Though it is the middle of summer, learning should still be a part of the day for your children. Summer vacation is wonderful and great; however, you can’t deny that many of the skills learned through the school year can get rusty over the long summer months, even for students at our highly rated Pittsburgh area schools. Never fear though, there are numerous area school related camps and fun learning activities can cut down on summer boredom while reinforcing  school skills, as well.

Pittsburgh Community Schools

If you are are relocating to Pittsburgh, sending your children to our outstanding Pittsburgh area schools for the first time, or simply looking for learning oriented activities to keep summer boredom away, you will love these great ideas.

The activities are simple enough to enjoy at home-and very little cost beyond supplies, most you may already have at home or are able to print from the specific sites. All of these sites and activities have been put together by our wonderful school system, showing just one of the numerous reasons why Pittsburgh is a great place to raise a family.

Pittsburgh Family Learning Things To Do

Follow the following links to find school related activities on the topics that interest your child:

Art Games

Reading and Spelling Games

Math Games

Science Games

Other Games

Learn More About Pittsburgh

Not only is this a wonderful place to live, Pittsburgh was recently ranked 7th in the nation for best places to raise a family, so if you would like to browse Pittsburgh homes for sale, or learn more about our area, simply contact me, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent.

Pittsburgh, PA Area Things To Do

If you are looking to relocate to Pittsburgh, or buy Pittsburgh area real estate, you may be thinking of our area as only a large city and suburbs. Pittsburgh is a large city, and we have many beautiful suburbs, like Peters Township, but what you may not know is that there is plenty of great outdoor adventure fun to enjoy here as well. My favorite? Camping!

Camping in Pittsburgh

The summer months in Pittsburgh are a wonderful time to get away from work and take the family -or a lot of friends-for some great camping. The  cost for a camping adventure is budget friendly and the Pittsburgh area communities offer great camp grounds that offer all sorts of options and amenities, so you can enjoy roasting marshmallows, hiking, camp fire cooking,  and sleeping under the stars to whatever level you are comfortable with-from roughing it to having hot showers.

Pittsburgh Entertainment

The following camp grounds offer great options for families:

• Bear Run Campground – The 60 acre Bear Run Campground has 316 tent sites, RV Sites, and cabins located adjacent to Moraine State Park and McConnell’s Mill State Park in Butler County, Pennsylvania. Swimming pool and canoe rentals available.
• Breakneck Campground – The Tent camping for individuals and groups is available at this private, forested campground located within walking distance of Slippery Rock Creek. Surrounded by McConnell’s Mill State Park and just ten minutes from Moraine State Park.
• Madison / Pittsburgh SE KOA- Although located in Westmoreland County, this is the closest KOA campground to Pittsburgh and Monroeville. Offers pull-thru sites, full-hookups, modem dataport, swimming pool, and free fishing.
• Peaceful Valley Family Campground – An assortment of tent sites and full hookups are available at this Butler County campground, plus a swimming pool and weekend activities and entertainment.

Learn More About Pittsburgh

Interested in discovering more about Pittsburgh or reading about how Pittsburgh  is a great area to raise a family? Simply contact me, your expert Pittsburgh Area Real Estate Agent.

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Zoo

The summer months are some of the best time to enjoy everything the Pittsburgh real estate area has to offer families. The Pittsburgh Zoo is one of my favorite places to recommend to clients relocating to Pittsburgh because it offers something for everyone.  From the extensive animal habitats to the stroller friendly trams, the Pittsburgh Zoo is perfect for a family adventure.

Family Fun in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh home buyers often mention to me that they love how family friendly the city is, and our great local zoo is a perfect example. There are several regions to the zoo, with exhibits and entertainment geared to reach every member of your family, regardless of ages or stages. The regions include:

• African Savanna
• Asian Forest
• Kids Kingdom
• Bears
• PPG Aquarium
• Tropical Forest
• Water’s Edge

The Kids Kingdom makes it easy for little ones to embrace learning about the animals with exhibits and activity areas where kids can learn how to act like the very animals they are visiting. There are also animals native to Pennsylvania, a petting zoo, reptiles, small mammals and much more to keep your children entertained. For more mature family members, there is a special “Speak with a Zoo Keeper” area where you can observe them working, talk with them about animals, and how to care for the animals.

Pittsburgh Real Estate

The Pittsburgh Zoo is only one of the things that make the entire Pittsburgh communities and surrounding suburbs-like the Peters Township community a great place to raise a family. To learn more about our wonderful area, or to start your own home buying adventure, simply contact me, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent.

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Education

Moving with children can be very stressful-especially if your children are in school, or getting ready to go to school.  While most moves are for jobs or job relocation, you will still feel pressure to find the best schools in your new area and you may feel at a loss on where to start.

