Moving to Monroeville Area, Advice Please!
 

My husband recently got a new job in the Monroeville/Plum area. We currently live in Mt. Lebanon and are planning to move to that area in August. I need advice on which areas to look into since I nor anyone I know know much about the area. We have two small children so safety and schools are the top priority. We will be renting at first and want to spend around $1100 or less per month. I've heard good things about Murrysville but I wonder if that's too upscale.

The area doesn't have to be the best, a simple middle class area with good schools would be nice. Also advice on shopping, activities, kids groups, places for kids, kids classes would also be appreciated. Like I said I don't know anything about the area so almost any tips will be helpful.

Please don't lecture me that Mt. Lebanon has the best schools and that we should stay here. I've already heard it. I know the schools here are fantastic. The commute is just too much stress on the whole family.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

This Trulia site should be helpful. Schools, prices, crime info and other useful information. http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Mo...-Pennsylvania/

Thought it was Monroeville, Alabama, where Harper Lee was from.

Why would you think that when it's tagged Pennsylvania?

Sorry--just missed that very apparently. Hope you aren't too offended.

I was all set to say: "Mt. Lebanon is only about 21 miles from Monroeville, how could it be so mysterious?"

Then I thought about the fact that I grew up in Bethel Park, which is even closer to Monroeville-- and I know just about NOTHING about it.

It is a fact about the greater Pittsburgh area: It is a region of very insulated towns and villages and townships. One knows about neighboring towns and, of course, "the big city", and then nothing about anywhere else.

Murrysville or Plum are the "prime" towns around Monroeville, from what I recall. Pretty nice towns, good schools, good choice of homes, not too expensive (but then again, I live in southern CA now, where real estate prices are still 3 times those of that part of PA). I'd start in those towns. They're both only a few miles out of Monroeville, so shopping shouldn't be a problem. And Pittsburgh is close enough that you can take advantage of the great museums and sports teams and cultural events. You'll do fine.