Moving back to Pgh after being away for 6 years (Pittsburgh: real estate, condo)

[Psusux1]

My wife and I are moving back home after 6 years in Los Angeles. We're looking to live within the city limits for a more urban feel than a suburb. We're really interested in Central North Side (The War Streets) or Shadyside/Squirrel Hill.

My question is are there any other up and coming urban areas we could consider? It is tough to do this searching from 3,000 miles away, so we have to rely a lot on word of mouth. We'd be grateful for any opinions we can get.

[guylocke]

My question is are there any other up and coming urban areas we could consider? It is tough to do this searching from 3,000 miles away, so we have to rely a lot on word of mouth. We'd be grateful for any opinions we can get.

There are quite a few projects going up downtown. Do you want to rent or buy? House or more like a condo?

[Psusux1]

Definitely buy, and we'd prefer to be in a house over anything else.

I'd say it would go House > Townhouse >>>Condo

[guylocke]

I personally like the War Streets. I think they're pretty cool. Shadyside and Sq. Hill are of course safe bets.

Parts of East Liberty are becoming pretty trendy.

I would definitely look into Lawrenceville, too. I'd say for urban up-and-coming, Lawrenceville is the ticket.

[Psusux1]

When we mentioned the war streets to my dad (who still lives in Pgh) and his friend who is a real estate agent, we got some pretty surprising (negative) responses. I've read the thread below about the War Streets, and I'm surprised. The last time I was in the general area was about 7-8 years ago. I saw a play or something right near the Children's Museum and we walked around afterwards at 9 something at night, and we didn't feel unsafe in the slightest. I guess safety would be a consideration for us (but living near Inglewood for the last 6 years and feeling 100% safe, I doubt we'd feel unsafe), but we're also thinking resale for the future.

Do you think the North Shore Connector will elevate property values in the War Streets area? Are there any other developments happening in the area (that you know of off the top of your head) that might increase property values?

[Seaharbour]

I would personally go for Squirrel Hill or Shadyside myself...from your list.

[vwscottie]

Originally Posted by Psusux1

My wife and I are moving back home after 6 years in Los Angeles. We're looking to live within the city limits for a more urban feel than a suburb. We're really interested in Central North Side (The War Streets) or Shadyside/Squirrel Hill.

My question is are there any other up and coming urban areas we could consider? It is tough to do this searching from 3,000 miles away, so we have to rely a lot on word of mouth. We'd be grateful for any opinions we can get.

Squirrel Hill and Shadyside sure get my vote, along with where we live now, Point Breeze/Regent Square. Our area was recently named the hottest new urban area to live in in Pittsburgh Quarterly magazine. Lots of big beautiful homes that are still pretty affordable.

[Katiana]

Originally Posted by Psusux1

When we mentioned the war streets to my dad (who still lives in Pgh) and his friend who is a real estate agent, we got some pretty surprising (negative) responses. I've read the thread below about the War Streets, and I'm surprised. The last time I was in the general area was about 7-8 years ago. I saw a play or something right near the Children's Museum and we walked around afterwards at 9 something at night, and we didn't feel unsafe in the slightest. I guess safety would be a consideration for us (but living near Inglewood for the last 6 years and feeling 100% safe, I doubt we'd feel unsafe), but we're also thinking resale for the future.

Do you think the North Shore Connector will elevate property values in the War Streets area? Are there any other developments happening in the area (that you know of off the top of your head) that might increase property values?

You never know. Unless you're into speculating, I'd go with other areas that have been mentioned. A casino is going up in that area. Who knows what that will do to prop. values?

[gallacus]

Originally Posted by Psusux1

Do you think the North Shore Connector will elevate property values in the War Streets area? Are there any other developments happening in the area (that you know of off the top of your head) that might increase property values?

I think that the North Shore connector will probably have little effect on the property values in this area, as will the casino. The redevelopment of North Ave. by the URA, on the other hand, will most-likely have a far greater impact on property values in the area.

Pop City - URA to release Federal North RFP

[Psusux1]

Very interesting, thanks for the link gallacus!