Swissvale? (Pittsburgh, Wilkinsburg, Edgewood: condo, crime, new house)

[ewg109]

My husband and I shopping for a new house. Our one bedroom condo in Wilkinsburg is proving too small. Unfortunately we've been priced out of Regent Square, but would like to stay in the area. I've found a couple houses in Swissvale (the area above Swisshelm Park across from Edgewood Town Center) that seem too good to be true. They have tons of potential, the neighborhood (at least that part) seems quiet, and the price can't be beat. Am I missing something?

Does anyone have thoughts on Swissvale?

[BrianTH]

I think your impression is broadly accurate. Swissvale is one of those Pittsburgh neighborhoods which isn't wealthy but isn't dirt poor, doesn't have much crime for an urban area, has a decent location and good transit (including two East Busway stops), and so on. I'm not sure it is about to take off, but I think it is a stable and affordable option in that area.

[TechieTransplant]

I'm interested to know where you have a condo in Wilkinsburg?

To me, Swissvale north of I-376 is appealing, anything south is not.

[robrobrob]

To me, Swissvale north of I-376 is appealing, anything south is not.

I would agree with you that the Swissvale portion of Regent Square is the nicest but the part of Swissvale near Swisshelm Park is also fine. Clearly not as nice as the part by Regent Square but still fine. I would try and buy as close to Swisshelm Park as possible. Also, if possible I would look into buying in Swisshelm Park because I think it is significantly more desirable than Swisshelm Park Area.

[BrianTH]

Just a sidenote, but one advantage to living in Swissvale as opposed to Pittsburgh is lower taxes, so I would keep that in mind when looking at or around Swisshelm Park.

[TechieTransplant]

Originally Posted by robrobrob

I would try and buy as close to Swisshelm Park as possible. Also, if possible I would look into buying in Swisshelm Park because I think it is significantly more desirable than Swisshelm Park Area.

What?

[mjost7]

ewg109, We lived the same story about 1 1/2 years ago. I bought a house in Swissvale, on the edge of Swisshelm Park because it is more affordable then Regent Square, has great bus service and is a great community.

Plus it is still walking distance to Frick Park and you can avoid the traffic at the inbound Squirrel Hill Tunnel (if you have an inbound AM commute) by taking Commercial Ave. and Forward Ave. to I-376.

Check out the Streets around Pub in the Park.

[ewg109]

Thanks to everyone! We've looked at a couple houses, but are still hunting. Everyone's comments are really encouraging.

scottrpriester: We live on the corner of Whitney and Pennwood. There are two lovely condo buildings that face each other. We've loved the location and our condo, but we need more space.

[TechieTransplant]

Originally Posted by ewg109

Thanks to everyone! We've looked at a couple houses, but are still hunting. Everyone's comments are really encouraging.

scottrpriester: We live on the corner of Whitney and Pennwood. There are two lovely condo buildings that face each other. We've loved the location and our condo, but we need more space.

Is this location off of or near Penn Avenue?

[MarqueseGilmore]

Swissvale is awesome I live right on the borderline of Swissvale,Rankin and Braddock but am considered Swissvale. I've walked to the store 11 or 12 @ night and nothing happened. You do have to be aware of some rif rif because Swissvale is so close to some of the worse neighborhoods. But if you just work,pay taxes and mind ya own business then you have nothing to worry about.