Pittsburgh : Pennsylvania

What Pittsburgh is like for active adults

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania consistently makes the “Best Places to Live” lists. It has a beautiful setting where two major rivers (the Allegheny and the Monongahela) combine against a backdrop of steep hills. Pittsburgh has a solid economy, low cost of living, and growing educational, cultural and medical infrastructures. Pittsburgh has been named as a top 10 Value City for Retirement, and was the focus of an April 18 PBS series on the "Newshour". The New York Times offered it as an example of resilience even in the 2009 economic collapse.

Nicknamed the “Steel City”, that industry's collapse led to a hi-tech and medical resurgence in the city’s economy. The University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne, Carnegie-Mellon, Chatham College, and Washington & Jefferson College are just some of the prestigious schools in the area. The student presence has a major impact on the city 's ambiance, culture and economy.

Although Pittsburgh is Pennsylvania’s second largest city it manages to retain a relaxed feeling that isn’t found in many other cities. There are several distinct districts here including a compact downtown area near the Point (where the rivers combine) with many skyscrapers. The North Side is residential and has many architecturally interesting homes, along with many of the city’s popular attractions. The East End is home to the city’s universities and colleges and combines a noticeable student presence with homes for the very wealthy (in Shadyside and Squirrel Hill). The West End’s Mt. Washington features the Incline, a ride that showcases a great view of the city. There are a number of ethnic neighborhood, including the famous Hill District (African American). There are many lovingly restored homes in neighborhoods.

According to the National Association of Realtors the median selling prices of a home in Pittsburgh during the 2nd quarter of 2009 was $124,200 - almost unchanged from the year ago period - and a better performance than the rest of the U.S.

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What is special about this retirement community

• Relaxed living in a culturally rich environment • Consistently rated as a top livable city • World famous sports teams • Duquesne Incline • Monongahela Incline • Fort Duquesne • Fort Pitt • Cathedral of Learning • Mattress Factory – (museum of contemporary installation art) • Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium • Point State Park • The South Side • The Waterfront • The Strip District

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What is not special about this retirement community

Pittsburgh winters are cold and dreary, although the region does not receive much snowfall. Here are some helpful facts
about what it is like to retire in Pennsylvania

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What kinds of people like retiring here

Pittsburgh attracts a community of retirees who want to live in a livable city with many colleges and cultural opportunities. Pittsburgh has a proud past and people are strongly affiliated with the city.

Use this link for a page that explains the various types of retirement communities

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Local economy is driven by

The largest employer is the University of Pittsburgh and its Medical Center. There are a dozen or more Fortune 1000 companies with headquarters here including H.J. Heinz, PNC Financial, PPG Industries, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Technology, retail, finance, education, and medicine dominate the economy. For property tax information go to http://www.county.allegheny.pa.us/munimap/pittsburgh.asp

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Physical environment

The city is in the southwest corner of Pennsylvania. It is located at the confluence of the Allegheny River and Monongahela River, where they form the Ohio River. The area between the rivers is called the Golden Triangle. The terrain is extremely hilly.

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Cultural environment

The wealth created by Pittsburgh’s industrial past has resulted in an unusually strong cultural life. Major institutions include the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (in Heinz Hall), the Pittsburgh Opera, the Pittsburgh Dance Council and the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. The River City Brass Band and the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra perform here. Pittsburgh has a long tradition of jazz, blues and bluegrass music. Museums include the Andy Warhol Museum, ArtGardens of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Frick Art & Historical Center, Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

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Medical facilities

There are more than a dozen hospitals here, many of which are world famous.

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Transportation

Pittsburgh International Airport is new. Its mall structure is the model of the “new airport”. The mass transit system, the 11th largest in the nation, is excellent with buses, light rail, and funiculars (Inclines). Amtrak offers intercity rail service. There are bike trails along the riverfronts.

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Facts about PITTSBURGH

State: PA
Environment: Urban,College Town,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
Median HH Income: 20,001-40,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: 4001-6000
Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
Cost of Living Index: 81-90 (low)
Culture Index: 121+ (very high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: Yes
Name of the Guide: boomer1

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