Pittsburgh: Is a car really needed? (Washington, Liberty: sublet, apartments, renting)

[sin2beta]

I have searched several past topics and this topic is aimed at getting an update after various Port Authority cutbacks and for a nonstudent. Most apartments I am looking at are just north of the river from Lawrenceville.

1) How bad is it to not drive in Pittsburgh?

I honestly just prefer not to drive. This is one of the main reasons for my move. I currently live in Tulsa Oklahoma and have been slowly going carless. I completely sold my car two years ago but still use a small motorcycle for when I have to go long distances. So far, I love it. It is very liberating in a lot of ways. However, this has made me realize how limiting this city is. For instance, there are no sidewalks where I live.

If I came to Pittsburgh would I be able to use public transit in order to get to most neighborhoods, places to work, etc. I understand that public transit takes longer, that's fine. I just want to make sure that I would be able to get to most places in the city. Especially, in terms of looking for employment.

2) How is the current job market.

I am currently a teacher, but am looking to change careers. No field in particular. I just miss the business world whether it is retail or actuarial work (the two things I did before). I would be coming with several months of salary, but would look for a retail job as soon as I arrived to sustain myself (and possibly move forward in). Is the job market in Pittsburgh decent now?

Thank you so much for your information, experience, and time. If you need any more information from me to answer the questions, just ask!

[gg]

I know a lot of people carless, but they cycle everywhere. It is doable. Buses aren't that liberating for me, so I don't really know all that much about them other than the busway. If you are near a busway, the bus service seems to be pretty darn good.

[Moby Hick]

You can get to most places in the city on public transit, but everybody I know who lives without a car works downtown or in Oakland. Of course, nearly everybody I know with a car works downtown or in Oakland because that is where the jobs are. But also because, while the transit system covers lots of the city and nearby suburbs, it doesn't cover them all equally well. The busways, the T, the 61s, the 71s, and a few others provide frequent service at a variety of times. The other routes, not so much. You say you don't worry that it takes longer by transit, but some commutes would take so long as to be impractical.

Also, I wouldn't recommend living just north of the river from Lawrenceville if you don't want a car at all. That's not an area heavily served by transit or with lots of stuff that is walkable.

[ML North]

I lived car-less for few years in Oakland. I was a student at the time, and I walked or bussed it to classes, my job, to the stores, or occasionally out to Monroeville to run errands. Occasionally I would borrow a car from a friend if it was really necessary or convenient, but I think that Zipcar could serve that purpose just as effectively.

As others have mentioned, the neighborhoods along the busway should definitely be part of your search (i.e. Shadyside, Regent Square), but there are many other areas that have good transit service. Anything along the T lines, Southside Flats, Mount Washington, or the Central Northside neighborhoods are all possibilities.

[Hopes]

You can definitely be careless living in Lawrenceville. Bring your motorcycle so you can enjoy the region's greater outdoors.

[selltheburgh]

I was carless while living in Regent Square, Oakland, and Bloomfield. It is doable. Biking makes it much easier, but the winter months can get old. Pat is slow and only best used to get downtown or to oakland.

I wish I was less car dependent, but I like the fact that I do make many trips by foot and bike from Highland Park & East Liberty - especially when the weather is a bit better.

[sin2beta]

Excellent information everyone! I appreciate it so much!

One thing I have been tossing around is renting a sublet from a student over the summer. This would put me in a location around transit fairly cheaply with a short-term commitment for a job search. This will also give me a much better idea about the transit system.

I do have to say that the Pittsburgh forum is very nice and helpful.

[RedBall]

You need a car in Pittsburgh unless you're extremely committed to not owning a car.

[Moby Hick]

Originally Posted by sin2beta

One thing I have been tossing around is renting a sublet from a student over the summer. This would put me in a location around transit fairly cheaply with a short-term commitment for a job search. This will also give me a much better idea about the transit system.

That sounds like a very good idea. Just keep in mind that certain areas (especially South Oakland) are much quieter over the summer than they would be in the fall. The buses to and from Oakland are also quite a bit less crowded than in their natural state.

[ElijahAstin]

I'd personally go stir crazy if I didn't have a car in Pittsburgh, but it can be done if you don't plan to do much in the way of regular traveling/regional exploring.