Hoping for info. on New Castle.... (Pittsburgh, Sharon: real estate, hotels, jobs)

[S.Joel]

Looking at New Castle for a big move from N. California. My husband may be able to transfer to a branch there. What is the shopping situation like? And I would be loooking for martial arts instruction for my son(8), as well as cub scouts(which I assume is pretty much everywhere)?? Are there any red flags regarding race? My family is inter-racial and I was wondering if there is any reason for concern(mainly for my kids). I am really drawn in by the prices on houses. There is no way we could afford to buy a house where we live now-they start at 300,000. And we would love to be in a place where we could do better for our family. We live in a very small town now so that is not much of a concern as long as I have access to certain actvities for my kids etc. I hope someone out there has some helpful input, so far nothing from the main Pa. forum. Thanks so much! Sabrina

[CortlandGirl79]

I don't know a whole lot about New Castle, but have you considered moving to the Ohio side of the border? I know of a lot of people who commute from the Youngstown suburbs to New Castle and Pittsburgh. I wouldn't recommend you live in the city limits of Y-town, but its suburbs are great and there is a lot of shopping in the area. If i was you i would check out Poland, Canfield, and Boardman, Ohio......maybe even Austintown.

[springpure]

New Castle has had a more stellar past, but is just beginning to go through a small-town renaissance. Brand new state-of-the-art high school, new parks, classic street lights with huge hanging planters everywhere. The factories, for the most part, have gone years ago. But there are now smaller companies sprouting up. And a new industrial park or two. And some new shopping centers. Because New Castle is only 40 miles by divided highway from the world-class Pittsburgh airport, folks who do a lot of flying for business are buying here. Pittsburghers are discovering the area, and deciding that the prices, quality of life, and low crime rate, justify the commute.

Through its ups and downs, New Castle has maintained with pride, a lot of quality housing. And some not so quality housing. We bought somewhere in the middle. And we paid $49,500 in 2004. Believe it. Craftsman style, on the inside and out, between 1500 and 1600 sq ft. Taxes:$1300 (Before homestead exemption and Senior state tax reduction. After reductions--$about $780) 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, 27 x 13 living room, 13 x 14 dining room, 12 x 12 den or breakfast room. modern kitchen, floored attic, full basement, 27 x 12 front porch, single garage, 40 x 180 lot.

We are just blocks to our hospital, a huge deli-type Giant Eagle grocery store, Sears, Super Wal-Mart, Staples, Lowes, Kmart and more. 20 minutes to an enclosed mall, and 30 minutes to one of the largest outlet centers in the country. We have nearby access to one of the best hospital systems in the world, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. We are 6 and 20 miles from two of the highest ranked small colleges in America. (Westminster and Grove City) Sporting and cultural events are available to the public at both schools. Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony perform in New Castle. There is a professional quality playhouse. The homes in our area are generally well-maintained, as well as the lawns. The people are welcoming and super friendly. The climate is spectacular in the summer-spring-autumn, and becoming more temperate in the winter. If it snows, the roads are quickly cleared. There is easy access to other areas on interstates 79 and 80, each just a few minutes away, and State Route 60 which is about to become an interstate. It is 5 minutes away. The crime rate is very low in the whole county (Lawrence). New Castle is surrounded by idyllic rolling farmland, largely occupied by the Amish. We employ Amish to work at our home on occasion, at a great price for quality hard work. Perhaps best of all, we have a mayor who reads your email, and actually calls you to see what he can do to help you. Seniors ride most routes on our bus system free, non rush hour. Round-trip bus fares to Pittsburgh are only $6--for everyone, from a brand new (May 2007) $2.5 million park-and-ride lot in downtown New Castle.

On September 5, 2007 Pennsylvania approved a $430 million project to be built just outside the city limits of New Castle. Valley View Downs will include a harness racetrack and casino. Taking into consideration the surrounding development that is planned, the project is expected to generate up to 4,000-5,000 new jobs in our immediate area. It is hard to overestimate the economic impact this will have on our town, as well as Lawrence County. This is the largest dollar project ever to be built in our county. We wonder how long our discount housing prices can last.

I have lived in New Castle for 3 years. It is a great little town that is just about to find itself again, and more. I have a lot more information, and oictures, if you like. springpure@aol.com

[KenD]

springpure,

My family is considering moving into New Castle but are a little confused by the way the realtors list property there.

