North Point Breeze (Pittsburgh, Braddock, Penn: renting, crime rates, co-op)

[mollyetta]

Hello,

Can anyone tell me about the safety of North Point Breeze, specifically Penfield Ct (right next to the East End Co-Op)? We are seriously considering renting a house on that street, but I have read some conflicting reports about the safety there on this forum. Unfortunately, we won't be able to visit for quite a while, so we can't drive around the area to get a feel for it first. Would you consider living in that area?

[Geeo]

I had a friend who lived in one of those townhouses. It was a very nice area: well-kept homes and yards. And being near the co-op was a plus. He never had a problem with safety.

[BrianTH]

Back in 2003 (the last year for which I have statistics), North Point Breeze fell somewhere between Shadyside and Friendship in terms of overall crime rates. Which isn't that bad, and of course Pittsburgh in general isn't a high crime city. On the other hand, Point Breeze had some of the lowest crime rates in the City, so clearly North Point Breeze is a little different.

As for Penfield Ct specifically, I've never been down there, but it looks like it is its own little thing. That could be good or bad depending on your specific neighbors, but I certainly wouldn't rule it out personally.

[TechieTransplant]

Originally Posted by mollyetta

Hello,

Can anyone tell me about the safety of North Point Breeze, specifically Penfield Ct (right next to the East End Co-Op)? We are seriously considering renting a house on that street, but I have read some conflicting reports about the safety there on this forum. Unfortunately, we won't be able to visit for quite a while, so we can't drive around the area to get a feel for it first. Would you consider living in that area?

I live fairly close, around the corner on South Braddock. I love the neighborhood, but don't like the business of Penn avenue. Home of Pittsburghs worst drivers. Since we have lived in the area, there has been one murder at the Sunoco up the street. The Subway across the street from Sunoco was the scene of a strong armed robbery. There are always accidents on Penn Ave.

[mollyetta]

Thank you all for your input. How long have you lived there, Scott? I read about that gas station murder, I believe it was 2 years ago--it was a retaliation thing, I believe. I have also read many complaints about the traffic on Penn.

It appears that we should be fine there. I know some people on these boards warned specifically against even driving through the intersection of Penn & Braddock after 9pm--and also that the eastern edge of N. Point Breeze is unsafe.

We live in Chicago right now so have our share of street smarts & wouldn't do anything stupid, I just don't want to be scared in our own home.

[TechieTransplant]

Originally Posted by mollyetta

Thank you all for your input. How long have you lived there, Scott? I read about that gas station murder, I believe it was 2 years ago--it was a retaliation thing, I believe. I have also read many complaints about the traffic on Penn.

It appears that we should be fine there. I know some people on these boards warned specifically against even driving through the intersection of Penn & Braddock after 9pm--and also that the eastern edge of N. Point Breeze is unsafe.

We live in Chicago right now so have our share of street smarts & wouldn't do anything stupid, I just don't want to be scared in our own home.

I go jogging many evenings well after 9 pm and have never been bothered, and I start out at the intersection of Penn and Braddock.

Yes, the murder at the gas station was late September-early October 2008....it was like two weeks before we got married. And yes, correct on the retaliation thing.

I love Point Breeze. There's a great little old time general store called Frick Park Market that I frequent to have lunch. And in the small but beautiful business district, there's Point Brugge Cafe (great Belgian Food and Beer), Make your Mark coffee shop and Pino's (Italian). Also, a convenient pet doctor there too. Oh, and we have lived here almost three years. It will be three years in late August.

[Scientist Mom]

Originally Posted by mollyetta

I know some people on these boards warned specifically against even driving through the intersection of Penn & Braddock after 9pm

Now that's just silly! seriously.

[BrianTH]

If you live in Chicago, you are going to have several chuckles when you get here and find out what is sufficient to make some 'Bughers nervous. For example, the intersection of Penn and Braddock is perfectly fine to drive through at any time.

[TechieTransplant]

Originally Posted by Scientist Mom

Now that's just silly! seriously.

I agree. The only thing I warn people of concerning that intersection are the people who run red lights and don't yield to pedestrians. It's a dangerous intersection for accidents.

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by scottrpriester

I agree. The only thing I warn people of concerning that intersection are the people who run red lights and don't yield to pedestrians. It's a dangerous intersection for accidents.

That is definitely true. You also have to watch for people cutting through the gas station.