Manchester District in Pittsburgh, Pa (Wilkinsburg, Swissvale: houses, neighborhoods, live)

[viableandfresh]

Hi there,
anyone familiar with the Manchester District in Pittsburgh, Pa? Is it livable?

[vtPGH]

Originally Posted by viableandfresh

Hi there,
anyone familiar with the Manchester District in Pittsburgh, Pa? Is it livable?

It depends alot on the block and specific area of the neighborhood, since Manchester covers a fairly large area. The streets closer to Western Ave and Allegheny West, such as W. North Ave. are pretty well fixed up and in good shape. There's definitely swaths heading up towards California Ave. that most would consider dicey. Knowing an exact address or block is very helpful.

[Renaldo5000]

Originally Posted by viableandfresh

Hi there,
anyone familiar with the Manchester District in Pittsburgh, Pa? Is it livable?

Be very very careful. 25% of it is ok. The other 75% is ghetto. Prepare to hear gunshots.

[viableandfresh]

Hi vtPGH

How about the part close to Adam Street?

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by viableandfresh

Hi vtPGH

How about the part close to Adam Street?

I'll give that area a big No. It's not as safe as other areas of Manchester. Any area remotely close to California Avenue and the railroad tracks freaks me out at night.

I have lived on both Liverpool and North Franklin in the past. Liverpool was decent. North Franklin was hell on earth.

If you look on the map, you'll see they are only two blocks away. That's the difference a block can make in Manchester.

[viableandfresh]

Thanks a lot,Hopes.

What about the neighborhood of Highland Park? are the Homewood areas good for students?

[Renaldo5000]

Originally Posted by viableandfresh

are the Homewood areas good for students?

hahahahahahahahaha

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by viableandfresh

Thanks a lot,Hopes.

What about the neighborhood of Highland Park? are the Homewood areas good for students?

Highland Park is fine. Stay away from Homewood.

Other somewhat affordable areas to consider are North Point Breeze, Greenfield, Oakland, Edgwood, Swissvale, Wilkinsburg, and East Liberty. (The last two are more urban than the others but definitely safer than Homewood and Manchester.)

Not necessarily bargain areas, but nice areas if you find a deal are Regent Square, Bloomfield, Friendship, Morningside, Lawrenceville.

If you have a car and are just wanting cheap housing, Millvale, Etna, and Sharpsburg are convenient to Oakland and Downtown because they're just across the Allegheny River.

[robrobrob]

Not all of Highland Park is fine. There are a few blocks that aren't great and the houses appear very run down. It isn't a war zone but there are clearly nicer areas. Generally speaking the further from Stanton the nicer the area. The "hill" above Highland is also nicer than the flats portion between Negley and Highland. However, there has been some buildings rehabbed in this area so it is coming around slowly. I personally would steer clear of looking for a place in East Liberty or Wilkinsburg unless you have someone who can tell you what is a good area and a not so good area or you can take the time to figure this out yourself.

Wouldn't Bloomfield be the cheapest of the neighborhoods with a decent student population?

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by robrobrob

I personally would steer clear of looking for a place in East Liberty or Wilkinsburg unless you have someone who can tell you what is a good area and a not so good area . . .

That's what we're here for!