Yet Another Moving Advice Thread...Mt Lebanon, Canonsburg, South Park ? (Pittsburgh: apartment, rentals)

[wiggleroompgh]

Hi Everyone,

Finally moving out of the East End and looking for some advice on trying to find a place west of Pittsburgh. Ideally, need a place where I can commute to the Southside area in 30-40 minutes (I know there is terrible traffic) and spouse can drive an hour long commute south of the city.

We narrowed down moving to areas near Canonsburg/Southpointe/South Park/Mt Lebanon.

Here's some stats on what we're looking for:


- cap at 1500 a month
- Townhouse or Home
- at least a 1 car garage (2 is a dream but i understand impossible under 1800)
- updated (at least somewhat)
- # of Bedrooms (don't really care, let's say at least 2)
- # of Bathrooms, at least 1.5
- will allow a cat or a dog (NOT a must have)
- central air (NOT a must-have)
- dishwasher
- washer and dryer or at least hookups

It's not really an extensive list, my main concern is that I know the commute will probably stink no matter what I do since Rt 51 is terrible and 79 can be pretty bad, I need to always expect traffic there.

Anyway, any thoughts? I've read through some old threads and I'm pretty familiar with Pittsburgh at this point but I wanted some advice from the experts.

Some questions for you:

- Will the price point work, or do I need to up it?
- Are there any other areas near there that I should take a look at?
- Is the traffic still that bad--where I can expect 40 minutes to an hour driving so close outside the city?

[doo dah]

Originally Posted by wiggleroompgh

Hi Everyone,

Finally moving out of the East End and looking for some advice on trying to find a place west of Pittsburgh. Ideally, need a place where I can commute to the Southside area in 30-40 minutes (I know there is terrible traffic) and spouse can drive an hour long commute south of the city.

We narrowed down moving to areas near Canonsburg/Southpointe/South Park/Mt Lebanon.

Here's some stats on what we're looking for:

- cap at 1500 a month
- at least a 1 car garage (2 is a dream but i understand impossible under 1800)
- updated (at least somewhat)
- will allow a cat or a dog (NOT a must have)
- central air (NOT a must-have)
- dishwasher
- washer and dryer or at least hookups

It's not really an extensive list, my main concern is that I know the commute will probably stink no matter what I do since Rt 51 is terrible and 79 can be pretty bad, I need to always expect traffic there.

Anyway, any thoughts? I've read through some old threads and I'm pretty familiar with Pittsburgh at this point but I wanted some advice from the experts.

Some questions for you:

- Will the price point work, or do I need to up it?
- Are there any other areas near there that I should take a look at?
- Is the traffic still that bad--where I can expect 40 minutes to an hour driving so close outside the city?

House, townhouse, apartment?

Number of bedrooms?

[wiggleroompgh]

Would prefer townhouse or house (thanks for asking for got about this)
Bedrooms--don't really care.
Bathroom - AT LEAST 1.5 that is a non-negotiable. I'll update the main post--ty for bringing that up I forgot!

[doo dah]

Here is a cute place in Dormont.
and Upper St Clair.

[wiggleroompgh]

Originally Posted by doo dah

Here is a cute place in Dormont.
and Upper St Clair.

I did see these and they look nice.

I guess the real question I should be asking is, when people are going to start posting more rentals starting in the June-July months! That didn't even occur to me. I'm guessing most landlords will start posting in the next 2 months?

[keyser412soze]

Originally Posted by wiggleroompgh

trying to find a place west of Pittsburgh.

We narrowed down moving to areas near Canonsburg/Southpointe/South Park/Mt Lebanon.

My first comment would be that none of that areas are west of Pittsburgh.

Originally Posted by wiggleroompgh

I guess the real question I should be asking is, when people are going to start posting more rentals starting in the June-July months! That didn't even occur to me. I'm guessing most landlords will start posting in the next 2 months?

Yes. From my experience, April - October are when most leases start/end.

[guy2073]

You should look into Scott Twp, commute would be a breeze, go towards west end circle on Greentree rd, then go to sawmill run and take Wabash tunnels.

[WildPittBill]

Originally Posted by wiggleroompgh

Hi Everyone,

Finally moving out of the East End and looking for some advice on trying to find a place west of Pittsburgh. Ideally, need a place where I can commute to the Southside area in 30-40 minutes (I know there is terrible traffic) and spouse can drive an hour long commute south of the city.

