HELP!-- 3 Families Moving from NYC to Pittsburgh???? (Dormont, Dravosburg: relocation company, house)

[valleygal]

I am sorry that, by time I found this site, you will be in Pittsburgh as we speak. I want to mention Ambridge, PA. It is a small town of approx. 7500 residents, fifteen miles north of downtown Pittsburgh. It is on two bus lines, one with express service that puts you in town in about 35 minutes, making it closer by public transportation than Mt. Lebanon, which is only 6 miles away!

Real estate is very inexpensive in this area. You can literally purchase the nicest homes in the town for $150,000. A brick 3 BR with a small front and back yard averages 80,000-100,000, "in town". Most have front porches they call it a "front porch community", all have basements, many have a garage (usually off an alley), and street parking is generally plentiful.

The population is derived from mostly central Europeans, who came to work in the many mills, American Bridge among others. There are some Hungarians here, although I would say that Ukrainian and Italian ancestry predominates. Ambridge was recently named a Preserve America Community, one of only seven in relative size in Pennsylvania. It is home to a wonderful historical site, Old Economy Village, an Episcopalian School of Ministry, and, believe it or not, 23 churches. There is a beautiful library in the center of town. Residents are friendly, outspoken, and are generally active, involved, and concerned about their community.

This is a walkable community. While there is a long (19 blocks) business district, there are relatively few retail businesses located on it. You have a couple of restaurants, a couple of drug store chains, post office, a very nice park, doctors, dentists. It ha sa run-down looks to it, although there has been a lot of real estate investment here in the last year or so. There was a grocery store in the town proper which recently closed, and chances are good that it will be re-occupied in the new future. A scant mile away is another very nice grocer. If dirvign is not an option, the store has bus service (for free) around town on Saturdays. Driving in this town is very easy and nothing to be concerned with, and highways, although only one block away, are easily avoided. The town is also a brownsfield site, that is in the beginning stages of development. It is slated for mixed use development of retail and residential. Development should start in the next year.

This is a safe community, especially when compared to many Pittsburgh neighborhoods. There are one or two pockets I would not recommend, and it is obvious when you see them that you wouldn't either.

You did not mention schools, although your newlyweds might be interested. A new high school just opened this January. The grades school is also new, and opened about three years ago. While the School District has an average rating, the teachers are dedicated, and many of the students are top performers - not only in academics, but in community service. The school is kown for its music program, which has won awards for many deacdes. But if that is an issue, in the next town over (Sewickley) there is a private academy, highly rated. With the money you save in housing, that could be an option!

The town is set off of the Ohio River but does not flood. Part of the town is flat, and part is hilltop. The hilltop has beautiful views of the Ohio River as well as wooded hills.

Although I don't live in Ambridge, but in a neighboring are, I highly recommend it. It is charming, affordabe, and family-oriented. I hope you get a chance to read this post while you are visiting. Good luck to you.

[chloride1]

Originally Posted by 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.

For Mount Washington: If you are east of, say, Shiloh Street then I agree you want to be cautious of houses off the main track (e.g., south of Bailey). But between Shiloh street and, say, Shaler street, there are lots of nice streets south of Grandview (the main track in that area). I don't know anything about neighborhoods west of Shaler more than a block or so, so have no advice about them.

[fleetiebelle]

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.

I know this is your opinion, and I definitely don't mean to give flack, but I lived in Mt. WAshington, and currently live in Beechview, and I wouldn't say that either are especially dangerous for senior citizens (or anyone, really.) Both neighborhoods have very active senior populations and senior centers, walkable business districts, and access to public transportation.

[Catia]

Primanti Bros --awesome sandwiches!!! I believe is what you are referring to. I highly recommend them, LOL used to work for them--they're a pittsburgh icon lol.

BTW--Ambridge and Mt lebanon have little in common. Ambridge is NOT more accessable to downtown Pittsburgh than Mt Lebo--Mt Lebo has DIRECT LRT (light rail transit--similar to subway--it's our PGH subway) every 5 min during rush hour, and every 10 min thereafter. It takes 12 minutes to downtown from Mt Lebo.
Also, Mt Lebanon is known to have one of the best school districts in the state, and ranks high for the country as well. Community there flourishes in every way, and has remained solid through each recession and change we've had.

