White Oak, PA Apartment Renter's Guide

Allegheny was the only county in Pennsylvania without a county fair from 1974 until 1999, the year when it was brought back. It returns every year in June and features all the favorites, from deep-fried Twinkies to live music.

White Oak is what's referred to as a borough in these parts: it's a suburb of Pittsburgh and is located in Allegheny County. Now that you have the straight facts, why not delve a bit deeper? How about the crazy low crime rates, or the low cost of living are just some of the awesome amenities. Do any of those pique your interest? You've got a selection of downright delectable eateries nearby, and that's before you even enter Pittsburgh proper. Do you love spending time outdoors, checking out museums, or viewing the latest blockbuster? Your new neighbors do, too, and they do all that and more in Allegheny County, which boasts an embarrassment of riches when it comes to recreational activities. As for White Oak itself, well, it's got more uncorrupted open land than you'll know what to do with, though you'll probably come up with something. It's also got carefully controlled parks, some fairly robust shopping options and friendly faces all over. Still not convinced this is your residential version of a perfect fitting glass slipper? Why not try it on for size and discover just how comfy White Oak can be.

Whether you've never moved before in your life, or you've found a new home every year since you were cut loose by your parents, it's important to do some research on a place before you pack up, all wide-eyed and hopeful for this new hotspot. Make sure to follow the advice detailed below to ensure you have an enjoyable moving experience rather than one fraught with stress. Onward and upward!

Paper Trail

You'll want to first gather up all the documents you'll need to establish that you're 1) a human being, and 2) the sort of human being who's responsible enough to pay rent on time over and over. So grab your ID, as this establishes your personhood. Next up, bring along your recent pay stubs. This shows that you're employed and make enough to pay for the fancy little bungalow you've got your eyes on (you do, don't you?) Now, move onto your credit report. Before you start bragging about your boss FICO score, make sure you've gone over that report to ensure it's true. Sometimes terrible people steal other people's identities, and they don't usually take your money and donate it to charities. Once you've ascertained everything's on the up and up, grab a cashier's check. You'll need it for the security deposit and first month's rent, most likely. Say you don't have fabulous credit: that's okay, you're among friends. You will want to bolster your impression to prospective landlords by gathering some appropriate references you can rely on for recommendations about your responsibility.

White Oak Opportunities

Now that you're comfortable with your budget and documents, it's time to think about the kind of place you want. Are you a fan of modern builds with open floor plans and updated kitchens? Well, there aren't a ton of those types, but homes from not too long ago are available, especially if you're looking for single-family homes in White Oak. If you're dreaming of a charming bungalow with defining features from a specific era, you're also in luck. Most houses for rent were built between 1940 and 1970. They may or may not have stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, but they will probably have a warmer feeling to them. That's nice, right? If you're looking for apartments to rent, you've got a selection of smaller complexes with studios and 1 bedroom apartments for rent, but there are more high-rise apartments in the area than small spots. That's probably a good thing if you like in-house laundry facilities and other amenities. It's important to understand that there are more people who own or are looking to own a home than folks coming here to rent, especially long-term. Complicating matters further is the itsy bitsy vacancy rate. You'll want to be able to spend a few months or more waiting for your perfect situation to open up; otherwise you may be stuck waiting in less than pristine conditions.

Transportation

While there is public transportation in Pittsburgh that's actually pretty good, you'll need a car to take you to one of the stops for the bus or light rail. Plus, White Oak (especially the eastern areas) is pretty rural. Don't expect to walk for any reason other than enjoyment. On the west side, you can walk to a few stores, but for the most part you'll be relying on your car for getting from any point A to any point B.

There aren't any traditional neighborhoods in White Oak. After all, it's already a 'burb of the 'burgh, but there are some differences between one side and the other when it comes to finding your dream home or apartment. Know your options before committing to that lease.

East of HWY 48: Residences are few and far between here, but you are close to the Inter County Airport. You can certainly enjoy a more rural atmosphere and plenty of wide-open space that's as lush and green as the state gets. Living this far out means being far from shops, restaurants and grocery stores, though, and Lincoln Way is your closest main street. You'll have to look more west for apartment options.

West of HWY 48: You can choose between houses or apartments on the west side, and there are also a slew of shops, eateries and more here. You're also close to Heritage Park and Highway 148, so getting to around town is easy. Plus, you've got White Oak Village and Grandview Apartments to explore.

Once you've selected your favorite abode and painted it however you choose, it's time to think about what you're going to do with your free time. Allegheny County and the wider Pittsburgh area has oodles to do, so why not try a little of everything. Are you a culture vulture? Try the Carnegie Museum of Art or the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Are you into outdoor sports? Choose the Edgewood Country Club for time on the fairways, or conquer the Great Allegheny Passage, which is 150 miles of paths. Do you love to eat rather than eat to live? You've got your pick of ethnic restaurants, as well as wineries, breweries and farmers markets to scour.