House Shopping - Greenfield near Squirrell Hill (Pittsburgh, Penn Hills: real estate, rentals)

[Terrynat]

We intend to buy a home in about 5 months. I know I will have $75K to work with. I like the Greenfield/Squirrel Hill area (I know I cannot buy in Sq Hill for $75), but can anyone tell me is it safe to assume that the cheaper homes in Greenfield are in a bad part of Greenfield?

I've noticed most homes in GF rent for about $800-850 a month and then there's some for $595-650. Are the cheaper ones bad areas?

I've noticed some places in GF have 15207 (which usps lists as Hazelwood) zip and others have 15217. We are trying to stay in the Allderdice school district. I understand there may be some cheaper homes in Swisshelm Park (15218 zip) that are in the Allderdice sch dist too. Can anyone enlighten me about these neighborhoods? We love the Squirrel Hill/GF area b/c there is something for all of us: Bookstore/Library for me, game store for my nephew (who lives with us), CD/record shops for my jazz collector husband. Thanks!

[barneyg]

Originally Posted by Terrynat

We intend to buy a home in about 5 months. I know I will have $75K to work with. I like the Greenfield/Squirrel Hill area (I know I cannot buy in Sq Hill for $75), but can anyone tell me is it safe to assume that the cheaper homes in Greenfield are in a bad part of Greenfield?

I've noticed most homes in GF rent for about $800-850 a month and then there's some for $595-650. Are the cheaper ones bad areas?

I've noticed some places in GF have 15207 (which usps lists as Hazelwood) zip and others have 15217. We are trying to stay in the Allderdice school district. I understand there may be some cheaper homes in Swisshelm Park (15218 zip) that are in the Allderdice sch dist too. Can anyone enlighten me about these neighborhoods? We love the Squirrel Hill/GF area b/c there is something for all of us: Bookstore/Library for me, game store for my nephew (who lives with us), CD/record shops for my jazz collector husband. Thanks!

Price differences in Greenfield are more likely due to differences in the property's condition (which varies wildly from house to house) than closeness to a "bad" area. That was my impression from the many times I've been around that area, and it seems to be kinda confirmed by recent transactions on Zillow (there are <85k houses as well as >125k houses in every part of Greenfield. As far as rentals go, I can tell you from experience that some of the $850 rentals are complete rip-offs and were probably worth much closer to $650. There may be a premium to be close to the Giant Eagle and Murray Ave..

I drive through Swisshelm Park often, and I'm always amazed at how quiet and remote it seems, although it's still in the city of Pittsburgh. It definitely feels like a middle class suburb, not unlike some areas of Penn Hills (minus the hills, I guess!). You'll probably find more level lots there than in Greenfield, and access to Squirrel Hill is easy by car through Commercial St/Forward Ave. Walking to Murray Ave from there would be an expedition, however. It's almost too quiet for my own taste, but other than that I don't have much negative to say about it.

[Geeo]

Greenfield and Swisshelm Park are great neigborhoods. Close to the action of the East End, but with less congestion and more trees. Houses are well-kept, very neighborly, and a diverse mix of residents. Both neighborhoods are benfitting from spillover from Squirrel Hill and Shadyside, where prices have gotten higher. These areas are less expensive, but property values are rising. You can't go wrong with either neighborhood, in my opinion.

[Terrynat]

Thank you all for your information. This is very helpful. We are also looking at North Versailles because the housing is a bit cheaper there. I think the school district (East Allegheny) is "ok" based on the research I've done.

I am working with a real estate agency on Swisshelm. We had to move from a nice area in Regent Square (Wilkinsburg part) that had a tree-lined street and a garage and friendly neighbors. We moved when my nephew moved in with us b/c of the school district. We are hoping to get into Swisshelm before the cost of housing goes up too high. I once watched an episode of HGTV where a home owner who bought her home in the seventies said b/c of the housing boom in her area, based on the appraisal of her home, she couldn't afford to buy her own home. Interesting...

[AnamariB]

I would defenitely choose Greenfield or Swishelm Park if i were you- versus North Versailles or Swishelm...unfortunately you would not be able to find many house for 75 k that are not in need of repairs. But the High School -Allderdice is istil the best in the area.