Pittsburgh has become an increasingly popular place to live in for professionals and young families, with a recent report ranking it as the 26th best place to live in the United States. For residents of the Steel City, this should come as no surprise given the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, abundant green spaces and plentiful amenities.
Perhaps the most alluring thing about Pittsburgh, however, is the affordability of housing in the area. The average home price in the area is just over $240,000, which remains far below the national average of $495,000. The low housing prices in Pittsburgh have made home ownership more than just a pipe dream for its residents, and many people have moved to the city in recent years in hopes of owning their very own property.
With that said, in this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into the more affordable areas around Pittsburgh to help first-time homebuyers make a more well-informed decision when it comes to deciding where to buy a house. Let’s take a look first at the south Allegheny County suburbs.
Why Should I Buy a House in the Pittsburgh Area?
While there are many considerations that go into where you ultimately choose to buy a house, Pittsburgh offers a unique combination of affordability and amenities that make it a very attractive option.
Some of the reasons why many first-time homeowners choose to buy homes in the greater Pittsburgh area include:
Affordability
In addition to the relatively low housing prices in Pittsburgh compared to many other major cities in the United States, the cost of living in Pittsburgh is also similarly on the lower end of the spectrum.
The lower cost of everyday expenses such as groceries, dining out and entertainment make it easier to enjoy a higher standard of living in Allegheny County without breaking the bank.
Beautiful Neighborhoods
Another contributor to Pittsburgh’s popularity is the charm of its neighborhoods. Every neighborhood and suburb in the region has its own unique appeal and character, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. In addition, Pittsburgh is also renowned for its abundance of parks and green spaces that are a part of every community.
Quality Education and Healthcare
The city is also home to some of the best public and private schools in the entire state, catering to all education levels from elementary school to college. With globally acclaimed universities such as Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh located just a stone’s throw away, you won’t have to travel far for a quality education.
Pittsburgh is also home to some of the best hospitals and healthcare facilities in the country.
Affordable Pittsburgh Suburbs for Buyers
Not all neighborhoods are created equally, and certain neighborhoods may be more ideal than others depending on what you are looking for. Here are a few suburban neighborhoods to the south of Pittsburgh where you may consider buying a house or invest in real estate – especially if affordability is a top factor:
Bridgeville
If you’re looking for a tranquil, suburban neighborhood tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Bridgeville might be one neighborhood to consider. The neighborhood features a variety of different housing types, including single-family homes and townhouses, catering to different needs, budgets and preferences.
If you’re still evaluating between neighborhoods, check out these reviews from Niche.com as well as Reddit (comparing Bridgeville to nearby Carnegie) to see if this suburban community might be fit.
The relatively small size of the suburb gives it the charm and allure of a small town, while still having the job opportunities and amenities due to its close proximity to downtown Pittsburgh.
Dormont
Dormont is another popular neighborhood of choice amongst younger working professionals looking to start their careers or start a family in Pittsburgh. This is due to its convenient location just outside the city center.
See resident feedback from Niche.com and Reddit here. Like many of the other suburbs of Pittsburgh, Dormont is very safe and the crime rate is significantly below the national average.
There’s also no shortage of amenities in Dormont – with plenty of sports facilities, eateries and shops conveniently located within the bounds of the suburb.
Pleasant Hills
Compared to some of the other neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, homes in Pleasant Hills tend to be somewhat pricier on average. The suburb is known for the strong sense of community and its welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
It’s also close to several top-tier healthcare facilities and hospitals in Pittsburgh, ensuring that residents are able to access high quality medical care as and when the need arises. There are also specialized care centers in close proximity to the suburb for residents who require a higher level of care. (See Niche.com and Reddit feedback here.)
Jefferson Hills
Jefferson Hills is another one of the best suburbs in Pittsburgh to buy a house due to its family-friendly environment. The suburb is home to plenty of family-friendly amenities including parks as well as recreational centers, and there are often programs and activities that cater towards children and young families.
With just over 12,000 residents, Jefferson Hills is a more affluent neighborhood with a suburban rural feel and its tranquility also makes it a great place for raising children in a less hectic and stress-free environment.
Commuting into the city can take about half an hour by car, but the suburb itself has most, if not all of the everyday facilities and amenities you’ll require, so you’ll rarely need to go far. (For more, check out reviews from Niche.com.)
Selling a House in Pittsburgh
Given the strong demand for homes in Pittsburgh, selling a house in the city or suburbs is typically not a challenge. However, ensuring that you are getting fair market value for your home and negotiating with potential buyers can be a hassle that many homeowners are looking to avoid.
This is especially so if local sellers are looking to sell their homes fast to transition into assisted living, to pay debt, or for various other reasons.
If you’re looking to sell a house in Pittsburgh, consider selling to a professional homebuyer such as HomeBuyers of Pittsburgh instead. As the #1 home buying company in the city, we buy homes of all sizes in as-is condition, meaning that you won’t need to worry about staging your home for sale. We’ll also make you a full cash offer for your home at full market value, ensuring that you get the best possible deal.
To find out more about the services we offer, leave us a message today!
