Considering relocation to Pittsburgh

[cmac1972]

I've been reading your messages with Queenb2912. I too will be relocating to Pittsburgh with my husband and 3 children. My husband will be working @ CMU. School district is #! as I have a special needs children. We are moving from Long Island and love the suburbs, nice communities, kid friendly close shopping. I will look into Peters township as you suggested. We want to stay south or east of Pittsburgh since we still have family coming from LI. Any other areas you can suggest would be helpful. Also how far would peters township be from CMU?

[AaronPGH]

Originally Posted by cmac1972

Also how far would peters township be from CMU?

Probably 45+ minutes during rush hours if you're driving. If you can get near a T stop you could take transit. Probably would still take the same amount of time, but it's certainly less of a headache. Maybe it's just me though....I can't stand being trapped in traffic in my car.

Have you checked any of the nicer, upscale inner-ring suburbs such as Mt. Lebanon?

[*Danielle*]

MT. LEBANON!!!! My neighbor works at CMU.

[onwardandupward]

Also check out these communities in the Fox Chapel school district: O'Hara Township, Fox Chapel proper, and Indiana Township. They are to the east of Pittsburgh, and are very close to the Pa. Turnpike, where your relatives will likely be driving in from. The schools are very good, and the commute to CMU will be much shorter than from Peters Township.

[tmorrisn]

Originally Posted by cmac1972

School district is #! as I have a special needs children.

Are you looking for a public school district or private? How old are your children? I'm not sure which districts are better for special needs (I'm sure it depends on the child). If you are looking for suburbs, I'd suggest Fox Chapel, O'Hara, and possibly some areas in the North Hills. I've heard good things about Sewickley area schools too. As for the south, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair consistently get mentioned for having good schools.

[Hotlanta2]

Originally Posted by tmorrisn

Are you looking for a public school district or private? How old are your children? I'm not sure which districts are better for special needs (I'm sure it depends on the child). If you are looking for suburbs, I'd suggest Fox Chapel, O'Hara, and possibly some areas in the North Hills. I've heard good things about Sewickley area schools too. As for the south, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair consistently get mentioned for having good schools.

Those are all great areas. However, I still suggest Peter's Township because it's very homey, TONS of new homes, BEAUTIFUL well kept older homes, YARDS! The school is top notch and it's much less expensive than Mt. Lebanon or Upper St. Clair. In fact, most people moving here are from Upper St. Clair or Mt. Lebanon. They do so because they would like more land, newer housing, and CHEAPER TAXES!
Anyway, whatever you decide, you will like living in Pittsburgh.

[BMH47]

Originally Posted by QueenB2912

Thanks Hotlanta 2 ~ I appreciate your help. One more question....what do you all consider high taxes? We live in NJ right now & our taxes are about 5k/year for a 3br/2ba townhouse!

I also recommend Peters. The tax base is low considering how much land and house that you get there. The schools are terrific the recreational sports and school teams are all strongly supported. I moved away from there 2 years ago to KY and really miss the community feeling that Peters provides.

As far as taxes...I was paying 5000.00 per year on a 3000 square ft house with 3/4 acre in a development. I think that price would be a little higher now but not what you are used to.

You will however be about 35-40 min commute to town. If your husband doesnt want to drive though he can get on the "T" at South Hills Village which is only 10-15 drive.