We narrowed down moving to areas near Canonsburg/Southpointe/South Park/Mt Lebanon.

Here's some stats on what we're looking for:


- cap at 1500 a month
- Townhouse or Home
- at least a 1 car garage (2 is a dream but i understand impossible under 1800)
- updated (at least somewhat)
- # of Bedrooms (don't really care, let's say at least 2)
- # of Bathrooms, at least 1.5
- will allow a cat or a dog (NOT a must have)
- central air (NOT a must-have)
- dishwasher
- washer and dryer or at least hookups

It's not really an extensive list, my main concern is that I know the commute will probably stink no matter what I do since Rt 51 is terrible and 79 can be pretty bad, I need to always expect traffic there.

Anyway, any thoughts? I've read through some old threads and I'm pretty familiar with Pittsburgh at this point but I wanted some advice from the experts.

Some questions for you:

- Will the price point work, or do I need to up it?
- Are there any other areas near there that I should take a look at?
- Is the traffic still that bad--where I can expect 40 minutes to an hour driving so close outside the city?

Below are my observations on each of the communities you mentioned:
Canonsburg - You'll have no trouble finding a decent place for $1,500/month. It's a relatively safe family-friendly working class town. Houses are older but many are in good shape. That can be hit-or-miss. Also look at Cecil and North Strabane townships. Can't beat the interstate access.
Southpointe - Housing is pretty expensive. All the housing is no older than 20 years old, most is much newer than that. This is very rare in this area. Can't really go wrong there but not sure you'll find anything at your price. Easy on-off interstate access particularly since you'll be working against the predominant traffic flow.
South Park - Shouldn't have a problem in your price range. Lots of modest homes but with a '70s feel. Big advantage is you can sneak into the Southside through some backroads avoiding the Parkway and 51 altogether. Negative is access to the interstate (what interstate?) if spouse has to go further south.
Mt Lebanon - Big community with lots of housing available. Walkable downtown. T access to the Southside. It can stink if you're driving every day through the Liberty Tunnels. Much longer commute than it appears on paper. Access to interstate is not great.

IMHO, Canonsburg would be my first choice for the amenities you seek and interstate access.

Hope this helps.

[wiggleroompgh]

Originally Posted by keyser412soze

My first comment would be that none of that areas are west of Pittsburgh.


Yes. From my experience, April - October are when most leases start/end.

Awesome, thanks for this insight.

Originally Posted by guy2073

You should look into Scott Twp, commute would be a breeze, go towards west end circle on Greentree rd, then go to sawmill run and take Wabash tunnels.

Ah yes the Wabash tunnels. That could work. I think Scott two may be a little too close to the city for the spouse's commute but ty for the tip!

Originally Posted by WildPittBill

Below are my observations on each of the communities you mentioned:
Canonsburg - You'll have no trouble finding a decent place for $1,500/month. It's a relatively safe family-friendly working class town. Houses are older but many are in good shape. That can be hit-or-miss. Also look at Cecil and North Strabane townships. Can't beat the interstate access.
Southpointe - Housing is pretty expensive. All the housing is no older than 20 years old, most is much newer than that. This is very rare in this area. Can't really go wrong there but not sure you'll find anything at your price. Easy on-off interstate access particularly since you'll be working against the predominant traffic flow.
South Park - Shouldn't have a problem in your price range. Lots of modest homes but with a '70s feel. Big advantage is you can sneak into the Southside through some backroads avoiding the Parkway and 51 altogether. Negative is access to the interstate (what interstate?) if spouse has to go further south.
Mt Lebanon - Big community with lots of housing available. Walkable downtown. T access to the Southside. It can stink if you're driving every day through the Liberty Tunnels. Much longer commute than it appears on paper. Access to interstate is not great.

IMHO, Canonsburg would be my first choice for the amenities you seek and interstate access.

Hope this helps.

TY very much for the tips. I guess I will keep my eyes open for more postings in April when more are likely to be advertised.

I have seen posts before where people recommend driving around the neighborhoods to check for houses for rent--but I'm guessing this is more useful in around May or June--which I think is a little late to actually get a place.