Another Moving to Pittsburgh, I need your help please! (versus, car)

[BrianTH]

AWD definitely is not a necessity, particularly if you are not personally living on a steep grade and will mostly just be driving around the well-traveled parts of the core area. Again, I've always driven normal FWD economy cars in Pittsburgh, and it has worked out fine.

[SteelCityRising]

I drove a Mazda3 this past winter and had no issues whatsoever. It's ultimately your call, of course, if you'd personally feel more comfortable with a small SUV, though.

As far as the Heinz Lofts are concerned in terms of isolation don't forget you are also along the river trail, which will lead you to the North Side/Downtown in about 20 minutes on foot (less than half that on a bike). You can also walk/bike across the 16th Street Bridge into the Strip District.

I'd recommend the Strip District to you personally. Yes, it may have a "gritty" feel to it, but you'd be walking/biking distance to work and Downtown along with being a quick bus ride or drive to Shadyside or Squirrel Hill (Point Breeze also has a tiny Downtown area that is starting to pick up steam with a few great places like Pino's and Point Brugge). The Strip is perfectly safe. I've walked through here frequently at night, as I live in adjacent Polish Hill, and I've never had any concerns.

[PreservationPioneer]

Originally Posted by ferrarisnowday

I've never been in the building, but have you looked into the School House. It's practically on top of AGH, and you could easily walk to the Federal Street and E. Ohio street Business districts, in the Mexican War Streets and Deutschtown, respectively.

This is exactly what I was going to recommend. That would be so convenient for you. Easy parking, business district and your job within a few blocks, also a couple beautiful parks nearby..

[Bong477]

Id live in shadyside and drive to work myself.

4wd isn't absolutely neccessary but the days you need it, you will be really glad to have it. Granted you can count those days on one hand most winters, but they are there. When you work in healthcare (depending on the job) there are days you have to be there regardless of the weather. I've done pittsburgh with and without 4wd, I will tell you I will always own at least one 4wd vehicle.

[MeinGlanzendMotorrad]

Aside from owning a Jeep for hauling purposes, I've never had nor needed anything bigger than a Honda Civic (Well, my Saab is a touch longer, I guess...) for getting around the city even in the worst of times.

Also I would recommend a Honda Civic if you're looking for a fuel efficient and economic new vehicle. If mine hadn't been totaled thanks to a guy not paying attention and his big-ass SUV rear-ending me full speed (After it already having had similar happen to it a few years ago and sub-par, by my standards, repairs) I'd still be driving mine.

[Hopes]

You can walk to AGH or any downtown gym from the Strip District too.

[Sideblinded]

4WD can be handy in Pittsburgh if you are required to drive a lot for your job or depending on your neighborhood. After a few years we sold our 4 wheel drive SUV and bought a normal car. We don't live in a super steep area for driving.

We looked at a lot of places that looked like they required a mountain goat.

[treepgh]

I have some good friends who live in the Schoolhouse, mentioned above, and they have an incredible apartment, 2 bedrooms with one lofted, and full-length of the walls windows with a view of downtown... and it was pretty affordable, AND you could not hear the neighbors through the walls.

[Bri30]

I have a Hyundai Elantra and LOVE it. It's great on gas and good in the winter. I live in Wilkes-Barre and drive to Scranton for work. One of the ways I take is hilly and remote. I've never had a problem with my car. One thing I did notice is that it's lighter than my last car (Galant) so I put 2 50lb sand bags in my trunk and that has helped the back end not to fishtail. I believe Pittsburgh's weather is similar to ours. I would highly suggest an Elantra or a Hyundai Sonata, they are gorgeous. As long as you're smart driving in the snow you won't have a problem. Good luck!!!!

[MeinGlanzendMotorrad]

Ugh, skip the Hyundai, go for Honda.