22 years post exodus... (Pittsburgh, Scranton, Plum: relocation, estate, appraise)

[Jay_F]

And finally the job offer is signed, sealed and delivered for relocation back to the Pittsburgh area! I'm a Beaver County native, and the wife's new job is in Westmoreland County at the Alcoa Center/Westmoreland Business Research Park. The area seems very remote, and in a lot of ways reminds me of rural Beaver County.

Anyone live in this neck of the woods, and can comment on all the usual new arrival type questions? I like the idea of getting a place close by in a rural/semi rural area, and it would seem the area abounds with this type of housing. I did see the post concerning Latrobe and Greensburg, but they seem a bit far out. How about Murrysville? Seems nice place for a more residential setting. Also curious how pleased you are with your particular school district, as I have a 13 y/o daughter to consider. Lastly, your thoughts on the feesability of living in the eastern half of Pittsburgh and doing the daily commute.

Thanks a lot, and I appreciate anything you can contribute during this head spinning time.

[guylocke]

Do you mean the one in Upper Burrell?

[Jay_F]

Yes, and I included a map capture:



Thank you.

[guylocke]

Yes I can tell you lots about the area. The actual OFFICE is in upper burrell and it's fairly rural up there. It's actually a growing area, several really nice housing developments are in the works.

Most of it is farmland, but a lot of the farmer's are selling their property for residential development.

Otherwise, not even 10 minutes from the office is Lower Burrell. It's a cute and nice little town (where I grew up). It's starting to look a bit outdated, but it's more than perfectly safe, with a respectable school district and local restaurants and bars. Pittsburgh Mills is about 10 - 15 minutes away, as well.

Even though Upper Burrell is fairly rural, once you get down into the valley (not even a 10 minute drive) you bump in to a lot of little towns and cities. Lower Burrell and New Kensington would be closest. You could look into Oakmont, too, which would be about a 20 minute drive to Alcoa.

If you check out Lower Burrell, may I suggest Indian Fields and the Burrell Country Club estates? There are a few other modern developments back in Lower Burrell, but I'm not sure what they are called. Otherwise, if you want just a normal little house in a normal little neighborhood, Burrell has a ton. The neighborhoods are still well kept and it's a friendly town, my parents own a beautiful home in Lower Burrell, still.

Any other questions, feel free to ask.

[Jay_F]

Thanks Guylocke.

Want to be clear that the job and daily commute is to the Alcoa center/Westmoreland business Research Park shown at the center of my attachment, and not sure if that makes much difference as compared to the office location you mentioned.

Sounds like there are a lot of options out there... You know, the idea of a modest home on some land sounds nice... Always pretty much lived in very close proximity to other neighbors, and the idea of a little elbow room seems appealing. Is this doable near the Alcoa Center? Can you add anything about having a City of Pittsburgh home, and commute to the job?

Also if I do look into a more residential situation, will $225,000 buy much in towns like Oakmont and the other housing areas you mention? Thanks again, and look forward to your, and other peoples replies.

[Pghtebbie]

I don't know much about that area, but do wanna

WELCOME YOU BACK TO THE BURGH! Whohoo!!

[guylocke]

Hi Jay,
Everything I made a reference to was in proximity to the same Alcoa Research Park on your map. Living in close proximity to your neighbors is something very doable in Lower Burrell. There are also lots in Upper Burrell that would be more remote and rural.

If you lived anywhere near the city of Pittsburgh, you will have a reverse commute (probably along Rt. 28) and so traffic wouldn't be a problem. However, if you lived in Pittsburgh, that Alcoa Research Park would be about a 35 - 45 minute drive.

You could most definitely afford a home in Lower Burrell or any area surrounding Upper Burrell, including Oakmont, for $225,000. I imagine a nice, normal-living home in Burrell would be around 150k. My parents live in a beautiful, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, in Burrell and it's appraised at around $165k. There are more exclusive communities in Burrell (like Indian Fields, BEAUTIFUL area) that could possibly range more, possibly between $250k to 400k, but we're talking MAJOR homes.

There is expensive property in Oakmont, too, that may put you over 225k, but you can DEFINITELY find homes aplenty under 225k in Oakmont, as well. I will warn you though, Oakmont is in Allegheny County while Lower Burrell and New Kensington are in Westmoreland County (taxes are much cheaper in Westmoreland).

Certain parts of Oakland are very well-off and sort of well-to-do. I wasn't sure if you'd be interested in that sort of thing. The Oakmont Country Club is a "top 5" Country Club that has the US Open and US Women's Open (among many other tournaments) on a very consistent basis. In fact, the US Open was just here this past year. Furthermore, if you don't mind Allegheny County taxes, Plum Borough is another place near Oakmont and Burrell that shouldn't be much more than a 20 minute commute to Alcoa. It's a growing (albeit a bit rural) community, too!

Otherwise, I would look into the zip code 15068. That will put you around Lower Burrell and New Kensington. Downtown New Kensington is a bit rough, but other area's like Mt. Vernon are actually very well kept and lovely.

I hope this helps!

[guylocke]

BTW, Oakmont is 15139 and Plum is 15239. My brother and sister-in-law rent a little place in Oakmont and really love it there. They are only blocks from one of Pittsburgh's most famous and delicious bakeries, the Oakmont Bakery. There is a Walgreens in town, too! Which is my company, so GO THERE. There is a Walgreens in Lower Burrell, too, actually. GO THERE!

[Jay_F]

Thanks Pghtebbie for the warm back in the Burgh welcome, and thanks Guylocke for your continued, detailed help. I had been to the Oakmont bakery website awhile back, and going back today is simply stunning. If it tastes half as good as it looks, I'm DOOMED!

Lots of good info here to Google, and research.

Thanks.

[ScranBarre]

From a suburban Scrantonian who loves visiting Pittsburgh (and hopes to do so again VERY soon!), I'd like to welcome you back to the Keystone State with open arms. Pittsburgh is a city that is on the cusp of recovery, in my opinion, and it will be an exciting time for you to return to the region. I'm not familiar with any of the locations you are inquiring about, but as I can see guylocke has already come to your assistance. Best of luck in your relocation, and save me some seats at the Pirates games!