Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania attracts active adults because of its manageable size, world-class medical centers and universities, renowned museums, lovely parks, and diverse cultural opportunities. This up-and-coming city in Allegheny County has amazing attractions and a distinctive charm. According to U.S. News & World Report, Pittsburgh is ranked the #8 place to retire in the United States.
Background
Back in the day, Pittsburgh (PGH) was a blue-collar town known for its steel mills. In the early 20th century, it was a hub for commerce and industry with railroads, busy harbors, and factories. Although the industry took a downturn in the 1970s, Pittsburgh has come back and now has a modern economy based on newer technology. Pittsburgh has an exciting downtown area with buzz-worthy restaurants, music, and a farm-to-table scene.
Pittsburgh also has a combination of city, state, county, and riverfront parks which reach close to 2,000 acres. It is also a big sports town, with Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins fans filling up the stadiums year-round to see their favorite teams play.
Living in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is more affordable than many other major U.S. cities. However, since it is up-and-coming, housing costs are slowly rising. The average cost of a house in Pittsburgh is around $137,555 compared to $222,408 nationwide. On average, Allegheny County homeowners paid a property tax rate of 1.17 percent in 2017.
Seasonal temperatures vary, and extremes are rare. Average winter temperatures in Pittsburgh are around 31 degrees, and summer temps hover around 71 degrees.
PGH is home to many fine medical centers, such as UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside. You will also find some of the country’s top universities here, including University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and Carnegie Mellon.
Getting Around in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is called a “walkable city” because its downtown area is not as big as other major cities. Residents and visitors can also take buses or use the light rail system to get around. Many people just hop on their bikes or use one of the many downtown bike rentals stops. There is an Amtrak station in PGH, plus three airports: Pittsburgh International, Allegheny County, and Arnold Palmer Regional.
Pittsburgh Communities
There are nine active adult communities in the area, starting in the mid-$200s and topping out in the mid-$600s.
Pinnacle at Adam
The smallest is Pinnacle at Adams in Mars, PA, 20 miles outside of Pittsburgh. With just 55 single-family homes, residents enjoy the privacy that comes from living in an upscale, intimate setting. Built by Traditions of America and priced from the high $300s to high $400s, models are sized from 1,623 to 3,037 square feet, with two or three bedrooms and bathrooms, plus attached two-car garages.
The Villas at Isleworth
Priced from the low $300s to mid $300s, the attached homes at The Villas at Isleworth in Cranberry Township were built from 2009 to 2013 by Epcon Communities. There are 104 dwellings with two models, from 1,716 to 1,816 square feet. These have either two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage.
Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge
The largest of the area’s active adult communities is Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge. It has 241 single-family and attached homes, priced from the mid $200s to low $300s. The attached Garden Homes range from 1,261 to 1,643 square feet, with two or more bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. Single family homes here come in six floor plans, with two or more bedrooms, two baths, and a two-car garage.
Active adults who want to live near a modern, accessible area with big-city appeal may find their home in the city of Pittsburgh. The 55+ communities that are near PGH offer top-notch lifestyle choices and amenities for those who like to live outside the box.
