Cleveland vs Pittsburgh, Medical Care and living on a fixed income (best, better)

[sephiro499]

I'm looking to relocate for medical services. I live in red lion pa right now. My problems are sleep, pain, and anxiety. I'm on ssdi of 1530 after medicare deduction. The two hospitals in York, which is the closests city don't have the services that I need. I've been driving to Hopkins in Baltimore but it's 50 miles and just too difficult. Most days I do not have confidence in my driving or ability to make decisions quickly.

I've searched in the Baltimore area for even just a room to rent but after months of exhaustive searching it's just not possible. The demand is extreme and prices too high.

It's basically UPMC vs cleveland clinic. I need sleep services, pain management, and probably some CBT. Cleveland Clinic is higher rated than UPMC and has a nicer website. They both offer the services I need.

The ideal situation would be something were close in town with a shuttle or bus so on days when I can't drive I can still get around. I need to live within 30 minutes of the hospital or provider. Baring that my two main concerns are safety and affordability. A 24hr grocery store within 5 miles would also be a big help.

I've looked into senior housing that also takes the disabled though they only set aside X number of units for the disabled. Some only accept those with 'mobility impairments' which I do not have and therefore would not be eligible. I believe a private landlord or possible apartment complex would offer greater availability.

[kyle19125]

I would vote for Cleveland. The transit options are extensive with buses and rapid rail, and one bedroom apartments in nicer areas like Shaker Square run around $400-$450 a month.

[PeterRabbit]

Pittsburgh apartments would run $500 -$550 or more per month in a nice area. Our main supermarket is a monopoly except for Walmart and many of both are open 24-hours. Our bus system isn't the greatest and is better around the city especially where most of the hospitals are. We have what is called Access which are like smaller buses for seniors and disabled that can accommodate wheelchairs. You call them and tell them what day and time to pick you up. You don't need to live on a bus line. I don't know if there's a fare or it may be based on income.

[wpipkins]

Pittsburgh has extensive bus service in the City. You can get to most hospitals easily. You may want to sign up for access as well. It comes in handy when you are really not up to driving or taking public transportation. My wife was recently diagnosed with Fibromyagia. We have UPMC and she sees a pain and sleep specialist twice a week. UPMC covers the services with a $10.00 co pay.


My aunt recently moved back to Pittsburgh to be closer to family. There was waiting list for her downtown apartment. I was discouraged by the waiting list but she informed me that older residents die and are sometimes hospitalized and the turnover is quite high. It took her 4 months to get in.

Pittsburgh is one of the best places to retire in n the US.

[costello_musicman]

Cleveland Clinic has a few stops on the BRT Healthline, which runs 24 hrs about about every 10-15.

Little Italy nearby is easily connected to the route and very affordable.

Here's some good senior housing options nearby:
1) Judson Retirement Home Choice & Options | Judson Retirement Home Communities (http://www.judsonsmartliving.org/options-and-choices.aspx - broken link)
2) Welcome to The Alcazar