Washington County (Pittsburgh, Aliquippa, Economy: low crime, home, neighborhood)

[The_Smiths]

Hello everyone,

Given its relative proximity to Pittsburgh, I wonder why there is so little information on this county. I will be working on the NW side of Allegheny County, near the airport. As I'm not a fan of long commutes (>45m) and I'm aware of how high taxes are in Allegheny, Washington County would seem like the best option, although I've never been there.

I'm looking for a decent house, nothing fancy at all, just a place for my wife and I to feel comfortable living in. I'm also looking at places as close as possible to Allegheny County, such as Cecil, Mc Donald, Burgettstown, Canonsburg, I just don't know how "appropriate" they are.

Low taxes, low crime, a peaceful neighborhood, and a good school district, is pretty much what we are looking for. So, I wonder if there are such areas in Washington but near Allegheny.

As far as budget for a house, we're looking to spend around 120K for an "average" 3bd, ~1500sq.foot, single family unit. Does that seem realistic?

Thanks for the help and advice!
Christian

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by The_Smiths

As far as budget for a house, we're looking to spend around 120K for an "average" 3bd, ~1500sq.foot, single family unit. Does that seem realistic?

That's realistic for a home built in the early 1900's---the kind with a front porch. You might be able to find a 1960's ranch or cape cod somewhere in that price range too.

As for which areas to live, what exactly do you mean by "appropriate?"

I personally recommend the Cannonsburg area.

Canon-McMillian school district ranks 2nd in Washington County, and housing is more affordable than in the school district that ranks 1st.

Here are the school rankings for Washington County:

http://www.psk12.com/rating/USthreeR...ntyID_630.html

[Katiana]

If you are working near the airport, you could try Beaver County.

[South Range Family]

Check your private messages. It was built in 1980.

[The_Smiths]

I was looking at Beaver County, and it seems that the tax burden is a little bit higher than that of Washington Co. Also, within a commuting distance, my only options would be Beaver, Aliquippa, Economy and Ambridge.

I have to admit that I am ruling out Aliquippa because of the very negative feedback I've read from that place. And Economy seems a bit pricey.

By the way, "appropriate" = low taxes, low crime, peaceful neighborhood and a "good" school district (something like Canon-McMillan would be fine).

So far, I would give Canonsburg an edge over the rest, although the crime index seems a little higher than the area average.

Anyway, given what I mean by "appropriate" and with a budget of around $120K for a 3bd, 1500sq.foot home in fair condition, the choices are:

Canonsburg
Cecil
Mc Donald
Burgettstown
Beaver
Ambridge

Any favorites within my budget? If so, why? My wife and I might go for a house-hunting trip the next weekend, but it would be nice to narrow down our options.

Thanks for your help.

[South Range Family]

Hopewell, and Center have Aliquippa mailing addresses, but they have their own schools, and are definitely NOT Aliquippa. I have found that it's easier to search by school district than by town.

[Katiana]

The Blackhawk SD in Beaver County encompasses Patterson Hts and Patterson Twp which are only about a 1/2 hr drive down Rt 60 to the airport. Even Chippewa Twp might work, because of easy access to Rt 60. Blackhawk is considered a "good" school district from what I have heard. You would want to check the stats, of course.