HELP!-- 3 Families Moving from NYC to Pittsburgh???? (Allentown, Penn Hills: foreclosure, houses)

[ainulinale]

Originally Posted by Geeo

The dominant structure is the huge domed Catholic church that was built by the Polish immigrants when they settled in the neighborhood.

By ainulindale, shot with C960Z,D460Z at 2008-01-06


By ainulindale, shot with C960Z,D460Z at 2008-01-06


By ainulindale, shot with C960Z,D460Z at 2008-01-06


By ainulindale, shot with C960Z,D460Z at 2008-01-06


By ainulindale, shot with C960Z,D460Z at 2008-01-06

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by ainulinale

Yes, good post BrianTH; but I just wanted to mention that even though Polish Hill is a safe area, it is a very small area, and being next to the Hill District means you don't have to go far to find trouble. The Strip and Lawrenceville are right below Polish Hill, and even though they aren't unsafe areas, you really don't want to walk around there at night unless your looking for clubs in the Strip. My point is this: if your looking for safety, then you're probably going to be rather confined in Polish Hill.

I think this is one of those good news/bad news situations.

The good news is that it is very typical in Pittsburgh for relatively safe neighborhoods to be right next to relatively high crime neighborhoods, and Polish Hill is actually somewhat unique in that it has strong physical boundaries: Bigelow to the south and the Busway/railway to the north, which together with the slope running through the area really limit the ways into and out of the neighborhood. I personally think that is a large part of why Polish Hill is so safe. As I noted before, some people use Polish Hill as a driving short cut, but otherwise there are not going to be a lot of people from outside the neighborhood around. And the local residents are mostly students, aging blue collar folks, and now apparently a few young families (not exactly a threatening mix).

The bad news is that since there is currently almost no shopping in Polish Hill, you probably will need to leave the neighborhood for that purpose. I might note though that the Strip is not the only convenient option for shopping: you also have Bloomfield right across the Bloomfield Bridge, Oakland just around the corner via Bigelow, and there is a pretty slick short cut over to Baum (via Melwood Ave) for going to the stores along Baum/Centre or on into Shadyside. And you can also go Downtown.

Your point does apply, however: none of those nearby places are as safe, particularly at night, as Polish Hill, and for the reasons above none of them are really an easy walk. So it would be quite helpful, particularly for older or single people, for Polish Hill to have at least a little more shopping right in the neighborhood. And apparently maybe that will be happening soon, but as noted I can't promise it.

Edit:

Oh, and I also wanted to agree that Polish Hill is a small neighborhood. I'm not sure I am explaining the geography well, but Polish Hill is really just a temporary wide spot between Bigelow and the Busway as they run toward Downtown.

And as the article linked above implies, that means it can actually be hard to find property on the market in Polish Hill even if you like the neighborhood. On the other hand, the article also notes the relatively high percentage of vacant homes/lots, and I gather people are starting to buy those properties and invest in some some new builds. I have no idea how much of that is in the pipeline, however.

[By~Tor]

Well, on realtor dot com, I found housing in the following zip codes: 15204-Sheridan, 15205-Crafton heights, 15202 - Bellevue, 15212 - Marshall Shadeland, 15211 - Mt. Washington, 15210 - Knoxville and 15235 - Penn Hills. These houses seemed to be about the right size and price, but how are those Zip Code areas?

[Tallysmom]

Regarding Janitorial Companies -- check the biggy -- ABM. They are worldwide.

[chloride1]

Hi -- I live on Mt Washington and can add some information.

For walkability to grocery store, drycleaner, postoffice, etc., you need to live within walking distance of Shiloh Street (you can find it on google maps). There are definitely houses in your price range with at least small yards near there.

(There are townhouses with views in the $400K range, actually, on that side of Mt Washington. They are not all $1million.)

You may find that you will need to give up your garage :-) Getting something with all your criteria in your price range that also has a garage will probably be difficult. But a real estate agent will know better, of course.

Good luck!! Hope you find something you really like.

quote=ainulinale;2799097]I just might take you up on that!!!