For example, there is everything ranging from New Castle/3rd, PA throughNew Castle/8th, PA and I have no comprehension of what they are talking about. Is there a map that shows how this all breaks down? If not can you tell me how New Castle/3rd rates as far as crime and quality of life?

Thanks,

Ken

[Geeo]

They are talking about the wards of the city of New Castle. New Castle/3rd, for example, would be the thrid ward, and so on. I was born there, and I couldn't for the life of me tell you which ward is which. If the listings are in the suburban townships, they would be in Neshannock, a very nice area, Shenango, a nice area, Union, a nice area. The North Hill of New Castle is the nicest part of the city, but I don't know what ward it is.

[KenD]

Geeo,

Thanks for the response.
I'm glad it isn't just me.

Would you have any comments about the city, good, bad or whatever? Is there any areas I should stay away from? I have to say that Real Estate is incredibly inexpensive there - something leading me to believe that there has to be something wrong there.

Thanks again,

Ken

[Geeo]

The New Castle area went through very rough times in the 80s with big industry leaving town. Consequently, there was a big population drop, and the people who are there now are generally older and retired. But not all. The economy is more stable now, but there are no big industries that came in to pick up the slack. Lawrence County, where New Castle is located, now has more commuters to Pittsburgh's northern suburbs and airport corridor, where the jobs are. There is also now a commuter bus to Pittsburgh.

I would say that the nicest part of town is Neshannock, which is a separate township that borders NC to the north. I grew up in Neshannock, and it's a leafy suburban area with nice homes and a busy commercial strip. Shenago and Union townships are also nice suburban areas. The North Hill of New Castle proper is the nicest residential area within the city limits, with homes from the 1920s.

Crime in NC is not bad, as far as I know, but some areas do have more crime than others, mostly having to do with drugs. I think there was one murder last year, and that was big news.

Real estate is very inexpensive. Even in Neshannock, you will be able to find a nice 1960s ranch house for $125K. Larger and newer homes sell for closer to what they would sell in the Pittsburgh suburbs.

However, the state just awarded a casino license that will be built in western Lawrence County, and plans are for the casino, horse racing track, hotels, shopping, and residential. It could mean an uptick in the fortunes of the area with new people moving in. Rock-bottom real estate may not last forever.

Overall, if you like a slower pace, getting to know people in town, no traffic, and low cost of living, the area might suit you well. If you want arts and culture of the big city, Pittsburgh is only an hour away.

[Geeo]

And I forgot to mention the best feature of the new Castle area - the community of Amish that live in northern Lawrence County and southern Mercer County near New Wilmington, which is itself a quaint town that is the home of Westminster College. The Amish live on farms in the area and drive their buggies on the local roads and it's a nice thing to see. There was a K Mart at North City Plaza in Neshannock when I was growing up that had a hitching post for their horses.

[KenD]

Geeo,Thanks again, I'll certainly add the locations you mentioned to my list of possible areas to move to.

Ken

[Katdoll]

I recommend where I live, New Wilmington. IT is a nice quaint small town. It does have Amish, very handy for any home project needed done. You do have to watch your driving though. There are lots of shopping areas nearby, both 15 minutes north to Sharon, Hermitage, PA; 30 minutes west to YOungstown, OH; and 15 minutes south to New Castle, PA; to the east is Grove City, another nice little qaint town. IT has a large Shopping outlet stores mall. Lots of little towns surrounding New WIlmington: Volant... lots of home turned into shops there. Pulaski, a very small main street, just a post office, gas station, and a school mostly. All three of these little towns are in the same school district, they have their own Elementary schools, but all join together for Middle school, and high school. Volunteer Fire Department, some little shops downtown New Wilmington, as well as a few places to eat. There is a college in downtown New Wilmington, but this town is so quaint you can hardly tell that it is a college town.
Housing is moderate pricing.....any house can be from $80,000 - 200,000.
New Castle is a larger town nearby, and the areas that are a better section to live are the north side, or any township surrounding it. Neshannock, Shenango, Union, Laurel, Mohawk, New Wilmington.
People are very friendly here in New Wilmington....you know practically everyone in town. Or if you just want to be by yourself, that's possible too. Housing in townships have lots of room between, it's all in what you want.
You can get an aerial view of New Wilmington area and check out the town.
Good luck in your search.