Anyone know - Donora, Charleroi, Monongahela, Moesson? (Pittsburgh, Monessen: for sale, real estate)

[ocean2026]

I asked about Monongahela before no response.

What are the differences - if any between these towns?

[Bazzwell]

Differences in what? The "valley" has been my beat for most of my life. Are they different from each other? Certainly, but what specifically do you seek?

[ocean2026]

Well considering I only drove through them all once - I know little about them. Any summary of each would be helpfull. Are they nice places to live? Crime? Are they all the same as far as summer weather? Is the economy similar for all? Similar commute from downtown Pitt. I'm mostly looking for a summer home. Anyone been inside the Monongahela City Trust bldg or the nice brick building two doors down from it on 170 Main in Monn. Any nice buildings for sale in these towns?

[pirate_lafitte]

All I know is that Ken Griffey Jr., Ken Griffey Sr., and Stan Musial were all born in Donora.

[Bazzwell]

Ok, thanks, that narrows it down. Charleroi, Donora and Monessen can be tough little towns for an outsider to get used to. Like many river towns closer to the city, they took a hard hit when the mills shut down and never really recovered. Downtowns are surviving but I couldn't say thriving. River related activities are nil for all three. Real estate prices are low compared to the outlying areas, sometimes giveaway low in certain sections. If I only had these three to choose from, Charleroi would probably be it.

Mon City on the other hand survives quite nicely. An active downtown, riverfront area, better shopping. A few sections with wonderful old homes. Some very nice areas just outside town and slightly easier to get to Pittsburgh. Real estate prices have held up better so I don't think you'll find any giveaways.

One thing to remember. These towns aren't part of the Pittsburgh scene. You'll find no cultural district, no booming nightlife other than a sports bar. Just working folks towns that people go about their daily business in. For a summer type home, I'd consider the Mon City area or thereabouts.

[Magic Maggie]

Originally Posted by ocean2026

Well considering I only drove through them all once - I know little about them. Any summary of each would be helpfull. Are they nice places to live? Crime? Are they all the same as far as summer weather? Is the economy similar for all? Similar commute from downtown Pitt. I'm mostly looking for a summer home. Anyone been inside the Monongahela City Trust bldg or the nice brick building two doors down from it on 170 Main in Monn. Any nice buildings for sale in these towns?

As a native of the Mon Valley, I have to say that i got a chuckle as to someone wanting a "summer home" in the Mon Valley. Sadly, it is very economically depressed since the steel mills have left and businesses have not come in to replace them. Most of the educated young people leave after college, so there are mostly senior citizens and welfare recipients left. The city of Monessen is on the verge of bankruptcy. Monessen and Donora have active gangs and shootings by gang members have recently been reported in both towns. The infrastructure is crumbling with pothole infested roads and shuttered downtown businesses. The residents bear a very high property/school tax burden due to the lack of business investment. All of these towns are basically a few miles apart and across the river. Of the ones you mentioned, Monongahela is the most "stable" and a better investment. For a better real estate investment, check out Rostraver Township which is off of Route 51, a direct route into Pittsburgh.

[ocean2026]

The local economy is not crucial to me as I won't be working there- of course Im suffering where I am too lol I like being on the water. There are two buildings on the 100 block of wet main in Monongahela that seem abandonded - one is that city trust on the corner of main /2nd and the other is two doors down -empty with no sign. city trust has been for sale for years -bad inside from what I hear.

[Bazzwell]

If being on the water and the economy doesn't matter then you do have other choices around here. Going up from Mon City (towards Pittsburgh) you'll find more industrial views and tougher towns. Going down from Mon City (away from the city) you start running into some quieter areas that still have some nice spots. You might even actually find something that has river frontage.

[ocean2026]

Mckeesport has a great view from certain parts, but the town isn't very popular. Too far from the city is just that .. too far.

[WVUPharm2007]

I'm trying to find a place to rent in this area. The internet is barren. The Valley Independent news website isn't much better. Craig's List has some stuff, but not much. Is there, perhaps, a local bulletin board classifieds publication that I don't know of? I can't seem to find any places that rent that allow pets. Belle Vernon, Rostraver, Speers, Charleroi, and maybe even California is where I'd like to locate. Any help is appreciated.