moving to downtown (Pittsburgh, Washington, Dormont: affordable apartment, lofts, how much)

[mattm93]

i think of moving into downtown and i was just wondering a few things. is there a lot of places to buy things like groceries. how much is a one bedroom apt. with just the basics, what job oppritunities are there (while im in school), what are taxes and things like that, and is downtown safe (even at night when im alone)?

Thanks for the imput

[Kate88]

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, and while Downtown Pittsburgh is cool, it is not really very livable. The closest thing you'll find to a grocery store in downtown Pittsburgh is a 7-11. Also, you're not going to have much luck finding an affordable apartment. Most apartments downtown are "luxury lofts". A 1 bedroom is going to run you more than $1000. Finding anything less than that is going to be very challenging, and most likely, not of a good quality.

As for safety, I, a young female, have walked around downtown alone at night. Sometimes I feel fine, other times a little nervous. Never afraid for my life, though. It all depends on what night it is, what time, what section of downtown.

What type of job would you want? There are a few fast food places near the cultural district that are open to around 8-9, and fancier restaurants. Other than that, I can't really think of any jobs available for students downtown.

Is your only reason for wanting to live downtown because that is where your school is? If so, there are other options - I would suggest looking into Mt. Washington and Dormont.

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by Kate88

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, and while Downtown Pittsburgh is cool, it is not really very livable. The closest thing you'll find to a grocery store in downtown Pittsburgh is a 7-11.

Well, at least that part of this post is untrue!

There's the Rosebud Deli on Liberty...
there's the Right By Nature Natural Foods Market at the Cork Factory...


and there IS a Giant Eagle just across the river on the North Side.

[fleetiebelle]

And you've got the whole Strip District not far away, but still, downtown Pittsburgh isn't the most hoppin' and cheap place to live for a young person. Mt. Washington, the South Side, Oakland are all not far, and most buses go into downtown.

[johnnytang24]

Sure, you can walk 30-40 minutes each way to get groceries. Or you can pay 3x the price for a very limited selection at a deli. If you're going to take a bus to get groceries, you might as well hop on the busway to the Shadyside Giant Eagle. To me, none of those seem like a convenience of living 'downtown'.

[AVYinzer]

There is a new grocery store called 'The Encore' on 7th in downtown. It has everything you need.

The Strip District is right next door. How many more options for food than the strip do you really need? The area is the equivalent of 10 grocery stores.

[AVYinzer]

Originally Posted by johnnytang24

Sure, you can walk 30-40 minutes each way to get groceries. Or you can pay 3x the price for a very limited selection at a deli. If you're going to take a bus to get groceries, you might as well hop on the busway to the Shadyside Giant Eagle. To me, none of those seem like a convenience of living 'downtown'.

You obviously have never even been to Downtown, have you? THERE IS A GROCERY STORE DOWNTOWN! And if you wanted to go to the Strip, it wouldn't take 30-40 minutes...it would take about 10 minutes and thats if you crawl on your hands and knees! Unless you live in an apartment on top of a Giant Eagle in the suburbs, wouldn't it take you at least 10 minutes to drive to your closest grocery store?

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by AVYinzer

There is a new grocery store called 'The Encore' on 7th in downtown. It has everything you need.

Not to nitpick, but the apartments are The Encore on 7th; the store is Rosebud.

http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburg...7/daily21.html

[johnnytang24]

Originally Posted by AVYinzer

You obviously have never even been to Downtown, have you? THERE IS A GROCERY STORE DOWNTOWN! And if you wanted to go to the Strip, it wouldn't take 30-40 minutes...it would take about 10 minutes and thats if you crawl on your hands and knees! Unless you live in an apartment on top of a Giant Eagle in the suburbs, wouldn't it take you at least 10 minutes to drive to your closest grocery store?

I used to work on 4th ave. That's about the middle of downtown. Google says it's 1.3 miles. You walk 7 mph? A 10 min walk is about .5 miles, which puts you at the Amtrak station, so unless you live in a train, how are you getting there in 10 minutes?

Oh wait, you've obviously never done it.

[Doowlle34]

Done this several times -- corner of 6th ave and william penn way to penn mac (shop for a bit, non-holiday crowd) and back downtown in 50 minutes. But I am really hoofing it!