Family potentially relocating to Pittsburgh. Please help

[robrobrob]

Originally Posted by wilsond89

Robrobrob,

We would not have an issue with buying if we knew good specifics about the area, and we like to get a feel for the area before we make a purchase. I would hate to relocate buy a house and then a couple of years later move and stuck. Also that would be a very quick turnaround. If he receives the transfer than we would literally have less than 2 months. to move. Is it possible to find a decent house and close in that short amount of time?

Depends on how picky you are.

My point is that if your just want good schools, a decent commute to the VA and access to a year round swim program you have plenty of options. I would at least talk to a realtor to see what he or she says regarding your budget.

Our public schools are really pretty good overall. Private schools are fairly pricey here unless you are going the Catholic School route. So, instead of spending 20,000-40,000 a year on tuition (for 2 kids) you can put it toward your housing costs if you so choose.

As a hypothetical, if you were to buy how much would you want to spend? This way we can at least throw out some areas for you to consider either as a buyer.

[wilsond89]

If i were to buy at this moment we would be looking between 150-275k.

[Hockeygirl063]

What about Coriopolis? Is that a nice area? i have some friends from there but they have not lived in Pittsburgh for many years.

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by Hockeygirl063

What about Coriopolis? Is that a nice area? i have some friends from there but they have not lived in Pittsburgh for many years.

The city limits no but I believe the zip code extends into some nice areas.

[jea6321]

Originally Posted by Hockeygirl063

What about Coriopolis? Is that a nice area? i have some friends from there but they have not lived in Pittsburgh for many years.

Kennedy township is near by and would be an ok fit. Coraopolis taxes are pretty high due to the school district millage rate.

[Paul2421]

Originally Posted by wilsond89

If i were to buy at this moment we would be looking between 150-275k.

north hills/shaler school districts are a pretty near perfect fit for you. north hills better school district. shaler more house. you can have your pick of houses in shaler and in north hills that will get you a non-updated but livable four bedroom or a really nice three bedroom.

[robrobrob]

Originally Posted by wilsond89

If i were to buy at this moment we would be looking between 150-275k.

That is a pretty big price swing.

I think you would be fairly happy with what you get for 240,000-275,000. At this price point you can even get into one of the top school districts with some options. On the other hand 150,000 is really hit or miss. Over the last couple of years a few friends were in the market for a house around 200,000. Both had trouble finding something they liked. One held firm on budget and instead moved to a slightly above average district (Shaler). Another upped their budget to around 260,000 and ended up in a nice house in the North Allegheny Schools, one of the top districts in the area.

I like this for 275,000. In Hampton. Great schools. Nice community. Has a municipal pool.

https://www.howardhanna.com/Property...stpenn/1308784

The OP suggested Shaler and North Hills. Both are great for that price point. With that budget you can even get into the nicer area/elementary school in Shaler (Birchfield).

[fjy3]

How about Dormont? I just took a look at Craigslist and there are rental houses well under your range. They aren't modern homes, but clean and updated enough for a typical Pittsburgh rental. You can send your children to Mount Lebanon Montessori. Mt. Lebanon Montessori SchoolHome - Mt. Lebanon Montessori School
Dormont is Mt. Lebanon's more affordable neighbor. We have a historic 60,000 sq ft outdoor swimming pool with a slide and toddler area! Your son could swim at KO during the off season http://www.kosd.org/RecreationalSwimmingProgram.aspx. Dormont is incredibly kid friendly. The borough has tons of kids events: movies in the park; pony rides, bouncy house, fireworks for the 4th; Easter Egg Hunt, and more. We also have a cool, wooden playground. People are friendly, down-to-earth, and helpful here. According to Google Maps, Your husband's commute to the VA hospital would take 21 minutes and 20 minutes to West Penn. The only negative is the traffic can be really annoying and parking is tight, but it's worth looking into.

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by fjy3

How about Dormont? I just took a look at Craigslist and there are rental houses well under your range. You can send your children to Mount Lebanon Montessori. Mt. Lebanon Montessori SchoolHome - Mt. Lebanon Montessori School
Dormont is Mt. Lebanon's more affordable neighbor. We have a historic 60,000 sq ft outdoor swimming pool with a slide and toddler area! Your son could swim at KO during the off season Recreational Swimming Program. Dormont is incredibly kid friendly. The borough has tons of kids events: movies in the park; pony rides, bouncy house, fireworks for the 4th; Easter Egg Hunt, and more. We also have a cool, wooden playground. People are friendly, down-to-earth, and helpful here. According to Google Maps, Your husband's commute to the VA hospital would take 21 minutes and 20 minutes to West Penn. The only negative is the traffic can be really annoying and parking is tight, but it's worth looking into.

That commute time is unrealistic unless they are driving off peak times. I am a supporter of the South hills suburbs but not if working in Oakland.

[gladhands]

Nvm