Possible move to Pittsburgh, looking for a cool upscale place to live. (Liberty: rental, condo)

[gladhands]

Downtown isn't dead at night. Some of the city's most popular restaurants (many of which double as bars) are downtown. To answer your question, I'd suggest East Liberty. There's a lot of new condo construction, and it's extremely walkable with the added benefit of easy access to the East Busway and Shadyside.

[Paul2421]

What industry is your company in that pays young employees so well? Will also be useful to where you want to live as well. Tech would be in east end. Financial around downtown.

[MountainDewGuy]

Since you aren't a hipster, I would not consider Lawrenceville. Although that neighborhood is becoming less "hipster" with each passing year.

Since you are in your early 30s, I would not consider Southside. More of a younger folks and native Pittsburgh presence there.

Downtown is not nearly as 'dead' as it used to be, but I'm guessing you are coming from a big city with an actual vibrant downtown, so I would eliminate downtown Pittsburgh.

I think what you want is to be found in the Shadyside and Eastside (aka East Liberty) areas.

If you won't arrive until the fall, then check out www.eastsidebond.com. I'm guessing it is exactly what you are looking for.

Another possibility is www.bakeryliving.com.

Some places in and around Shadyside that might fit the bill as well.

If it were me, I would purchase a place with the same features you are looking for and in 3 years time you would have not spent over $100,000 in rent, but instead paying off the principle of a home.

[guy2073]

I must be turning into my dad, $4,000 a month in rent. Are you insane?

[UKyank]

Personally I would visit for a weekend or two, grab a hotel & check out all of the different neighborhoods mentioned as they're each appealing in their own different ways. I'm in your age group & personally dislike the shadyside/east side nightlife but that doesn't make me right by any means as others obviously disagree. Different strokes & all that.
Better than committing to a lease before knowing yourself.

I noticed you're coming from Dallas - i'd say you'll find very little in common here to areas there.

[SteelCityRising]

We are in our late-20's and love living within walking distance of the Strip District; however, outside of a few restaurants and a decent gay bar there's not much in the way of nightlife. On the rare occasion we want to "go out" we typically hit up the aforementioned East Liberty and Shadyside.

I would most certainly recommend EastSide Bond; Bakery Square; or maybe the Walnut on Highland since you mentioned a preference for a "high-rise" (and that one has great views of a massive old church across the street). Driving into Downtown is a breeze via Baum Boulevard to Bigelow Boulevard, but given it can be a royal pain to get OUT of Downtown at rush-hour I'd suggest the East Busway.

[JCIV]

Originally Posted by lettert

What industry is your company in that pays young employees so well? Will also be useful to where you want to live as well. Tech would be in east end. Financial around downtown.

I work in Advertising. And that's the issue is I just don't know where to live. All these suggestions have helped narrow it down though. My business is in the Golden Triangle or CBD. Whatever the preferred nomenclature is

[JCIV]

Originally Posted by MountainDewGuy

Since you aren't a hipster, I would not consider Lawrenceville. Although that neighborhood is becoming less "hipster" with each passing year.

Since you are in your early 30s, I would not consider Southside. More of a younger folks and native Pittsburgh presence there.

Downtown is not nearly as 'dead' as it used to be, but I'm guessing you are coming from a big city with an actual vibrant downtown, so I would eliminate downtown Pittsburgh.

I think what you want is to be found in the Shadyside and Eastside (aka East Liberty) areas.

If you won't arrive until the fall, then check out Shadyside East Liberty Pittsburgh Apartments. I'm guessing it is exactly what you are looking for.

Another possibility is Pittsburgh Apartments at Bakery Square | 412-683-3810.

Some places in and around Shadyside that might fit the bill as well.

If it were me, I would purchase a place with the same features you are looking for and in 3 years time you would have not spent over $100,000 in rent, but instead paying off the principle of a home.

Thanks man. Yeah I'm coming from Dallas where our Downtown is really large but surprisingly pretty dead (minus the few pockets of activity at night).

I understand the advice of buying vs renting but honestly I don't think I'll be in Pittsburgh long enough to make that a viable option. Renting just suits me better right now.

[JCIV]

Originally Posted by guy2073

I must be turning into my dad, $4,000 a month in rent. Are you insane?

Haha well that is my "upper" limit if I fell in love with a place. I never go above the 30% rule. Ideally I'd be much lower.

[JCIV]

Originally Posted by UKyank

Personally I would visit for a weekend or two, grab a hotel & check out all of the different neighborhoods mentioned as they're each appealing in their own different ways. I'm in your age group & personally dislike the shadyside/east side nightlife but that doesn't make me right by any means as others obviously disagree. Different strokes & all that.
Better than committing to a lease before knowing yourself.

I noticed you're coming from Dallas - i'd say you'll find very little in common here to areas there.

That's my fear. While Dallas is far from perfect I do enjoy a lot of the things it offers. There is really something for everyone here.