Pittsburgh Travel Forum

Hello,

I'm from Australia. I was just wondering what's the deal with housing in Pittsburgh. Why is it so low priced. I was flicking through the HUD website, and found houses offered for $20k, but in need of major repairs. Are they in dangerous slum areas, or just low income neighbourhoods. Isn't US housing supposed to be booming right now? What would be fair rent for such houses? I understand property tax is pretty high in Pittsburgh, so how much would we be talking 5% 10% ?? If anyone can help me out, that would be great.
Thanks,
Simon

I think you should look at some regular real estate offices that are on line. A very different picture will probably emerge. One gets what they pay for and a house for only $20k will not be in a very desireable location. I hope someone from Pittsburgh will be able to help you out.

The listings on the HUD website are probably aimed at low-income families who qualify for extra help.

The HUD listings are probably houses in need of serious repair in tough neighberhoods. Most housing in Pittsburgh is more expensive, but still significantly less expensive than most other cities in the United States. It is one of the most underrated areas in the United States.

Hi Simon: I live about an hour and a half from Pittsburgh and well, that's one of the perks of living in the area. My wife and I bought out four bedroonm farm house for twenty four grand. It's incredible. LOOOOOOOONG Winters though!!!! Where are you from in OZ? If I can be of any other help give me a shout I'll be happy to in anyway I can.
Jim

Those houses going for 20k are probably in low income, dangerous areas. I live in the suburbs, and homes are going for 150k and up for the most part. The South Hills is a wonderful place to live. I've been here for 14 years, and I love it here, but you will pay for it. Allegheny County has really high taxes. If you move a little further south to Washington County, you will find the taxes to be more reasonible. I wish I lived in that county sometimes, because our taxes are out of this world!

Simon,
I live on the South Side of Pittsburgh - not to be confused with the South Hills. I live in the city and not the suburbs. Pittsburgh is a city of small neighborhoods. The best in my opinion being, The South Side (slopes and flats), Shady Side, Squirrel Hill, The Mexican War Streets on the North Side, and parts of Oakland. Emerging neighborhoods are Lawrenceville, The North Side, Parts of East Liberty, parts of Garfield, and parts of Downtown...there are many projects taking place to make the downtown area residential again. Oakland is where most of the universities are located so you must get out of the student area to find the nicer homes. If you want to get in on the bottom floor of a fix-er-upper that is structurally amazing, look to West Allegheny, or the buzz word on the streets...Manchester. Yes people will scoff at Manchester, but the people that fixed up the Mexican War streets on the North Side are heading to Manchester. This area is still quite scary in some places. Lawerencecville is quickly becoming trendy and people are buying up property left and right.
Average homes in the nice areas run from $100,000 to $500,000. There are many condo and loft projects taking place as well.
Taxes are high, however, they should be stable for a few years due to a recent assessment that locked in current rates.
If you see a home for $20K, expect to put $100K into fixing it up and pray that your neighbors are doing the same.

HI, I LIVE in the city of Pittsburgh. I have also been to Australia and realize that houses cost much more there. In the city you will find a wide variety of housing available. Yes, it is true if you buy a house for $20,000 it probably means its needs alot of repairs. It does not mean that it is in a bad neighborhood and many surbanites might think. You can get much more for your money in the city than in the suburbs in some VERY NICE neighborhoods. Presently they are cracking down on owners that haven't paid taxes etc so quite a few are going up for sheriff's sale-many at a nice price.

Sorry, I hit the wrong buttton and it posted before I was done. Are you looking to live-either buy or rent in the city? There are a wide variety of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh does have a "bad" reputation from some surbanites but I say "Don't knock it until you have tried it". There are some very nice and beautiful sections of the city. Close to transportation, shopping, entertainment, etc.
Mary Anne

Hi,I'm not from "Pittsburgh" but some times we have customers from Pittsburgh in our "Vacation House" in Niagara Falls(Buffalo-Niagara area) and they explain us about how "Buffalo" and "Pittsburg" have almost the same problems.They are like "Two Twin Sisters Cities".Like Buffalo not all the neighborhoods are the same,there are some very nice areas.Thanks,"Tomas".