Known to many as The Steel City, Pittsburgh is an industrial mecca surrounded by tranquil waterways and with an impressive skyline. The city’s affordable cost of living and rich culture are just a couple of attractions for seniors. Pittsburgh is also making the city more accessible to seniors by creating age-inclusive neighborhoods and making improvements to streets and trails. Pittsburgh has plenty of housing options for seniors who want to take a step back from the responsibilities of home ownership and embrace a more easygoing way of life.
Senior apartments are an optimal choice for active older adults looking for friendships with people in a similar life stage and who enjoy maintenance-free living. While senior apartments are often compared to independent living, they don’t provide the same services independent living communities offer, so they’re usually more affordable. In this guide, we walk you through what to expect from senior apartments in Pittsburgh, details about costs and payment options, housing regulations, and local senior resources.
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Senior apartments tend to be the most affordable housing option for seniors in Pittsburgh. A one-bedroom apartment in Pittsburgh averages about $1,079 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,990 per month.[01] Senior apartment costs are significantly less than an independent living community, which averages $4,200 monthly in Pittsburgh according to A Place for Mom’s 2022 proprietary data.
One key reason for senior apartments’ affordability is because rent doesn’t include services such as housekeeping, meals, and select utilities. They’re more like typical apartments, as monthly costs usually only cover rent. When considering your budget, you’ll want to look at what monthly expenses are not included. However, keep in mind that renting can actually reduce costs of living overall since you’ll have no maintenance costs or property taxes.
The figures below compare senior living costs in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. They reflect starting rental costs across the greater area.
People mainly rely on their personal funds to pay for rent at a senior apartment community. Health insurance programs — like Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance — don’t cover rent at a senior apartment since they’re not care facilities. However, there are some instances where public benefits may help pay for home health care services provided in your apartment. Some public benefits can help qualified seniors offset rental costs at a Pittsburgh senior apartment, like veterans benefits and housing assistance for seniors with limited incomes.
We outline these private and public options — along with local resources and contacts — throughout this section.
Many people use savings accounts or pensions to pay rent at a senior apartment, just like they would at any apartment complex. Retirement income sources like Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, and 401(k) plans are often used to pay rental costs. Fortunately, Pennsylvania doesn’t tax retirement income for seniors aged 59 ½ and older, making these resources go further. Seniors can also consider investment returns, if applicable, or utilize the following resources:
Number of veterans who lived in Pittsburgh in 2022
About 81% of Pittsburgh’s veteran population is age 55 or older.
Some veteran disability benefits like Aid and Attendance can be used for anything that improves a veteran’s quality of life, including rental costs for a senior apartment in Pittsburgh. The Aid and Attendance benefit can provide a substantial amount of supplemental income on top of a VA pension to qualified veterans and their spouses.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many benefits to veterans and their families. However, it’s easy to get swept up in the eligibility criteria for programs, so veterans and their spouses sometimes miss out on benefits they qualify for.
Reach out to your local veterans service organizations (VSOs) beforehand to successfully apply for benefits. VSOs often walk you through the entire application process, helping you understand all your eligible VA benefits. The Pittsburgh VA Regional Office holds the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVAPA) office, as well as many local VSO offices, like those below:
Resources for Pittsburgh veterans
Pittsburgh VA Regional Office
1000 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 412-395-6160
Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVAPA)
4141 Fifth Ave., 3rd floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3347
Phone: 412-621-3622
Allegheny County Veterans’ Services
4141 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3347
Phone: 412-621-4357
Contact Veterans’ Services form
American Legion — Pittsburgh service officers
1000 Liberty Ave., Room 1607
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-395-6230
Pittsburgh Paralyzed Veterans of America — Find a national service officer
1000 Liberty Ave., Room 1602
Phone: 412-395-6255
American Veterans (AMVETS) — Pennsylvania service officers
1000 Liberty Ave., Room 1605
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-395-6267
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) — Find your local office
1000 Liberty Ave., Room 1606
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-395-6241
While Medicaid and Medicare won’t pay for rent at a senior apartment, these programs may help seniors and disabled individuals cover health care costs. Some services can be provided in a patient’s home. Seniors and disabled individuals may qualify for certain in-home health care programs.
Medical Assistance (MA) is Pennsylvania’s state-managed Medicaid program. Eligible recipients can use MA to pay for certain health care services and related expenses. Residents living in a senior apartment may be able to access in-home health care services through Medicaid’s home and community based services waiver programs.
The Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver, in particular, offers support and long-term care services where medically necessary for eligible recipients. The program aims to help people who meet a skilled nursing facility level of care but don’t want to enter an institutional nursing home. Services are instead provided in a home or community setting. Some available services include the below:[03]
Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) is another home and community based waiver program under Medicare and Medicaid’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program. Seniors can access home care services, and both LIFE and CHC programs are available for seniors age 55 and older who meet specific income and medical requirements.
As an alternative to the CHC waiver, the LIFE program helps seniors continue living safely and independently in their homes by providing access to health care and personal care services. Some of the services are similar to those provided by CHC, but the LIFE program also provides a range of services that aren’t available with the CHC program, which may include those listed below:
There are several different HCBS programs with various eligibility criteria and different services offered. You can find a complete list of Pennsylvania’s HCBS programs on the Department of Human Services website.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed to help seniors age 65 and older with health-related costs and expenses. Like with Medicaid, Medicare can’t be used to pay for rent at a senior apartment. Eligible Medicare recipients could receive some short-term home health services when there’s a medical need. These include the following:[04]
Pennsylvania has several programs available to help qualified individuals with Medicare costs. If you’re interested in reducing out-of-pocket costs, you may consider one of the programs below.
Seniors often find Medicare to be a confusing topic, and it can be challenging to determine what services are covered and who’s eligible. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers free Medicare counseling through the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI).
