Moving to Pitts from Austin (Pittsburgh, Penn Hills: best city, to rent, condo)

[monicadangler]

Hi Everyone! I will be relocating to Pitts. in February and could use some input on the best hood to live in.

Of course, relocating from Austin means I'm looking for a hood that's #1 dog friendly. Great local eateries/pubs and shopping is also a plus. I'd really like to rent a house opposed to a condo and if there's an area that has a nice local grocery or farmer's market that would also be nice. Also, I will be commuting to Greensburg.

Also, are there any hiking trails or leash-free dog parks around?

Thanks for the input!

[Pitt Chick]

Pittsburgh to Greensburg can be 45+ minutes to commute.

Would you want to live closer, or are you set on the city?

[PeterRabbit]

Live somewhere near Greensburg. That area is pretty nice. I don't know how easy it would be to rent a house. Check craigslist.

[monicadangler]

I'd rather live closer to the city. I think it would be an easier transition. The commute is no biggie.

[nuwaver88]

I would say live in the city neighborhood of Squirrel Hill if you want to live in the city and commute to Greensburg. You can hop on 376 East easily from Squirrel Hill and then take 76 East to Greensburg. Squirrel Hill is adjacent to Frick Park, a beautiful city park that is dog friendly, and has trails etc. Squirrel Hill is one of Pittsburgh's best city neighborhoods.

[Johnny C]

Originally Posted by nuwaver88

I would say live in the city neighborhood of Squirrel Hill if you want to live in the city and commute to Greensburg. You can hop on 376 East easily from Squirrel Hill and then take 76 East to Greensburg. Squirrel Hill is adjacent to Frick Park, a beautiful city park that is dog friendly, and has trails etc. Squirrel Hill is one of Pittsburgh's best city neighborhoods.

X2 - Squirrel Hill is a great neighborhood with alot of shops and restaurants. Check out Oakland and Shadyside if you are partial to the college scene and the diversity that often follows it.

Frick Park near Squirrel Hill is an awesome park (hundreds of acres), and it has several no-leash dog areas. One of my favorites is the "hot dog dam" - it is basically a small creek that is dammed up to allow a fenced-in area for dogs to swim in the summer. The dam attracts alot of attention as joggers and bikers stop by to see the dogs.

I have been to Austin a few times, and it's a pretty cool town. VERY liberal by Texas standards and tons of music and bars. Pittsburgh will most likely seem much more neighborhood oriented to you than Austin, and certainly isn't as liberal. We do offer some things that Austin doesn't, such as a world-class theater district, museums, pro sports, and four strong seasons.

You will be in a bit of a geographical culture shock for a while, but you will like it here once things calm down and you meet some of our very friendly people.

Good luck and welcome!

[By~Tor]

As another Native Texan, transplanted now to Pittsburgh, I'll agree with them about Squirrel Hill, eastward. Most areas would be a nice "reverse commute" for you. Just avoid Homestead and Penn Hills, unless you come out to see the area first, before moving. Those communities are hit -n- miss, and you don't wanna' "miss"....

As for trails, there are trails along all three rivers, and throughout the area, even down by Grensburg. The entire area is an outdoorsman's paradise!

Good luck, and make sure to bring some Stubb's BBQ sauce along with ya', ok????

[Awesomo.2000]

agreed on Squirrel Hill, or look at Regent Square. Regent Square, which is Edgewood, North Swissvale, Pittsburgh, and South Wilkensburg is very nice also. Frick park seperates both neighborhoods. The reason I would also suggest them is mentioned above. If your going to Greensburg you will want to live on 376 for a quicker commute, and these neighborhoods are right on 376, and are also some of the nicest parts of the city, especially for dog walking, parks, tree lined streets.

[Awesomo.2000]

Just wanted to add. Just wait till you go to Pittsburgh's strip district if you are looking for a farmers market. It is one of the best food shopping areas in this country, not just region.

Also, Regent Square In my opinion is better for pubs and bars than Squirrel Hill. Squirrel Hill has some nice small neighborhood bars (the S. Hill Cafe, and PDs pub), and a more college get drunk bar (Silky's). Then there are a few other places to drink that are high end, or just suck.

Regent Square has a nice collection of bars but a much smaller bussiness district. The bars along Regent Square's main st. always seem to have large young proffessional crowd. I would drink over there to meet some woman if I didn't have to drive. I want to move over there in a year and a half.

[monicadangler]

Thanks everyone for your input. You've given me a great starting point. Any other recs for restaurants, pubs, shopping, or anything dog friendly (i'm kinda a crazy dog lady if you couldn't tell) is definitely welcome. I've got my list started!