Pittsburgh is a vibrant city located in western Pennsylvania. It’s known for its hilly terrain, steel manufacturing past and Gilded Age architecture. According to 2017 estimates, Pittsburgh is home to about 302,407 residents. As Pennsylvania’s second-largest city, Pittsburgh has a surprisingly relaxed vibe, and many Pittsburghers are proud to call Steel City their home.
Pittsburgh is also known for its affordability. The cost of living in Pittsburgh is about 1 percent lower than the national average, and about 8 percent lower than the state average. In 2017, Bankrate rated Pittsburgh as the best place to retire due to its low cost of living, and also because there are many safe places to live in and around Pittsburgh. Retirees also enjoy proximity to world-class healthcare facilities while living in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh features around 90 different neighborhoods, each with their own character. As a retiree, how do you know which one to choose? We put together a list to help you narrow your choices. Considering factors such as access to healthcare, walkability and fun things to do, we’ve decided the best Pittsburgh neighborhoods for retirees are:
If you prefer suburban living, there is no shortage of great places to live that are just a short drive from downtown. Many Pittsburgh suburbs score high in safety and have tight-knit, friendly communities. In this post, we’ll also look at:
Ready to learn more about Pittsburgh’s best neighborhoods for retirees? The pierogies, die-hard sports fans and samiches loaded with fries and coleslaw can’t wait to welcome you home.
1. Squirrel Hill
Squirrel Hill is a residential neighborhood located entirely on top of a hill. Here, you’ll find many stunning Tudor homes, as well as a colorful business district.
Squirrel Hill is divided into two sections — North and South. Much of Squirrel Hill is surrounded by Pittsburgh’s most popular parks, including Schenley Park and Frick Park. With many restaurants and shops within walking distance and plenty of beautiful homes to look at, Squirrel Hill is a desirable neighborhood to live in. Here’s how we break it down:
- Walkability: According to Walkscore.com, Squirrel Hill South is the 21st most walkable neighborhood in Pittsburgh with a walk score of 72. Squirrel Hill North is slightly less walkable with a 68 walk score.
- Amenities: Squirrel Hill residents enjoy dining at a variety of ethnic restaurants and living next to pizza rivals Mineo’s and Aiello’s. They also have convenient access to either Schenley Park or Frick Park for recreation. Finally, there is a Giant Eagle Supermarket close by for easy grocery shopping.
- Healthcare: Squirrel Hill residents are never far from medical care. This neighborhood is home to Squirrel Hill Health Center, as well as a variety of wellness centers, counseling services and family practices.
- Demographics: Most Squirrel Hill residents are under age 35. Squirrel Hill South is home to a slightly higher senior population than the North with 12 percent of residents being between the ages of 55 and 64, and 18 percent being 65 and over. Still, Squirrel Hill is an affluent part of town with residents bringing in between $75,000 to $122,000 median household income.
- Safety: Both Squirrel Hill North and South get a B when it comes to crime and safety according to Niche.com.
- Ideal For: Squirrel Hill is perfect for retirees who enjoy spending time outdoors but also want to be near cultural amenities. It’s also the place to be for retirees who want to regularly taste different ethnic cuisines.
2. North Oakland
The Oakland neighborhood hosts three historic districts and is home to the Carnegie Museums, coffee shops, unique eateries and Pittsburgh University’s School of Medicine. As a whole, Oakland is the academic and medical center of Pittsburgh. We’ll look at North Oakland because it features a high safety score:
- Amenities: There is plenty to do in Oakland, whether you want to explore the Gothic-style Cathedral of Learning or the Carnegie Museum of Art. Retirees who love botany will enjoy strolling through Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. You can enjoy many restaurants in Oakland, from Pittsburgh classics like Primanti Bros. to the exotic Spice Island Tea House.
- Healthcare: Oakland is perfect for retirees who want to live comfortably close to state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. Oakland is home to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Presbyterian and more.
- Demographics: Many college students live in Oakland, so about 69 percent of North Oakland residents are between the ages of 18 to 24, and 11 percent of residents are 65 and over. The average median household income is $20,706.
- Safety: North Oakland scores a B minus safety score.
- Ideal For: North Oakland is ideal for intellectual retirees who wish to live close to museums, healthcare centers and Pittsburgh’s academic heartbeat.
