Best places near the downtown? (Butler, O'Hara Township: apartment, for rent, loft)

[tommyboy6181]

It's been a while and it turned out that my job offer in O'Hara Township fell through a while back. However, there is a possibility I could be working with a major company in the strip district (near the USX Tower). I was wondering if you could help me out with some ideas on places to live.

Here is some background. I am a 26 yr old college grad who works in sales. I grew up in the country and do like laid back neighborhoods but dont mind nightlife at all. I'll probably be eating out quite a bit, so somewhere with good restaurants, takeout, coffee shops is a plus.

1.) An apartment or townhouse is ok, can go up to $1000/month in rent. I would not rule out a loft or flat for city living. I prefer something with washer/dryer hookups but not required.

2.) I prefer something close to the downtown with a shorter commute time. Neighborhoods I am thinking about so far are Shadyside/Oakland, Highland Park, Squirrel Hill, South Side, Green Tree, or potentially the North Hills. What would be the best choices? I already know I would be working mornings if hired, prob something such as an 8-5.

3.) Are there any apartment/townhouse management companies to avoid or any that would be recommended?

4.) Searching online, I had found a 2 story townhouse 1 block from Alleghany General practically on the border of the North Shore and the North Side. Is this something I should avoid? The cheap rent has me wondering because I have heard mixed reactions on the neighborhood.

[Pitt Chick]

Would the Cork Factory appeal to you?

[tommyboy6181]

That may be an option actually. It's a little pricey for some of the units but would be really close to work. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Copanut]

try Greentree, Highland Hills apts

[BrianTH]

Based on your description of neighborhood preferences you might consider adding my neighborhood, Regent Square, to your list. It is a laid back neighborhood, but also has a little commercial area with several nice restaurants and an independent coffee shop. With an 8-5 work schedule you could use the 63B express bus to commute (it goes through Regent Square then uses the East Busway to zip Downtown). Finally, $1000/month can get you a pretty nice place (in fact, so can somewhat less).

But really you will have a lot of good choices working Downtown with $1000/month for rent. So it will come down to exactly what you are looking for in a neighborhood.

[Blackbeauty212]

I would look at the Strip itself or L'ville -

The Strip you'd be right @ work.

L'ville you can take the 91A or 86B right down Penn Ave in less then 10mins for work, and serivce between the two is like every 10mins at the most.

[tommyboy6181]

I never really thought about Lawrenceville. How is Central Lawrenceville around Butler/46th?

[Blackbeauty212]

You'd be right in the middle of the action.