Jeannette is home to the Bushy Run Battlefield, and it was on these 200 acres that Colonel Henry Boquet determined the fate of Fort Pitt. Spoiler alert: He saved it! Today this battlefield serves as an important recreation area for the city, offering residents a fascinating museum, winding nature trails, shady picnic areas, and more.
Considered a suburb of Pittsburgh, Jeannette is a city in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. A fun fact: the city was named after a founding father's wife! Jeannette is over 125 years old, and at one time was known as "The Glass city." Why, you ask? Well, Jeannette's main manufacturing industries back in its infancy were glass plants. Jeannette cranked out plate glass windows, milk bottles, and decorative pieces like you wouldn't believe and at one time manufactured around 80% of the country's glass! This city is still going strong, with a population just shy of 10,000 residents, according to the 2010 census.
Moving to Jeannette
Starting Your Search
Jeannette is a small city with lots to offer, so you'll want to take some time to think about which neighborhood suits you best. That will help to narrow your housing search and save you time. Other things you might want to factor into your search: how far will you have to commute, are there certain amenities you'd like to be near, and what type of rental are you looking to find? Experts say it's best to give yourself at least a month to find your new home.
Getting it Together
Now, don't leave for Jeannette without preparing a few things in advance. If you've moved before, you probably know that your potential landlord will want to see proof of identification, proof of employment, recent bank statements, and perhaps even a credit history. You aren't applying for a job at the FBI, but it might feel like it! In all seriousness, your landlord just wants to make sure that you'll be a tenant who pays rent on time. If you want to hit it out of the park, bring along the names and phone numbers of two character references as well. Proof that you are a fine, upstanding citizen can really seal the deal.
Financially Speaking
Before you'll be able to sign the lease, your landlord will most likely want two months' rent in advance. That may seem like a lot, but one of those months functions as a security deposit -- or a little guarantee that you won't destroy the place! Never fear, as long as you take good care of the rental, you will see that money again someday.
Jeannette Neighborhoods
Several neighborhoods make up the town of Jeannette -- be sure to research each one before deciding on the ultimate spot for you.
Claridge and Boquet: These neighborhoods are fairly suburban and the prices are higher here than in other parts of Jeannette. Look here for rental homes -- rental apartments will be scarce. The demand for real estate in this part of Jeannette is greater than average, so be prepared to wait for your perfect rental!
Grapeville: If you're looking for luxury apartments in Jeannette, try Grapeville. There are single-family homes and small apartment buildings in this area, and many urban sophisticates find comfort here. Grapeville is bordered along the bottom by Westmoreland County Memorial Park. The area is quiet and trendy.
Lewis Avenue: The area to the west of Grapeville is known as the Lewis Avenue neighborhood. Many find Lewis Avenue to be very similar to Grapeville; they are both suburban areas that combine peace and quiet with plenty of neighborhood activities.
Harrison City: This area is located just above the City Center and contains some of the most desirable property in Jeannette. In fact, you may need to get on a waiting list to find one-bedroom apartments for rent here! The eastern tip of Harrison City includes part of the Bushy Run Battlefield.
Harrison Avenue: This neighborhood is probably the best place to look for an apartment for rent if you don't want to live directly in the City Center. There are one- to three-bedroom apartment vacancies here, and the neighborhood is incredibly walkable. You will be just a short distance away from the popular Oakford Park if you choose to live here.
City Center: City apartments for rent abound in this particular neighborhood, and it is also the most walkable area in Jeannette! What you sacrifice in quiet, suburban living will be more than made up for by the exciting nightlife.
Living in Jeannette
One of the highlights of life in Jeannette is access to some of the finest restaurants in the state of Pennsylvania. That's right, Jeannette knows how to wine and dine its residents! If you're looking to have a special night out and want to taste Jeannette's best-kept secret in Italian food, try Mauro's Ristorante and Lounge. The food here is made with love by two brothers from Italy, and they treat their customers like family. The soups are amazing, and you have to try the seafood special. You won't be disappointed!
For something a little more relaxed, try Johnny's Wife's Place, an unassuming little joint with a great draft beer selection and hearty pub food. Try the wings and don't be shy about experimenting with the sauces. Pro-tip: this is a great place to meet new people when you first move.
Jeannette has something for those with a serious sweet tooth, too. The bevy of bakeries in the area get high marks. Biscotti Brothers Bakery is, of course, famous for their biscotti, but their cakes are unbelievably tasty as well. Enrico's Bakery, on Lowry Avenue, offers delectable pastries, fresh breads, and the best peanut butter cookies in town.
After you've eaten your fill, don't worry -- Jeannette has eight different parks that you can use to burn off a few of those extra calories. There are playgrounds for the kids, ball fields, basketball courts, and nature trails aplenty. The most famous park in Jeannette is Bushy Run Battlefield, which offers 200 acres of recreation. All parks are open dawn to dusk.