Pittsburgh Independent Living

The median cost of independent living in Pittsburgh for a single-occupancy apartment is $2,545/month (SeniorHomes.com - 2015). This monthly cost typically includes rent, utilities, dining, housekeeping and transportation.

Known under two famous sobriquets, Steel City and City of Bridges (there are 644 bridges available to cross), Pittsburgh is the largest city in Pennsylvania and has been granted the title of America’s most livable city repeatedly, most recently in 2014. It was also ranked third best city in the entire United States for seniors in 2011. Built at the source of the Ohio River,the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers, the city proved to be a vital link for trade between the Midwest and the Atlantic, enriching itself accordingly along the way. Saturated with renowned museums, medical centers, parks, research centers, libraries, a vibrantly diverse cultural district, and the most bars per capita in the U.S., independent living in Pittsburgh should be high on the list of any prospective retiree.

Organizations Serving Seniors in Pittsburgh

With over 81 Senior Centers available throughout the greater Pittsburgh area, there’s no shortage of organizations looking out for the well being and best interests of Pittsburgh’s aging population. Pittsburgh, like all large American cities, has its own Area Agency on Aging to provide information on a range of services available to seniors. If engagement with the local community is a goal, the Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program both provide unique opportunities for seniors to interact in meaningful ways. Pittsburgh independent living need not be an isolated proposition.

Pittsburgh Senior-Friendly Activities

Whether attending a Bach Choir Recital, investigating military history at the Fort Necessity National Battlefield, being entertained by the furry inhabitants of the Pittsburgh Zoo, or suspending disbelief at the University of Pittsburgh’s Theater, independent living in Pittsburgh is never a dull proposition. There are no shortage of recreational pursuits available to the diversion minded among us. Chapters of the Red Hat Society are active in Pittsburgh as well as Alliance for retired Americans and OASIS, a non-profit that offers challenging programs in the arts, the humanities, in technology, and wellness for those interested in lifelong learning.

Pittsbugh Medical Facilities

With one of the largest and most respected geriatric programs in the country and ranked first for medical care in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is an institution to rely on. Also in the Pittsburgh area, Allegheny General Hospital is a distinguished for its orthopedics expertise and across town, Magees Women’s Hospital is one of the original six National Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health as designated by the U.S. Department of Health.

Senior Friendly Transportation in Pittsburgh

Like everything else about Pittsburgh, transportation options for seniors who need to get around town are comprehensive and convenient. The Freedom Coach offers sedan transportation, group and contract movements, passenger and personal nurse assistance, among other services. Access 65 Plus and OPT (Older Persons’ Transportation) also offer services similar to those offered by the Freedom Coach. If good, old-fashioned discounted public transportation is the desire of the day, the Port Authority Transit offers Senior ID cards to provide just that well-deserved recognition.

Set at the fork of its life-giving rivers, Pittsburgh is a succored city, replete with the essential materials for vibrant living and continuing discovery. For more information on senior living in Pittsburgh, see our options for Pittsburgh independent living.