Looking for best school districts with most affordable homes... (Pittsburgh: loan, how much)

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by mdcmm-78

LOL I am already in Allison Park so pretty close to some of those great white north areas! I have seen the newer townhomes in Cranberry in photos and love the look. So adding them to my list. What are the cons to owning townhouses other than the obvious of not having your own separate space?

One of the cons is hoa fees

[mdcmm-78]

Originally Posted by guy2073

One of the cons is hoa fees

Yes, that is something to consider!

[Paul2421]

Originally Posted by mdcmm-78

I am trying to decide between moving away from Pgh to be close to family or stay in the area but in a house that better matches what I like. Ideally, I like newer, more modern style than what is available for 250-300K in Allison Park and nearby areas, but a good school district is important too.

So just getting input from people who know the area better. I'm only familiar with university area, downtown and Allison Park.

sorry, i wasn't aware of the context of "newer" but to be newer than Allison park (seem to be 40-50 years old) at that price with a similar school district is going to be hard to find. anything else you don't like about the area besides "old" homes?

[mdcmm-78]

Originally Posted by Paul2421

sorry, i wasn't aware of the context of "newer" but to be newer than Allison park (seem to be 40-50 years old) at that price with a similar school district is going to be hard to find. anything else you don't like about the area besides "old" homes?

I'm pretty happy here with the school, activities for the kids, work (somewhat), healthcare access, and commute to downtown. People are very nice too. Cost of living is pretty good.

Things I don't like as much beside older homes are the cold weather, few international people living here, and having no family around.

I think that sums it up

[okaydorothy]

I still say South Fayette. There are homes being built that are starting under $300K. Of course it goes up from there.
The school is very good ; Last year it was Number 1 in the area. It is close to 79, 376 and downtown is about 25 minutes away.

[mdcmm-78]

Originally Posted by okaydorothy

I still say South Fayette. There are homes being built that are starting under $300K. Of course it goes up from there.
The school is very good ; Last year it was Number 1 in the area. It is close to 79, 376 and downtown is about 25 minutes away.

You are right on the houses, I just looked!!! Schools look good too! :-)

Any cons ?

[guy2073]

Originally Posted by mdcmm-78

you are right on the houses, i just looked!!! Schools look good too! :-)

any cons ?

taxes

http://www.anytimeestimate.com/PA_RE...assessment.htm

[captainmidnight]

- What do you consider newer? Like built post 1990? 2000? 2010?
- Do you prefer a certain house style?
- How many beds/baths?
- Land size?

Just asking because a newer house in that price range might not hit all your boxes in some areas but would in others.

[mdcmm-78]

Originally Posted by captainmidnight

- What do you consider newer? Like built post 1990? 2000? 2010?
- Do you prefer a certain house style?
- How many beds/baths?
- Land size?

Just asking because a newer house in that price range might not hit all your boxes in some areas but would in others.

I would prefer 4 bd but 3 is ok. I would like it to be spacious - my current home is a small 1968 ranch (1000 sq ft main floor) though it sits on .44 acre (19044 sq ft) - I need space IN the house! For land size I have no preference.


Generally I like a newer, more contemporary look inside. In terms of style and/or type of outside architecture I prefer brick but like other types too. English is my second language and it's hard to explain the exact features, so here are some links of properties I like:

A - Love this, looks brand new, fancier - https://www.howardhanna.com/Property...stpenn/1288233

B - This is nice too - updated, nice kitchen and baths, contemporary - https://www.howardhanna.com/Property...stpenn/1321923

C - Another one. I like the inside and the back, the front not so much - https://www.howardhanna.com/Property...stpenn/1322628

D - I know this one is older and kind of contradicts what I said about being new but it's adorable and with updated inside, so I like it - https://www.howardhanna.com/Property...stpenn/1295082

Does that help?

[robrobrob]

Originally Posted by mdcmm-78

Can you name a few townships in the 15 with the affordable 250-300K houses? More info please!

Honestly, you can probably get into just about any of the top 15 school districts with your budget. The problems is that the houses available in your price range might not be up to your standards.

Is Maronda still the budget builder? If so you will get a lot of home for your money in one of their developments as opposed to one of the other builders. The one in the Franklin Regional School District is probably your best bet due to the low starting price but I warn you it is out there (far from downtown).

Homes for Sale Pittsburgh, PA | Maronda Homes

I have no idea if the Niche school district rankings are the best or the most accurate. But I am sure they are close enough. Here there are

https://www.niche.com/k12/search/bes...gh-metro-area/

I am not saying that this area is necessarily for you but it is my school district. Depending on location there can be a fair amount of diversity although not necessarily African Americans.

Here are homes in your price range and a little above.

https://www.howardhanna.com/Property...penHouseDate=#

My guess is this is what you want.

https://www.howardhanna.com/Property...stpenn/1311042

However the location is not the best in my opinion. The location of this house is better but the house is much older.

https://www.howardhanna.com/Property...stpenn/1297052