As for your questions:

The Strip District is all concrete, warehouses, markets, nightclubs and a couple of rowhouses...it's also not the safest area of the city...not a good place to raise a family if you ask me. Don't even consider the Bluff...the Hill District (Pittsburgh's worst slum) bleeds into the that area-- rows, Duquesne University and crime typify that neighborhood. Shadyside is extremely expensive...we're talking many homes in the multi millions of dollars. I'm certain though that you could find something there within your price range if you don't mind living in a townhouse. The area is absolutely beautiful and safe, with big old homes, trees and front lawns. Shadyside has a central business district, so I don't think you'll be hard-pressed to find groceries.

Bloomfield would definitely be within your price range. Bloomfield has a lot of ugly, vinyl-sided rowhouses though (in my opinion) and is quite dense (I don't think you'll be finding anything with a yard). It's a very safe area, noted as being Pittsburgh's Little Italy. It has a very nice central business district, and being Italian you can count on good food and nice markets in the area. Bloomfield is definitely a walking community, but, like all of Pittsburgh's neighborhoods, it has good public transportation access.

Mt. Washington is a nice, safe area definitely within your price range. I would assume Duquesne Heights is pretty much the same thing, but I don't know for sure. As long as you're not looking for anything with a view (that will run you about $1 million for a townhouse), you should be able to find something good there. I think Mt. Washington is another good walking community, so you should be close to grocery stores and other goods. Concerning public transportation, you could actually be one of the few to take the incline down Mt. Washington to station square! Depending on how eager you are to walk, you could either walk across the bridge to downtown, or you could catch the subway to downtown (which conveniently stops at Steel Plaza, Wood Street and Gateway Center and is now extending to the North Shore even though they should really extend it to Oakland...don't get me started!) Anyway, I've included a few links to real estate sites where you can enter a specific Pittsburgh neighborhood to check out housing prices in that area...
Moderator cut: linking to real estate sites is not allowed

[PeterRabbit]

Several suburbs such as Penn Hills have Pittsburgh 152xx zip codes but aren't a part of the city.

[By~Tor]

Well, a nice agent contacted me last night, and it looks as if we'll be working together (Jeesh, I hope I didn't just jinx myself...). I'm narrowing our search to the Lawrenceville, Squirrel hill and Southside Slopes areas, because these seem to have the highest chances of success. I suppose we'll see, eh?

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by By~Tor

Well, a nice agent contacted me last night, and it looks as if we'll be working together (Jeesh, I hope I didn't just jinx myself...). I'm narrowing our search to the Lawrenceville, Squirrel hill and Southside Slopes areas, because these seem to have the highest chances of success. I suppose we'll see, eh?

Those are great areas and coming from NYC I suspect you will be happy with your options--good luck!

[Catia]

