Advice for upcoming move to Pittsburgh

[bluecarebear]

I would stick with the Harmarville/Fox Chapel/Oakmont area. The closer in to the city you get the worse the parking is - finding it and the cost. AWD isn't necessary but a smaller light car isn't recommended.

[ggarcia7]

Wow, I really appreciate everyone's quick replies!! You've all provided great advice! Mahalo!

To make my transition easier, there are a few qualities I am looking for in an apartment. I would really like the apartment to have a parking garage as well as secured access for the building. It would be ideal if there is a w/d in unit, however I am not opposed to going to the laundry facility. Since I am not familiar with driving in the snow, having a parking garage would make mornings easier by eliminating the need to shovel snow. Also, since I will be making the move solo, a secured building would make me feel a little more comfortable and place my family at ease.

I came across a few apartment complexes that have studio units/1 beds that would be near my price range. Just wondering if anyone has any experiences and/or is familiar with these apartments: Heinz Lofts (North Shore), Eastside Bond (Shadyside), Bakery Living (Shadeside), and The Docks (near Waterworks Mall). Although Heinz Lofts is a bit further, it looks like its close to hwy 28 which would make the commute easy.

I do like the suggestion made about the River Oaks Apartments, these units look nice and are closer to school. I guess it'll depend on availability in December and if I should forego my "wants" for having the proximity to school.

I am getting so excited about my upcoming move to Pittsburgh!

[MountainDewGuy]

If it were me and I were working in Harmarville, I'd live in Oakmont and not even give it a second thought. The problem with Oakmont is that the commute to downtown and especially Oakland is a big negative, imo. But if you prefer a newer apartment building with lots of other young professional types, then somewhere in town like the Heinz Lofts or a place in Shadyside will be more your style.

[mbw5100]

Heinz Loft does have heated garage parking, which was on your list of wants. I don't think the apartments are really that nice for how expensive they are, but they do come with a lot of amenities.

[jea6321]

I dont think anything at eastside bond is 1200 or under. From what I see available they have a few studios in the 1330 range and a few in the 1450 range. Its a brand new building and is pretty much the highest end rental units to ever hit the pittsburgh market. Its a very central location as long as you are ok with the commute to Harmarville.

[Geeo]

We took a tour of Eastside Bond, which just opened and is very nice. I think micros start at $1,300. It has secured parking, salt-water pool, laundry in unit, media center in lobby, indoor/outdoor fireplace in the pool area, pet wash room, fitness center, yoga room, bike storage, and lots of young people renting, mostly people moving to Pittsburgh.

We don't get so much snow that the streets are impassable - it might happen once every 10 to 15 years. Most of the time it's 2 to 4 inches at a time and the streets are pre-treated so it doesn't stick much.