way. I think the North western route may be best, but if anyone can think of some nice cities ,with active downtowns in Pa. or Oh. within a reasonable distance from Chester I'm listening. Thanks Deborah