Victim of Crime needs help choosing a safe place to live in the Burgh (Pittsburgh: rentals, townhouse)

[greg42]

Hot water circulating heat (whether it's baseboard or radiators, and I just came from a house that has been fitted with new-fangled radiators) is plenty efficient, with the right equipment gets more efficient than forced air. And it doesn't dry the air out so much. Of course, you can't have A/C in the same system that way; the A/C would have to be separate. The main efficiency problem is going to come from an old building with inadequate insulation, though. If you're worried about the heat bill (a reasonable concern) then try to find out what the typical heat bill is for any apartments you're looking at. The main thing that's going to make it sky high is lack of insulation, not hot water vs forced air. Of course age of the system could also come into play.

If hubby has no reason to drive during the day from work downtown, then there's no particular reason for him to drive to/from there. The T is a great option IMO, although I say that not as someone who uses it. (I don't live in the right place.)

I don't know how far the $800 rent goes down in Mt Lebo, but if you're okay with 1 bedroom, I think you might be able to find something.

[Nevara]

Wow.... so after scoping out ALL the areas mentioned in this thread... this is going to be quite an adjustment. We're apparently VERY spoiled here. a 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage townhouse, with water, sewer included. BRAND new construction with a gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, gorgeous lighting and kitchen, etc... for $795 a month. We can barely afford a 1 bedroom in Mt. Lebo at $800. Or any other place you guys mentioned. (via padmapper) So we figure we'll have to ask for a raise.

I talked to my husband and he said he would be ok with driving from north of the city (traffic jams aren't as bad there right?) parking at the Marriott (not too bad fees) and walking across the bridge for work every day. Like I said, he likes to walk so he actually looks forward to that, even in driving rain and snow.

So, what places north of the city are nice?

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Sometimes I think they should just sticky this

[Nevara]

THAT is classic. LOL!

[SteelCityRising]

The sad thing about that map is that it is an entirely accurate representation of the urban core of the metro area!

[SteelCityRising]

I especially love "Who lives in Hays?"

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

The sad thing about that map is that it is an entirely accurate representation of the urban core of the metro area!

I don't know. I live in "thirtysomething, yoga, and jogging," none of which applies to me.

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by jay5835

I don't know. I live in "thirtysomething, yoga, and jogging," none of which applies to me.

Camp out along Ellsworth Avenue sometime. You'll see 30-somethings jogging while Tweeting about yoga on their Smartphones, pushing strollers, walking dogs, etc.

I love how the Mexican War Streets gets "Random Nice Neighborhood", the South Side Flats gets a mixture of "Beer", "Hipsters and Bros", and "So Rich", Fox Chapel gets "yachts", and Squirrel Hill gets "Jews".

[KingKrab]

I like the little random things in that map, Like "beer" on Carson st., the description for the east end is pretty funny, and the "hipsters and bros" for the southside flats/southside works.

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Originally Posted by KingKrab

I like the little random things in that map, Like "beer" on Carson st., the description for the east end is pretty funny, and the "hipsters and bros" for the southside flats/southside works.

Rollercoasters.