From Texas - acreage suggestions please! (Pittsburgh, Erie: mineral rights, 2011, how much)

[OneTexasNative]

We are considering moving from Texas to somewhere in PA in 2010/2011 (the Pittsburgh area is highest on our list right now). We like to garden and spend time outdoors so the Texas heat and drought are just too much for us. We own our own Internet business so employment is not an issue (though Internet access is).

We would like to buy some land (10 - 50 acres) with a house in the $300 - $500k range. Preferably, the property would be within a 30 - 45 min. drive from reasonable shopping, etc. We are somewhat private people, so the social aspects are not that important.

What is important is the land (rolling hills, trees, acreage), proximity to a reasonably good sized city around Pittsburgh with medical and shopping and not too much snow! Coming from Texas we don't want to be snow bound for six months out of the year.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by OneTexasNative

Coming from Texas we don't want to be snow bound for six months out of the year.

LOL!

Probably the most you will ever be snowbound is six HOURS, not months. We got snow removal down pat up here.

[Johnny C]

I would look in Westmoreland County if you want to buy some land. The taxes are cheaper out there, and you can still be in the city in a reasonable ammount of time if you want to. There are shopping options in Greensburg and North Huntingdon as well.

Butler County would be another option, as it is near the very busy area of Cranberry Township.

[greg42]

I was going to say Butler County (or even a notch further north, but that may not be necessary) as well, although that's mainly because I'm more familiar with that than Westmoreland. Either should be fine for proximity to shopping and reasonable proximity to Pittsburgh for occasional visits to the city. There will be snow, but seriously snowbound isn't too likely around here. I've stayed home maybe a day in the worst storms, just for safety, but I could have gotten out if necessary.

[Hopes]

Even though snow isn't really a big issue in Western Pennsylvania, four wheel drive is important, especially if you chose to live in a surrounding county. Westmoreland County will have more snow challenges than others since there are mountains in that direction.

You need four wheel drive for rural Butler County roads----or rural roads in any surrounding county. Allegheny County, the county where the city of Pittsburgh is located, will be less challenging snow-wise. There's more snow removal done in Allegheny County because there are more residents and businesses that need to keep moving.

Overall, it is very rare when any area of South Western Pennsylvania shuts down for snow. We haven't had a blizzard in 15 or so years. That year, there were three blizzards which resulted in businesses being closed for one day---two at the most---for each blizzard. That should put how snow into perspective for you. (We are due for a bad winter ---- maybe this year, maybe 5 years off, but it's coming eventually.)

Do not buy property in Pennsylvania's north western counties. From Venango County and northward, there is a snow belt due to Lake Erie. People do get snowed in for weeks or months in the rural areas surrounding Bradford, PA, for instance.

If you want to buy within Allegheny County, look at West Deer Township and Indiana Townships. There's still a decent amount of land available up that way. You'll be buying less acreage there though and taxes will be higher than surrounding counties.

I personally think Butler County is perfect for you. You can easily get 50 acres within your price range. It's convenient to Pittsburgh, and there is a large shopping area in Cranberry which is at the southern part of Butler County. If you want a drive an extra 20 minutes, you can find more upscale shopping at Ross Park Mall in the North Hills of Allegheny County. There are stores that can only be found at Ross Park, nowhere else in Southwestern PA has them.

[Bazzwell]

I'd say western or southern Washington county. Still some nice parcels in both of those areas and within your range of reasonable shopping. Greene county is more rural but lacks any real development, taxes are twice what Washington county would be. Don't count on getting mineral rights though, not at this stage of the game.

[Geeo]

Welcome! I suggest Butler County as well, only because I'm most familar with it. The Pittsburgh suburbs are creeping up Interstate 79, but there is still a lot of nice rolling land available. Some nice small towns nearby as well. You won't be snow-bound - six inches is considered a good snowfall and it's usually cleared fairly quickly from the roads. Spring, summer and fall are great seasons. Winter is for the fireplace and snuggies. You may get to enjoy winter sports as well - there are lots of outdoor activities in winter. The amenities of Pittsburgh will still be close by to you.

[OneTexasNative]

Thank you all for your comments! We have some homework to do...

[hempfield mania]

Hello OneTexasNative.
I lived in Houston for 2 years, Jan '03 to Jan '05 and I know what ou mean re: the heat, etc. I am originally from the Pittsburgh suburbs (North Huntingdon, PA) and currently live right next to there in West Hempfield. You have gotten great advice so far. How much land you get will depend on what size/age house you want. Washington, Westmoreland, Butler and Beaver counties are all great places that could meet some or all of your requirements and with less taxes than Allegheny county. Was recently putzing around on a website (allpittsburghrealestate.com) and saw plenty of listings within Allegheny couny that seem to meet your requirements. If you wanted to build new, there seems to be plenty of acreage available (12-40 acres) for <$200,000. But, most of these listings are within Allegheny county, especially to the north. Snow isn't that big of deal up here, even way up north in the snow belt. They measure snowfalls in feet up there and everyone has 4 wheel drive so unless it is a state emergency, practically no one gets snow bound. Good luck in your search and if you have specific questions, post them up. Oh, and if you can, overnight me a dozen jalapeno, cheddar and sausage kolaches, thanks...:-)! Don't know if the donut shops sell them in Austin but man, do I miss them from Houston... Luckily, I'll be heading there Monday on a business trip so I'll get my fix.

[greg42]

You can get kolaches in Beaver. The owner got the idea from her decade or so in Houston. They even use jalapeno! Cafe Kolache

It's weird with so much eastern European influence in Pittsburgh that there aren't more places like this.