New Jersey to Pittsburgh (culture shock?) (Jersey Shore, Sewickley: neighborhood, public schools, income)

[relonow]

We are probably going to be relocating from northern NJ (Westfield/Scotch Plains area) to the Pittsburgh area within the next year. I am wondering if ther are any of you out there that went through a similar transition and can give me any perspective?

I am originally from Ohio so I think I have a sense of the differences, but am wondering how my children will adapt (7,10 & 13) and looking for others that have made a similar move.

Have not yet been out to Pittsburgh but plan to visit in the next month or two.

[By~Tor]

I'm going thru it evenas we speak (NYC to PITT), and if you'd like to follow along with my exploits, please feel free to see the thread:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/pitts...ittsburgh.html

[veejayy]

Originally Posted by relonow

We are probably going to be relocating from northern NJ (Westfield/Scotch Plains area) to the Pittsburgh area within the next year. I am wondering if ther are any of you out there that went through a similar transition and can give me any perspective?

I am originally from Ohio so I think I have a sense of the differences, but am wondering how my children will adapt (7,10 & 13) and looking for others that have made a similar move.

Have not yet been out to Pittsburgh but plan to visit in the next month or two.

I grew up in NY and lived in Pgh. for 5 years (and still visit friends 2x/year) and lived recently in Cincy for 7 years.

It takes a New Yawker to appreciate how cool Pgh. is. When I first moved there I said- WTF did I do? But it grows on you in a wierd way. First- the city is beautiful with incredible vistas (Think NJ gold coast over looking Hudson and Manhatten). Secondly it is much cheaper than the NYC area. Thirdly you can get away from it all quickly because it is a small city in the middle of not much. Fourth- the only other NFL team besides the Giants that matter. Fifth- first rate health care. Sixth- the people are hipper than you would guess.
Also- if your not use to it, a river culture that will repulse you at first but then it grows on you. I bought a boat out there and went up and down the rivers and stopped at riverfront restaurants and had a blast.
Winter weather sucks but all the NE sucks in the winter.

Look I am back on the east coast for reasons beyond my control but I loved both Pgh. and Cincy and would go back in a heartbeat. Take a flier and go !

[ainulinale]

Originally Posted by veejayy

Sixth- the people are hipper than you would guess.

Yeah, baby! ....Oh....I guess I'm not one of them.

[Bong477]

My wife is from NJ (close to NYC), I'm from VA (close to DC). We've lived in Pitt for 4 years. Its not the same as NJ or DC, its not like another country either especially if you are in one of the higher income areas... Mt Lebo, Wexford, Ross, etc etc etc (plenty to choose from)... you can find out what those areas are pretty easily from some of the threads here.

There's plenty of pro sports, there's decent public schools, there's plenty of cultural things to do, they are plenty of educated people, there are plenty of unique sort of areas with independent stores, there are plenty of areas with your standard middle class chain stores like Outback, Target, etc. If you are someone that requires shopping at Barneys or the like, then you might have trouble adjusting... there is not a whole lot of that in Pittsburgh.

The only things we *really* miss is 1) easy access to good pizza 2) being relatively close to the ocean.

[nynjmapa]

Originally Posted by Bong477

My wife is from NJ (close to NYC), I'm from VA (close to DC). We've lived in Pitt for 4 years. Its not the same as NJ or DC, its not like another country either especially if you are in one of the higher income areas... Mt Lebo, Wexford, Ross, etc etc etc (plenty to choose from)... you can find out what those areas are pretty easily from some of the threads here.


The only things we *really* miss is 1) easy access to good pizza 2) being relatively close to the ocean.

Born in Queens (10 years), lived in Central Jersey (15 years), dated a girl in Westfield/Scotch Plains for many years.

Agree with the pizza comment above, you will miss being able to get a decent slice or pie anywhere.

Assuming you own property, you will get more for your money out here and your property taxes will be lower.

If you want a Westfield/Mountainside neighborhood clone, you may want to opt for Wexford, Ross (suburb of Pittsburgh, zip 15237), or Sewickley.

On average, people are much more friendly. The local news has stories that you would never see on the tri-state area news stations. There is no way I can emphasize how fanatical people are about the Steelers.

The only thing I miss about Jersey is my family and friends. Beyond that, Pittsburgh definitely is a great place to live. Many of my friends and family have strongly considered moving here after coming to visit.

Your kids will have plenty to do out here. It is very family friendly. And it won't cost $$$$ to go see a baseball game in a fantastic stadium.

[fleetiebelle]

Also- if your not use to it, a river culture that will repulse you at first but then it grows on you.

Not to be to nebby (as the locals say) but what do you mean by this?

[raubre]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

Not to be to nebby (as the locals say) but what do you mean by this?

River culture pretty much refers to people who like to go boating, skiing, etc. on our rivers.

[veejayy]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

Not to be to nebby (as the locals say) but what do you mean by this?

The activity on the river from boating to eating to having fun.

[By~Tor]

I think what was meant, is that "River Culture" differs from "Ocean Culture", in that the people are alot less "blue-blood mentality", and more "blue-collar".... it's not a slight, but there is a discernable difference and, in my opinion, having been around BOTH types, I'll take th' River People anyday, over the snot-nosed Hamptons crowds and the George-Hamilton-death-tanned-Speedo-wearing Jersey Shore folks.....

Think NASCAR, as opposed to Polo........