Is Squirrel Hill expensive? (Pittsburgh, Taylor: middle-class, real estate, 2013)

[west seattle gal]

We are looking at real estate in the Squirrel Hill area, but it seems pricey. Ultimately, what we're seeking is a safe neighborhood w/in the city & the Pittsburgh Public Schools. The suburbs are not for us (ie. we want to take advantage of the "Pittsburgh Promise" for our kids' eventual college; also, it's close access to the hospitals, where I would work). We would want anything in the Allderdice feed zone.

Is something in the 200's possible? Or would we have to spend at least 300K for a house that doesn't require repairs? Minor cosmetic issues are no problem, and we don't need a new kitchen (though it would need to be functional, of course). We would need 3+ bedrooms, 1.5+ bathrooms, a yard, and hopefully a garage. Central air would be nice, maybe mandatory for the summers? I'm unsure if the houses stay cool in the summer...

Are the neighborhoods in lower South Squirrel Hill safe & family friendly? They seem to be cheaper, but I'm unsure if that is due to crime...

We would not buy until Summer 2013, but I would like to know how much we need to save. Once we move to Pittsburgh, we plan to stay in our house for the next 20+ years.

We're visiting Pittsburgh next week & will look around then. But I would like input from people in-the-know about where to look (ie. you guys).

Thanks!

[west seattle gal]

Probably should add -- I've looked at many houses via google maps/street view & Zillow. Some of the streets in South Squirrel Hill look adorable. However, I'm not sure if they are, in reality, quiet & family friendly. Any input appreciated.

[west seattle gal]

Anyone have a map of the Allderdice feeder zone? Can't find one on the net.

Wanted to also ask -- Pittsburgh has a lot of wealth. I'm worried that there may be a feeling of materialism there, and that kids will clearly feel the repercussions of being the "haves" or "have-nots". We are in the second group, or a typical middle-class working family. Will my children have to deal w/ issues of class/money when going to Allderdice, or is this less of an issue in Pittsburgh?

[ex-burgher]

I searched but could not locate a map either. This website has a place to enter a street address to find your neighborhood school:
Pittsburgh Public Schools | Find a School

I would look into Point Breeze and the Pittsburgh part of Regent Square. These areas are less expensive than Squirrel Hill and, I think, nicer than South Squirrel Hill. I lived in Point Breeze for a while and my brother attended Allderdice - it's a great area as long as you stay south of Penn avenue. It's right adjacent to Squirrel Hill and Frick Park.

[wpipkins]

Originally Posted by west seattle gal

Anyone have a map of the Allderdice feeder zone? Can't find one on the net.

Wanted to also ask -- Pittsburgh has a lot of wealth. I'm worried that there may be a feeling of materialism there, and that kids will clearly feel the repercussions of being the "haves" or "have-nots". We are in the second group, or a typical middle-class working family. Will my children have to deal w/ issues of class/money when going to Allderdice, or is this less of an issue in Pittsburgh?

I along with my siblings graduated From Taylor Allderdice (with the exception of 1 CAPA) from 89-2000. It is a city school and represents all socio economic backgrounds. Reguardless of class, we were all preppy city kids with little to no conflict. Is there a reason why you are limited to Allderdice? The school district has implemented many changes over the last several years and you may be open to more options. Sci Tech K-12 in Oakland, CAPA 6-12 for creative and performing arts downtown. My son attends Fulton K-5 (French Magnet) and My daughter will attend Obama (6-12 foreign language magnet)

[Bong477]

Squirrel Hill south is still nice, its just not as nice (or expensive) as the more northern parts. Some streets are better than others but there is no part that's is really bad or anything that I've ever seen or heard of. You can get a respectable, but not extravagant, home in the 200s there.

I'm not sure your assessment of Pittsburgh's wealth is accurate. I don't think you'll have problems with issues of wealth/class provided your kids don't roll up to school in dirty rags and shoes with holes in them but I don't have any high school age kids myself so I'll stand corrected if someone with firsthand knowledge disagrees.

[Bong477]

Comparing apples to apples, I don't think (south of Penn) Point Breeze is significantly cheaper than (north of Forbes) Squirrel Hill for the most part.

[Blackbeauty212]

Also consider Greenfield which borders Squirrel Hill in a much more cheaper working class neighborhood still within Allderdice territory.

[BrianTH]

The southern reaches of Squirrel Hill are still safe and family-friendly. On average the homes are more modest, and they are farther from the center of action, and I think that more or less explains the price differences you are observing.

In fact, I believe a good chunk of Greenfield is also in the Allderdice feeder pattern, and Greenfield has become an increasingly popular neighborhood for people looking for a somewhat less expensive alternative to Squirrel Hill.

Edit:

Or what Blackbeauty212 said.

[ex-burgher]

Originally Posted by Bong477

Comparing apples to apples, I don't think (south of Penn) Point Breeze is significantly cheaper than (north of Forbes) Squirrel Hill for the most part.

Maybe not per square foot - but so many Squirrel Hill houses are gigantic. Point Breeze has a greater number of smaller houses along streets such as Hastings.