Looking for a place - easy commute to Robinson (Pittsburgh: apartment complex, rental)

[cmciszewski]

Hey guys, I have posted before, when I was looking at jobs downtown. I currently commute to Bayer in Robinson from Wheeling, WV and it's killing me. I would like to find a 2 bedroom apt with a 20 or so minute commute (less would be better), but I am afraid of picking a bad area. The place I live now is around 425 a month for a good size 2 bedroom, and would like the same size, but could settle for a 1.

I was looking in Crafton (N. Linwood), there was a dirt cheap apt there, but anything works. What does everyone think? I'm 27, like to go out, make good money (I have heard "young professional" as a descripton of myself and co-workers), and I'm looking for that atmosphere.

[PeterRabbit]

You make good money and are looking for a $425 apt.? There are apts. in Robinson and other nearby neighborhoods. Many are listed at Internet rental sites. Take a look then get real about what $425 will get you. Nothing against WV, but this is Pgh. and life is different here in America's most livable city.

[guylocke]

Moon Township

[cmciszewski]

In reply to the second poster - no, I can pay up to 7 - 800 or so comfortably... I just don't really want to if possible. I pay 425 right now, I was giving a comparison. Don't mean to be ignorant, and yes, I know 'burgh living is different, it's only about 45 minutes away. I was just asking for some opinions on what would be comparable to what I am paying now.

[Copanut]

Hey, when you're young, spend as LITTLE as possible for an apartment. No doubt you're never home anyhow!

Check out Moon and look in Beaver County, it's not far from Bayer.

[guylocke]

I wasn't being a smart ass, btw, I think Moon Township would be a perfect fit for you. It's probably one of the fastest growing communities west of the city and is a mere minutes from Robinson.

There are many businesses being erected there and residential complexes/planned neighborhoods.

I don't think it'll be dirt cheap to live there, but if you're willing to increase your budget just a bit from $425 (which you said you were), I think you can find some great options. There are LOTS of young professionals in the area, in fact, I have close friends (2 young Pharmacists and 1 young Optometrist) who all live in Moon.

The zip code is 15108!! Good luck!! Just an FYI, the one friend lives in a complex called "The Polo Club." It's quite nice and parking is free and convenient. I believe he pays about $800 a month. There is a new complex called Waterford Landing, probably a bit more expensive.

I am sure there are cheaper options if you look around. But I think Moon is very safe, it's a growing area, and has easy access to the parkway.

[PeterRabbit]

With the high cost of gas I'd rather live near work saving money on the commute and probably putting into rent, but have almost no traffic or drive time during rush hours = more free personal time.

[cmciszewski]

I saw a place in Crafton on N. Linwood - what's the area like... also, a friend lives in Emerald Gardens, what is the morning commute like?

[Mugatu]

Just a word of caution, if you are looking for an apartment on craigslist, beware of any property that has the phone# 412 441-1400. That is Lobos Management, and they are well-known as the worst slumlords in Pittsburgh. Avoid them at all costs. I am also looking for an apt in the Crafton/Greentree area and saw that Lobos had several properties in that area.

Since you work at Bayer, you may want to look in the Oakdale area too, it would literally take about 5 minutes for you to get to work since you wouldn't have to go through the congestion near Robinson Town Center. Although rent starts at about $600 in that area. In my travels the other day I also saw an apartment complex (Chestnut Ridge I think?) which is on the northern edge of Settler's Cabin Park and a block from Bayer Rd. Looks a bit pricey though. But you could walk/bike to work and spend nothing on gas. And I would be VERY leery of any apartment you could rent in Pittsburgh for $425. Your neighbors would likely be crack dealers and other riffraff.

[Chuckles1821]

I would say if you lived on N. Linwood, you would be adding about 5 minutes on to your commute as opposed to Emerald Gardens. I am living in Emerald Gardens right now, but I went to school in Crafton, so I'm familiar with both places. My morning commute takes me toward Robinson, but I just get on I79 on Route 60, whereas you would be going all the way out to Robinson. I really can't help you that much with the commute info, because while traffic isn't bad for me on the early part of R60, I have no idea what it's like once you get further out there.
I would say you are more likely to find fellow young professionals in Emerald Gardens rather than on N. Linwood - that is more of a family neighborhood. My roomates and I are all 24 and work full time and our neighbors look to be about our age and I see a lot of us dressed up in the parking lot going to work in the morning.
Moon is a nice area, too, however I don't personally know anyone my age that lives out there.