Conservative parts of Pittsburgh? (Butler, Republic: fit in, homeschooling, living in)

[gg]

Democrats far outnumber Republicans in our region, but the word "conservative" means a lot of different things to different people. There are also lots of Catholics that stayed in Pittsburgh when so many of the founding Scottish that built the city fled.

Anyway, I don't think you are going to find a place around here that will be mostly what you are looking for, because people align themselves more with school districts, commute times and money. Most streets in and around Pittsburgh will have a variety of voting types, but as you can clearly see from how we vote, it is a democratic area for the most part. Not that people around here care much. Seems to be more of a private thing around here.

[BrianTH]

I believe there was a "native son" effect supporting Corbett as well (I talked to a lot of people who thought Corbett being from Allegheny County would be helpful for us).

[Stijl Council]

If I were in your position, I'd probably be inclined to rent for a year or so before settling in somewhere permanently, and I'd consider attending Mass at a number of different parishes with an eye towards buying/long-term rental near a parish I felt was a good fit for my family. If there are particular things you're especially looking for -- Latin Mass? A good Catholic high school if you're only intending to home school through middle school? -- that might help narrow things down.

As far as parks/hiking, this is generally a really good area for that. The city parks are very nice, with well-maintained trails (though not what you'd call hardcore hiking), and Allegheny & Washington Counties both have good parks departments. One thought might be to live east of the city for easy access to the Laurel Highlands area about an hour to the east, which is probably the best hiking in the area. North of town would get you reasonably close to the Moraine/Jennings/McConnells Mill parks, which have a lot of outdoor recreational activities and some decent hiking.

[Clint.]

The other posters are correct - Pittsburgh has a very strong Catholic presence. And it's generally a pretty conservative region. Compare the number of strip mall sex shops in Pittsburgh to those in other U.S. cities!

It's not unusualy at all to see people around town with ashes on their forehead on Ash Wednesday. Rick Santorum is from the area, if that means anything.

Also, don't just take our word for it - apparently we're like a magnet for Catholic minded folks: Gibsons' Latin-rite church in Unity ousts priest | TribLIVE

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by JoeP

I don't think that's true. Allegheny county has been about the same politically for some time.

The outer counties are different though.

Allegheny County as a whole has seen a slight drift to the right over the last 20 years, but nothing like the rapid clip of the outer counties you mentioned.

Still, there are certainly consistently Republican-leaning parts Allegheny County - the North Hills in general, most of the outer South Hills, and a few places to the east like Plum.

Actually, coming here from New England, one of the oddest things to me is how closely partisan lean and class align when it comes to individual municipalities. Not that the dominance is overwhelming anywhere, but there aren't really any left-leaning upper-income suburbs in Allegheny County. Even Mount Lebanon, which comes the closest, is just a shade over 50/50. I thought every metro area had a place where the "limousine liberals" congregated.

[UKyank]

I'll mostly agree with what others have said, so long as you aren't overtly in your face political about things, regardless of your stance, no one is going to care one way or another.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by eschaton

I thought every metro area had a place where the "limousine liberals" congregated.

Isn't that the East End? It just happens to (mostly) be in the City.

[squarian]

I wonder what the OP is concerned about. Neighbors stealing his pro-Mitt yard signs? Or is he hoping to meet like-minded people in the local bar? Why else care what the neighborhood's politics are like?


(Though another alternative just occurred to me: perhaps it's a matter of not wanting so much as to breathe the same air as his political opponents, but I hope that's not the case, because if so, this isn't about conservatism per se, but the tinfoil-hat looney fringe).

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by squarian

I wonder what the OP is concerned about. Neighbors stealing his pro-Mitt yard signs? Or is he hoping to meet like-minded people in the local bar? Why else care what the neighborhood's politics are like?


(Though another alternative just occurred to me: perhaps it's a matter of not wanting so much as to breathe the same air as his political opponents, but I hope that's not the case, because if so, this isn't about conservatism per se, but the tinfoil-hat looney fringe).

To be fair, I'm not sure how kindly a lot of East Enders would take to a dyed-in-the-wool Republican. Also, LOL at the bolded.

[Q-tip motha]

Originally Posted by GoneNative

Is Pittsburgh a generally conservative place? Moreso than Philadelphia?

Which parts of the Pittsburgh area are most hospitable to a young, conservative, homeschooling family? I'm also a devout Catholic, so I'm interested in the Catholic areas, although I recognize that those areas aren't always the "conservative, family-friendly" areas, either.

Also, easy access to parks, hiking, etc., is a major plus.

What does conservatism have to do with anything being "family friendly"?

Are you saying that the splash park in my neighborhood where children from all over the city congregate because they aren't Catholic or tea party members?


Pittsburgh does not sound right for you at all. Too many people who think or live outside of your comfort zone. Might I recommend Butler County?