safe neighborhoods near RIDC park? (Pittsburgh, Plum: for sale, apartment complexes, to rent)

[CArunner]

I'm thinking about moving to Pittsburgh and taking a job in RIDC Park. It's in or near Fox Chapel (I think?). I need to find a nice neighborhood where a 22/female can feel safe and still get to work within a reasonable amount of time. I've looked at Shadyside, East Liberty, Highland Park, Fox Chapel, and Sharpsburgh, on-line at site such as Rent.com. Preferably I'd like to be on the downtown side of the river.

Does anyone have an suggestions for safe neighborhoods with relatively nice apartment complexes? Also, I'm looking to pay no more than $800/month (total), but ideally $500-700 for a studio or 1 br. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[BrianTH]

Just as an aside, many of Pittsburgh's best apartment deals are in small buildings and converted houses (or mansions), as opposed to complexes. If you want some suggestions on how to search for those, let us know. Also, I'm not sure why you want to be on the same side of the river as Downtown, but if it is actually to get Downtown itself, it can be faster to be along Route 28 on the north side of the river (assuming no traffic). But there are some reasons to be on the south side of the river, including proximity to the various East End shopping and entertainment amenities.

Anyway, Highland Park and neighboring Morningside are obvious choices if you want safe neighborhoods close to RIDC and on the south side of the river. Your budget should work quite well in those areas, and from there you can also easily get to most of the East End.

If you want to look a bit farther upriver, you could also look at the Oakmont/Verona area, which is quite nice and just across the river from RIDC. But note that this area is farther from Downtown and the East End.

Finally, you mentioned Sharpsburg but not Aspinwall, so I wanted to note Aspinwall is even closer to RIDC along the river, and kind of a cute neighborhood.

[DoulaKaren]

I would also suggest Aspinwall or Morningside. Houses are more realistic in these areas to rent. Shadyside would be rather a hike from RIDC Park!

[PeterRabbit]

One or more of the entrances to RIDC Park are in Blawnox which is pretty much a straight 8 mile shot to downtown on Rt. 28 as Brian mentioned about Aspinwall. Apts. there are probably cheaper than average as it's not a high income town but it's very safe. It has lanterns along the main street and maybe more antique stores than any other place in Pittsburgh. Aspinwall is better. Blawnox gets overlooked a lot.

Oakmont Landing has 1 BR apts. starting at $720. They are reasl nice, there's a pool, a deck overlooking the river, and it's gated. Oakmont is extremely safe and there's cheaper apts. in converted houses.

For what you want I think all the towns have been mentioned.

[artlk3]

Originally Posted by CArunner

I'm thinking about moving to Pittsburgh and taking a job in RIDC Park. It's in or near Fox Chapel (I think?). I need to find a nice neighborhood where a 22/female can feel safe and still get to work within a reasonable amount of time. I've looked at Shadyside, East Liberty, Highland Park, Fox Chapel, and Sharpsburgh, on-line at site such as Rent.com. Preferably I'd like to be on the downtown side of the river.

Does anyone have an suggestions for safe neighborhoods with relatively nice apartment complexes? Also, I'm looking to pay no more than $800/month (total), but ideally $500-700 for a studio or 1 br. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Plum's a really nice neighborhood. Bout 15 minutes from Fox Chapel. My parents retired there, but have since passed away. Now their house is up for sale! But there are several well-priced homes for sale in Plum. Low crime, and very friendly.