Living and Working in Fayette/Westmoreland Counties

[captainmidnight]

If you're starting a family, I would avoid Uniontown or all of Fayette County IMO. Pretty depressed, declining place. My parents and grandparents are from Fayette County and it was a depressing place then. I would stick to around Greensburg.

[rockthecasbah121]

Originally Posted by PreservationPioneer

What does Greensburg have that Uniontown doesn't, and vice versa?

Higher rated school systems in Hempfield Township, Greensburg Salem, and Latrobe. A growing college that is supporting a downtown revitalization. Easier access to Pittsburgh. Easier access to the turnpike. A better mall. A growing population in the 15601 vs. a declining population in 15401. Much higher average incomes. Lower percentage of welfare recipients. Much lower unemployment. Nothing against Uniontown- I spent a lot of time there when I was younger and still go to Connellsville on a regular basis, but the county as a whole is pretty depressed. Also, they have some pretty serious meth and painkiller problems going on there, but that's not unique to them.

[cirrusly]

I grew up in the Greensburg and my overall perception is that many Pittsburgh suburbs are in decline at the moment... mostly due to drugs. Having said that, I would pick the area around Greensburg over Uniontown without a second thought. I used to hear of a lot of people going to Uniontown from Greensburg to get their drugs, so my assumption has always been that the drugs are worse in that area. (someone correct me if I'm wrong) Drugs in greensburg are probably more prevalent than most people want them to be, but pretty much every neighborhood in the area is safe, and both Hempfield and Salem school districts are overall pretty good. Youngwood and New Stanton communities seem to be crumbling these days from what I hear, so you may want to avoid those immediate areas.

Greensburg is pretty typical for suburbs. You'll have everything you need but vibrancy is lacking. As far as fun, I think the amount of things to do is only marginally higher around Greensburg than in other nearby communities. Most people I know from HS immediately left, and those that haven't strike me as not being very happy. For me, it was an okay place to grow up until I was old enough to realize there were other places in the US with a lot more to offer. I also don't know what the future is for the area 5-10 years from now if drugs continue to flow in.

[RunnerGirlPgh]

Originally Posted by villageidiot1

Look at where Salem Township is. How can moving there be an advantage? It would mean a longer drive for your husband with no advantages.

That's true-- I didn't realize Salem Township was so far (I actually assumed it was the area near Greensburg-Salem high school). You're right. That area would be a bit too far for him.

[RunnerGirlPgh]

Thanks so much for the responses all. I'm a bit naive when it comes to the local drugs and crime scene, so I never know where the "good" and "bad" areas are. I feel like drugs are unfortunately everywhere, but we definitely want to steer clear of the bad areas if we can. I appreciate the input!

[DaBurgh]

Just shoot for the South Hills. Husband can commute via the 43 corridor 45 mins and stay in a hotel near work every once on awhile and in Winter. That's what I'd do

[Copanut]

Fayettenam

[Salmonburgher]

I've only ever known a few people from Fayette County.

But, all of them jokingly referred to the place as Fayette Nam.

[DaBurgh]

I grew up in Fayette Nam.

Its a good place to be if you have no ambition, direction, if you are lost, confused, and/ or on drugs