West Mifflin: Although the borough of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania has an undeniably irregular perimeter shape, its history, which includes being named after a signer of the U.S. Constitution, has followed a relatively normal and peaceful route to the present day.
West Mifflin descended from Mifflin Township, one of Pennsylvania's original townships, before being incorporated in 1788. Those around during that time, though, likely wouldn't recognize their original township. This is mostly because of the changes in landscape that came from the borough's steel mill industry.
Moving to West Mifflin
Most people get ecstatic at the idea of moving to the Northeast. After all, statistics consistently show that these states rank higher in terms of economic prosperity and safety than other regions of the country. Heck, that should be enough reason for you to want to go there alone. West Mifflin, though, has the added advantage of having a violent crime rate of nearly half of Pennsylvania's in general. Yeah, so you'll be safe here, but you're going to need a little bit of preparation before you run out, guns blazing, demanding rental housing in West Mifflin.
When to start looking
If truth be told, West Mifflin isn't really that crowded. Sure, there are over 20,000 people in the borough, but the area is also over 14 square miles. The whole place is also highly residential, so there are still plenty of property rentals to go around. Also, keep in mind that about one out of every five people in the borough are renters, so you're going to be around some very like-minded people. You know what that means: no being the grumpy guy next door. Stop yelling at kids from your rocking chair and go attend a neighborhood block party already.
When to make the move
There really isn't any huge reasons that you can't move to West Mifflin at any given point during the year, but if you have the option and really want to make your life easy (who doesn't?), then you might want to avoid the winter months. Honestly, the average high doesn't even hit the 60s in this borough until April. Add that to the fact that average lows can drop down to 20 degrees during the summer months, and we shouldn't hear any arguing over the fact that summer is where it's at.
What to bring along
Landlords in the area usually have an apartment or two to rent, but considering the fact that West Mifflin is one of the safest areas in Pennsylvania, they're in no hurry just to hand out their home for rent to anyone rolling through. Make sure you're prepared with reference letters from prior landlords, and although they'll likely run their own check, bringing along a credit report won't hurt your prospects either. Come on; you're not applying to be on "The Real World." You're finding a home. Put your back into it!
West Mifflin Neighborhoods
Considering the fact that West Mifflin is a borough, there are several distinct areas. And wouldn't you know it? Each of them has their own little perks. We know, we know. You need proof. Well we're not just saying it this time. There are some pretty awesome things specific to each and every neighborhood in the borough.
New England: Sure, the few ball fields around here are alluring, but you'll likely more enjoy the shopping. On top of several shopping centers, there's a Wal-Mart. Yeah, that's right; that means everything you'll ever need is nearby.
Kennywood Park: In Kennywood Park, you'll be adjacent to the Monongahela River, and the locks and dam are here too! Still not sure what a lock is, but if looking at water isn't your cup of tea, just head over to Kennywood Shops.
Terrace: This is a highly residential area, but its got its own perks as well. For instance, there are numerous bus stops along Greensprings Avenue and you're adjacent to Westwood Golf Club.
Borough Center: If you can find a long term or even month-to-month lease in the borough center, take it. It's also highly residential, but this is also where Duquesne Village shopping center is located. Nearby St Joseph Cemetery, along with two other cemeteries, may be off-putting ... but come on, everyone loves "The Walking Dead."
Commonwealth Avenue: This area isn't as packed as others, but you'll still find McBride Park and the namesake West Mifflin Park nearby.
Living in West Mifflin
All right, there's no denying that each and every area throughout this borough has great things about it. From easily accessible parks to a Wal-Mart in the backyard, there's plenty to go around. Come on, though -- you know it's not these little things that make living in an area great. It's the overall experience, and if you don't recognize how great this experience will be in West Mifflin after considering all of the following, you should probably pay Dr. Phil a visit.
Historical Fun
Kennywood is West Mifflin's amusement park, and it's actually one of the only two amusement parks in America listed as a historic place by the National Register. It still has some of the rides and park structures that were a part of the original 1898 park. Don't worry, though; the park rides still have to be safe. So go have fun!
Unbeatable Shopping
Remember that Wal-Mart we mentioned? Yeah, that's not your only shopping choice. You can also check out the Century III Mall, Greenbrier Shopping Center and Century Square Shopping Center. Oh, and they're all within two minutes of each other.
Places to Park ... Your Plane
Okay. _assuming _you have a plane (don't we all?), the Allegheny County Airport has you covered. Of course, most people like it simply because it was in "The Mothman Prophecies" movie and was once the third largest airport in the entire country. You can also take flying lessons here.
The City Without the City
You're only minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, and this proximity means you can do just about anything you want in the city, from the typical tourist attractions to the awesome night life. Of course, you also get the benefit of not having to live in the city, so you're good to go!