Visiting Pittsburgh in February (Lebanon, Brentwood: condo, hotel, home)

[skchi]

I'm planning to visit Pittsburgh in February. The purpose of the visit is to check out neighborhoods and just generally get a feel for the city. I've read a lot about Pittsburgh, and it sounds like a place where I might want to live.

I currently live in a very "walkable" town - I can walk to nearly every place I could want to be, except for work. There's a grocery store, a really nice movie theater, Borders, Barnes & Noble, lots of restaurants, coffee places, and easy access to mass transit.

So, does anyone have any recommondations for neighborhoods to check out while I'm in Pittsburgh for a weekend ? I'm currently planning on visiting Squirrel Hill, the Southside, and Shadyside. Here's my ideal neighborhood -

- all the amenties that I have now within walking distance (groceries, movie theater, big book stores, restaurants, coffee)
- safe, friendly neighborhood
- quiet residential streets near (a block or two away) from a more busy commercial area


House/condo prices aren't too big of a concern, because it looks like prices anywhere in Pittsburgh are cheaper than in my current town.

[chloride1]

The three areas you mentioned are good, especially Squirrel Hill and South Side Works. There is a growing area in East Liberty (near Shadyside) that is very promising as well. Check out this new planned development: Walnut Capital - Bakery Square - retail, office, residential and hotel development. Though that area is mixed in terms of income levels (just depends on what kind of area you prefer) Also, Edgewood and Friendship are nice, walkable neighborhoods (not far from East Liberty)

You may find this thread on a Pittsburgh forum useful: PITTSBURGH | Rundown - SkyscraperPage Forum

The front of it contains information about many of the new development projects in Pittsburgh.

Good luck!

[PghPlanner]

You might also try Dormont / Mt. Lebanon areas. Those are both on the trolley (subway or "T") line which can get you downtown. They offer an alternative to the Southside, Shadyside, or Squirrelhill. It seems those three get a lot of attention. Don't get me wrong, but there are other areas that should be explored.

Off of the trolley line, but very walkable is Oakmont, Crafton, or Brentwood.

Just some thoughts....Glad to hear that someone is considereing our town.

[BrianTH]

Squirrel Hill is a pretty close fit with what you are describing.

You might also consider checking out the Regent Square neighborhood. Note though that Regent Square has a very small "downtown" (not much more than a block), and thus does not have things like a big grocery store or book store. On the other hand, it is right next to a great park and otherwise fits your description.

[vwscottie]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Squirrel Hill is a pretty close fit with what you are describing.

You might also consider checking out the Regent Square neighborhood. Note though that Regent Square has a very small "downtown" (not much more than a block), and thus does not have things like a big grocery store or book store. On the other hand, it is right next to a great park and otherwise fits your description.

Giant Eagle is less than a mile from the shopping/dinning in Regent Square.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by vwscottie

Giant Eagle is less than a mile from the shopping/dinning in Regent Square.

True, but it is not a very pleasant walk over to the Edgewood Towne Center (where the Giant Eagle and a number of other stores are located) from Regent Square.

So if you have a car, it is actually quite convenient--and the Waterfront is also not too far away which really expands the shopping, dining, and entertainment options. But if you want to actually walk to places like that, it seems to me Squirrel Hill is the better fit.

[skchi]

Thanks for the suggestions - I'll add them to our list!

[vwscottie]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

True, but it is not a very pleasant walk over to the Edgewood Towne Center (where the Giant Eagle and a number of other stores are located) from Regent Square.

Why is it not pleasant?

Alot of people who live in Point Breeze who need groceries, but not alot all at once, use Frick Park to walk there, then it's only a short distance to Edgewood Center. You just walk to the end of Nine Mile Trail and you come out at the Center for Creative Play right near the on ramp to I-376. As a matter of fact, I just did the same thing, only walked home from the Square Cafe through the park and right to my back yard. Great excercise, great scenery, no worries about parking.

[fleetiebelle]

Why is it not pleasant?

Probably because of the lack of sidewalks and the traffic near the on/off ramps to the Parkway. I wouldn't want to walk that, either.

[vwscottie]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

Probably because of the lack of sidewalks and the traffic near the on/off ramps to the Parkway. I wouldn't want to walk that, either.

The sidewalk goes at least under the underpass of the interstate?