Need some insider advice. Relocating from Colorado (Pittsburgh, Lebanon: apartment, rental)

[Raiders Fan 703]

Hello!

Just landed a job today which will be located close to the Polish hill area. -never been to Pittsburgh. Decided we want some weather back in our lives, some change, along with no traffic such as DC traffic

Looking for some local advice on some areas to check out.

Would love the idea of commuting to work on bike or whatever else Pittsburgh has to offer...

From the looks of things, renting a home with some character is about the same as a "luxury" apartment.

Still deciding if we want to purchase since I'm on the fence with the position being a contract position. Who knows.

Would love to check out some places with character and possibly walking distance to a store or two, safe and what you would recommend to a family member.

Budget? For the time being it's probably just going to be me until the family can move... So $1500 and less for a rental but we would like to also check out the houses... So $250-300ish range.

Thanks for your help upfront.

[alastad]

Your options are pretty much open to anywhere except for maybe Downtown.

[jea6321]

what type of neighborhood do you see being a good fit? gritty, trendy and urban? more suburbs in the city?

the topography of Polish hill will make for possibly a difficult bike ride. Its positioning is on a fairly steep hill and there are not many bike friendly ways to get there depending which neighborhood you decide on.

there are lots of options at your price point. Neighborhoods to consider may be Lawrenceville, the strip district, Bloomfield, North Oakland, Shadyside, Friendship, East Liberty, Garfield.

[bluecarebear]

Rent: Your family is unfamiliar with the city and homes with character need a lot of upkeep. Since you have kids, Mt. Lebanon might be a good choice for your family if schools are important. Mt. Lebo is located out of the East End but it offers walkability, character, public transit (rail), and great schools.

[fleetiebelle]

Originally Posted by jea6321

what type of neighborhood do you see being a good fit? gritty, trendy and urban? more suburbs in the city?

the topography of Polish hill will make for possibly a difficult bike ride. Its positioning is on a fairly steep hill and there are not many bike friendly ways to get there depending which neighborhood you decide on.

there are lots of options at your price point. Neighborhoods to consider may be Lawrenceville, the strip district, Bloomfield, North Oakland, Shadyside, Friendship, East Liberty, Garfield.

I can't speak for the bike commute, but you could also look across the river at Troy Hill, Millvale, maybe Etna. Aspinwall is nice but might be too far.

[eschaton]

Why is this post worded almost identically to a post from last November when you moved to Colorodo Springs? Is i just that you used cut and paste? Sorry to be suspicious, but I always look at posting history to get a better idea about people than what their OP says, and it just seemed...odd.

Polish Hill has very few jobs, so I wonder if you really mean you're working at something off of Liberty Avenue in that area. Although the city technically calls that part of Polish Hill, it's more generally considered part of the Strip District. Giving better information about places to live will follow after having a better idea where you're working, as the transportation options for this portion of Liberty might not be the best if you're job is up in Polish Hill proper.

[gladhands]

Originally Posted by bluecarebear

Rent: Your family is unfamiliar with the city and homes with character need a lot of upkeep. Since you have kids, Mt. Lebanon might be a good choice for your family if schools are important. Mt. Lebo is located out of the East End but it offers walkability, character, public transit (rail), and great schools.

Mt Lebo to the east end is easily a 45 minute commute.

[szug-bot]

Originally Posted by gladhands

Mt Lebo to the east end is easily a 45 minute commute.

Yes, honestly....nix the Mt. Lebo. Enough of Mt. Lebanon. It is a wonderful community, but to travel to inner city Pittsburgh - why just add another vehicle to the Parkway/tunnel madness?

[bluecarebear]

Originally Posted by gladhands

Mt Lebo to the east end is easily a 45 minute commute.

Which is an average commute in Pittsburgh. The decision is up to the OP. Aspinwall in the Fox Chapel School District was a good recommendation too.

[Raiders Fan 703]

Working close to smallman and 31rst St bridge

Neighborhood... Ideal would be something that had shops, parks that are in walking distance, possibly being able to bike to work. Renting for now till we find a home.

Appreciate all the comments!