Pittsburgh vs. Columbus. OH (neighborhoods, living, cost of living)

[guylocke]

Allegheny county has the largest senior citizen population.

Hey now! Let's get our facts straight! This isn't true, there are several counties in Florida that have more. :P

[burghgirl]

I have actually thought a lot about what Pittnurse says...that things will definitely be different after 13 years of living elsewhere. And I realize there will be some things I'll miss about Ohio. I think it comes down to a personal preference, which, for us, means moving back to Pittsburgh.

I am wondering, though, why you (Pittnurse, that is) think South Range Family lives in Ohio...because they responded to another thread of mine (employment at US Air) and indicated that he works for US Air and lives in Pittsburgh?

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by burghgirl

I have actually thought a lot about what Pittnurse says...that things will definitely be different after 13 years of living elsewhere. And I realize there will be some things I'll miss about Ohio. I think it comes down to a personal preference, which, for us, means moving back to Pittsburgh.

I am wondering, though, why you (Pittnurse, that is) think South Range Family lives in Ohio...because they responded to another thread of mine (employment at US Air) and indicated that he works for US Air and lives in Pittsburgh?

He lives in Ohio. He has said so several times. I thought you knew that or I would have been more specific. He works at the Pittsburgh airport. Here is another post of his:

There is some kind of bordering State agreement. I live in Ohio, and work at the Pittsburgh Airport.

[goodgirl49]

Burghgirl,

I realize how badly you want to relocate back to Pittsburgh, but I really think you should look at the economic factors a little more closely over the long run, such as how well situated you will be when your children are ready for college. It's hard to move back to a place where the economy is getting better, but still a little more shaky than Columbus, when you are well situated there. I know that PA has high in state tuition at the state colleges. I don't know about Ohio in this regard, but it's something to consider. Having raised two children who are now in their 20's, I know that the economic costs get worse as your children get older.

It's nice that you are only a few hours away, so you can visit often. You could always be on the west coast, like I am, and only get back to the area every few years or so. Money really does matter, especially when you have a family to consider. Living costs between the two cities are pretty comparable, so I would pick the place your family would be most likely to prosper in the long run. I don't know if you are working outside the home now, but as your children get older, you would most likely want to be able to find a job yourself.

Best of luck to you!

[burghgirl]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

He lives in Ohio. He has said so several times. I thought you knew that or I would have been more specific. He works at the Pittsburgh airport. Here is another post of his:

All righty..guess I did not realize this! Now it makes sense. I don't read all the threads on this forum, only the ones that interest me, so I must have missed the fact that they live in Ohio. Thanks for the clarification!

[burghgirl]

Originally Posted by goodgirl49

It's nice that you are only a few hours away, so you can visit often. You could always be on the west coast, like I am, and only get back to the area every few years or so. Money really does matter, especially when you have a family to consider. Living costs between the two cities are pretty comparable, so I would pick the place your family would be most likely to prosper in the long run. I don't know if you are working outside the home now, but as your children get older, you would most likely want to be able to find a job yourself.

Best of luck to you!

Shoot...if I lived on the west coast, I'd never need to come and visit Pittsburgh! Just kidding... but I'm curious - where on the west coast do you live?

But seriously, you have a great point about the economic situation. That's why I love this forum; it's a great place to get honest feedback, and people aren't afraid to tell the truth, even if the truth isn't always pretty.

I do work part time and would find something similar when we move to the Burgh. Sometimes I think DH and I should get jobs at Pitt and then the kids could eventually go to college at half price tuition - that would certainly help out with the finances!

[Katiana]

I do work part time and would find something similar when we move to the Burgh. Sometimes I think DH and I should get jobs at Pitt and then the kids could eventually go to college at half price tuition - that would certainly help out with the finances!

That would be great! College tuition is quite a bite out of the family income. However, I wouldn't bet the farm on it. My bro has a friend who works for Penn State, Beaver. One of his kids went to Pitt, the other to the U. of Chicago. Then there is grad school, med school, . . . .

[Katiana]

I agree with goodgirl49; it would be wonderful to be 4 hrs away from Pgh; at least it would have been when my parents were sick and needing a lot of care. This sounds "Pollyanna"ish, but if you have good jobs and a nice house, maybe you could stay there and retire to the burgh. Maybe you could even retire early! (Assuming you didn't have your kids late, like we did!)

[JoeP]

Not to get sidetracked, but college tuition would be less of an ordeal if more than a few percent of American parents started saving well before their child is about to go, forcing huge loans.

In any case, Columbus has a little more character than it gets credit for - some nice intown neighborhoods, but downtown needs to add some density and sense of place (starting with doing something with the sea of parking lots).

[trmaoy]

I was looking for some info on pittsburgh and started reading this thread. I lived in Columbus for three years while in school. Coming from michigan I noticed, as did other classmates, that there were not as many trees etc. To me it seemed the biggest forms of entertainment were eating and shopping. Since 1998 when I left they have built two huge malls. I do go back from time to time because my husband has children there. I really like Easton Town Center. And I have to say that Graeters is the best ice-cream in the world! I have it shipped at least once a year.

Anyway, although I recently saw a couple of good job opportunities in Columbus, I don't see myself living there again. I never felt a real sense of community there. There are no real sports teams, other than OSU. No lakes or outdoor amusements. There is only so much shopping and eating out that you can do. It's an easy city to live in and good cost of living, but otherwise, it just has no vibe. The comparisons people have made between pittsburgh helps me to understand pittsburgh a little better.