East Liberty, Garfield??? Good for fixers? (Pittsburgh, Allentown: cheap house, neighborhoods, buying)

[Hal Roach]

Hi, I am interested in buying a cheap house with good bones, in an improving area. I do almost all of my own work. Been to Pittsburgh a few times, not recently, and it looks like there is a lot of potential. Not worried about schools, although that does add value. Kind of interested in walkable neighborhoods with at least a handful of fun places. I have been living in Thailand for four years, so I do like Thai food, Asian markets, and also Mexican markets and food. I have cravings for some outstanding Italian food. An old row house perhaps a view, that could use a gutjob? Any suggestions would be appreciated. My roots are mostly in NoVa, but it is just ridiculously expensive, and not that nice....kind of like a government cafeteria...lacking in taste and style.

[RogersParkTransplant]

What's your budget and how big of a house do you want to work on? East Liberty and Garfield are fine for flipping homes but the prices have been climbing. The Northside also has some neat old homes that could be flipped; if you want one with a view you might try looking at Troy Hill.

[Hal Roach]

Originally Posted by RogersParkTransplant

What's your budget and how big of a house do you want to work on? East Liberty and Garfield are fine for flipping homes but the prices have been climbing. The Northside also has some neat old homes that could be flipped; if you want one with a view you might try looking at Troy Hill.

Under 40K....THX! I would probably live in it for two years....saves a lot on record keeping. Smaller is fine...just no HOA. I had a 400sf house on 7600 sf lot in a good part of Phoenix. Location much more important than space, to me.

[RogersParkTransplant]

Originally Posted by Hal Roach

Under 40K....THX! I would probably live in it for two years....saves a lot on record keeping. Smaller is fine...just no HOA. I had a 400sf house on 7600 sf lot in a good part of Phoenix. Location much more important than space, to me.

OK -- but that means it has to be somewhat livable when you buy it, yes? Or did you mean living in it after some work was done? A lot of the listings under 40k need a total rehab if you want to be in a walkable area.

This is the sort of thing you can find in Troy Hill, and sometimes on Spring Hill as well:

2109 Lowrie St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 - realtor.com®

It's within walking distance of some shops and restaurants, near a bus line that goes downtown, and a short drive to Lawrenceville. It's also possible to find stuff that is less torn up on the inside, but the location won't be as good.

[Lost_In_Translation]

For 40k you're going to be doing a lot of work, but my recommendations beyond the east end include Allentown, Manchester and the West End/West View. They're not on the flippers radar yet, but there are some solid bones out there to build on.

[fleetiebelle]

Originally Posted by RogersParkTransplant

if you want one with a view you might try looking at Troy Hill.

Also maybe the back end of Mt. Washington/Allentown?

[RogersParkTransplant]

Originally Posted by fleetiebelle

Also maybe the back end of Mt. Washington/Allentown?

I believe it, I just don't know that area terribly well. Would love to see listings if you know any...I love seeing pictures of old houses and thinking about what some tlc can do.

I don't think the OP will find anything under $40k in Manchester -- the neighborhood has been improving steadily for a whole now -- but you never know. Marshall-Shadeland is just north of Manchester and there might be something up thay way...there have been some recent cheap listings along Brighton Road, but they go fast. I think the OP really wants something like this, but it's already been snatched up:

1116 Success St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 - realtor.com®

[Lost_In_Translation]

$34,900
3beds · 2baths
1115 Chartiers Ave, West End
1115 Chartiers Ave, West End, PA 15220 - realtor.com®

[Hal Roach]

How about this one..location wise mainly....311 N. Mathilda 15224.

[Lost_In_Translation]

$40,000
3beds · 2baths
931 Climax St, Allentown
931 Climax St, Allentown, PA 15210 - realtor.com®