Yet another "moving to Pittsburgh" thread (Washington, Green Tree: rental, condo)

[Elle Driver]

Originally Posted by ferrarisnowday

So the office is in Robinson, the shortest commute times are definitely going to be from Robinson or other nearby suburbs. You say you want to enjoy what the city has to offer; could you expand on that? Do you just want easy access for an occasional dinner, concert, or sporting event? Or do you want more of an every day urban living experience? Do you want to be able to step out your door and go out to eat, drink, or see a movie or something without having to drive?

Living in the city wouldn't add that much time to your commute, and it could be worth it if you envision yourself enjoying city amenities on a regular basis during the week. However if you're just going to be doing something in the city every now and then, and don't mind having to drive even if it's just for a quick trip to the drug store or something, then somewhere really close to Robinson is probably the best bet.

I would like more of an every day urban living experience, like you mentioned. I want to have access to almost everything without having to get in the car and drive everywhere. My concern is the traffic, because although I like living in the city if the commute is too much of a hassle then maybe it's not worth it. Currently my commute to work is around 30 minutes and it's no big deal for me.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by Elle Driver

I would like more of an every day urban living experience, like you mentioned. I want to have access to almost everything without having to get in the car and drive everywhere. My concern is the traffic, because although I like living in the city if the commute is too much of a hassle then maybe it's not worth it. Currently my commute to work is around 30 minutes and it's no big deal for me.

Look into Mt. Lebanon and Sewickley. They have walkable neighborhoods with great business districts. Your commute will be under 30 minutes.

[SlurmsMcKenzie]

I'd recommend taking a look at Crafton. 1st ring suburb, great downtown access, walkable, easy access to Robinson and points south and west.

[eschaton]

I admit I don't know the traffic patterns of that region, because I don't live out that way, and I don't drive much in general, but looking on Google Maps...

South Side Flats to Robinson - 23 Minutes
Mount Washington to Robinson - 20 Minutes

Mount Lebanon to Robinson - 23 Minutes
Sewickley To Robinson - 19 Minutes

...it seems pretty similar to me.

[ferraris]

Originally Posted by Elle Driver

I would like more of an every day urban living experience, like you mentioned. I want to have access to almost everything without having to get in the car and drive everywhere. My concern is the traffic, because although I like living in the city if the commute is too much of a hassle then maybe it's not worth it. Currently my commute to work is around 30 minutes and it's no big deal for me.

Originally Posted by Hopes

Look into Mt. Lebanon and Sewickley. They have walkable neighborhoods with great business districts. Your commute will be under 30 minutes.

With a 30 minute cap you have quite a few options. I don't think you've mentioned your budget yet have you? Mt. Lebo and Sewickley could both work depending on what you want exactly. Really you could live in Downtown itself and still be to Robinson in 30 minutes probably, though parking would be a considerable extra cost there. The most urban option you could get is the South Side Flats, It's one of Pittsburgh's largest business districts (about 20 blocks) and is capped by the South Side Works shopping center and Station Square Mall at the ends. Plenty of amenities, dining, and nightlife there.

There are other walkable suburbs and city neighborhoods that could probably work, but I would probably target the South Side Flats in your situation. The only downside is that it may be *too* vibrant for your tastes, but only you can answer that. It does get pretty rowdy on the weekends due to all the bars.

[Elle Driver]

Thank you all for your insight.

My budget is $700-$800. I've been doing some research on the areas you provided and looking for apartment options. Obviously is hard to know exactly how a specific area is like without being there, so I'm taking notes of apartments info to make appointments and take a look once I get there. Basically, my priorities are not too far from my job and the city and a relatively easy commute.

[Mr. Mon]

Originally Posted by greg42

Squirrel Hill has a definitive opposite direction of traffic. The Fort Pitt Tunnel does not; there are backups in both directions at both morning and evening rush hours.

This cannot be repeated enough. There is no true reverse commute with the Fort Pitt Tunnel. I did it for one year before tiring of having a 30 minute drive to Robinson in the morning become a 1-1.5 hour drive back in the city in the afternoon rush.

Like others have said, Crafton, Green Tree, Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Brookline, etc... are fine locations that are close enough to Downtown but keep you on the other side of the tunnels. Sewickley is also a very nice option. It's a little further from the city, but a walkable village close to Robinson.

[Elle Driver]

I reduced my options to the following:
- Mt. Washington
- Green Tree
- Crafton
- Dormont

Which one of these would you recommend?

[Hopes]

All four are fine. Green Tree is more suburban feel than the other three. I think you'll love Dormont. It has a city feel with lots of eclectic shops crammed into a small area. It's very close to Mt. Lebanon's business district too. Mt. Washington has the cool factor of being able to take the incline down into the city. The view is amazing. And Julia is loving Crafton.

[ferraris]

Originally Posted by Elle Driver

I reduced my options to the following:
- Mt. Washington
- Green Tree
- Crafton
- Dormont

Which one of these would you recommend?

Dormont is probably the most walkable of those and also has T (light rail) access to downtown. Mt. Washington is walkable, but less so than Dormont. The advantage to Mt. Washington is that you could take the incline down to Station Square, the south side, and downtown.

Green Tree sounds like a really bad fit for you since you want an urban and walkable place. I don't know much about Crafton, but I don't think it is very walkable either.

You should also note that craigslist is the most common way of finding apartments here. In Mt. Washington and Dormont there are going to be loads of apartments that are actually converted single family homes. You'll be missing a lot of potential places if you only look at large complexes.