Pittsburgh Area 55+ Retirement Communities

The Pittsburgh area is a dynamic and culturally rich location that offers a wide range of amenities and attractions within a 10-mile radius. Known for its scenic beauty, Pittsburgh combines the charm of a smaller town with the conveniences of a larger city. The three largest cities in the area provide unique experiences. The bustling city of McKeesport offers a blend of urban and suburban living, with a rich history and access to outdoor recreational activities. Bethel Park, on the other hand, boasts a suburban setting with beautiful parks and a close-knit community feel. Monroeville offers a thriving business district, along with a vibrant arts scene and opportunities for shopping and dining.

For more information about visiting or moving to the Pittsburgh area, you can explore the official website of the City of Pittsburgh which provides comprehensive information on city services and attractions. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and TribLIVE are two local newspapers that offer valuable insights into the community and keep you informed about the latest news and events in the area. 

Affordability and Cost of Living 

The Pittsburgh area has a lower cost of living than much of the country. Lower housing costs are the primary reason, the median home cost in Pittsburgh is $178,438 as compared to the national average of $338,100. Groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation costs are either below or just barely above U.S. average.

Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07 percent income tax however Social Security and retirement benefits are not taxed. Property taxes are on the high end although there are some programs to help low income seniors. Pennsylvania does have an estate inheritance tax that retirees should be aware of.

Many of the active retirement communities are located either in suburbs or small towns outside of the city. This gives retirees choices in both price range and preferred lifestyle and all the communities are an easy drive to the city for recreation, dining, and shopping. Pricing varies with location and proximity to the city but range between the low $100s to over $1 million.

Climate and Geography 

The Pittsburgh metro area has warm, humid summers and cold winters with an average of 8 to 40 inches of snowfall per year depending on where you are in the metro area. Summertime highs average in the mid 80s but the temperature can be in the 90s for several days a year. Average temperatures in the winter are between zero and 28 degrees, the coldest day on record was in 1994 when temperatures plummeted to 22 degrees below zero. Western Pennsylvania is prone to thunderstorms and tornadoes in late spring and early summers. 

The city of Pittsburgh is located at the confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River, which combine to form the Ohio River. It is a hilly area due to its proximity to the Appalachians, in fact the steepest street in the U.S. is in Pittsburgh, not San Francisco. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

The Pittsburgh area offers a multitude of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping destinations, and entertainment options. Here are some of the area attractions and activities you can explore:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont
• Pittsburgh Field Club in Fox Chapel
• Edgewood Country Club in Edgewood
• The Club at Nevillewood in Presto

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• Three Rivers Heritage Trail along the rivers in Pittsburgh
• Schenley Park Trails in Pittsburgh
• North Park in Allison Park
• South Park in Bethel Park

Museums and Historical Sites

• Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History in Pittsburgh
• The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh
• Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh
• Fort Pitt Museum in Pittsburgh

Performing Arts

• Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in Pittsburgh
• Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts in Pittsburgh
• PNC Park for Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games in Pittsburgh
• PPG Paints Arena for Pittsburgh Penguins hockey games in Pittsburgh

Shopping

• The Mall at Robinson in Robinson Township
• Shadyside neighborhood boutiques in Pittsburgh
• Walnut Street shops in Pittsburgh
• Ross Park Mall in Ross Township

Parks and Gardens

• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh
• Highland Park in Pittsburgh
• Frick Park in Pittsburgh
• Point State Park in Pittsburgh

Festivals and Fairs

• Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh
• Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival in West Newton
• Pittsburgh Irish Festival in Pittsburgh
• Little Italy Days in Bloomfield, Pittsburgh

Health and Wellness 

The Pittsburgh area offers excellent health and wellness support for its residents. The city is home to renowned medical institutions such as UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, a leading academic medical center that provides comprehensive care across various specialties. Additionally, Allegheny General Hospital, part of the Allegheny Health Network, is another reputable facility offering top-notch medical services. These medical centers are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by highly skilled healthcare professionals, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare.

The Pittsburgh area offers many other options for self-care and wellness including fitness centers, yoga studios, and recreational facilities, allowing individuals to stay physically active and engaged. Pittsburgh is home to several parks and trails, providing opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking. For mental well-being, there are meditation centers, mindfulness workshops, and community support groups that cater to diverse interests and needs. For those who want to improve their health through nutrition the area has several farmers markets which offer farm fresh produce and other healthy fare.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

Considering a 55+ retirement community in the Pittsburgh area? Exploring the area before making a decision is a crucial step. This 2-day itinerary will help you familiarize yourself with the region, visit key attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and meet with a local 55places expert retirement community partner agent.

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Pamela's Diner in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, known for its famous pancakes.
• Visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, located in Pittsburgh, to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh in the South Side Works, offering a traditional German dining experience.
• Explore the Andy Warhol Museum, also located in Pittsburgh, which showcases the works of the iconic pop artist.

Evening:

• Indulge in a delicious dinner at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto in Mount Washington, offering breathtaking views of Pittsburgh's skyline and a delectable seafood menu.

Day Two

Morning:

• Begin your day with a cup of coffee and a light breakfast at La Gourmandine Bakery and Pastry Shop in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent, who will provide valuable insights and information about the retirement community options in the area.

Afternoon:

• Explore the Strip District, a vibrant neighborhood with unique shops, specialty stores, and local vendors. Don't miss the bustling Pittsburgh Public Market, offering an array of artisanal goods.
• Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Aladdin's Eatery in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, offering a menu of healthy and flavorful Mediterranean cuisine.

Evening:

• Complete your visit to Pittsburgh with a delightful dinner at Church Brew Works in Lawrenceville, housed in a beautifully renovated church and serving craft beers and tasty pub fare.

Getting to the Pittsburgh, PA Area

Getting to the Pittsburgh area is convenient with various transportation options available for visitors coming from different parts of the country. Whether you prefer flying, driving, or utilizing trains and busses, here are directions on how to reach the city:

Flying:

The closest major airport to Pittsburgh is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). It is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. These airlines operate flights to and from primary hubs such as Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia, and more. 

Driving:

Pittsburgh is easily accessible by major highways. If you are driving from the east, you can take Interstate 76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) or Interstate 70. From the west, Interstate 79 leads to the city. From the north, Interstate 79 and Interstate 279 are the primary routes. From the south, Interstate 79 connects to Pittsburgh.

By Train and Bus:

Amtrak operates train services to Pittsburgh through the Pennsylvanian route, which connects Pittsburgh with Philadelphia and other cities in the region. For bus travel, Greyhound and Megabus provide services to and from Pittsburgh, connecting it to various destinations across the country.