new here and moving to Pittsburgh soon. (Butler, Willow Street: apartments, lofts)

[amiep]

Hello, I have just found this message board today. I have spent some time reading it, and have enjoyed it so far.

My husband, two small children and myself live in Butler County now, but my husband works in Squirrel Hill. We are looking to move by June, and are not having much luck finding a place to live. When we do find something we want, someone always gets it before us. We looked at a place last evening on 38th street, right off of Butler St. in Lawrenceville. We both loved the home - is that a descent place to live? We walked around the block once, it didn't seem horrible, but I have certainly seen better. It was right by a large park, and elementary school.

Currently we are looking for a rowhouse / townhouse or loft in a building, with utilities and all we can not go over $1000. We were accepted into the Spinning Plates Artsits Lofts (my husband is a graphic/web designer and i am an aspiring photographer), but we have been put on the waiting list. I have no idea of how long it normally takes to get in there??

Anyways, would you hold out on the place in Lawrenceville to find something in a nicer area, or would you just take that place?

[JoeP]

That neighborhood is improving and has become a newer location for artists etc. The construction of the new relocated Children's hospital will also help no doubt.

You can read some interesting things on Lawrenceville and other city areas here:

http://www.popcitymedia.com/neighbor...enceville.aspx

[amiep]

Thank you for the quick reply! I will check out the articles on PopCity.

[Snaily]

Lawrenceville isn't very nice, there are some areas where they've updated the buildings etc. But in general its dirty and unpleasant. Also, nice places in the city big enough for a 4 person family are going to be 1,200+, you may be able to find something nice for 1000 but you're going to have to get lucky. The majority of property in Pittsburgh is falling apart, there are just a few companies and individuals that actually keep things nice.

[ontheroad]

I just recently learned of another artist co-op in Lawrenceville. I believe I read about it in PopCity. I tried to find it when I was in the neighbourhood, but got distracted because I didn't have a map--I believe it is on Willow Street. If I find the name, I'll post it.

Originally, I was dead set against this neighbourhood but in a year's time, I found it is making some big improvements, and perhaps the Hospital will bring in more positive changes. It is gritty on many streets, but while driving around I did find some more promising streets. In fact, not far from Coco's but on one of the main thoroughfares, Penn possiby, it looked as if they had a few very attractive condo-type apartments.

Good luck and congratz on getting accepted at Spin's.

Here it is http://www.artistsandcities.org/ice_house.html (broken link)

I realize it is on 43rd, not Willow. It looks great online. Probably also has a wait list, but one never knows.

Originally Posted by JoeP

That neighborhood is improving and has become a newer location for artists etc. The construction of the new relocated Children's hospital will also help no doubt.

You can read some interesting things on Lawrenceville and other city areas here:

http://www.popcitymedia.com/neighbor...enceville.aspx

[amiep]

thanks! i don't think those are residential though?