Mt Leb maybe not the right choice? (McMurray, Sewickley: fit in, big house)

[springinvermont]

Help! After so much reseach, my husband after looking at houses in Mt. Leb today was depressed. We come from Vermont and have views and a back yard and a big house. On one of my last threads everyone recommended Mt. Leb because they thought that was where we seemed like we'd fit in best. Let me start again. Neighborhood and schools and safetly definitely at the tops of the list but while we are excited at the prospect of being so close to a large city we are still Vermonters at heart. We don't want to be living in cramped quarters. We like space! We are hoping to find a house for about 260k and don't want taxes higher thank 5800. We are cool people who like to entertain but kids always come first hence the neighborhood. We also want to feel like we are part of a community. We are 40ish and I am into holistic health and hubby is an executive. P.S. We don't want to send our kids to private schools. Thanks in advance!

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by springinvermont

Help! After so much reseach, my husband after looking at houses in Mt. Leb today was depressed. We come from Vermont and have views and a back yard and a big house. On one of my last threads everyone recommended Mt. Leb because they thought that was where we seemed like we'd fit in best. Let me start again. Neighborhood and schools and safetly definitely at the tops of the list but while we are excited at the prospect of being so close to a large city we are still Vermonters at heart. We don't want to be living in cramped quarters. We like space! We are hoping to find a house for about 260k and don't want taxes higher thank 5800. We are cool people who like to entertain but kids always come first hence the neighborhood. We also want to feel like we are part of a community. We are 40ish and I am into holistic health and hubby is an executive. P.S. We don't want to send our kids to private schools. Thanks in advance!

Try McMurray, Venetia or Peter's Township.

[guylocke]

Or Adams Township for sure (Mars)

[springinvermont]

I know that Peters Twnship has good schools (rank like 12 in the state) but how do Mars schools stack up? What are the houses and community like there? Thanks.

[guylocke]

how do Mars schools stack up? What are the houses and community like there? Thanks.

Mars school is definitely up-and-coming. I think every single building they have is darn near brand spanking new now.

It is somewhat similar to Peters only it is north near Cranberry. The properties tend to be even more beautiful than Cranberry or Wexford imo, and many are on nice large lots. There is a ton of room for expansion and the area is growing. It'll be the next Cranberry, but from what I see, the homes are further apart and you could probably pick a lot if you wanted to build. You should definitely take a look up there, it is still fairly rural with beautiful planned neighborhoods.

[tommygoat]

Look at Upper St Clair. Same area with bigger lots. Good schools.

[guylocke]

Look at Upper St Clair. Same area with bigger lots. Good schools.

That's very true, I didn't even think of that. Did you check out neighboring USC? There really are some much larger lots that still resemble Mt. Lebo living.

[londonbarcelona]

Originally Posted by springinvermont

I know that Peters Twnship has good schools (rank like 12 in the state) but how do Mars schools stack up? What are the houses and community like there? Thanks.

"They have metal detectors in the entry."
Everyone in the Mars area sends their kids to private school. That's why we didn't move there.

[tommygoat]

Try...

Bethal Park

South Park

[Mr. Mon]

Sorry to see that Mt. Lebo is not what you thought. Problem is that you wanted a multi-cultural place with decent schools, open minded people, walkable neighborhoods, parks, etc..., and outside of urban areas there are very few places in the Eastern US that has this AND open space in the price range you're looking for. Vermont, which you're moving from, and Ithica, NY are two places I think of that has all of these things, and neither are very pedestrian friendly outside of town, and "town" doesn't give you the space you're looking for. Big lots in Mt. Lebo will cost a nice penny, but you pay that for the schools. I would suggest a fixer-upper in Point Breeze, or maybe outside of Sewickley, or just consign yourself to living in the outer suburbs.