Cute old family towns in the pittsburgh suburbs?

[squarian]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

I personally see Wilkinsburg as being on the cusp of a renaissance.

Amazing the difference a bit of good government makes, isn't it?

I'm hardly the first to say it, but: offer some kind of affordable or alternative public education in Wilkinsburg, and the Renaissance will happen yesterday. Whether that means a merger with PPS, or charters, or vouchers, or a divine miracle, if ordinary people looking for a home knew that educating their children would not be an enormous hurdle, Wilkinsburg would have to keep them away with fire hoses.

So, now the borough has some responsible leadership, perhaps the school district next?

[stburr91]

Originally Posted by squarian

Amazing the difference a bit of good government makes, isn't it?

I'm hardly the first to say it, but: offer some kind of affordable or alternative public education in Wilkinsburg, and the Renaissance will happen yesterday. Whether that means a merger with PPS, or charters, or vouchers, or a divine miracle, if ordinary people looking for a home knew that educating their children would not be an enormous hurdle, Wilkinsburg would have to keep them away with fire hoses.

So, now the borough has some responsible leadership, perhaps the school district next?

There is no doubt that both Wilkinsburg and Swissvale will see a Renaissance once more of the East End becomes prohibitively expensive for people of average means. I think it's already starting to happen, and in as little as 10 years, parts of both Wilkinsburg and Swissvale (outside of Regent Square) will be considered desirable neighborhoods.

I agree that solving the school issue, would create a lot more demand for Wilkinsburg (Swissvale also). At least Wilkinsburg has a chance of solving it's problem in the near future, unfortunately, the Woodland Hills School district is likely to be around for another 30 years.

[Herodotus]

Originally Posted by h_curtis

If you want a town in that price range and a Victorian, I would suggest Sewickley. There ARE Victorian homes there believe it or not. If I was in that price range, I would focus on the following places, so you are more in the norm and not alone in that range.

1. Fox Chapel (all)
2. Parts of Sewickley
3. Sewickley Heights (all)
4. Parts of Point Breeze
5. Parts of Shadyside
6. Parts of Squirrel Hill
7. A few streets in Oakland.
8. Parts of Mt. Lebanon.

When I say "parts", I mean there are sections of those places that homes in that price range exists. For example, in Shadyside I would rather you live around Westminster than College.

Sewickley is full of Victorians. Mt. Lebanon is a 20th Century development. I can't remember seeing any Victorians there. Plenty of Tudors and such, but that's not what the OP asked for. Where are there Victorians in Fox Chapel? FC is so spread out, with so many houses located back off of the road, that it's easy to miss what they have.

[BrianTH]

Note the Propel charter schools are already a good option for Woodland Hills and Wilkinsburg parents--but they don't have enough capacity (even with the addition of a new school).

[gg]

Originally Posted by Herodotus

Sewickley is full of Victorians. Mt. Lebanon is a 20th Century development. I can't remember seeing any Victorians there. Plenty of Tudors and such, but that's not what the OP asked for. Where are there Victorians in Fox Chapel? FC is so spread out, with so many houses located back off of the road, that it's easy to miss what they have.

Been in the business too long. There is a saying in Real Estate. "Buyers are liars". Sure they want a "Victorian", but would they go for a cool farm home in FC? Probably. There was one on the market with a pond on Old Mill a while back. Huge front porch and totally cool, but needed work. Anyway, my point was more about price and not style. Buyers change style choices a lot, but best to be amongst other homes in that price range.

[sskink]

Originally Posted by Herodotus

Mt. Lebanon is a 20th Century development. I can't remember seeing any Victorians there.

They exist. What limited stock there is is clustered just south of the Washington Rd business district. Have never seen one for sale.

[robrobrob]

Originally Posted by h_curtis

Been in the business too long. There is a saying in Real Estate. "Buyers are liars". Sure they want a "Victorian", but would they go for a cool farm home in FC? Probably. There was one on the market with a pond on Old Mill a while back. Huge front porch and totally cool, but needed work. Anyway, my point was more about price and not style. Buyers change style choices a lot, but best to be amongst other homes in that price range.

I think it had a barn too. Was on the market for a long time? Built in the 1800's right?

If I recall correctly, it sold for sub 500,000. Right?

[mumof3kiddos]

Thank you everyone! I have narrowed it down to Mt Lebanon, Sewickley and believe it or not Murrysville. I know Murrysville doesn't have the old victorian homes that I really want, but the school district seems like a perfect fit for my kids. If I have to live in a brick colonial that is fine as long as my kids are happy! I have also found some houses with beautiful views in Murrysville but I am not finding views in Mt Lebanon or of course Sewickley because the yards are small. Can anyone explain to me what Murrysville is like?

[YinzerMama]

Originally Posted by h_curtis

Been in the business too long. There is a saying in Real Estate. "Buyers are liars". Sure they want a "Victorian", but would they go for a cool farm home in FC? Probably. There was one on the market with a pond on Old Mill a while back. Huge front porch and totally cool, but needed work. Anyway, my point was more about price and not style. Buyers change style choices a lot, but best to be amongst other homes in that price range.

I think I know the home of which you speak.