Considering Investing in Bellevue (Pittsburgh, Pleasant Hills: lofts, condo, crime rate)

[PittGuy]

Good afternoon everyone -

After reading through many of the posts in this forum, I decided that it would be a great resource in my housing search.

I am a 25 y/o professional currently living in Squirrel Hill area. I am a first-time home buyer and was recently attracted to the Bellevue area, specifically the Grant School Lofts (Grant School Lofts). This a new project to renovate and turn the old Grant Elementary school into 21 new condo and loft units.

I am a Pittsburgh native (from Pleasant Hills area), but have never ventured over too far into the North Side area (this part of town). I have been through the town a few times, but am reluctant to buy here as I dont know if I could ever the resell this property for what it is listed for. ($225k) Having looked at the comaparables in the area, there really isn't much in the area to even compare to this.

I have heard many different things about Bellevue and have come to this board to hopefully get some honest answers and opinions. I am most interested in your thoughts on the following:

1 - Crime rate in Bellevue - I have heard mixed things about the area (is it turning into the the Mexican War Streets?)
2 - What is the economy like here? Is the town in an upturn, downturn, stagnant?
3 - I realize that the demographic is a largely elderly and older - are there many other young professionals living here?
4 - What investments have been made in the town in the past X years? Are there any other new investments/projects going on around town (e.g., like the Grant School Lofts)

I would greatly appreciate any information you may be able to provide. I am anxious to hear your thoughts on Bellevue.

Thanks in advance.

[Hopes]

I hate to sound like a broken record, but my sister and her husband made good money on flipping properties in Brighton Heights which is right next to Bellevue. Bellevue isn't much different from Brighton Heights as far as crime, etc. I recommend only investing in brick properties because there's less upkeep and renovations required than wood structures.