Help!! Moving to Columbus. Am I making the right decision? (Pittsburgh: real estate market, new home)

[kareninelptx]

I've heard wonderful things about Columbus but I have options. My choices are Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Northern KY.
Can somebody tell me the pros and cons of Pittsburgh? Should I consider looking there or should I stick with Columbus?
I'm getting cold feet I guess. I live in El Paso, TX and it was 75 degrees yesterday and we were out playing golf. I know that is not going to happen with any of my options but any guidance is appreciated. I love the outdoors and especially golf. We have a 10 month old little girl. We love food and wine. I just picked up scrapbooking. I guess everyone with a baby does for a while but I really enjoy it. Pretty much home bodies but like to go out every once in a while.

[globalburgh]

Give Pittsburgh a look. I'd recommend Indianapolis. And I've heard good things about Columbus, as well. I don't know much about Cincy other than its topography is a lot like Pittsburgh's and a good friend of mine really enjoyed living in the city.

Pittsburgh is a great place to raise a family and if you like playing golf, it is the best of your list. Actually, golf is big in the Burgh. However, you obviously know that you won't find anything like El Paso weather in the Ohio River Valley.

I can't say that the other cities you list are so much better than Columbus that you should jump ship. I'm partial to Pittsburgh, but I think that's more a matter of personal taste.

When you say "Northern KY", do you mean Louisville? Or anywhere in N. Kentucky?

[kareninelptx]

Somewhere on the OH KY border would be good. I'm told there are tax advantages to living on the KY side.
How is the housing market in Pittsburgh? I've looked on the internet but really can't tell what's going on. I know in Columbus the market has seen better days.

[globalburgh]

Originally Posted by kareninelptx

Somewhere on the OH KY border would be good. I'm told there are tax advantages to living on the KY side.
How is the housing market in Pittsburgh? I've looked on the internet but really can't tell what's going on. I know in Columbus the market has seen better days.

For the region you are referencing, the Pittsburgh real estate market is quite strong. If you are hoping to build up some equity, then Pittsburgh is your best bet among the places you list.

[kareninelptx]

Thank you so much. Pittsburgh was my first choice anyway. Can you recommend any golf communities?

[globalburgh]

Originally Posted by kareninelptx

Thank you so much. Pittsburgh was my first choice anyway. Can you recommend any golf communities?

I'd bet some of the other posters here could do a better job of fielding your question. No particular community stands out to me, but you might benefit from reading about Oakmont just to get a sense of the golf scene in the Burgh:

Pop City - Oakmont: Small Town America, Big Time Golf

[CortlandGirl79]

The last couple of summers i've worked at a golf course in Ohio, near the PA border, and i always hear about Oakmont. I think you'll find that there are plenty of courses all over Western PA and Eastern Ohio. Surprisingly our two states both have a very high percentage of golf courses. Every year we get a group of guys that make the hour and fifteen minute drive to my hometown of Cortand, Ohio to play golf. Here is a list of course in the Pittsburgh area Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Golf Courses

Ohio and PA are also have most of the drive-in theaters in the U.S., so that's a cool fact i thought i would share. I"m a fountain of useless knowledge.

As for comparing the other cities, i guess it all depends on what you are looking for. I think cities like Pittsburgh and Cinci have a cooler look and feel to them. I don't like sprawling cities like C-bus, i've been there enough to know i don't like it. Also, i see you like good food. From what i know about Columbus they have lots of food options, but they are all chains. I think you will find more non-chain/family restaurants in Pittsburgh. I haven't been to the other cities to be able to compare. Pittsburgh has a pretty large italian population so i'm betting you can get some really good italian and wine compared to Columbus.

I don't want to totally turn you away from C-bus, but i just don't like it. If you like new homes, lots of big box stores, etc, Columbus might be for you. I'm assuming if you move there you will want to live in the burbs due to the school situation. There nice parts to the city itself, but i don't like the region as a whole.

When i comes to weather, Pittsburgh and C-bus are pretty similar, Cinci, Kentucky and Indy are maybe a few degrees warmer in the winter and get a little less snow, but for me that wouldn't matter. Good luck on your decision.

[globalburgh]

Originally Posted by kareninelptx

We love food and wine.

Then you'll love the seventh annual Pittsburgh Wine Festival.

[robrobrob]

Some of the golf course communities in Pittsburgh are Nevillewood, Diamon Run and Treesdale. Also, I lived in Columbus for three years and loved it. I think golf may be bigger there. Columbus is a newer city. Not may older neighborhoods. If you like those look at Grandview, Upper Arlington and Bexley. It is relatively flat. Cincy is also very nice. My sister lives in Mason, which is north of the city. It a is booming area. There is nothing in Pittsburgh that compares to it. It puts Cranberry to shame. Also, both Cincy and Columbus have better roads since they have beltways.

[fleetiebelle]

When you say "Northern KY", do you mean Louisville? Or anywhere in N. Kentucky?

Northern KY usually refers to the southern suburbs of Cincinnati--the Greater Cincinnati airport is actually in Northern Kentucky.