Also, while we are talking LRT--this is a straight pathway through the south hills--btwn downtown PGH and South Hills the LRT makes many stops in various neighborhoods, and it IMHO the safest and most convenient method of public trans Pittsburgh/Allegheny county has to offer--it is far superior to the rest of the Port Authority bus systems which have been cut 40%, making access to many areas difficult. (some neighborhoods LRT covers beechview/dormont/mt lebanon/castle shannon/bethel park--these are all pretty much very decent neighborhoods--though beechview is getting pretty seedy even on the main drag--everything else is great!). Most stops are not only well lit, but clean, easily accessable, and there are also some 'park and ride' lots. Rush hour is a breeze with LRT.
Certain areas of Mt Washington are still OK--these areas are limited though--the closer you are to the main dag, the better. I'm sorry to say that the rest is going down hill. This is where I just moved from, I LOVED my neighborhood, but it turned into a sect 8 welfare neighborhood very quickly, due to slumlords buying foreclosed upon homes at sheriff sale cheaply when the reassessments took place, and the projects were closing. I HAD a great house with partial view, but 3 houses on my block were section 8'ed the same summer, and more came-- brought the whole area down in 2 yrs time. People who have the ability to move are moving. This is very telling. I wish it were not true, because I NEVER wished to move from my home there, I so loved the location, and the view. Again, main drag is fine (Bailey/Grandview etc) anything more than a block off them is questionable at best--they may be safe right now--but prop values are continually going down--No one wants to pay 75,000-150k to live next door to a welfare house with 8 kids who doesn't maintain their yard/trash, and who lives there on the govt's dime. I could not sell my home there for 50% of what it was worth 5 yrs ago...that bad--yes. 2 shootings within 1 block of me in 6 months, drug deals mid day, junkies abound, the whole downfall broke my heart.

[By~Tor]

Well, we just got back last night, and I have to say, Pittsburgh really won us over, in a very short time... our agent has been very helpful and spent her whole weekend with us, showing us houses in all of the various neighborhoods. I fell in love with more than one house on the Southside Slopes, what with the awesome view of downtown, right there on the doorstep... but alas, the snow & ice on the ground as we traipsed house-to-house was a good deciding factor NOT to go there, since those views do come far away from the "T" or many bus stops.... and the angle of the hills gave my gal vertigo, I think....

We ate at Primanti's, and the next night I had a salad at a Holiday Inn, and every meal seemed to come with French Fries loaded within it somewhere... I understand that's the "Pittsburgh Way", and it's. . . . . "interesting", to say the least...LOL!!! Fries, in my salad. . . . hmmmmm....

Anyway, we took a few pictures on the trip, and I hope we'll be calling the area "Home" soon..... now, all I need to do, is find a JOB!!!!!


HELLLLLPPP!!!!!!

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by By~Tor

Well, we just got back last night, and I have to say, Pittsburgh really won us over, in a very short time...

I'm glad your trip went well. As you are discovering, when Pittsburgh people talk about living on a hill, they mean it. The good news is that even if you don't have a view from your house, usually you aren't far from one.

Anyway, good luck on your job search!

[By~Tor]

Thanks! - - - So, if anyone knows people in the Facilities Maintenance / Janitorial industry in the Pittsburgh area, please let me know!


Here we come, Iron City!!!!

[By~Tor]

Originally Posted by 412

So many nice city's why on earth would you want to move to the worst city on the east coast?

Filled with white trash, hoodlums who have no respect for themselves. Most common occupation by most Shyeeitzburghs is, burglars, drug dealers and hookers.

The job market is Zilch! Publc Schools, you need to wear a bullet proof vest to make past home-room period. The parks and playgrounds are filled with the wost people, who prevent you and your child to enjoy.

Actually, Pittsburgh was voted America's "Most Liveable City"..... sounds to me like 412 is one of those embittered souls who can't or won't do anything to better their own life, so might as well rant about something bigger and slag on where he lives, just to make himself feel batter. . . . .. sad. . . . .


I'm moving there, anyway.... maybe I'll see an entirely different Pittsburgh than you do - - - in fact, I think I already do. . . ..

[LovetheEastEnd]

Originally Posted by 412

So many nice city's why on earth would you want to move to the worst city on the east coast?

Filled with white trash, hoodlums who have no respect for themselves. Most common occupation by most Shyeeitzburghs is, burglars, drug dealers and hookers.

The job market is Zilch! Publc Schools, you need to wear a bullet proof vest to make past home-room period. The parks and playgrounds are filled with the wost people, who prevent you and your child to enjoy.

Thankfully your posts sound so unbelievable that hopefully most won't believe you.

[By~Tor]

Oddly enough, last night I received a phone call from one of the companies I'd submitted a resume to, and after we talked for about 45 minutes, we setup a face to face for the 15th of March. . . . so, in effect, I MIGHT even have a job BEFORE I even MOVE to Pittsburgh . . . . . how's THAT for a "zilch" job market?......LOL!!!


Honestly, life is all you make it, and if you fill your head with negative ideas about where you live, then it will become your prison... but, if you can bring yourself to believe, not only in your city but in yourself, you will find that wherever you are can be the greatest place on earth!!!!