Questions about Verona (Penn Hills, Washington, Oakmont: crime rate, townhouse, neighborhood)

[scrtgrl3]

Hey guys.. so I am going to look at a townhouse/duplex in Verona on Friday- specifically on School st. It will be three of us in our twenties living there, but on the weekends a four year old and a two year old. (we don't have to worry about schools) I havnt seen much being said about Verona and had a few questions.

How is the commute to Oakland? Someone will be in grad school there. Is there a bus that runs from Verona to Oakland atleast one hour or less. Also, hows the commute to Monroeville and Aspinwall?

How's the crime in that area? I know it borders Penn Hills and everyones always battling about Penn Hills. I guess crime and safety is my biggest concern. I've lived in Oakland, Ross, McCandless, and spent a lot of time in McKees Rocks/Stowe (used to work there...) and would rather not be in an area like Mckees Rocks. Plus, with the little girls there, I want it to be safe.

What's the neighborhood atmosphere? Friendly, quiet, etc?

Any parks, playgrounds nearby? Anywhere worth walking to nearby?

Hows the access to restraunts, grocery stores, etc?

Thanks guys!

[Kish]

I don't know Verona well, but the commute to Aspinwall should be OK by car basically you cross Highland Park Bridge.

Apart from the excellent Dirty Harrys bike shop, Verona hasn't got a lot to recommend it, but it is close to Oakmont which has nice shops, restaurants and the like. Crime rate is the US average - better than the city as a whole, worse than the outer suburbs. I suppose it depends on whether it's one of the nicer bits of Verona.

[PeterRabbit]

Oakland is 20 - 25 minutes during non-rush hours. Allegheny River Blvd. is only a 2 lane road to Washington Blvd. which turns into 5th Avenue. You can look up the bus schedules. To go to Monroeville there's a few ways to go, 20 minutes or less.

Avoid Blondie's Bar on the main street and the Veronian's Club below the tracks. Verona hilltop is Penn Hills starting around 6th street. It's a nice neighborhood that's actually detached from the main Penn Hills. Verona has a small shopping center with a Giant Eagle, McDonalds, Chinese place, state store, laundramat. Verona has something that resembles a park near the river and a ball park at 2nd Street. There's a nice park in Oakmont beside the river. It has a playground for kids, picnic tables and grills. At the very top of the hill, Pennsylvania Avenue, is Dark Hollow which has walking paths marked off. There's a couple creeks with the usual frogs, crabs, ducks, and turtles.