Schools in Pittsburgh

If you are moving to Pittsburgh with children though, you actually are very lucky; all of our schools are amazing, and the school districts consistently rank well for performance, test scores, graduation rates and percentage of students and go on to college. In fact, our schools are so highly coveted and desired by people relocating to Pittsburgh, that new schools and school renovations are currently going on so as to ensure our low classroom ratios of students/teachers and superior learning environments with access to the latest technology and after-school activities.

Pittsburgh Featured in Parenting Magazine

The very popular Parenting Magazine July issue has a feature on Best Cities for families-and Pittsburgh is ranked in the Top 10 for Education and number 50 overall for Best Cities for Families.

About The Pittsburgh Area

The cities were all ranked based on health, safety, education, economy and recreation and overall, Pittsburgh is a well rounded city in all categories-offering a wonderful lifestyle for families and singles.  Pittsburgh homes for sale vary from luxury downtown condos to beautiful single family homes; you are sure to find the perfect fit for your needs after browsing the Pittsburgh MLS.

Contact A Pittsburgh Realtor

To learn even more? Simply contact me, Jim Dolanch. I am here to answer anything and everything about our area and our wonderful Pittsburgh real estate neighborhoods .

Until next time,

Jim

Pittsburgh Is One Of Best Cities for Education

I am quite honored to say that my home town Pittsburgh area has been voted by Parenting Magazine as one of the 2010 10 Best Cities in the Country for Eduction. Honestly though, it is not a huge surprise. After all, families are essential like and all of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, like Peters Township, take great pride in ensuring Pittsburgh is a wonderful environment to raise a family. if you are relocating to the Pittsburgh area, you will find great family activities and entertainment around every corner.

Pittsburgh Area Schools

Eduction is the key to success-and when you buy Pittsburgh real estate, you truly become part of a village that will help raise your children to be productive, educated, and confident members of society. From our 50 NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited preschools to our top ranked Blue Ribbon awarded schools with an average of 11.9 students per teacher, you can easily see why Pittsburgh Schools are highly desired.

Raising A Family in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is one of those cities that offers it all-a wonderful environment for families with all the amenities and entertainment for adults. From the outstanding numerous Peters Township area golf courses to the amazing Pittsburgh area shopping, you will find plenty to keep mom and dad happy, as well. Would you like to learn more about our schools? You can browse the Pittsburgh area communities, or simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent, to find the answers to all your questions.

Until next time,
Jim

Memorial Day In Pittsburgh

Of all the holidays, there is not one that moves me the way Memorial Day does. Just about everyone has someone they care about serving-or that has served-in our military services, and to those men and women, I forever feel a deep dept of gratitude for their sacrifice and bravery.

Regardless how you feel about the government, war, or any of the like, we have to tip our hats and say a huge “thank you” to all brave men and women who serve, protect, and sacrifice for all of us.

Pittsburgh Area Events

This weekend, the Pittsburgh area will be celebrating in style, with a full 3 day celebration in downtown Pittsburgh. There will be lights and parades all around town, with most starting at the local community VFW centers around 9am. The East Pittsburgh parade begins at 9am at the VFW center and ending at Churchill Cemetery with honors given to the Soldier’s Plot at 11am.

There are so many ceremonies and parades that will be taking place in all the Pittsburgh area neighborhood communities, that I can’t list everything here; however, if you want to check for your specific area’s celebration, browse here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06146/693382-85.stm

Pittsburgh Area

Soldiers an Sailors Memorial Hall, at 4141 Fifth Ave will be open at 10am until 4pm, with special stations for visitors to get a more engaging and interactive look at the exhibits.

There will also be entertainment for the children, with Uncle Sam’s Kid Tent, where children can learn age appropriately and entertain tales and games of our patriotic history and the meaning of Memorial Day.

There will also be great patriotic prizes given out throughout the day as well as a “mess tent” where you can get a hot dog, soda, and US Flag for only $1.00 while a DJ plays music. A memorial service for Pennsylvania’s Fallen Soldiers in the War against Terrorism begins at 11, and at 2pm the Hall of Valor induction ceremony will start in the auditorium.

Pittsburgh Things To Do

Pittsburgh real estate communities offer abundant parks, green spaces, and recreation, as well, and they would make the perfect places to hold a family picnic or bbq before catching some of the community firework displays.

Should you have any questions about events for Memorial Day, simply contact me, your expert Pittsburgh area real estate agent.

Until next time,
Jim

Pittsburgh Featured Real Estate Listings

339 Catalina Drive is a four bedroom, 2 1/2 bath 2154 sqft home located near Bethel Park and the St. Clair Country Club, with convenient access to hwy 19. It is also priced to move at $279,900, so it probably won’t be on the market for long.