3. Swisshelm Park
Swisshelm Park is a family-friendly residential neighborhood that feels suburban but is close to the action. Most Swisshelm Park residents own their home. A large portion of Swisshelm Park is surrounded by Frick Park making it an excellent location for nature lovers. Other factors include:
- Walkability: Swisshelm Park is the 71st most walkable neighborhood in Pittsburgh and scores a 27 walk score. Many Swisshelm Park residents depend on a car to run errands.
- Amenities: Swisshelm Park borders the Nine Mile Run Watershed and Frick Park for recreational activities. It’s close to Squirrel Hill South and Regent Square for access to cultural amenities, shopping and unique dining.
- Healthcare: Swisshelm Park residents are close to UPMC and Metro Community Health Center.
- Demographics: The majority of Swisshelm Park residents, or 24 percent, are between the ages of 55 and 64. The median household income is $65,313.
- Safety: Swisshelm Park is a safe place to live within the city, and scores an A when it comes to crime and safety.
- Ideal For: This neighborhood is ideal for retirees who want to live in a safe, family-friendly community that is close to Pittsburgh’s largest park.
4. Regent Square
Regent Square also borders Frick Park and offers a more urban feel than the Swisshelm Park neighborhood. It is also within walking distance of Edgewood Towne Center for convenient shopping. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and an art-house movie theater in Regent Square. Here’s our breakdown:
- Amenities: Regent Square residents enjoy easy access to Regent Square Theatre, Concept Art Gallery, Frick Park, Edgewood Towne Center and an eclectic mix of eateries.
- Healthcare: Several medical practices are available in and around Regent Square.
- Demographics: Most of Regent Square residents are ages 25 to 34, and the median household income is $66,612.
- Ideal For: This neighborhood is perfect for retirees who want convenient access to a grocery store while still being close to urban amenities. It’s also an excellent location for retirees who love art and cinema.
5. Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville is a hip and energetic neighborhood in Pittsburgh that’s home to unique shops, restaurants, bars, a bowling alley, music venues and more. For retirees who want to surround themselves with a trendy, youthful vibe, Lawrenceville is the place to be:
- Amenities: Lawrenceville offers numerous amenities from Row House Cinema to the historic Allegheny Cemetery and all the gift shops, boutiques and eateries between.
- Healthcare: Lawrenceville residents are close to UPMC St. Margaret Lawrenceville Family Health Center, which provides a vast array of health services and primary medical care for all ages.
- Demographics: Central Lawrenceville is home to many individuals between the ages of 25 and 34. However, 17 percent of residents are over the age of 65. The median household income in Central Lawrenceville is $52,255.
- Ideal For: Lawrenceville is great for retirees who love art, music, cinema and an entrepreneurial spirit.
6. Highland Park
Highland Park is both the name of a diverse residential neighborhood and the park that surrounds it. This neighborhood is close to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, along with many other recreational opportunities:
- Amenities: The park of Highland Park features volleyball courts, a garden, swimming pool and two reservoirs. Highland Park residents are next door to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Plenty of restaurants are also nearby.
- Healthcare: Highland Park residents live close to West Penn Medical Associates and the Physical Therapy Institute.
- Ideal For: Highland Park is perfect for active retirees who want to be close to recreational areas. It’s also a great place to live for individuals who would enjoy a zoo membership.
7. Downtown
Nicknamed the Golden Triangle, Downtown is bursting with things to do. It’s where visitors and residents enjoy history, entertainment, culture, riverfront trails and fine dining any day of the year:
- Amenities: There’s plenty to do in the Downtown area, whether residents wish to bike along the riverfront or people-watch in Market Square. Those who cross the Allegheny River can catch a Steelers game at Heinz Field, take in art at the Andy Warhol Museum or be swept away by the many birds at the National Aviary.
- Healthcare: Century Medical Associates and UPMC Mercy are both within reach Downtown.
- Demographics: Most Downtown residents, or 65 percent, are between the ages of 18 and 24. Downtown residents also have high salaries or a median household income of $95,426.
- Safety: Downtown scores lower on the crime and safety scale than other neighborhoods on this list with a C-minus rating.
- Ideal For: Downtown is perfect for sports fans or any retiree who wants to live in the heart of all the action.
