Are all Western PA suburbs like this? (Pittsburgh, Fox Chapel: apartments, crime rate)

[Paul2421]

Originally Posted by gladhands

It's more about attitude than affluence. Squirrell Hill affluent is not the same as Fox Chapel affluent. There's a certain personality type that chooses to live in a place like Fox Chapel. It doesn't have the area's best school district or amenities. People seek it out for its exclusivity.

I would like to say I expected more from you, but I'm not surprised at you stooping to stereotypes.

[Moby Hick]

Originally Posted by Paul2421

I would like to say I expected more from you, but I'm not surprised at you stooping to stereotypes.

I don't see how this is a stereotype. With zoning and minimum lot sizes, Fox Chapel has very deliberately made it basically impossible to live there if you aren't able to spent thousands a month on a house and hundreds on a car for each adult. Squirrel Hill is more mixed and, despite the increasing rents, still affordable on a lower income (especially if you don't need a car).

Fox Chapel's mean income is much higher than Squirrel Hill's, not because Squirrel Hill doesn't have as many rich people as Fox Chapel but because Squirrel Hill doesn't exclude everybody else.

[trotter_rej]

Just an aside on the gifted program discussion: I know from experience that Pittsburgh Public doesn't use only the IQ test to determine who goes to their gifted program. The psychological evaluation and the teacher recommendations are also considered for those close to, but not quite at, the cut-off IQ score.

[Paul2421]

Originally Posted by Moby Hick

I don't see how this is a stereotype. With zoning and minimum lot sizes, Fox Chapel has very deliberately made it basically impossible to live there if you aren't able to spent thousands a month on a house and hundreds on a car for each adult. Squirrel Hill is more mixed and, despite the increasing rents, still affordable on a lower income (especially if you don't need a car).

Fox Chapel's mean income is much higher than Squirrel Hill's, not because Squirrel Hill doesn't have as many rich people as Fox Chapel but because Squirrel Hill doesn't exclude everybody else.

they said nothing about income. they inferred a "personality type"

[xdv8]

Originally Posted by ex-burgher

To the OP: You are concerned about the effect that living in this area will have on your children and you are correct to be worried. I grew up in this kind of area (O'Hara - Fox Chapel School), and the kids were cliquish and often nasty. Kids are greatly influenced by their peers. Thank goodness my parents were able to insert other influences into my life - summer programs in the city, travel, Unitarian church, etc. My father lived in Squirrel Hill - what a difference in his neighborhood! You will find a more open-minded and progressive community in the city of Pittsburgh or any city with universities than you will in an outlying suburb - ANYWHERE in the country. Here in Charlotte as well - where I live now. However overall Charlotte is more open to newcomers than Pittsburgh because it has grown so much recently.


I wish you luck.

This is a very accurate description of my experience as well. I grew up in Shadyside and got a private education and the Fox Chapel people were horrible to deal with, even as a city peer. Out of the 100s of Fox Chapel people I hung out with I only found maybe two of them to have an acceptable world view with regards to treat others.

[Moby Hick]

Originally Posted by Paul2421

they said nothing about income. they inferred a "personality type"

Wanting to be sure you aren't near anybody with a low income is a personality type.

[gladhands]

Originally Posted by Moby Hick

Wanting to be sure you aren't near anybody with a low income is a personality type.

I think where a person chooses to live, and make no mistake everyone in Fox Chapel has a choice, says far more about them than their level of affluence. My Pittsburgh social circle is comprised mostly of people who could afford to live anywhere in the region, get I've never developed any level of affinity for anyone who chose to live in Fox Chapel. It's about more than the money.

[Goinback2011]

I feel the same way about people who live in the city.

[xdv8]

Originally Posted by Goinback2011

I feel the same way about people who live in the city.

Are you from FC? Thanks for helping our narrative.

[Copanut]

Originally Posted by Goinback2011

I feel the same way about people who live in the city.

Stand back!