Lesbians looking for safe, affordable place, moving from Michigan!!!! (Pittsburgh: real estate, cheap apartments)

[SamandAmyMI]

Hello everyone!

I am moving to Pittsburgh with my girlfriend and our two cats because I got accepted into Carnegie Yay!

So with that being said, we need to find a safe and affordable neighborhood where we can rent an apartment. This is what we're looking for:

*Pet Friendly (we have 2 cats as said)
*Safe neighborhood (want to be able to walk outside at night)
*Access to public transportation
*Our range is $500-700 per month for a one bedroom

We've researched and researched and have heard that Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, possibly Lawerenceville, Dormont, Oakland and Highland Park might be suitable...HOWEVER we are concerned that we can't afford a place in Squirrel Hill or Shadyside (even if they allowed cats) but as soon as we hear that par say Lawerenceville is safe, someone else says it isn't...so we're terribly confused!

Any help is much appreciated! (we're moving from Michigan!)

Sam and Amy

[PeterRabbit]

Lawrenceville is a dump and not really safe. Highland Park isn't very safe either. You can afford Squirrel Hill. Look around.

[Chuckles1821]

I'm not too much help since I'm not super familiar with the east end of Pittsburgh, but I interned at a property company in Shadyside last summer (name withheld because they are not so popular), and they had certain buildings that allowed pets. As far as price, you might be able to find something in Shadyside if you looked around, but it's generally known for being expensive.
Dormont is a nice area, but you would be farther away and would spend more time on the T/bus... but I would guess that it's also cheaper there.
I don't know too much about the other places, but hopefully someone else can help you out!

[guylocke]

Just a note, Lawrenceville has some of the highest property value appreciation in the region.

FYI.

[Heit]

I grew up in Lawrenceville. It was tough then and much WORSE now. The new Children's Hospital is driving "some" appreciation but don't be fooled. I go back to PA and "Da Ville" to visit family & friends almost every year. I am VERY glad to no longer live in Lawrenceville. The REALITY is that it remains a bad place to live. It hurts me to say that but it's a fact.

[subdivisions]

You should be able to afford Squirrel Hill in your price range. Take a look at Craigslist. City-Data won't allow me to post links to real estate listings, but I did a search in Squirrel Hill with an upper limit of $700 + cats and came up with what looked like at least 10 different options. It might take a little work, but trust me, you can find a decent place in Squirrel Hill in your range. Shadyside might be another matter...

Carnegie Mellon might also have a housing website with lists of reliable landlords or open spots. Sometimes grad school departments also advertise good, cheap apartments that are passed on from student to student.

As far as other neighborhoods go, you might also try South or North Point Breeze, Park Place, or Regent Square. I personally live in N. Point Breeze (transitional but statistically safer than Lawrenceville or Friendship, also gay-friendly) and commute to the University of Pittsburgh every day - let me know if you would like me to send you a PM about my neighborhood.

[Smily Gladshanks]

YOU CAN AFFORD SQUIRREL HILL IN THAT PRICE RANGE. I got a 2 bedroom in Shadyside for that, even. Here's the trick: YOU REALLY OUGHT TO TAKE A WALK AND WRITE DOWN PHONE NUMBERS OF RENTALS BY INDIVIDUALS (NOT COMPANIES). YOU'LL FIND YOUR DEAL THAT WAY. YOU WILL. I did.

...if you are going to CMU, why would you want to live outside walking distance? Just about all of us grad students live in Shaydside or Squirrel Hill. Come join.

[Smily Gladshanks]

...by the way, I know several people who rent 1-2 bedrooms with character in Shaydside for under 700. You can also pay 950 for a rat trap. Go on that walk...

[NowACityGirl]

I don't understand why everyone thinks that Highland Park is dangerous. I live here and I have met nothing but nice people and my neighbors are nice. It's not a horrible area, it's very beautiful actually. Yes it is by East Liberty but sheesh it's East Lib, not Homewood. I drive through East Lib every day and never felt like my life was in danger. I don't think Highland Park gets enough credit because everyone focuses on the "horribly scary" East Liberty.

[pghcleak]

Originally Posted by NowACityGirl

I don't understand why everyone thinks that Highland Park is dangerous. I live here and I have met nothing but nice people and my neighbors are nice. It's not a horrible area, it's very beautiful actually. Yes it is by East Liberty but sheesh it's East Lib, not Homewood. I drive through East Lib every day and never felt like my life was in danger. I don't think Highland Park gets enough credit because everyone focuses on the "horribly scary" East Liberty.

I agree...I always thought Highland Park was a great neighborhood. Never heard of anything dangerous happening there and East Liberty is certainly turning itself around.