"Men named Melvin, Foster and Pike / ban together and have me called a township. / I am Bradford‰Û_and am named so /
because of where these families hail from." -- Angela Nuzzo, "Voice of the Valley"
Nestled in the valley of the spectacular Allegheny Mountains, Bradford is the home of 8,770 people moving up and about within 3
"Men named Melvin, Foster and Pike / ban together and have me called a township. / I am Bradford‰Û_and am named so /
because of where these families hail from." -- Angela Nuzzo, "Voice of the Valley"
Nestled in the valley of the spectacular Allegheny Mountains, Bradford is the home of 8,770 people moving up and about within 3.5 square miles of land area. The city's history dates back in the late 19th century, triggered by the black gold rush in the area. While Bradford remains to be the home of the oldest oil refinery in the country, people settle here for reasons other than oil. We're guessing you have your own reasons too. Whatever it is, we'd like to welcome you to Bradford. Now here's a primer to make your move much easier.
To make sure you come fully prepared for the hunt, here are some things to keep in mind when renting an apartment in Bradford:
What to Expect?
Almost half of the population in this city are renters so you won't feel so out of place. While a majority of property rentals in Bradford are single detached homes, you still have the option of renting an apartment, townhome or condo, if living close to neighbors is not a bother for you. Most houses here are from another era so pay attention when you're viewing a potential dig if you don't want to deal with the nightmare of living in a fixer upper in the next six months or so.
Be Prepared
Give yourself at least six weeks to find a suitable place. And for good measure, even when you're still in the process of sizing up a place or neighborhood, have your picture ID, rental history and proof of employment ready. You never know when lady luck smiles favorably and hands you the perfect apartment for your taking.
Hunting for an apartment can be a tedious job. But if you focus on a couple of areas that you know are the right fit for you, the task will be so much easier. Here's a look at some neighborhoods in Bradford, offering everything from high-rise apartments to single detached houses:
City Center: This neighborhood is the bustling hub of the city. This is a walkable area, so you might just get away without having your own ride. If you're looking for a cozy studio or two-bedroom apartments for rent, this is a good place to start looking. A movie house, dining joints, various businesses and TOPS Friendly Markets are just some of the establishments you'll see within the Main Street area.
Stickney: If you're not fond of city noise and you'd rather have wildlife as your neighbors, this is your ideal playground. Located adjacent to Allegany State Park, you should feel at home with one of the area's three- or four-bedroom rental homes.
Festivals and theater are the common preoccupations of residents in Bradford. The Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center and the Bromeley Family Theater at the University of Pittsburgh are the usual hang-outs for those with refined tastes in entertainment. Furthermore, Summer and Autumn Daze Festival, Stinkfest, Crook Farm Country Fair, and Zippo/Case Biennial Swap Meet are some of the events that make locals sizzle with excitement.
If you're more like an outdoor person, the Allegheny State Park should make a wonderful playground for you. You can go hiking, skiing, swimming or go on a camping trip when you have time to spare. But before you do any of that, get on with the apartment hunt first. Good luck -- you're going to love your new place!
