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<p>I would say about now. Generally February is the month where people renew, and as such, is also the biggest month for people to begin looking for apartments or housing for the coming summer/fall.</p>
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<p>Depending on location in Wilkensburg, it’s actually still an easy commute. If you are an easy walk to Forbes Avenue (assuming it’s before Braddock) you can pick up a 61A or 61B, which come relatively frequently (every 10 minutes) during peak hours, and about every 20 minutes on off-peak hours. Those are the two buses I generally use to get to my place in Squirrel Hill, although I live close enough to also use the 61C and 61D if I wanted to (just an extra bit of walking involved). </p>
<p>In terms of ease of commute: North Oakland and South Oakland are the easiest because they are walking distance to Pitt. Technically, some places on the edge of Shadyside also provide this. Deeper Shadyside can be navigated by using either the 71B or 71D if you live close to Fifth avenue, the 71C or 71A if you live close to center, or the 75 if you live close to Ellsworth Ave (however, the 75 only comes around about every 30 minutes). I would say the easiest place to live in Shadyside is somewhere near Fifth Avenue before Highland Ave so that both the 71B and 71D can be used.</p>
<p>Also check out the actual distance from the apartment to campus (obviously Wilkensburg is a bit too far). I have actually walked from my apartment to campus- it’s about 2.5 miles or 30-40 minutes depending on the direction I’m walking in, and on a nice day I don’t mind doing it. If your son or his friends have a bike, that time is drastically reduced (and the commute becomes easier!).</p>
<p>In terms of costs, though, there is always a limit to how much you can pay. I have friends renting a small townhouse in Squirrel Hill next to Forbes Ave (at Shady) and I believe for the 3BR they pay ~$500 a person (and I know it is pet friendly as the one roommate has a dog). If they are looking for something cheaper than that, though, it will definitely be hard to find, regardless of location. For a decent place close to campus (with roommates) I would say ~$500 is the lowest you’ll get for rent.</p>