Brick c.1877 Pennsylvania Handyman Special With Fabulous Fireplaces Under $109K
OHU50K Notes $109,000
Brick c.1877 Pennsylvania Handyman Special With Fabulous Fireplaces. This historic home has so much original charm. With some TLC this home will be a gem.
Realtor Comments
This is an extremely unique home! The first floor has a large front porch, living room, dining room and kitchen. All three rooms have the original fireplaces, high ceilings, large windows and wood floor of different kinds. The foyer has a beautiful staircase to the second floor. The second floor has three spacious bedrooms and a full bath and original fireplaces. The walk-up attic can be used for storage or other activities. The unfinished addition is something to behold. It is constructed to be just like the rest of the house. You Can finish it in your own style to complete this grand home! The lot is quite large and private at 136x106x120x1665. The house needs work to bring it back to its grand self. The furnace is circulating gas hot water heat (radiators) no central air-conditioning and only heats the first floor, basement and 2nd floor bathroom. The second-floor bedrooms have no direct heat. The house is a great candidate for Mimi splits heating and cooling
- 3 bed
- 1 bath
- Build date 1877
45 Hodgson Ave, Pittsburgh, PA $109,000
- Contact Realtor: Craig Kostelac
- Google Map
- Niche
Pros of Pittsburgh, PA
Affordable for a Major City
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Housing costs are lower than many comparable cities (Boston, DC, NYC, West Coast).
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Good value if you want city amenities without big-city prices.
Top-Tier Healthcare & Education
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Home to UPMC, one of the largest and best-regarded healthcare systems in the U.S.
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Strong universities: University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne.
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Excellent for healthcare, research, and education careers.
Growing Tech & Robotics Hub
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CMU has helped make Pittsburgh a leader in AI, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and cybersecurity.
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Presence of Google, Meta, Apple, and startups.
Distinct Neighborhoods with Character
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Walkable, unique neighborhoods (Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Lawrenceville, Bloomfield, Strip District).
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Strong local identity and community pride.
Scenic & Green
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Hills, rivers, bridges, and views create a beautiful cityscape.
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Large park system (Frick, Schenley, Highland Parks).
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Easy access to hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation.
Arts, Culture & Sports
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Strong museums, theaters, and music scene.
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Passionate sports culture with Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.
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Active food scene with local chefs and ethnic neighborhoods.
Manageable Size
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Big-city amenities without overwhelming scale.
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Commute times are reasonable compared to larger metros.
Cons of Pittsburgh, PA
Cloudy Weather
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One of the cloudiest cities in the U.S.
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Long gray winters can affect mood.
Aging Infrastructure
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Old bridges, roads, and tunnels can cause bottlenecks.
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Construction and maintenance are ongoing challenges.
Challenging Driving
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Hilly terrain, narrow streets, tunnels, and confusing intersections.
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Can be frustrating for new residents.
Slow Growth & Legacy Issues
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Population growth is modest compared to Sun Belt cities.
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Some neighborhoods still show post-industrial decline.
Older Housing Stock
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Many homes are older and may need updates.
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Renovation costs can add up.
Limited Direct Flights
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Fewer nonstop flight options than larger hub cities.
Summary
Best for:
Healthcare, tech, research, and education professionals
People who want culture and walkable neighborhoods at a reasonable cost
Sports fans and outdoorsy city dwellers
Those who like historic character and distinct neighborhoods
Might not suit:
People sensitive to gray skies and long winters
Anyone who dislikes hills, tunnels, or older infrastructure
Those seeking rapid growth or a Sun Belt climate
One Comment
Naima Haviland
Gorgeous! I’m confused by the unfinished space, trying to figure out which part of the house that is. I’m not familiar enough with Pittsburgh to recognize the neighborhood, but it looks very well maintained and pretty. There are “good” and “bad” neighborhoods there, but in my nonprofessional opinion, you can’t go wrong buying anywhere in Pittsburgh. It’s a major city that has yet to price itself out of a middle-class buyer’s reach. And the city is fantastic. So pretty, with so much to do. Lifelong residents have a lot of civic pride. It is very very very hilly and driving can be a bit nervewracking. It has a snowy cold winter, but it’s usually warmer compared to the northern half of the state. The airport is manageable with lots of parking options; I fly in/out of it a lot.