Is Weirton the place for me?

[kookamus]

What's wrong with Pittsburgh? I had a lotta laughs last time i was up there.

[cmciszewski]

I currently live in Weirton and work in Robinson, the commute is not too bad, I work at 8 AM, leave my house at about 20 after 7 and make it in plenty of time. The area has a lot of bars, but if you live in one of the "Heights" areas (Weirton Heights or Marland Heights), you will be far enough from any of the hustle and bustle that the small town has. There are some bad areas, but nothing comparable to Pittsburgh's bad areas. Plus, houses are cheap right now!

[Nancysdale]

Once again, thanks. Decisions, decisions. Weirton would definitely be a change from being around the diversity of Pittsburgh. That is something to consider especially for my son.

[Nancysdale]

Originally Posted by kookamus

What's wrong with Pittsburgh? I had a lotta laughs last time i was up there.

Pittsburgh is a great place in many aspects, don't get me wrong but very recently a young man was shot in the alley that runs behind my house. His car careened out of control on its way toward the playground. Fortunately, no innocents were hurt. Everyday you hear of a shooting or some sort of ridiculous event. It is getting out of hand. Young kids merely walking home from school are being killed. I have a young son and I would like him to have the opportunity to grow up! In Pittsburgh you have a lot of diversity and culture because of the massive amount of colleges and universities. The communities are close and the cost of living is okay. I may be a little extra jaded because I work in the criminal justice field and I see it everyday but enough is enough for me.

[Nancysdale]

I also would like to know what is the difference in the counties? I've heard there is a difference between Brooke and Hancock counties. Can anyone shed any light on that? For example, I've heard that the police in one of those are rougher than the other. In PA, I live in Allegheny county which I believe is the second largest in the state, populationwise. Are there differences in the taxes, services provided?

[TheReason]

Differences in Counties?

Hummmmm.... I didn't really notice any, but I mostly stayed in Ohio County, which covers Wheeling. Sometimes I would venture to Marshall County, which is next to Ohio County, but far south of Weirton.

The further south you go past Ohio County, you def notice a difference is the people. West Virginia had get very southern, without going that far south.

As for the Police, I can only speak from what I know... Wheeling has some of the nicest Police officers I've ever met. They don't have that typical chip on their shoulder that you see a lot. They actually have a "protect and SERVE attitude".

I went to Weirton several times to frequent different bars while I was in school, and I always felt safe there.

I guess getting back to your question, I personally don't know much about the differences in counties as far as taxes, and benefits, etc.... But as for the people, nothing changes much till you get about 60 miles or so south of Weirton. The further south you go, you lose that "Pittsburgh feel" that you'll still have in Weirton.

Something you may want to consider, as I studied CJ myself. Depending on what kind of job you have, but if you are employed by the State, it is a requirement that you live in that state... And in some cases, even the county you work in.

Might wanna check that out...

[Nancysdale]

Thanks!

[billscamaros]

I'm fuzzy on the comment about "lack of diversity" in Weirton. As I recall, the steel mills pulled in a variety of ethnic groups during their heyday. Growing up in the area, I remember multiple ethnic based festivals. Where did all of these folks go? Moved away when the mills went downhill? In greater numbers than caucasians did?

I still have family living in Weirton, and they love it there. Housing is affordable and life seems good for them. It is an economically depressed area and will be for some time.

Regarding the comment about bouncing between Weirton and Steubenville schools, I don't think that is too likely. It's probably possible to enroll your kids in an "out of district" school, but I've never heard of being able to do that across state lines.

The commute out rt 22 probably isn't too bad, depending on where you will go in Pittsburgh. I thought that any traffic thru the tunnels was tough??

Good luck in your decision.