Possibly coming to the Burgh (Pittsburgh, Franklin Park: how much, homes, schools)

[kotopka]

New to the board, wanted to get some insider information. Looking to move from Jacksonville, FL to Pittsburgh area. New job opportunity in Cranberry township. I am married with 6 kids so schooling is very important to us. Please let me know the best places to live probably outside of the city but does not have to be. Thanks

[Bong477]

Almost all of the Northern Suburbs (North Hills) of Pittsburgh are pretty nice (if you like the suburbs that is) and relatively affluent for the region. Cranberry is basically at the limits of the Pittsburgh metro, after that the area starts to get fairly rural. Its in the next county which results in a substantial tax savings, the schools are good but not quite as good as the neighboring districts in Allegheny county. Whether its worth the extra taxes to be over the county line or not has been debated both ways here. Cranberry is pretty widely regarded as "soul less" and "cookie cutter" on these forums at least. There's some truth to that, but imo, its not that bad.

There are plenty of threads about the relative merits of one area of the North versus the other, but really depends on what you want and how much money you've got to spend on housing.

[speagles84]

I would look in Cranberry Township itself. Although recently, its starting to look completely built up. Other good areas within an arm's reach would be Adams Township, Marshall Township, Pine and Richland Townships, and Franklin Park. All mentioned have excellent schools are very safe. Most of the Northern half of Allegheny County has been built 1970+ so everything looks new. The farther from the city, the newer the area's are. Good Luck!

[PACAPACA]

I dont live in Pittsurgh anymore, but lived there for 28 years then came back a little over a year ago for an 8 month contract job. Cranberry seemed like a very nice area to me. Its fairly far from the actual city (someone else can chime it, but i remember it being like 35 minutes or so). There appeared to be alot of new development and nice homes going up with nice big lots. Also, I believe it is roughly an hour away from Maraine State Park, which has nice lakes to swim and fish in, and hiking trails. I havent done much research on schools, but from what I have heard from my siblings still living out that way they are good.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by PACAPACA

Also, I believe it is roughly an hour away from Maraine State Park, which has nice lakes to swim and fish in, and hiking trails.

Cranberry is 30 minutes from Maraine State Park.

[kotopka]

Thanks for the information. Will be looking into the schools soon, think this is the best type of areas for my family.