Tell me about Pittsburgh

[sutyak]

I'm considering a job change, and Pittsburgh is full of tech jobs.
I'm a senior-level software developer so I know there's plenty of work there IF I want to move.
Basically I know nothing about Pittsburgh other than there is constant roadwork and it's easy for out-of-towners like myself to get lost.

So where are some nice places to live around Pittsburgh that's out of the "city"?
How are property taxes etc?
In general, do people like Pittsburgh? (yes this is a serious question)
How are the schools? (I have a 2.5 yr old and a 1.5 yr old)
What area of Pittsburgh has the "better" schools?
What are the areas of Pittsburgh to not live in?

I doubt this move will happen, but I'm trying to keep my options and mind open.

Thanks!!

[stieny]

Well, I can give you a little insight from my point of view.

I bought a house on Troy Hill in Pittsburgh a little over a year ago, right down the street from North Catholic High School.

So yes, it is the North side of the river but isn't really the "Northside". People just love to comment on city living without actually knowing anything about it.

Being a single guy and living in the Mars/Cranberry area all my life, I wanted a change, a change that included more city/entertainment/younger living then living in the Northern suburbs.

As far as safety, I have walked the streets so many times in the middle of the night in my neighborhood and the only thing I ever get is hello's from my neighbors. I also have left many things on my front porch for days without anything ever happening to them. I left my shovel on the front porch for the entire winter last year and never had any worries. I have left the windows down in my car on a few occasions as well. I never feel like I'm in the "gehto" or in "danger" at all living in the the city. Yes, there are bad areas, as there is anywhere you live. But overall, I feel very comfortable.

My property taxes are very low. Much lower then my parents house in Mars.

I do not like the public school system down here though. So if I had kids, it'd be safe to assume that I'd move. Also, the 3% income tax sucks in comparison to the 1% of the North Hills. Those two things would be my biggest gripes.

Navigating can be confusing at first but you learn quickly how to get around. I can pretty much get anywhere quickly and around most, if not all, roadwork and other projects.

I have off street parking, a nice view of the river, a quiet and rather safe street and I'm close to everything. The trade off on yard space is worth it to me.

As for alternative schools systems, North hills seems to be pretty decent. Also, NA is a pretty decent school as well if you choose to look just north of the city.

Any other questions, just ask. Good luck on any decision you make.

[pRojekt02GT]

I'm considering a job change, and Pittsburgh is full of tech jobs.
I'm a senior-level software developer so I know there's plenty of work there IF I want to move.
Basically I know nothing about Pittsburgh other than there is constant roadwork and it's easy for out-of-towners like myself to get lost.

So where are some nice places to live around Pittsburgh that's out of the "city"?
How are property taxes etc?
In general, do people like Pittsburgh? (yes this is a serious question)
How are the schools? (I have a 2.5 yr old and a 1.5 yr old)
What area of Pittsburgh has the "better" schools?
What are the areas of Pittsburgh to not live in?

I doubt this move will happen, but I'm trying to keep my options and mind open.

Thanks!!

How far out of the city are you looking to move?

IMHO, I would say somewhere around the south hills, Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills, South Park, ect. Good schools in the area, peaceful areas, Property taxes in these areas I'm not so familiar with, but grew up mainly in Jefferson Hills. This area is located about 25-30 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, or during rush hour could be a little bit more. Good luck with everything!

[95DropTop]

What kind of software work do you do?

I'm considering a job change, and Pittsburgh is full of tech jobs.
I'm a senior-level software developer so I know there's plenty of work there IF I want to move.
Basically I know nothing about Pittsburgh other than there is constant roadwork and it's easy for out-of-towners like myself to get lost.

So where are some nice places to live around Pittsburgh that's out of the "city"?
How are property taxes etc?
In general, do people like Pittsburgh? (yes this is a serious question)
How are the schools? (I have a 2.5 yr old and a 1.5 yr old)
What area of Pittsburgh has the "better" schools?
What are the areas of Pittsburgh to not live in?

I doubt this move will happen, but I'm trying to keep my options and mind open.

Thanks!!

[jaa55]

i would look somewhere up rt 28, you can be in pittsburgh in no time....minus the new construction right as you enter pittsburgh on 28. Sarver seems like a decent area. 30 mins out of pittsburgh and you still have your space and privacy

[pabadboys]

Greensburg is nice

[geps91stang]

i would look somewhere up rt 28, you can be in pittsburgh in no time....minus the new construction right as you enter pittsburgh on 28. Sarver seems like a decent area. 30 mins out of pittsburgh and you still have your space and privacy

agreed

[Steve-0]

Greensburg is nice

Lol x2 but its not exactly in/around pittsburgh.. although I can be downtown in 40 minutes if I try. I've lived here all my life and love it, ill hopefully never have to move out of the general area.

Alternately my brother moved to monroville last year in a nice neighborhood. He seems to really like it. He works downtown I believe now.

[sutyak]

Thanks everyone. As for the development question, I do basically everything involved from the design to release. Poking around Google it looks like mt Lebanon houses are nice. The job I'm looking at is in Green Tree.

[sutyak]

Brentwood looks nice.

[Stroked03Cobra]

i would look somewhere up rt 28, you can be in pittsburgh in no time....minus the new construction right as you enter pittsburgh on 28. Sarver seems like a decent area. 30 mins out of pittsburgh and you still have your space and privacy

Sarver/Saxonburg Area is where I want to be within the next year. Closer to my work and closer to Butler. Depends if you want country or city living. Best of Luck!

[sutyak]

Typically I prefer country living, but at the same time a community would be good for the kids to socialize so I'm leaning toowards the development / community thing

[Stroked03Cobra]

Typically I prefer country living, but at the same time a community would be good for the kids to socialize so I'm leaning toowards the development / community thing

Im in the city a lot with my work. Is it fun... Yes, but would I trade it for wide open spaces? Nope. I guess I just like Nature to much to live in the city.

[thedak]

Get a firearm ASAP.

[somethingclever]

Mt. Lebanon taxes are high...schools are very good.

Brentwood...some decent areas but in general not as nice houses/area as Mt. Lebo.


I would think somewhere in the South Hills would be a good compromise between taxes/schools/commute.

[speedracer]

Im in the city a lot with my work. Is it fun... Yes, but would I trade it for wide open spaces? Nope. I guess I just like Nature to much to live in the city.

The only thing that will get me out to Pittsburgh is Wolfpack, I go out 70 and up 79. It's so peaceful here in the sticks.

[pRojekt02GT]

Get a firearm ASAP.

As I stated in an earlier post, you have nothing good to say. Everywhere isn't as bad as the ghetto's you patrol.

[Stroked03Cobra]

The only thing that will get me out to Pittsburgh is Wolfpack, I go out 70 and up 79. It's so peaceful here in the sticks.

I do have to say Somerset and the Greensburg areas are very nice also. I just wish the weather was better for PA

[somethingclever]

As I stated in an earlier post, you have nothing good to say. Everywhere isn't as bad as the ghetto's you patrol.

He was making a JOKE......


I read it an actually LOL'D!

[thedak]

Everywhere isn't as bad as the ghetto's you patrol.

I live in the Ghetto as well.