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I am looking at these three cities currently, but I am open to other options that I might be missing for my criteria. For a very long time I have been a lurker of this forum, but I want to get more serious about a potential move in 2023. So this is what I am looking at so far:
Pittsburgh:
I currently reside in Youngstown. A large part of my family is from Central and Western Pennsylvania. I know Pittsburgh very well and do day trips to the city often. A drive to the northside neighborhoods or downtown takes me less than an hour on the Turnpike. For a long time, because Pittsburgh was in my backyard, I took for granted how underrated the city was and what it had to offer on the national stage. Over the last year or so I have been strongly looking at neighborhoods that I could see myself living in. I am considering the northside in Pittsburgh (Allegheny West, Mexican War Streets, etc) because of its proximity to downtown, the walkability and access to transit. I also have considered the Southside and certain East End neighborhoods. I don't want to feel like I am settling on Pittsburgh just because it is what I am familiar with. There are others out there that I am interested in.
Philadelphia:
In that past few years I have grown to love Philadelphia. It incorporates everything that I want out of a city - dense, beautiful architecture, expansive transit, diverse, lively neighborhoods. I have made weekend trips out to the city several times over the years as it is an easy drive east on the Turnpike. I really enjoy certain neighborhoods like Manayunk (has a Pittsburgh vibe), Mount Airy/Western Germantown, Fitler Square and Graduate Hospital and some of the other neighborhoods just south of Center City. I am only mentioning neighborhoods that I think are within my budget, which I will get to later. To me Philadelphia checks a lot of my boxes. I just am concerned with where the COL is going in the next 5 or so years. I am very well aware of some of the crime that the city does face, but I am also aware of the amazing transformation that is taking place in neighborhoods further from Center City. Very exciting to see.
St. Louis
For some reason this city really interests me. It has a shocking amount of historic stock that seems to stretch from downtown, south of downtown and west to Forest Park. St. Louis seems underrated and yet to be discovered like Pittsburgh has. One of my concerns is the crime and it being in the state of Missouri with a more conservative leadership. I have yet to visit the city.
With all of that, some of my criteria and what I am looking for is as follows:
-Budget roughly is max $1300-$1400/mo. I am not looking for new construction and can settle for older (sometimes that is even better). The apartment does not need to have stainless steel appliances or outdoor space. I would prefer a 1 bedroom. Studio days I am over at this point.
-Gay-friendly with a diverse gay crowd. I am in my early 30s and going out every weekend into the early morning is not my thing, but I would like to have a diversity of gay groups around.
-I work in the public sector currently and would continue to look for future career prospects in this sector. My experience is working specifically in neighborhood development and grant writing. I have done a lot of land banking work in Northeast Ohio. Neighborhood development is a passion of mine.
-Access to well maintained park systems and ultimately weekend trips outside of the city to great nature and hiking options. Pittsburgh has this. I visit regional state parks all of the time and hike down by Ohiopyle and Allegheny National Forest. Philadelphia has Wissahickon (among others) and the Poconos. I am not sure what St. Louis has with regard to outdoor activities beyond what looks like a great city park system?
-Transit access. I plan on keeping my car, but I would like to have transit options to get to work and not have to fight traffic or deal with parking. Pitttsburgh's Allegheny West neighborhood I can take the T into downtown for free and get to where I need to faster than driving in and parking. I know having a car in a neighborhood in the immediate Center City area of Philadelphia may seem too much, but it is nice being able to do weekend trips away and use my car when I need it. St. Louis looks like it has rail, but I am not sure how consistent it is?
-Weather plays a part, but I am not too picky. I am used to cloudy skies and snow in the winter. I get it, Pittsburgh. Philadelphia is a bit sunnier and less snow, and that's a plus. St. Louis I have no idea. My only concern would be way too much humidity in the summer which I have a feeling doesn't bode well for Missouri. I lived in Florida during university so I am a bit over the oppressive humidity.
What other city/metro areas am I excluding? I really do appreciate any insight.
I would also recommend a few days in St Louis to look around get a good understanding and feel for the area.
What is your opinion of St. Louis? Is it worth the consideration or do you think it wouldn't really meet my criteria? I have looked at areas in the CWE, Debaliviere, and downtown. Lafayette Square and Soulard look interesting. I definitely plan to take a trip out there and visit for a few days.
Again, only because I know Pittsburgh the best. I know that Philadelphia hits most of my wants, but I do question the affordability. Though Philadelphia is a great deal for its location.
Again, only because I know Pittsburgh the best. I know that Philadelphia hits most of my wants, but I do question the affordability. Though Philadelphia is a great deal for its location.
I think being able to drive back home on demand is a plus too. It's a long drive across Pennsylvania
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