Relative Merits of a few different Neighborhoods? (Pittsburgh, Liberty: transplants, college)

[+Daimon]

I know the pros and cons of most neighborhoods have been pointed out and argued bout to death on this board, but I just moved here and have some specific questions about specific areas.

I'm 22, a chef, and just took a job over in Shadyside. I don't know much about the city...my girlfriend lives in Oakland so I that is the only part of town I know. I don't particularly mind Oakland, but I'm not big on the whole college scene either.

It seems that the difference between recent transplants that moved here who love the city or hate the city has a lot to do with picking the wrong part of town to live in. I'd like to do everything in my power to avoid the more backwards, "hick" areas. I'm looking for a place with a good bit of diversity and more open-minded, progressive people. I guess somewhere with a more a more "counter-culture" feel is what I'd be looking for.

I'm looking at Southside, Shadyside, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, or somewhere down by the strip. Again, I'm mainly looking for a younger, laid-back progressive environment. I know people are going to say that this doesn't exist in Pitt, but it must in certain places a lot more than others.

Thanks to anyone who has any information for me!

[BrianTH]

The South Side might be more of a college scene than you are looking for, unless you get down to the South Side Works end.

Shadyside is pretty upscale and the younger people there also tend to be part of the college scene. It is quite nice but may or may not be what you are looking for.

Lawrenceville and Bloomfield are an interesting mix of ethnic blue-collar Pittsburgh and a growing hipster scene. It sounds like you should check those neighborhoods out. Polish Hill is another option along these lines.

A few other suggestions:

Friendship, which is located between Bloomfield, Shadyside, and the growing restaurant scene in East Liberty, is a little less expensive than Shadyside and also has a bit of an artist/hipster vibe, thanks in part to the Penn Avenue Arts Initiative.

Squirrel Hill and Point Breeze are very convenient for both Oakland and Shadyside, and there is a slightly more mature scene in that area (I think of it as a grad/professional student scene as opposed to a college scene).

Regent Square, my neighborhood, is also popular with grad/professional students. It is right up against Frick Park (on the other side from Squirrel Hill), and has quick bus routes serving both Oakland and Shadyside. It also has its own little commercial area with a nice selection of bars and restaurants. Park Place is a more transitional area just north of Regent Square but it also has a good location and is where I lived as a grad student.

All these neighborhoods count as fairly progressive in my view, but it really depends on exactly what balance of things you are looking for.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by +Daimon

I'm looking at Southside, Shadyside, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, or somewhere down by the strip. Again, I'm mainly looking for a younger, laid-back progressive environment.

Lawrenceville and Friendship.

[raubre]

Originally Posted by +Daimon

I know the pros and cons of most neighborhoods have been pointed out and argued bout to death on this board, but I just moved here and have some specific questions about specific areas.

I'm 22, a chef, and just took a job over in Shadyside. I don't know much about the city...my girlfriend lives in Oakland so I that is the only part of town I know. I don't particularly mind Oakland, but I'm not big on the whole college scene either.

It seems that the difference between recent transplants that moved here who love the city or hate the city has a lot to do with picking the wrong part of town to live in. I'd like to do everything in my power to avoid the more backwards, "hick" areas. I'm looking for a place with a good bit of diversity and more open-minded, progressive people. I guess somewhere with a more a more "counter-culture" feel is what I'd be looking for.

I'm looking at Southside, Shadyside, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, or somewhere down by the strip. Again, I'm mainly looking for a younger, laid-back progressive environment. I know people are going to say that this doesn't exist in Pitt, but it must in certain places a lot more than others.

Thanks to anyone who has any information for me!

I think you may have hit the nail on the head with the neighborhoods you listed. Squirrel Hill and Regent Square are also nice. I think you'll be OK in the East End of the city (and in South Side.)

Good luck!

[+Daimon]

Thanks for all the info guys, I won't be actively searching for another week or two so any additional input about the neighborhoods I've listed (good or bad) or of any others not mentioned yet from anyone is definitely appreciated!