Transplant Friendly Communities (Pittsburgh, York, Lebanon: transplants, real estate, homes)

[mjd]

In reading many of the posts, there is mention of Pittsburgh being a city where people often stay in the communities where they were raised and assertions that therefore some people are "closed" to newcomers. I have always found Pittsburgh to be a friendly place, but in thinking about possibly relocating there, I am wondering if there are areas that would be more receptive to newcomers than others. It might seem that areas such as Cranberry, Mars, etc where everything is newer might fit this thinking. Unfortunately I would much prefer to live in a more established community - more unique, older homes, trees, independently owner business, etc.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this, or suggestions about communities that might fit this description? Mt. Lebanon sounds good to me, but we would be better on the North side of town due to family, etc. Is there any comparable community in the North? I would hope that our willingness to include ourselves in our new community would be a big step in feeling a part of things, but I would like to "set ourselves up to succeed" as much as possible.

Thank you!

[OutaFL]

It seems there are more adventurous transplants on the Northside. From what I read here, New Yorkers, Gays, etc., people that love quality and character above all, and are willing to work a bit and be leaders instead of followers. The followers are paying much more for real estate down on the Southside (for example) where it is much more of a "done deal."