Moving to Pittsburgh - where to live? schools? (Richland: sales, renting)

[gg]

That is a pretty big budget for this area. You might even look at private schools with that budget and rent something in the $1200 range that would still be pretty nice.

[greg42]

Originally Posted by h_curtis

That is a pretty big budget for this area. You might even look at private schools with that budget and rent something in the $1200 range that would still be pretty nice.

Well, calgal didn't strictly say that the rental should be single-family house, but if they want one in those areas it's gonna be at least $2000 based on what I've seen. There could be some townhouses or apartments that rent for less than that, though, true enough. If you're definitely doing private school then yeah you can ignore the school district boundaries, but I'm not sure that gains you a ton of new rental possibilities. It would add some area possibilities, yes, just not thinking there would be a ton of rentals in them. All the close-by and desirable places within Allegheny County already have good schools (unless you go far enough south to cross the Ohio River, perhaps) so that only leaves what's in Butler County or this corner of Beaver County. Beaver County isn't going to yield a ton of additional rental possibilities, really, probably only a few. Butler County, I suppose then you might look harder at Cranberry and Adams Township and vicinity without worry of the small drop in school quality, but still, Seneca Valley and Mars Area schools are well above average.

With the main private schools not being that convenient, I'd probably be sticking to utilizing the public schools in a good district. But this is me talking; I don't have children!

[gg]

One of the best schools is Fairview Elementary in Fox Chapel. You might be able to be in that district with that kind of rent. The commute would be around 30 min probably. Some of the North Hills schools are good like people have stated.

[calgal198]

Thanks everyone... you have given me lots of good ideas and different avenues to explore! I'll be checking out these schools and the areas around them. We'd ideally be looking for a house. What's a good website to check for houses? I am only googling right now. Is there a website where everyone lists? or do I have to go check each realtor's website separately? This will just be legwork on our part though. The company will help us look when we move.

How's the resale market if we were to buy and sell 2 or 3 years later?

[Bong477]

Although the market in Pittsburgh is stable and appreciating some, buying and selling in 2-3 years will most likely result in a loss after you account for taxes, fees, etc. Paying cash for a home mitigates this to some extent, but you still get hit with a fair number of fees (including the realtor's commission).

IMO... Craigslist is the best source for SFH rentals if you do it on your own. Otherwise get a realtor.

[Sideblinded]

The wealthy school districts are getting a back door hit. Everyone will be affected.

[gg]

Originally Posted by Sideblinded

The wealthy school districts are getting a back door hit. Everyone will be affected.

What are you talking about?

[Sideblinded]

Read the budget, I did. Pay attention to the details. It is scary, but you can draw your own conclusions.

[Sideblinded]

Originally Posted by calgal198

Thanks everyone... you have given me lots of good ideas and different avenues to explore! I'll be checking out these schools and the areas around them. We'd ideally be looking for a house. What's a good website to check for houses? I am only googling right now. Is there a website where everyone lists? or do I have to go check each realtor's website separately? This will just be legwork on our part though. The company will help us look when we move.

How's the resale market if we were to buy and sell 2 or 3 years later?

Howard Hanna is the largest realtor in the area. With all the school cuts I would advise renting vs. buying. Places that are considered desirable due to school districts may lose a lot of value if early childhood, AP, science, art, etc.. are cut. Add on large class sizes, you may want some freedom to move after the dust settles.

[greg42]

If you know you're only staying 2-3 years absolutely rent. Even if it's just some possibility you'll only stay 2-3 years you should rent. Even though Pittsburgh metro is known generally as an area where you can buy for a similar cost to renting (as opposed to buying being somewhat more expensive, as is more typical) with a short turnaround buying is almost never advisable. There's certainly a chance that buying then selling in 3 years would turn out okay, but it's a small chance and a lot of hassle compared to renting. It would be an especially bad idea to do this with a new construction house, because there will continue to be availability of new ones for people who want them, so almost no one would bother to choose instead a very similar 3-year-old one.

For rentals look on Craigslist (Pittsburgh) and search for some of the names mentioned (Warrendale, Wexford, Pine, Franklin Park, etc). You can also check the classifieds of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the newspaper's web site, but I don't think most bother to pay for an ad in the paper when they can get a free (or cheaper, whatever it is now) ad on Craigslist and still have it rent very quickly. And yes talking to Howard Hanna or other realty companies could net some additional possibilities.