Apartment-hunting near Pitt (Shadyside, Squirrel Hill) (Bloomfield, Oakland: apartment complexes, rental, homes)

[meredithj]

My son will be starting grad school at the University of PIttsburgh at the end of August. My husband and I are planning a weekend trip with him to look for an apartment. We are from out-of-state, so I have a few questions.

First, when is a good time to look for an apartment with an August (or even July) move-in date? Is it too early or even too late to start now?

Second, would we be better off using Craigslist, or are there reputable rental companies for areas near Pitt (especially Shadyside and Squirrel Hill)?

Any other apartment-hunting tips would be greatly appreciated!

[jea6321]

Zillow and craigslist are the two most common places to search

there are a few newer apartment complexes near the universities that would work well. Skyvue on Forbes/5th and One on Centre would be the first 2 that are walkable to campus.

you also have several buildings along Baum blvd between shadyside and Bloomfield. Morrow park city apartments and Baumhaus.

any of these buildings should have vacancy and would be the easiest route. Most university based leases from private individuals run Aug 1 to July 31. Leases tend to get signed 4-8 months in advance. However, there is a pretty low demand for 1 bedroom units in older student buildings, so you most likely could find one without too much trouble.

what are the requirements and budget for a place?

[meredithj]

Thanks, jea6321!

He's looking for a studio or a one-bedroom. The rent would ideally be no more than $1,000, but less would be nice!

[meredithj]

Oh, also -- it would be great if the apartment were within walking distance of campus, but a bus ride of 20 minutes or so would also be fine.

[jea6321]

you will probably be looking at smaller duplex/ 4plex type buildings if wanting to keep it under 1k. all the new construction buildings tend to start in the 1100 range, most being 1300-1500.

there are plenty of subdivided homes in the area where you can get a studio or 1 bed for 700-1000 depending on quality and location. I would look at friendship, shadyside, squirrel hill and north Oakland. you will most certainly find something that can work.

[meredithj]

jea6321, thank you!

[shadowfax]

Pitt students ride the busses for free. There are lots of apartments available right now around oakland and Squirrel Hill, since many students are graduating and moving. Quite a few places in SH south/Greenfield have signs out right now along Murray Ave, It is well serviced by busses and the rents are a little lower closer to Greendfield.