Upper St. Clair vs. South Side (Pittsburgh, Green Tree: apartment, renters, condo)

[built2boost]

Originally Posted by robrobrob

Assuming you still like to hit the bars and stagger home, then the Southside. If not then I would go for Upper St. Clair or another suburb. You may want to look at Mt. Lebanon because there are some younger single people and they do have a couple of bars there. One is called the Saloon or something like that, the other is an Irish Bar. When I was younger I didn't have to live in the middle of the action (Southside) but I needed at least one bar within walking distance which is why I like living in Shadyside, Sq. Hill and Aspinwall and not Point Breeze.

I am not nessecarily a big drinker. Last time I drank (heavy) was probably around 2 months ago. Reason I like south side is because I would be around people my age somewhat on a regular basis. Plus I am an accountant so I do work quite often during tax season.

I will have to look into Mt. Lebanon. Is there a large mid 20's population there or is it about hte same as USC? I am meeting with a realtor tommorow so I will inquire about that area as well.

How is shady side? I think that is a bit of a commute for me to bridgeville but I have heard good things about it. I think it is expensive if my memory serves me correctly?

[built2boost]

Thanks for the responses, all gave me different points of view and are much appreciated on this end.

[neurodistortion]

If I may, how about looking roughly in the areas between Bridgeville and the Southside? There's Castle Shannon, Dormont, Mount Lebanon is a little further south but those are the places I can think of.

[BrianTH]

I just thought I would mention that although the South Side is best known for its night scene, it does have some decent restaurants and shops, and is well-located for lots of things to do in other nearby neighborhoods.

[greg42]

Originally Posted by Copanut

If you're set to live in the Southside, make sure you have a protected parking spot. And by that I mean a garage.

This, to me, is the biggest problem with living in the South Side. Almost nowhere has a driveway or garage it seems. Couldn't do that. Especially when buying, it's gotta at least have a driveway. And after 6 years with a garage, I've become rather spoiled. There's no beating it in the winter!

Ignoring demographics I like Mt Lebo in the south suburbs. At least it has that downtown kinda area, with several useful businesses/eateries/bars. I'm not as familiar with USC, but I never noticed a place like that when I've been through that area.

But Mt Lebo is not the South Side, that's for sure. There's a lot more stuff there that you can walk to if that's your thing (shops and restaurants too, not just bars).

Then again after 6 years of driving about 35-40 min to/from work, I'm pretty sick of that. So close to work is a plus. Although, at your age, and these days, where you work may change even more quickly than you would want to change your residence. Who knows?

[built2boost]

Originally Posted by neurodistortion

If I may, how about looking roughly in the areas between Bridgeville and the Southside? There's Castle Shannon, Dormont, Mount Lebanon is a little further south but those are the places I can think of.

I was thinking about those areas as well...The reason why I lean to USC is because of how built up it is. What I mean by that is that there are many resturants, banks, and malls close. Plus the resale value is very good because of those things I listed above and the quality of the school district. I would never get to take advantage of the school district but alway something to keep in mind.

[built2boost]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

I just thought I would mention that although the South Side is best known for its night scene, it does have some decent restaurants and shops, and is well-located for lots of things to do in other nearby neighborhoods.

Very good point....When many think of the south side they instantly think of the party scene but there are other things that are close which bring a lot to the table. I was thinking since I am a first time home buyer, I qualify for both the FHA mortgage advantages and the 8000 homebuyer credit, which is huge because the governmetn is basically rewarding you for investing in a home.

Another aspect that intrigues me about the southside is that if i move to the west coast (San Diego area) in the next 2 years or so, then I could still rent my home out in the southside as there is a big demand for housing there. I wouldn't sell it because that way I would have to repay part of the 8000$ tax credit I would recieve. I think there is a stipulation that if you sell the home before 3 years then you have to repay part of it.

[ddietrich]

Both places will provide very different experiences. Southside you will be fighting for parking constantly, and your car will likely suffer some sort of damage at some time - from drunk drivers to idiots who can't parallel park. If you drive somewhere and return on a busy night, good luck finding a place to park near your home. You may also have to deal with drunks wandering around and being noisy, and just idiots in general. It might be fun at first, but you may very well get sick of it quickly. USC will be a much quieter and peaceful lifestyle when you are at your home.

[built2boost]

Originally Posted by greg42

This, to me, is the biggest problem with living in the South Side. Almost nowhere has a driveway or garage it seems. Couldn't do that. Especially when buying, it's gotta at least have a driveway. And after 6 years with a garage, I've become rather spoiled. There's no beating it in the winter!

Ignoring demographics I like Mt Lebo in the south suburbs. At least it has that downtown kinda area, with several useful businesses/eateries/bars. I'm not as familiar with USC, but I never noticed a place like that when I've been through that area.

But Mt Lebo is not the South Side, that's for sure. There's a lot more stuff there that you can walk to if that's your thing (shops and restaurants too, not just bars).

Then again after 6 years of driving about 35-40 min to/from work, I'm pretty sick of that. So close to work is a plus. Although, at your age, and these days, where you work may change even more quickly than you would want to change your residence. Who knows?

I would agree with you about a garage. I use a garage for one of my cars now and it is very very nice. Nothing like starting up a car that's been sitting in a 60 degree garage when it is -10 outside. That is something I would have to compromise on if I moved to the southside. I would have to sell my garaged car because if I saw a ding or mirror missing, I wouldn't be so happy.

I would agree with you, as it does have that downtown type of feel to it with the main street type of atmosphere with several highrises, resturants, and bars. I need to do more research on Mt. Lebanon to see if it would be an good fit for me. I have heard that it is significantly overpriced. I will have to check into that as well.

South Side does offer much more but it also comes with a price. That is one of the nices things about the south side is that there is rarely an instance with a shortage of things to do.

That is true as well. Commuting from the southside would be about 20-25 minutes which would be a decrease in commuting time which means a little more sleep at night or mroe time at work. In about 2 or so years after I get the nessecary expierence I would like to move out west (San Diego area), and if I lived in the south side I would probably just keep my house and rent it out as the south side always will be in demand for housing as pitt and duquesne are very close as well as being a hot spot for young professionals. On top of that if I move before 3 years and sell my house I would have to repay part of the tax credit. So renting it out would be a very viable option for me.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by built2boost

Another aspect that intrigues me about the southside is that if i move to the west coast (San Diego area) in the next 2 years or so, then I could still rent my home out in the southside as there is a big demand for housing there. I wouldn't sell it because that way I would have to repay part of the 8000$ tax credit I would recieve. I think there is a stipulation that if you sell the home before 3 years then you have to repay part of it.

I'm not sure about the details of the tax credit, but you are absolutely right about the South Side (and the City in general) being a place where quality rentals properties are in great demand.