Help please- relocating within 40mi of Pittsburgh (New Castle, Beaver Falls: spring break, how much)

[MurphyPride]

We dont have to get too near pitt (and further from pollution is better) . We need to cut our living expenses so I will be able to stay home (blessed with 5 kids - 2 very young ,1 with allergies , 1 with leukemia) on my spouse salary of about 50k . We have seen some lovely large old homes (we dont mind) for 30-40k in New Castle - is it a good city for kids? are the schools good? is it safe? Anywhere within 40 miles of Pitt would be all right . We just want something safe, clean and within an hour of a pediatric oncology ward and (hopefully) an Episcopal church? We really appreciate any advice because we are flying blind! Thank everyon in advance! May God Lovingly Bless
The Murphy Pride
CaringBridge - Be There ~ Helping friends and family stay in touch and informed

[Shenandoah]

Hi - housing is fairly cheap in New Castle, but, unless you're moving to the outskirts, I wouldn't move there, especially not in the city.

If that's the price range you're looking for, then be prepared for a little run down area.

You can get a nice home for slightly more on the outskirts of New Castle, Shenango Twp, Wayne Twp, New Wilmington, Volant, West Pittsburgh.
Or, check out Ellwood City, another nice town in Lawrence County, smaller than New Castle, good hospital, along with proximity to the UPMC hospital in Cranberry.

I'd recommend Ellwood City above New Castle anyday, for a family with children, looking for housing in a lower range. It's generally, just a nicer town.

blessings, Shen

[Katiana]

If proximity to an oncology ward is a priority, you should probably locate the dr/onc unit first and then look for the place to live. It has been a long time since I lived in the area, some of the locals may be able to tell you if there are any facilities other than Children's Hospital in Oakland. If not, you may need to get a little closer than New Castle/Ellwood City, which could take more than an hour to drive from. Good luck!

[MaryS80]

Pollution in Pittsburgh isn't that bad, especially compared to what it used to be. In fact it's probably less polluted then most cities. The Pittsburgh area is one of the few places where you can still get a house in the price range, but you will have to put some work into it.

I also wouldn't recommend New Castle. For one its too far out from the city, and its just not that nice of an area. Other areas to avoid would be Alliquipa, and McKees Rocks.

My dad recently purchased a house just up the street from the West End overlook for like $30k. It's a 1920's craftsman cottage, and for the price it wasn't in terrible shape. It did take a couple weekends worth of minor repairs and painting to fix it up.


I just noticed you live in Dallas. Pittsburgh is way less polluted in Dallas, as there aren't a million cars on the road. Driving itself is much different there as the terrain is pretty hilly. There are lots of narrow winding roads that snake up steep hills.

There are some nice areas in Beaver County as well. You might want to check out housing in Beaver Falls, Monaca, Rochester, etc. Nice area, quiet, semi-rural.

There are some beautiful churches around Pittsburgh.

Best wishes to you and your family.

[NewBurg]

Definitely get the stereotypes about pollution out of your head before deciding on wherre to live. Pittsburgh isn't the same city it used to be.. it's very clean, green, and one of the safer cities that you can move to.

[MurphyPride]

thank you all so very much ! I am sure Dallas pollution is much higher with over 2 million people in the metroplex and most of us drive SUVs!- I will look at Ellwood City ,Shenango, Volant and West End Overlook (?) i appreciate you all taking my familys welfare into your hearts- I have heard lovely things about PA and we are all excited at the prospect ( also I will be able to prove to my children there are actually FOUR seasons! - TX only has 2- hot n muggy and cold nwet!) I will be on wikipedia and realtor tonight! you are blessings to us - thank you!

[MurphyPride]

how does a township differ from a town or city? is it a diff in city govt? (guessing)
Shen mentioned New Castle outskirts- on realtor is has odd designations New Castle /2nd or 3rd or 7th- i have no idea what it pertains to
most of you say Pittsburgh proper has nice cheap areas- which ones?
and here is a fun one- our electric is 13.1c per KW ( i just had a 496 electric bill- ugh!) any idea what yours is?
i know there are winters - but i dont know how long the cold weather last - i plan to "stock up " on winter gear in TX because it is super cheap- could you give me an idea of how long and how much the temps drop?
and most importantly- what is the best way to make my neighbors and community open their arms to our family? my friend in Maine says you have to bide your time and pay your dues there, in arkansas ( my in laws) are too curious to wait- they show up at the door with beer ,cake ,and a million questions! I want this to be our home - hopefully permanent - I dont want to make a bad first impression- we are a loud bunch, boisterous, happy and active- we like being part of a family and a community. Does that sound like a good match for suburban Pittsburgh Pa? we have been cities where it was not ( i wont say which it would be rude) .
May God Lovingly Bless- and again- thank you so very much!

[MaryS80]

Originally Posted by MurphyPride

how does a township differ from a town or city? is it a diff in city govt? (guessing)
Shen mentioned New Castle outskirts- on realtor is has odd designations New Castle /2nd or 3rd or 7th- i have no idea what it pertains to
most of you say Pittsburgh proper has nice cheap areas- which ones?
and here is a fun one- our electric is 13.1c per KW ( i just had a 496 electric bill- ugh!) any idea what yours is?
i know there are winters - but i dont know how long the cold weather last - i plan to "stock up " on winter gear in TX because it is super cheap- could you give me an idea of how long and how much the temps drop?
and most importantly- what is the best way to make my neighbors and community open their arms to our family? my friend in Maine says you have to bide your time and pay your dues there, in arkansas ( my in laws) are too curious to wait- they show up at the door with beer ,cake ,and a million questions! I want this to be our home - hopefully permanent - I dont want to make a bad first impression- we are a loud bunch, boisterous, happy and active- we like being part of a family and a community. Does that sound like a good match for suburban Pittsburgh Pa? we have been cities where it was not ( i wont say which it would be rude) .
May God Lovingly Bless- and again- thank you so very much!

West End and Elliot are both small neighborhoods in Pittsburgh proper. PA has townships, and Borroughs, though I'm not sure about the technicalities of each. If you want something really suburban check out Moon Township. It's a little more expensive, then other areas, but not out of reach.

It can get as cold as 10-15 degrees in winter, with wind chills being even colder. It starts getting cold in October, and starts to warm up around March. I was up over spring break this year and there was a pretty good snow on March 17. Dressing in layers is key to staying warm. You'll probably want to get some kind of a snow shovel or snow blower for winter. I believe by law you must clear the sidewalk in front of your home.

People in Pittsburgh are much more down to earth then people in Dallas.

Another thing about the West End Overlook, its a great place to take kids. Good size park, nice playground, fantastic views of the city. The Carnegie Science Center is another great place for kids.

[Gerbil]

You'll only get the 1-15 degree weather in January and February, generally. I consider those to be the only bad months. But coming from Texas I suppose you might find anything below freezing to be pretty bad.

I can't offer you advice about where to buy a house, but I want to wish you luck and tell you that the people here are friendly and I am sure you'll be happy here.

[karmel]

I think Pittsburgh's strengths include its friendliness. Also there are many churches from which to pick. I don't know about an Episcopal church, but I am sure there are many. I live in McCandless and really like it. Many of the homes are big and expensive, but not all. Certainly not mine. Allison Park, Hampton is nice - I really like the school district there - Hampton SD. I would really steer away from New Castle because of the drive into Pgh for medical services. You may really like the country, and then it might be worth it.

Good luck to you.