8. Strip District
The Strip District is a foodie’s paradise. Here you’ll find dozens of establishments to make your taste buds dance, from specialty grocery stores to many of the best international restaurants in the city. There is also an array of wineries, candy stores and distilleries in this popular part of town:
- Walkability: The Strip District is the 24th most walkable neighborhood in Pittsburgh with a walk score of 69.
- Amenities: Other than endless food shopping and dining options, the Strip District is also home to the Pittsburgh Opera and the Strip District Trail. It is also close to Downtown.
- Healthcare: Strip District residents are close to the medical centers located Downtown and not too far from the UPMC facilities in Oakland.
- Demographics: The majority of Strip District residents are between the ages of 25 to 34, and the median household income is $93,125.
- Safety: The Strip District gets a C-minus when it comes to crime and safety.
- Ideal For: The Strip District is perfect for retirees who love to cook and want the option to taste something new every day.
Best Pittsburgh Suburbs for Retirees
If city living isn’t quite right for your lifestyle, there are tons of excellent options for retirees in the Pittsburgh suburbs. Many of Pittsburgh’s suburbs are charming in their own way and feature safe and affordable places to live. When you crave action, the city is only a short ride away.
1. Mount Lebanon
Mount Lebanon is a family-friendly suburb with character. Known for its excellent school system, retirees will feel comfortable walking down Washington Road which is lined with restaurants, shops and cafes. Mount Lebanon also has a light rail station, so residents can conveniently catch a ride into the city:
- Walkability: Mount Lebanon is considered somewhat walkable with a walk score of 66.
- Amenities: Mount Lebanon residents can walk to a variety of restaurants and shops. Mount Lebanon Station is conveniently located a short walk away from Washington Road. There is also a large library that regularly hosts free community events.
- Healthcare: Several medical doctors practice along Washington Road and St. Clair Hospital.
- Demographics: The majority of Mount Lebanon residents, or 20 percent, are ages 65 and over. The median household income is $86,422.
- Ideal For: Mount Lebanon is perfect for retirees who want easy access to the city but who also want a comfortable, suburban place to live.
2. Sewickley
Sewickley is sophisticated and quaint, home to unique boutiques, eateries and galleries. It’s located northwest of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River:
- Amenities: Residents enjoy easy access to many shops and eateries. There is also a public library and the Tull Family Theater in town.
- Healthcare: Several doctors and medical specialists are in and nearby Sewickley, as well as Heritage Valley Hospital.
- Demographics: The majority of Sewickley residents, or 18 percent, are ages 65 and up. The median household income is $69,625.
- Ideal For: Sewickley is perfect for retirees who want a safe, highly walkable place to live with lots of class.
3. Aspinwall
Aspinwall is a residential borough located across the Allegheny River and Highland Park. Aspinwall has an urban feel but scores high in safety:
- Amenities: Aspinwall residents enjoy recreational activities at Riverfront Park, as well as shopping at Labriola’s Italian Market or Patty’s Farm Market. A short drive over the Highland Park Bridge takes residents to Highland Park.
- Healthcare: Aspinwall is a short walk away from UPMC St. Margaret hospital and other UPMC medical centers.
- Demographics: Most of Aspinwall’s residents are between the ages of 35 and 44. However, 14 percent are 65 and over. The median household income in Aspinwall is $66,108.
- Ideal For: Aspinwall is ideal for retirees who want convenient access to healthcare. It’s also perfect for those who want a mix of urban and suburban living.
Spend Your Golden Years Enjoying Pittsburgh
If you’re moving or have recently moved to Pittsburgh, you’ll see that many Pittsburgh neighborhoods and suburbs would make an excellent place to call home. No matter which community you choose, you’ll never be far from great food, excellent healthcare and friendly people.
At Mr. Maid, we welcome you to Steel City, and we’re excited to help you enjoy your new home. We offer high-quality cleaning services for residential and commercial clients in the Pittsburgh region. Our staff is committed to customer satisfaction, and we take pride in making our clients’ homes clean and comfortable considering every detail. We’ll meet all your cleaning needs, so you can spend your time enjoying everything this city has to offer instead of cleaning.
If you’re ready for a team of professional cleaners to regularly make your new home sparkle, contact us today or request a cleaning quote.
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