Why are most the areas in Pittsburgh run down looking?

Question

Like seriously! I just went out there today to look for a new place and it seems like all of the areas even Squirrel Hill and Shady Side (East liberty) looked like c**p. The place looked more country than city..I also went downtown but it sucked too..one thing I have good to say about the city is that the people are extremely friendly. I am super disappointed though..the city has so much potential but I don't see much rebuilding out there. I found some pretty decent places in Monroeville however. Anyone else recommend anything else near PGH? Thanks!

Answer 1

There are condos being built all over downtown.  W.Pa conservancy and Cultural Trust and Redd up campaign are working toward improving appearance.  So the work that needs to be done is at least being done in downtown.

South hills are in pretty good shape and Aspinwall on north are probably the best combo of nearness to city and attractivess.

Answer 2

No real answer. It's just going thru a tough time.  Won't last forever. /

Answer 3

JSR*558 has it right. I actually don't see anything wrong with Shadyside or Squirrel Hill. And East Liberty is NOT Shadyside! I would love to be able to afford to live in a house in one of those neighborhoods. Just because something is old, doesn't mean it is run down.

Downtown isn't that great, but it is in the midst of a rebuild. Take a look at the Cultural District (Penn and Liberty avenues between 6th and 9th streets) to get an idea of what the city is trying to do. On the Monongehela River side of the city some buildings are being remodeled into high-end condos and some new buildings are being built as well. Point Park University has taken a big interest in the revitalization as well and is buying up property to turn into new school buildings along Blvd. of the Allies and Wood Street.

If you like Monroeville (and I not sure why you do???), then you need to go north of south of the city into the suburbs to find some nice places to live. But expect to pay more money! They aren't the most affordable places to live.

Answer 4

First ... please don't confuse Shadyside and East Liberty ... NOT the same thing!

Second ... please understand that the economy is especially tough in places like Pittsburgh.  Pittsburgh is still very much a blue-collar, shot-and-a-beer town.  A lot of those jobs are gone now, and there just isn't a lot of new money coming into the city.

Pittsburgh DOES have world-renowned medical facilities, and several excellent colleges/universities within the city limits and in the closely-outlying suburbs.

I'm rather surprised that you liked Monroeville.  Nobody likes Monroeville.

OK ... some of Pittsburgh's nicest suburbs are south of the city.  Others are north of the city.  I'm from the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh ... there are great neighborhoods/housing available in Ross Twp. (directly north) ... if you wish to travel a bit further from the city, Pine Twp., Richland Twp., Hampton Twp., ... all are considered great locations.

To the northwest of Pittsburgh is Sewickley.  Also very nice.

It's true that you won't find many great places to live within the city proper, but there are lots of nice areas in the outlying areas.

If you want to spend some major $$$ ... check out Mount Washington!