Help to find an apt (Pittsburgh, Highland Park: apartment, rental, how much)

[SapnaTG]

I have been reading this forum and you all have been very helpful. I am moving to Pittsburgh to attend grad school at Pitt. From what I have read, I should live in Shadyside or Squirrel Hill which are both too expensive for my budget. So, I am looking at Bloomfield and Friendship. Could you recommend landlords and how much should I expect to spend realistically on rent?
I am also looking at frequency of buses and safety as I am a single woman and will be coming home very late at times from the library.
I saw an apt right by West Penn hospital. Is that area safe? What are your thoughts?
Thanks

[BrianTH]

This isn't a direct answer to your questions, but I wanted to note you might also look at Highland Park and Regent Square/Park Place. Both of those areas are popular among grad students looking for nice, safe, and more affordable alternatives to Shadyside and Squirrel Hill, and both have regular bus service to Oakland.

[SapnaTG]

Thanks. I will keep those in mind.

[Humanoid]

Why not Oakland? As you get further and further from the school you have to think about all the time you'll waste. Oakland is cheaper than both Shadyside and SH.

Also, since you are on a budget have you thought about renting a room? Sharing a house/large apartment is pretty popular for graduate students in the area.

[SapnaTG]

Originally Posted by Humanoid

Why not Oakland? As you get further and further from the school you have to think about all the time you'll waste. Oakland is cheaper than both Shadyside and SH.

Also, since you are on a budget have you thought about renting a room? Sharing a house/large apartment is pretty popular for graduate students in the area.

If I could find something nice in Oakland, I would live there. I would rather not have a roommate my first year because I have been living on my own for a while. I am going to have to adjust to a new city, and medical school after working for a few years, I would rather avoid an adjustment of a roommate also.
Do you think I can get a decent apartment with heat under 650?

[Humanoid]

Do you think I can get a decent apartment with heat under 650?

I had a 1-bedroom in Oakland with all utilities paid for $600 4 years ago. It wasn't the best apartment but it was "decent", I think you should be able to find something below $650 easily. Just stay away from South Oakland, its filled with undergrads.

[SapnaTG]

Originally Posted by Humanoid

I had a 1-bedroom in Oakland with all utilities paid for $600 4 years ago. It wasn't the best apartment but it was "decent", I think you should be able to find something below $650 easily. Just stay away from South Oakland, its filled with undergrads.

Thanks for the info. I will probably fly in in a couple of weeks to look around.

[Smily Gladshanks]

I rented a decent apartment in Shadyside for 600 with heat included. Now I rent a two bedroom in the best section of shadyside for 700. You CAN find good deals here, but as for anywhere, if you'd rather count out sside and sqhill, I recommend a walkabout for writing down phone numbers from rent signs. That way you can rent from individuals rather than rental companies (better, in my experience), and you can find the best deals--with a moderate amount of phone-calling and comparison. It does take a bit of time, but you soon realize that what you pay is only relatively proportional to what you get. If you can make the time, take a walking tour in a chosen neighborhood with a pencil and notebook and cell phone.

[CLynnSmith]

Help! Please Help! Need Immediate Apartment or Efficiency near West Penn Hospital. Please contact [mod]posting your phone number here is not the wisest move. If anyone can help, please send a direct message to this user[/mod]. Posted August 16,2008, @ 7:32p.m.

[ferraris]

Try Craigslist.