Plum or New Kensington (Lower Burrell, Arnold: homes, live in, ferry)

[guylocke]

Maybe I'm a bit naive on the whole tax issue as we just moved here but wouldn't a better school district be worth it?

I don't necessarily believe Plum is a better school than Burrell at all. Plum is much larger, which could be good or bad. Valley is terrible. I think living in New Kensington should be out of the question. But between Lower Burrell or Plum, I would go with Lower Burrell (or Upper Burrell which is actually a lot like Plum.)

[kellyava1]

Originally Posted by boylocke

I don't necessarily believe Plum is a better school than Burrell at all. Plum is much larger, which could be good or bad. Valley is terrible. I think living in New Kensington should be out of the question. But between Lower Burrell or Plum, I would go with Lower Burrell (or Upper Burrell which is actually a lot like Plum.)

I have no idea about the school districts. It was the OP that had stated Plum was a better school district so that's what I based my question off of.

[Hemingway]

There is NO question that Plum is a great place to buy a house and raise a family... as to the question of paying more in taxes for better schools? Well, I will say that our limited experience, the elementary schools were WONDERFUL. Academically we realized that in moving here in 2004 (from NJ)that our children were behind in most subjects. The teachers at the elementary level are very motivated and caring, and helped my daughter work up to her potential. Now at the Middle School level? A GREAT learning environment! The Principal and VP (as well as the teachers) are just wonderful.

Here is the problem (and this only applies to NOW, not the past or future!) The High School is slipping, I dare say more than a bit. I am not going to BASH here, not my intention in the least. The teachers (as per my observation and my Senior daughters') have an impression of 'c'est la vie'. From the top (principal) down, there is this attitude of 'whatever'. The kids recognize that, and have been taking advantage of it in what my daughter states is a major way. Many, many rules have not been enforced. So, a certain amount of feeling like the 'inmates are running the asylum' is apparent. I was warned by a teacher of honors classes at PHS back in '04, to at all costs keep my daughter on an 'advanced' or 'honors' track. There are great teachers, but sadly, as many teachers just 'getting a paycheck'. The principal, by all appearances, is WAY out of her realm. Now, do I think this is permanent? No. But I honestly couldn't say how or when things will improve. It is NOT remotely close to BAD or DANGEROUS, no worries there. But the lack of leadership is apparent right about now. My hope is for positive change in the near future. I believe that Plum residents will voice their unhappiness, and things will rapidly improve. My two cents.

[earrow70]

I just wanted to say, I learned more from posting this question in this forum than in a solid week of google searches and real estate agents just looking for a commission. I did find a house in Plum I like and am very encouraged by the attitudes in the replies. I must admit, the whole tax thing is a big bombshell I never considered and I will be sure I do consider it. Info on Lower Burrell is pretty sparse, so I appreciate everyone's input. Peaceful neighborhoods and good schools are my main priority, so again thanks for the Valley school heads up. And thanks for not flaming me for inquiring about racial attitudes. I know that can be a touchy subject and I appreciate the honesty. This forum ROCKS!

[guylocke]

Info on Lower Burrell is pretty sparse, so I appreciate everyone's input. Peaceful neighborhoods and good schools are my main priority

Then you should definitely check out some of the neighborhoods in Lower Burrell, it might be just what you're looking for and you escape Allegheny County taxes and would be so close to work! I think it's a win/win situation. But, sometimes you see something you just fall in love with! We've all been there! Plum is not a bad choice whatsoever, just weigh your options and go check out the areas!

[stunnin]

I have lived in New Ken for over 10 yrs now. I moved here from a major metro. In my opinion it is one of the hardest areas for a vibrant black family to move in to. New Kensington has mostly fallen to the plague of drugs the same way parts of New Castly has. Burrell is rumored to be heavily racist in population. Infact there have been incidents of racial intimidation between the two high schools (burrell, valley). Plum, I can not speak of due to lack of experience/knowledge. There are some other surrounding areas that aren't so far off and from my personal experience seem to be more welcoming (ie. Natrona Heights, Freeport, Sarver, parts of Kiski). I wish you all the best and hope that if you do make the move to this direct area, it welcomes you in better favor than it did my family.

[guylocke]

racial intimidation between the two high schools (burrell, valley).

Valley has racial intimidation with every school. It's an absolute hell hole of a school, I'm sorry to say. I have two close friends who left the school district and could tell you horror stories.

[stunnin]

Originally Posted by boylocke

Valley has racial intimidation with every school. It's an absolute hell hole of a school, I'm sorry to say. I have two close friends who left the school district and could tell you horror stories.

For some reason, I absolutely believe you are speaking the truth. I have never in all my life and all the places I have lived, disliked a place as much as I have disliked New Ken. As for the school...I love how you refer to it as a hell hole. New Ken in a whole is like a hell hole in my opinion. Oh...and yes, the school system is pathetic!

[pureproduct]

I went to Valley. The hellish stories are a tad exaggerated, in my experience. Are Plum and Burrell school districts better options, educationally? YES. But Valley has a bad rap, in part because of constant rumors of gang violence, drugs, etc. (You can imagine why those rumors exist.)

But part of the reason there's racial tension between NewKen-Arnold and a lot of surrounding areas is the absolute scarcity of black people beyond NK-A. Be prepared for that.

I'm white, but I was regularly disgusted by the behavior of Burrell and Plum (and Highlands and Springdale and Kiski...) folks in regards to race. (No intention to slam entire cities. I know there are lots of great people everywhere.)

[mimiwash]

We are a bi-racial family and have lived here in New Ken for 8 years. Lower Burrell and New Ken are very close and we have not encountererd any problems as far as race is concerned. Either of the places are nice and the people are very friendly here. They seem to be working on revitalizing the downtown New Ken area. My suggestion is looking for a home near freeport road (on the hill). Lower Burrell is also really nice and have a good school there. Plum is in Allegheny county and yes, the taxes are higher there. This area is so close and you would have easy access to the turnpike, Pittsburgh, etc. we love it here.