Can we afford to relocate to pittsburgh? (Carnegie, California: apartments, school)

[greg42]

I assume you mean the Business Times rankings? These are mainly based on the test scores but yes the physical guide is in this week's edition (arrived at office Friday April 5) and you can read stuff online here: INSIDE the 2013 Guide to Western Pennsylvania Schools - Pittsburgh Business Times

[Goodjules]

Since I am new to the area I don't know if this home is in a top school district, but it was built in 2003 and is only $189,000, well under your budget of $300,000. Other forum members can tell you about the school district.

2956 Brevard Avenue, Brentwood (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania 15227 (MLS# 936617) - Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services - PittsburghMoves.com

[BarqCider]

i guess my demands are way less than hers. all i want is central a/c (not windowed a/c) and in a safe area that has things to do and rent around 6-700/mo.(would commute to U pitt in oakland).

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by BarqCider

all i want is central a/c (not windowed a/c) and in a safe area that has things to do and rent around 6-700/mo.(would commute to U pitt in oakland).

Here's a bunch in North and South Oakland in your price range. You'll have to figure out on your own whether their a/c suits you, but I'd imagine you'll find more window units than central.


http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/apa/3731085379.html


http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/apa/3718210011.html


http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/apa/3691170985.html


http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/apa/3675895566.html


http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/apa/3694856985.html


http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/apa/3727165765.html

[BarqCider]

Originally Posted by jay5835

Here's a bunch in North and South Oakland in your price range. You'll have to figure out on your own whether their a/c suits you, but I'd imagine you'll find more window units than central.


Furnished apartment near Pitt/CMU


1-BR OAKLAND (327 N. NEVILLE)


Walk to Pittsburgh Playhouse & University of Pittsburgh!!


Oakland Fantastic Rent 1 Bed, Walk to University of Pittsburgh!


Oakland Large 1 Bedroom apartment August 2013 Walk to Universities!!


Pitt/CMU 周边 Oakland好房出租

oh and i guess i forgot to mention: Parking for my car lol.

[SteelCityRising]

I don't think some people truly appreciate the differences in housing amenities between here and many other areas. For example, EVERY apartment I looked at when I lived near DC had central air, a dishwasher, and either an in-unit or on-site laundry area. Those three things are considered "luxuries" in Pittsburgh and are quite scarce outside of high-end units. I haven't had a dishwasher since moving here. Laundry is a hassle due to Pittsburgh's dearth of laundromats. Window A/C units just aren't the same as central air.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

I don't think some people truly appreciate the differences in housing amenities between here and many other areas. For example, EVERY apartment I looked at when I lived near DC had central air, a dishwasher, and either an in-unit or on-site laundry area. Those three things are considered "luxuries" in Pittsburgh and are quite scarce outside of high-end units. I haven't had a dishwasher since moving here. Laundry is a hassle due to Pittsburgh's dearth of laundromats. Window A/C units just aren't the same as central air.

You realize that's because you lived in the Cranberry of Washington, DC, rather than the Washington, DC, of Washington, DC, where there are plenty of window units. I lived across the street from a laundromat, which I didn't need, as well as restaurants, a gay bar, and other amenities. These things aren't "luxuries" so much as they are things people didn't perceive as a need when the older buildings in both cities went up.

[robrobrob]

Originally Posted by juliegt

Since I am new to the area I don't know if this home is in a top school district, but it was built in 2003 and is only $189,000, well under your budget of $300,000. Other forum members can tell you about the school district.

2956 Brevard Avenue, Brentwood (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania 15227 (MLS# 936617) - Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services - PittsburghMoves.com

Not a top school district.

I would say the top districts are NA, Mt. Lebanon, USC, Quaker Valley, Hampton, Fox Chapel and South Fayette in no particular order.

The next tier is so clear cut.

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by jay5835

You realize that's because you lived in the Cranberry of Washington, DC, rather than the Washington, DC, of Washington, DC, where there are plenty of window units. I lived across the street from a laundromat, which I didn't need, as well as restaurants, a gay bar, and other amenities. These things aren't "luxuries" so much as they are things people didn't perceive as a need when the older buildings in both cities went up.

Yep.

In 2003, I lived in a old apartment building on Capitol Hill with washer/dryer in the basement, but no central air. Paid $525 for a studio, which I thought was a good deal. Wonderful location, only a few blocks from Union Station. Downside is I found out eventually it was roach infested, but you can't win em all.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by eschaton

Yep.

In 2003, I lived in a old apartment building on Capitol Hill with washer/dryer in the basement, but no central air. Paid $525 for a studio, which I thought was a good deal. Wonderful location, only a few blocks from Union Station. Downside is I found out eventually it was roach infested, but you can't win em all.

Thankfully, I only had roaches once in 20 years in DC, when a hoarder (in 1997, he had newspapers dating back to Watergate) one apartment over and one down was evicted. His "pets" had to find a new feeding source, and I was right in their path. I got rid of them with boric acid and some substance a "science" friend of mine gave me to keep the boric acid from clumping. It didn't take long at all (two weeks?)