What truly sets this home apart from other homes for sale in Pittsburgh are the amazing updates. The kitchen has been completely transformed into a cook’s dream, with cherry cabinetry, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and stylish finishes.

Entertain In Your Amazing Back Yard

If you enjoy entertaining, then you will fall in love with the back deck that is perfect for grilling out for a crowd just as well as for an intimate date night. You will also enjoy the lushly landscaped patio and fire pit that leads out to a level, private wooded lot.

Request A Pittsburgh Home Tour

Would you like to come see 339 Catalina Drive in person? Simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh Real Estate agent, to set up a tour.

Until next time,
Jim

Pittsburgh Relocation

Relocating to Pittsburgh can be exciting and wonderful-but it can also bring up a lot of questions.

Like where are the  schools? What neighborhoods offer sidewalks? Is there shopping nearby? If you happen to be moving to Pittsburgh from far way, you may even be wondering where exactly a neighborhood is located in relation to the city and streets. Should you have any questions about any neighborhoods, be sure to ask an expert Pittsburgh Realtor.

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Information

There are many amazing neighborhoods in the city and suburbs of Pittsburgh, and by clicking on the map to the left, the map will enlarge so you can easily read the neighborhood names and identify where they are located.

Learn About Pittsburgh Communities

If you have been searching the Pittsburgh MLS real estate listings to find your Pittsburgh dream home, you will notice you can search based on chosen communities. Take a look at the map above to see the location of different communities you may be interested in touring homes for sale and simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, your expert Pittsburgh real estate agent, to learn more about the specific communities.

I hope you find the map helpful on your home buying journey. As always, feel free to ask me anything and everything about Pittsburgh real estate; I am here to serve you.

Until next time,
Jim

Get Your Pittsburgh Real Estate Ready to Sell

When it is time to sell your Pittsburgh home, one of the best areas to show off  is your kitchen.  Even if you have an older home, with a smaller, outdated kitchen, don’t despair. Despite your home not being a “gourmet” kitchen, you can still show off all the charm and function your kitchen holds by showcasing all the space-or making what you have appear to be large.

Stage Your Pittsburgh Real Estate

One of the best items you can do when selling your how is to stage your home. Get rid of all the clutter, extra furniture and items. Again, you kitchen is the main room that can make or break a home-so to make it appear that yours is spacious, put all your appliances away. Find another storage spot for your toaster and coffee maker-perhaps even cut down on items in your cabinets now to make room for the ones that you will take out to use often. Put extra plates, cups, and cookware in storage or in the attic. Create as much room as possible for your home buyers to view. A cluttered kitchen-and especially a counter top covered with appliances-will give home buyers the impression of limited storage.

Pittsburgh Real Estate

If you find yourself trying to sell your home and not getting the results you want or need, then you may want to consider getting an expert Pittsburgh real estate agent in your corner. As a real estate expert, I know the tricks, touches, and quick staging tips to make your home appeal to buyers. Simply contact me, Jim Dolanch, to learn more.

Until next time,
Jim

Pittsburgh Mother’s Day Events

If you are having a hard time coming up with a special surprised gift that will convey just how much you mom means to you, the area of Pittsburgh is here to help you with some wonderfully special, unique and memorable Mother’s Day events the whole family will love.

Pittsburgh Things To Do

If you find yourself relocating to Pittsburgh right now, you may really feel in a rush to find the perfect gift for the your wife this mothers day. One great event you can take her too is the Family Walkabout: Wildflowers for Mom on Saturday, May 8, from 2pm to 4pm at the Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve.

What better way to celebrate Mom, as well as your big move to Pittsburgh, than by taking the time to relax and enjoy your new surroundings? At the Mother’s Day Walkabout, you will join naturalists on a walk through Beechwood, where they will point out wildflowers, shrubs and plants.

Then Mom and the family will enjoy a wonderfully relaxing afternoon tea part with light refreshments. The best part? The Family WalkAbout is a very budget friendly-yet unique-gift to give. It is only $2 for Nature Reserve members and $5 for non members. You can learn more about the event here: http://www.aswp.org/

Pittsburgh Zoo

May 8, 2010 the Pittsburgh Zoo will be hosting a lovely Mother’s Day Brunch, featuring great food, calypso music, mother and kids activities, and an animal presentation by local celebrity Henry Kacprzyk!

If the Moms in your life happen to love going to the zoo, then you will have to make sure she makes it out on Sunday, May 9th, as the Pittsburgh Zoo will be giving free admission to moms accompanied by their children, as well as, free chair massages and make overs.

Happy Mother’s Day, Pittsburgh Moms

I wish all moms out there a very wonderful, happy and restful Mother’s Day; thank you Moms for all you do!

Until next time,

Jim