Best place to live? (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh: home, find a job, safe neighborhood)

[HelloPittsburgh]

My husband and I are looking to move to the Pittsburgh area. He will be commuting to the city for an Accounting job. And I am currently looking for a teaching job in a public school district.

We want to move to a neighborhood that is not located in the city but just outside. We would like a safe neighborhood, that is not a rough commute to the city. We also want a family friendly environment since we would like to start a family soon. I heard about Avalon, PA. Anyone know anything about this town? We want a home with a yard and not city-like neighborhoods.

Also, if anyone knows of any schools districts that are not impossible to get into. We live in the suburbs of Philadelphia and it is nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find a good teaching job.

Thanks to all who can offer advice.

[goodgirl49]

It may depend on your area of specialization, but in general teaching jobs are very difficult to obtain in Pittsburgh. Many teachers have had to move south or west where positions are more available.

[annelotte]

Originally Posted by goodgirl49

It may depend on your area of specialization, but in general teaching jobs are very difficult to obtain in Pittsburgh. Many teachers have had to move south or west where positions are more available.

My friend Angela would definitely second this. She moved out of Pittsburgh to the DC area because she couldn't find a teaching job.

[debischlabach]

Unfortunately, the last two posts are true about teaching jobs in Pittsburgh...but, don't let that discourage you!! Supposedly, there is going to be a lot of retirees soon...and every year each school district has many openings (according to many friends who teach in Pittsburgh). There are just so many applicants, so it's very competitive. With determination though, I'm sure that you can find a job.

With that said...here are some nice areas to consider:

Wexford
Fox Chapel
Hampton
McCandless
Gibsonia
Pine Twp.
Richland
Cranberry Twp.
Valencia

All of these areas are all in the same general area (most in Allegheny County & some in Butler County). Butler County (Gibsonia, Pine Twp., Richland, Valencia, & Cranberry) has lower taxes, but longer commute to the city (although I-79 & I-76 are right there making the commute an easy one). The other areas (Wexford, Fox Chapel, Hampton, McCandless) are in Allegheny County, closer to the city. All of these areas are a little upscale, but still have a family-atmosphere. All of the schools are good in these areas. Hope this helps!

[HelloPittsburgh]

Thank you for that list of towns.

I think that I will just have to put out my best effort and search for a job, but I think that moving to Pittsburgh to raise my family is the most important thing first!

Thanks for your input.

[Seaharbour]

don't forget Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park and Upper ST clair, taxes are higher but city convience/benefits does not come free!