BY-Tor,
I live in Pittsburgh, I own properties in Pittsburgh, have lived here all of my life, am 1/2 Hungarian (LOL,if that helps!)I am not a realtor, nor in the field--i.e: I'm not trying to sell anything, just trying to give you some perspective and my opinion.
If I am understanding correctly from what I've read--you are planning on relocating to Pittsburgh, and also relocating Hungarian retired family members who want to remain close to you and also have a decent, safe community where they can walk around to shop/church etc???
OK, Pittsburgh has a ton of Hungarians, of all faiths, they are everywhere, intermixed in several communities. Finding other hungarians to relate to in this area should not be too difficult, I believe there are Hungarian types of social clubs still in existance, but not positive, as I am not a member, and cannot remember all of the names of the various organizations. Some, due to dwindling involvement have merged, becoming slavic/hungarian etc, in any light, they are around, you just gotta look.
One thing really comes to my mind here after reading some of what you posted. If I am right--you are seeking somewhere safe and accessible for your retired hungarian family where they can safely remain independent within their community right? Somewhere where there's not gang activity, drug dealing, shootings, muggings, etc? Well, in general Pittsburgh is a lot safer than NYC--but--in the case of retired persons wanting a certain amount of freedom without these horrible occurances being the norm--there are certain areas you want to definately stay clear of. And I am gonna tell you where they are, because I believe that is what you want to know right?
There is a tremendous amount of change taking place in this city both in the past 10 yrs, and right now, and it is grossly affecting many of the neighborhoods. Some once very safe/stable neighborhoods have turned into mini-war zones full of drugs and crime. These 2 things are: Foreclosure rates--investors have bought up tons of homes that were in foreclosure, for way under market value, and have section 8 these properties #2 Govt housing projects are closing, and tons of people are being moved into the neighborhoods that have a lot of section 8 housing, causing some communities to become little more safe that the actual housing projects were. I am not condemning poor people, nor am I saying if you are poor you are dangerous...What I am saying is that neighborhoods with a high concentration of section 8 housing seem to be much more dangerous, and I am saying this due to my direct experience. How do I know this? Because I just moved from one such neighborhood within the 15210 area. Once a working class neighborhood full of homeowners, now just flat dangerous. I would never have my retired family move to certain areas if I had any control to chose where they resided, and I would not live in them myself, which is why I moved.
Also, there has been a mass public transit cut, so many of the once easily accessable areas are not so easy anymore. This is something you want to consider, if your elderly mother wants to take a bus downtown--where will she have to wait? and during what hours?
There are so many houses for sale here, and realtors can easily sway an out of towner who does not know the area. You are looking for Safety, accessablility, community.
Marshall-Shadeland--No way! just stay away in general of the entire zipcode 15212. while there are still small pockets of 'semi-safe' areas with beautiful houses that are both large and cheap, in order to access public trans, or shop/church, you will have to go through the areas that are not safe...this will limit the independence of a retired person if they have to worry about such things. 15210 is also an area you do not even want to waste time considering.
There are what I consider the "no" areas, areas that are high risk for crime, areas where retired persons are at a higher risk:
Lawrencevile, Bloomfield, Sheridan, Beechview, Knoxville, Beltzhoover, Mt Oliver, Allentown, Mt Washington areas off of the main track--, Carrick, East Liberty, and many parts of Penn Hills.--There are more, and I am sure I will get flack for even staing this list, but I am just being honest and stating my opinion.
Areas that are better to focus on: Southside--especially southside flats, walk to almost everything, lots of older people that mix with younger--area is congested--but lots of churches and social organizations, public transportation to downtown with ease. Higher price, congested, but has a lot to offer, there is a large body of retired people there, many retirement complexes. Southside Slopes, if you find a street that is not too steep or skinny, and has easy access to the flats will cost a little less because it's slightly off the main path. SS slopes is great--but it is steep and hilly, which is something you need to consider with older persons and accessability--many great houses but there may be 15-20 steps to get to yor front door from the sidewalk. Not all are like this, but most of these houses are. They are built into the side of a mountain after all.
Crafton Borough is GREAT!!! Nice little community. 12 minutes from Downtown, 10 min to airport area. Local Shopping and many churches close. A few retirement highrises are here, so there are older community folks around who are involved with the community. Good Police presence. Many local social orgs to get invlved with. Beautiful old houses-Again, Crafton Borough--NOT CRAFTON HEIGHTS--Crafton Heights is city of Pittsburgh, and has NOTHING to offer as far as what you are looking for, and it has nothing to do with Crafton Borough which is like another world. Zipcode for Crafton Borough is 15205--BUT--other areas that are not Crafton Borough are included in this zipcode. Specify Crafton Borough. You can get a great house with driveway or garage for btwn $75,000-150,000, depending on how update the house is, or if it is fixer upper. I am very familiar with this community and cannot say enough good things about it, especially for the price. Google "crafton pa" or go to Crafton Borough - Welcome to get a look.

Mt Lebanon is another great area, but more expensive than Crafton. But has a lot to offer.
Squirrel Hill has good community, with a large jewish community, and also many nice houses close to main strip.
Some other more stable communities: Shadyside, Upper St Clair, Dormont Borough,
You can live in a borough here and still be well within 20 minutes of downtown Pittsburgh. The Boroughs seem to have more of what you are looking for IMHO. The city of Pittsburgh is having big probelms, and lack of police presence, and some neighborhoods have turned to slums. You really should have little problem finding exactly what you want in pittsburgh or surrounding area, and houses are being sold cheap right now. Best thing to know is what the area has to offer to both you and your children, and also retired family. Feel free to PM me if you want more info about some of the areas I listed.

[By~Tor]

Excellent post, Catia!--Thanks, and thanks to everyone else too, who is and has been such a big help this week; I am pretty excited about coming up there to see houses this weekend, and eating a massive sandwich at that one place... "Prineo's" or something like that....