Anyone in Pittsburgh familiar with Boston? (York, Lansdowne: rentals, home, buying)

[Tiger Beer]

Not looking for racist neighborhoods.

Actually, since I have Irish-American heritage...that sounds interesting to me...and everything I've heard of South Boston, it sounds like very condensed and urban yet perfect location as well - for a lower price. The LOWER PRICE combined with urban attributes were much more what I was looking for...

I've yet to visit Boston or South Boston or Pittsburgh...but they are a couple cities I'm considering whenever I get back to the U.S.

[dugdogmaster]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

Not looking for racist neighborhoods.

Actually, since I have Irish-American heritage...that sounds interesting to me...and everything I've heard of South Boston, it sounds like very condensed and urban yet perfect location as well - for a lower price. The LOWER PRICE combined with urban attributes were much more what I was looking for...

I've yet to visit Boston or South Boston or Pittsburgh...but they are a couple cities I'm considering whenever I get back to the U.S.

Haha, nobody mentioned them being racist.

But at least now we know what you were referring to. First, there's plenty of Irish-Americans in Pittsburgh, and the entire region, myself being one of them. Though I'm Italian too, so think whatcha want of me, haha. Let's face it, all real estate is going to be cheaper here than in Botston, even a more aflunt city neighborhood such as Shadyside. To be honest, many east end neighborhoods would fit what you're looking for, as well as the South Side. You may here of the South Side and South Side Slopes, don't confuse the two, The Slopes(South Side Slopes), as they're more commonly referred to, is primarily residential. The South Side(or Flats) is more what you're looking for, urban, historical, compact, busy.

[BrianTH]

Lower-priced but well-located urban neighborhoods, often with an ethnic-blue-collar history, is definitely a Pittsburgh specialty.

[dugdogmaster]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Lower-priced but well-located urban neighborhoods, often with an ethnic-blue-collar history, is definitely a Pittsburgh specialty.

Hear, hear!

To the OP, you may even like Polish Hill or Lawrenceville, those two are more residential, but very urban. But they have the ammenities, and other stuff is not far away in close by neighborhoods.

Oh, and let's not forget Bloomfield, that may be up your alley. It's Pittsburgh's Little Italy, but it's far from being all, or even mostly Italian.

[BrianTH]

In fact, that part of Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville, Polish Hill, and Bloomfield) is probably as close to Southie as we've got. At least back in the day you might have included Stanton Heights, Garfield, and Morningside too.

[Tiger Beer]

The other part I'm wondering...for those who know Boston. Is it or has it become, or has it always been, just very YUPPIE in general? Tons of great universities, and I love education, intelligence, and everything else. But I'm not into the collegiate look of frats, people that look like they are in frats, and the preppy shirt collar goes up look that comes with it.

I remember kids from Detroit suburbs were always like that...tons of expensive toys, etc. Hence party interested in a more working-class neighborhood like South Boston as well. Overall though, I'm thinking Pittsburgh probably has everything I'd need or want as is already. But just trying to get a feel for both cities, as they both sound good to me.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by Doowlle34

So I guess the poster is asking about a mostly white, mostly very poor enclave within the city -- I'm still not sure there is any analog in Pittsburgh.

Originally Posted by dugdogmaster

Within the city limits, in current times, or even in that recent past, I can't think of one.

Spring Hill. However, the OP can afford to live many places in Pittsburgh since South Boston is going to be more expensive than Spring Hill.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by dugdogmaster

First, there's plenty of Irish-Americans in Pittsburgh, and the entire region, myself being one of them.

I'm one of them too!

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

In fact, that part of Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville, Polish Hill, and Bloomfield) is probably as close to Southie as we've got. At least back in the day you might have included Stanton Heights, Garfield, and Morningside too.

Glad you mentioned those neighborhoods. Lawrenceville is actually the main neighborhood that has retained a lot of it's Irish residents.

Most have scattered throughout the metro area over the generations. There's a large representation of people of Irish decent in the entire region.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

The other part I'm wondering...for those who know Boston. Is it or has it become, or has it always been, just very YUPPIE in general? Tons of great universities, and I love education, intelligence, and everything else. But I'm not into the collegiate look of frats, people that look like they are in frats, and the preppy shirt collar goes up look that comes with it.

New England universities are to preppies as Mecca is to Muslims. So there has indeed always been a prominent preppy scene in Boston, but that certainly isn't the only thing Boston is about.

Hence party interested in a more working-class neighborhood like South Boston as well.

I guess part of the question is whether you want a real old school working class neighborhood, or just a neighborhood with working class roots that has retained some of that vibe. Because the former is getting increasingly hard to find in any decent city, and even Southie is no longer pure working class.