Pennsylvania / Westmoreland County

Moving to Southwest, PA

Thinking of making a move to Southwest, PA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Southwest, PA

Considering a move to Southwest, PA? This welcoming community of 5,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $128,000 and average rents near $810. Commute times average 26 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (49% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Southwest's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Southwest, PA

Southwest has a population of 5,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 92% White, 4% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
5,200
Density
420 per sq mi
Median Age
42.1
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.7%

Ethnic Composition

White
91.5%
Black
4.2%
Asian
1.1%
Others
3.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Southwest, PA?

The cost of living in Southwest is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.6. Median home values are around $128,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $810. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$128,000
Gross Rent
$810
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$430
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
89.6
Grocery
94.2
Housing
71.0
Utilities
95.8
Transportation
83.5
Health Care
95.0
Miscellaneous
91.0

Crime

Is Southwest, PA a safe place to live?

Southwest is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 145 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 95. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
145
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,050
Crime Index
1,195
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 690
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 95

Weather

What is the weather like in Southwest, PA year-round?

Southwest experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 41 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 49% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
20°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
60°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
45°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
41.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
49%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $51,800 and a low poverty rate of 13.2%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,200
Household Income
$51,800
Family Income
$63,100
Per Capita Income
$27,400
Income Male
$41,400
Income Female
$32,800
Poverty Rate
13.2%
Non English Speakers
4.7%
Rent
$810
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
Public Transport Usage
1.1%
Commute Time
25.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.8%
Bachelors or More
23.6%

Education

How are the schools in Southwest, PA?

Southwest offers quality education options, with public schools like Southwest Elementary School and West Hempfield Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Seton Hill University and University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Southwest Elementary School
Street
206 W Pittsburgh St
Phone
724-837-8190
Students
354
Student Teacher Ratio
14.6
Name
West Hempfield Middle School
Street
156 Northumberland Dr
Phone
724-837-6130
Students
510
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
Greensburg Central Catholic High School
Street
911 Armory Dr
Phone
724-834-0310
Students
315

Colleges

Name
Seton Hill University
City
Greensburg
State
PA
Distance
4 miles
Students
2,200
Name
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
City
Greensburg
State
PA
Distance
7 miles
Students
1,500

Healthcare

Southwest residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital and UPMC East nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 91.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital
Address
532 W Pittsburgh St, Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone
(724) 832-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
UPMC East
Address
2775 Mosside Blvd, Monroeville, PA 15146
Phone
(412) 357-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
91.8%
Health Care Index
70.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Southwest, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $128,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 74%. The market has seen a 3.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 8.2%. Southwest offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$128,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$810
Owner Occupied Rate
73.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.3%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.6%

DMV Information

Residents of Southwest handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) - DMV, conveniently located in Harrisburg. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) - DMV
Address
1101 S Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-800-932-4600

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Southwest, PA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Southwest, review the core fields on this page: population 5,200, median home value $128,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $810, commute time 25.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 49%.

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