West Mifflin (Pittsburgh, Baldwin, Swissvale: section 8, apartment complex, rentals)

[Kimberlyb0112]

I live in Germany with my husband and infant, and we are going to be possibly moving to the Pittsburgh area next year. My husband is wanting to attend the Pennsylvania Institute of Aeronautics in West Mifflin, and we were looking at apartments near the school.

Does anyone have any tips/advice/suggestions,etc? We are from Texas and California, two smaller cities so we aren't familiar with living in a big city. Any information would be appreciated.

[Aqua Teen Carl]

West Mifflin is in a bit of a decline at the moment to be honest. Also West Mifflin isn't really "the big city" either, it's pretty spread out and some areas can look rural at times. There are many good neighborhoods in the South Hills that you could look at as well. What do you have in mind?

[Augie6]

Originally Posted by Kimberlyb0112

Does anyone have any tips/advice/suggestions,etc? We are from Texas and California, two smaller cities so we aren't familiar with living in a big city. Any information would be appreciated.

Much of Pittsburgh area is not traditional "big city" living. Most of the areas (suburbs) of Pittsburgh are built around smaller downtown areas. I know some parts of West Miffl. can be some what undesireable .. make sure you do research of the exact area of any apartment. (overall Pittsburgh is a safe wonderfull place to live.) I hope your family does get to make the move

[I_Like_Spam]

Pittsburgh Crime Map

You will want to look at this thread, some of the areas near the County Airport do have a crime problem.

Leland Pointe is a big apartment complex not far from PAA that is somewhat notorious. Similar gang problems are in other areas that you might be considering.

It all depends on how much money you have budgeted for rent as to where you want to move to, but just be a bit wary.

[Kimberlyb0112]

Sorry about the delayed reply everyone.. Thanks for y'alls help!

Aqua Teen Carl.. South Hills.. I will have to check that out.

So if my husband's school is in West Mifflin, and we lived in another borough.. would that be alot of trouble to travel do you think or is it fairly easy? An area that is safe is a HUGE factor because of our baby. If it was just us two, we would want to live in a safe area.. but it wouldn't be as important to us as it is now. Also, an area that is affordable.. we want to rent an apartment. We are looking to pay around 750-800 a month, at the most, if possible. I am going to be the only one working while my husband is going to be in college, and we will have BAH money coming in for his GI bill that he is getting from the army.

Also, as far as jobs go.. if we lived in a borough but I worked in the city of Pittsburgh, is that realistic.. do ya think? I'm just thinking about where I would be able to find a job.. I'm sorry about all of the questions!

I_like_Spam.. thank you for sharing!

[alleghenyangel]

There are some very nice areas in West Mifflin. Be sure to check out the area before making your decision.

[Love2Golf09]

I would advise against living near the airport in west mifflin. It's cheap for rentals, but its a crap area. My biggest complaint is the smell. The air quality can be poor and at times the stench and pollution makes it difficult to breath while driving past the airport and into mckeesport. I have no idea how people can live in those conditions full-time. Check out south park. It has some quality apts, is affordable, and woukd be a short drive down curry hollow rd to the airport. Bethel park is also nice. You can also try Baldwin and jefferson hills, but be cautious. Those areas have some complexes that can be nice, or very, very bad. Pretty much anything in south park/library or bethel will be safe, but ask around about any complexes you find in jefferson hills or Baldwin/brentwood. You don't want to make a major mistake and lock yourself into a lease in the ghetto, like the cloverleaf apts.

[Uptown kid]

Also, what ever you do make sure that your in WEST MIFFLIN NOT DUQUESNE... Since 2008 there have been 14-15 homicides in that little (including the one 16yr who was shot up in Parkview Estates Projects). Over the past couple years West Mifflin only has had homicides in the MonView Estates Housing Project, and could always have a potential one in West Mifflin Estates (rowdy section 8 complex)...
If you avoid those places plus the slumyier areas of West Mifflen boarding the river from the Rankin Bridge to Kennywood Theme Park, plus the area west of Duquesne Village Shopping Center & West Mifflin Park then you'll really enjoy your stay.

[SouthHillsHappy]

I agree with L2G, from those areas its a pretty easy drive to west mifflin. Kimberley: you say you may be looking for a job?...what kind of work do you do?

[stburr91]

I'll suggest my neighborhood, Swissvale (near Swisshelm Park). It's located in between West Mifflin and the employment centers in Pittsburgh, so it would be a reasonable commute for both you and your husband. It's a safe neighborhood, and you'd have no problem finding something in your price range.

The area is just outside of the desirable East End neighborhoods, and near Frick Park, the Regent Square business district, and Edgewood Town Centre. It has good highway access, and public transportation.

It really is a great location, and may be a good fit for you.