Middlesex, Adams or Jackson (Pittsburgh, Ross Township: low crime, neighborhoods, construction)

[Rebel_Soul]

Starting a new job in downtown Pittsburgh, income of 80k, fiance will be working too- at least 50-60 once settled, and have about a 1/4 million equity to work with for housing.

No children yet, don't drink, fiance has a phobia about parallel parking, looking for a modern community, very safe, low crime rate.


No desire to live directly in the center city, the neighborhoods somewhat adjacent seem to be fine online.

Anyone from either of these neighborhoods?

[fleetiebelle]

Just to clarify, since I had to Google where those places are, you're looking for exurban neighborhoods?

[Rebel_Soul]

Looking for neighborhoods adjacent to Pittsburgh, safe and I think I prefer suburban type neighborhoods to the north which I understand is an easier commute than locations in the other directions of the compass.

[eschaton]

You do understand that Pittsburgh is only one portion of Allegheny County correct? All of the townships you listed are in southern Butler County, quite a good distance away from the city. Certainly not "somewhat adjacent."

You could live in that area and commute into the City no problem. Plenty of people do, and the commute on 279 into the city isn't bad. Keep in mind however that parking in Downtown Pittsburgh is expensive and hard to come by however.

[Rebel_Soul]

Originally Posted by eschaton

You do understand that Pittsburgh is only one portion of Allegheny County correct? All of the townships you listed are in southern Butler County, quite a good distance away from the city. Certainly not "somewhat adjacent."

I knew it was 25-30 miles from the downtown area, but that's really not that far in my book. I think there is enough shopping and dining options in those areas, so the commute would only be for work.

[fleetiebelle]

Out of curiosity, where are you coming from? The Pittsburgh metro area is relatively compact, so many Burghers would say that a 30-mile one-way commute is pretty huge.

[eschaton]

Originally Posted by Rebel_Soul

I knew it was 25-30 miles from the downtown area, but that's really not that far in my book. I think there is enough shopping and dining options in those areas, so the commute would only be for work.

As I said, the commute is not horrible, but I hope you get a dedicated parking space with your job. Pittsburgh has among the most expensive downtown parking in the country. The charge to park per day downtown is $13-$25 depending upon the lot. You can get parking rates of $10 or less if you park on the North Shore and ride or take the T across, but you might need to get into town earlier than you would otherwise like in order to ensure a good space in a cheap lot.

Edit: As many people use mass transit as drive in Downtown Pittsburgh, as round-trip transit costs are cheaper than parking. it might be worth your while to locate along a transit line and not deal with the hassle of Downtown parking.

[Rebel_Soul]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

Out of curiosity, where are you coming from? The Pittsburgh metro area is relatively compact, so many Burghers would say that a 30-mile one-way commute is pretty huge.

Coming from the Dallas area, but I've lived in Florida as well.

[gladhands]

I've never heard of any of these places, but they're 97, 98, and 99% white. I didn't know such places still existed in America. Most affluent areas at least have Asians, and rural areas tend to have a Latino population to work in agribusiness.

[RogersParkTransplant]

Originally Posted by Rebel_Soul

Coming from the Dallas area, but I've lived in Florida as well.

Yes, I think you might want to look around Cranberry if you want newer construction and a suburban lifestyle. Just keep in mind that those distances you see on the map will feel much further once the snow hits in winter. They generally clear the freeways quickly and snow removal is fine in the suburbs, so many people have no problem with it at all, but it's something to remember as you consider your commuting time and also decide whether or not to invest in a different car as part of your move. There are closer areas in Ross Township where you have good freeway access and only about half as many miles to drive to downtown, and so that area might be worth exploring too though the housing stock is more of a mix of new and old.