So who's doing Millvale? (Etna, Lincoln: skatepark, home, neighborhood)

[alleghenyman]

It's across the river from Lawrenceville, the quaint housing stock is the same, and prices are literally 50% lower than around 40th street in Lawrenceville, even above the Millvale flood zone. There's also no city wage tax (3%).

I know of one decent bar (Sidelines) and Mr. Small's Theater, and a rumored french bakery. Granted, it's not as fun as Lawrenceville or as pretty as Shadyside, but it looks like an OK place to live, and has its own charm - the kind of close-knit ethnic neighborhood I recall from being a kid in the 80's as the mills went down the drain.

There also doesn't seem to be much crime.

Is anyone living there? Tales?

[doc_medich]

Originally Posted by alleghenyman

It's across the river from Lawrenceville, the quaint housing stock is the same, and prices are literally 50% lower than around 40th street in Lawrenceville, even above the Millvale flood zone. There's also no city wage tax (3%).

I know of one decent bar (Sidelines) and Mr. Small's Theater, and a rumored french bakery. Granted, it's not as fun as Lawrenceville or as pretty as Shadyside, but it looks like an OK place to live, and has its own charm - the kind of close-knit ethnic neighborhood I recall from being a kid in the 80's as the mills went down the drain.

There also doesn't seem to be much crime.

Is anyone living there? Tales?

I do not live in Millvale. I did work in Millvale 10+ years ago.

The French Bakery is off of North Avenue (very good). There also is a martini bar heading out of town 9in the direction of McKnight Road; actually is on the edge of town).

There've not been many changes in Millvale for quite some time. I visited Millvale over X-mas last year. It's a quieter but relatively safe town. You're still relatively close to the city and strip district. Oakland is a 5 to 10 minute commute (dependent upon traffic flow).
The Waterworks Mall is 5-10 minutes north (off Route 28). 10 minutes from Ross Park Mall. Attic Records is located in Millvale (off Grantr Ave before North Avenue intersection); has a very good album and CD collection.

There are quite a few bars scattered about town.

[mountainlove]

I have had life-long connections in Millvale and have spent the last 5 years living here. Besides the obvious advantage of a small town atmosphere and pace, ridiculously low housing prices, and lower than city taxes with all of the access to everything in the city...these have been my favorite things...

1. Pamela's Restaurant/Lincoln Pharmacy - vanilla milkshakes, pancakes, ridiculously good omelettes, and THE POTATOES - you have to try them. nuff said. (warning: they're not on the weight watchers diet)
2. Mr.Smalls - a music lovers heaven
3. Millvale Riverfront Park - beautiful trail connects you to the North Shore; also home to a marina, Mr.Smalls SkatePark and Three Rivers Rowing Association;
4. Millvale Brew Fest - takes place every August at the Riverfront Park - tons of good food, micro brew beers, friendly folks
5. Attic Records - old school, amaaaazing collection.
6. St.Nicholas Croatian Church - Max Vanka's Murals are a world class collection and a glimpse into the region's history
7. Millvale Library (www.millvalelibrary.org) some great young folks have started a library
8. Panza Gallery, Frank's Pizza, Millvale Bowling Lanes (located above Pamela's), neighbors that pitch in to help when there is a need, Millvale Days...

Definitely worth a closer look regardless of what some uppity people may say...

[deathegg88]

I have several friends who are living or have lived there. I know that they have not had any problems. It's an older town, with some run-down sections (don't all towns have those?), but generally a nice enough place to live.

[scottrpriester]

I think one issue is the flooding. My wife was living in Etna when hurricane what's its name came through and the whole area took a hard hit.