Trying to figure out how things work around here.

[robrobrob]

I think the OP's issue is that he really wants to walk to the climbing gym. This is a hobby that just isn't in every neighborhood. So, if this is what you want then you really need to move by your gym or the one in Point Breeze. The one in Point Breeze is arguably by the busway. So, you could use a bus to get there. On the other hand, the OP also said that he/she would be willing to use their bike. Honestly, the East End is pretty flat and you can get from one neighborhood to the next on a bike pretty easily.

My opinion, is that the OP really wants a very dense neighborhood so that he/she can walk to more places in a shorter amount of time.

[lprmesia]

If biking is an option too, could always ride down Mt. Washington and pick up the trail along the river to get to REI. It's flat to bike back to Station Square on the riverfront trail and take the incline back up.

I looked for houses for sale in 15211, and there's like a black hole of nothing listed around the Shiloh/Virginia Ave area, haha. There are some rentals though in decent shape that are fairly affordable.

I was actually surprised to see my buddy's old place is up for rent above J&J's Diner. The kitchen and bathroom were fairly modern - but the big appeal was having that balcony overlooking the intersection and was great for people watching. Cheap too, 3 bedrooms for $950/mo w/ offstreet parking. The drawback? It's right across from the fire station. Nothing like waking up to sirens for a 3:30am call.

[jea6321]

Originally Posted by lprmesia

I looked for houses for sale in 15211, and there's like a black hole of nothing listed around the Shiloh/Virginia Ave area, haha. There are some rentals though in decent shape that are fairly affordable.

very little ever comes on the market in that direct area. Mostly because its 80+% multifamily rentals. If something does come up and its fairly nice, It will most likely be closer to 300k than 200k. this one recently sold at 121 w sycamore https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_ren...mePageTab=rent

But for the OP, yes I agree that the shiloh/virgina area may be an alternative fit to south side or shadyside.

[slamont61]

Mt Washington is an excellent suggestion. Just caution against Grandview Ave itself. I had to run away when I lived there due to cars constantly cruising in the summer with the Loud Bass Stereo sound making my molars vibrate. Loved that place but not the location.


As you get away from Grandview it's a lot of long term family owned housing, part of the area's charm. Yes it's on the run down side towards Allentown. Not a deal breaker for the rest of the area.


Is Kaib's still up there, I think it was Bingham St? Was one of my favorite hangouts...

[ferraris]

My favorite place up on Mt. Washington is Micro Diner. It fills two niches for me: First, it's a diner that doesn't close in the early afternoon like most do; and second, it's open until 4am on weekends.

[slamont61]

Originally Posted by ferraris

My favorite place up on Mt. Washington is Micro Diner. It fills two niches for me: First, it's a diner that doesn't close in the early afternoon like most do; and second, it's open until 4am on weekends.

I've been gone two decades... If that place was there back then, they'd have been taking plenty of my money on a regular basis.

[jea6321]

Originally Posted by slamont61

Is Kaib's still up there, I think it was Bingham St? Was one of my favorite hangouts...

it was renovated and renamed Bigham tavern quite some ago.

Microdiner is about 5 years old and being open until 4am on the weekends is definitely amazing on that rare occasion Im out anywhere near that late. Currently there are 3 more bar/restaurants in the works in the immediate area. All in all, the area is doing rather well and the OP should definitely consider it.