Retiring in Pittsburgh? (Penn: real estate market, 2009, home)

[seacoastne]

I am thinking about retiring to Pittsburgh. I am familiar with the city from living in Ohio. I am considering Pittsbugh because of the reasonable home prices, cultural and educational opportunities. Any thoughts?

[claremarie]

There are LOTS of people who retire in Pittsburgh, as is apparent from the high percentage of the population over age 65. However, nearly all of those folks are aging in place -- they were born and raised in Pittsburgh. So, unlike typical retirement meccas such as Florida, North Carolina, or Arizona, where newcomers are surrounded by others in the same boat, you'd be coming into a community where most of your age cohorts already have longtime friendships and family relationships in place. If you're willing to make the extra effort to meet people and make friends, then Pittsburgh could be a great choice, especially if you live in Ohio and are accustomed to dealing with cold winters. My parents and inlaws, who are all in their 70s, are still living in Pittsburgh. Because of the large senior population, there are lots of resources for older folks, especially doctors and medical facilities.

[where oh where]

I also know someone who is looking into Pittsburg for a possible locale for retirement because it is known for it's outstanding medical options. She is a very nice person and was concerned about the stereotyped Pittsburg unfriendliness towards someone from elsewhere and for their pessimistic outlook. This in NOT what I think only what I have come across here and from persons who have been recently. I have been to Pittsburg many times but not for about 15 years or so and only for the Steelers games. My experience with that was all positive.

[guylocke]

I also know someone who is looking into Pittsburg for a possible locale for retirement because it is known for it's outstanding medical options.

Yep, Pennsylvania also does not tax retirement!! That's a big plus. It is quite elderly friendly in terms of what it offers in benefits and assistance--financially. PACE is the best program in it's country of its kind.

[right-here-i-say]

It is a good decision. Leave the Brownies and Bungals. Come to the city of champions.

[seacoastne]

Thank you for your responses. Interesting about having difficulty socially. As a stalwart Yankee, I certainly understand the mind set of not readily accepting folks from away.

[Drover]

One caution about retiring to Pittsburgh: property taxes. They are atrocious. If the Pittsburgh real estate market ever picks up, the property taxes could crush someone on a fixed income. Just make sure to budget enough cushion for that eventuality.

[guylocke]

One caution about retiring to Pittsburgh: property taxes. They are atrocious

In a few years or less relief could be in sight. That is why the casino's have been created and which are doing quite well in terms of revenue.

[TRO Z]

boylocke--

In theory they claim it will offer tax relief for the 2008-2009 school year...But that's if profits hit a certain level...state wide the total I hear has to be 500 million...someone else states 600 million...

Thats alot of quarters......

So needless to say, I wont hold my breathe

[guylocke]

boylocke--

In theory they claim it will offer tax relief for the 2008-2009 school year...But that's if profits hit a certain level...state wide the total I hear has to be 500 million...someone else states 600 million...

Thats alot of quarters......

So needless to say, I wont hold my breathe

Yeah I hear ya. I'm not sure about the specific numbers, however, I know the casino's are doing quite better than what their projected goal is. Whether the actual projected goal was also set to be the same number needed to see tax relief, that I am not sure of. Did that make sense? lol.