PA MEDI’s trained counselors are available to provide objective insight about Medicare to help seniors make informed decisions about their Medicare options. You can also look up and contact your local area agency on aging (AAA) for help with accessing the local programs and services you need.
Pittsburgh Medicaid and Medicare resources
Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
2100 Wharton St., 2nd Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Phone: 412-350-4234
Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) helpline
Phone: 800-783-7067
Seniors who need help paying rent or finding affordable housing in Pittsburgh can turn to a few different organizations for support. See what organizations and programs may be available to help you in Pittsburgh below.
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, formerly called Section 8, is a rental assistance program for low-income individuals and families. The program helps provide safe, decent housing by subsidizing some of the rental payments. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regularly inspects these properties to ensure safety. Renters who qualify for the vouchers pay no more than 30% of their income to a landlord for rent, and the remaining balance is paid directly by the local housing authority.
A Place for Mom doesn’t currently partner with senior apartments in Pittsburgh that participate in the HCV program. To find out more about affordable housing in Pittsburgh, reach out to the Allegheny County Housing Authority, Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh (HACP), or McKeesport Housing Authority with any questions. We’ve provided those contact resources below.
Pittsburgh has several food assistance programs for adults age 60 and older. Some of these programs have different eligibility requirements and rules to qualify. Some programs are exclusively for individuals with income below the federal poverty income guidelines (FPIG). You’ll want to check with each program individually about eligibility.
We highlight a few of the local food assistance programs below. You can also find even more food assistance programs by visiting the HACP website.
Social Security benefits can help eligible seniors cover their monthly costs of living. These benefits have different eligibility requirements and can be based on factors such as work history and having a disability or dependency status. You can take the Social Security benefits eligibility quiz to see what, if any, benefits you qualify for. We also provide a brief rundown of Social Security benefits below.
Housing assistance resources for Pittsburgh residents
Allegheny County Housing Authority
625 Stanwix St., 12th Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 312-355-8940
Housing Authority City of Pittsburgh
100 Ross St., 4th Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-456-5030
McKeesport Housing Authority
2901 Brownlee Ave., 2nd Floor
McKeesport, PA 15132
Phone: 412-673-6942
Aside from age limits, renting a senior apartment is similar to any other apartment complex. There are regulations in place at both the state and federal levels to manage the relationship and responsibilities between landlords and tenants.
You can find a complete overview of these rental regulations in the Pennsylvania Consumer Guide to Tenant and Landlord Rights. We outline key points for tenants and landlords below:[05]
Landlords have the right to develop screening criteria for prospective residents. However, it’s illegal in Pennsylvania for a landlord to deny a tenant’s application because of an existing eviction record or credit score below a specific number. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and federal Fair Housing Act also have protections in place to prevent discrimination against prospective tenants based on factors such as race, religion, age, familial status, sex, or disability.[05]
Landlords are also required to make reasonable accommodations and modifications for tenants with disabilities. This is part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that helps make sure individuals with disabilities have equal access to residential and community spaces.
Accommodations often look like changes to community policies, while modifications are structural changes that promote accessibility for residents with disabilities. One example of an accommodation is allowing a tenant to have their service or therapy animal even if the complex has a no pet policy. An example of a modification might be providing tenants with limited mobility access to wheelchair ramps in common areas and designated parking spots close to building entrances.
Landlords must also allow tenants with disabilities to make reasonable modifications to their own units. This is so tenants can make their unit fully accessible to their needs, especially if they use a wheelchair or walker. For example, in-unit changes could include installing grab bars, removing carpets, and lowering countertops. It’s worth noting landlords can require tenants to pay for these in-unit modifications and ask them to return a unit to its original condition before moving out.
If you believe you’ve been subject to housing discrimination of any sort, there are several local resources to help you. Among these is the Fair Housing Partnership of Greater Pittsburgh, which is a local nonprofit that provides free services to help victims of housing discrimination. They also help individuals with disabilities prepare requests for reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Neighborhood Legal Services (NLS) is another nonprofit that offers legal assistance and representation to low-income seniors age 60 and older. NLS can provide help with specific housing topics related to matters such as evictions, utility assistance, and issues related to disability law violations.
As of May 2023, Allegheny County doesn’t have any COVID-19 regulations in place. You’ll find most senior apartment communities follow state and local guidelines, but some may require residents to follow stricter practices, such as wearing masks in indoor common spaces. It’s always a good idea to check with a prospective community on their specific policies.
You can keep track of local data on infections, hospitalizations, and more on the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) COVID-19 dashboard. We outline current recommendations from the Allegheny County Health Department below.
All eligible residents should stay current on vaccines and boosters to better protect themselves from COVID-19 and its variants.
You should isolate when you test positive for COVID-19 or when you’re sick but are waiting on test results.
ACHD encourages residents to check the CDC’s COVID-19 page for the most current COVID-19 information and details.
Our partner senior apartments in Pittsburgh offer the best of both worlds, with tranquil neighborhood settings and access to local shops and services. You’ll be mere steps away from everything you need, such as pharmacies, banks, and restaurants. Our in-network senior apartments also feature convenient access to public transportation.
A short bus ride can get you to and from local events, various dining and shopping options, and movie theaters. Additionally, our partner senior apartments are less than 30 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport.
Besides the convenience of urban living and picturesque views, senior apartments in Pittsburgh offer a variety of on-site amenities. Our partners’ quality staff cover all maintenance and landscaping services. You can also expect on-site amenities like those listed below:
It’s easy to make yourself at home in our in-network senior apartments with thoughtfully designed layouts bathed in natural light. Spacious kitchens come equipped with full-sized appliances and two-tier countertops for extra space, making it easy to whip up homemade dishes for visiting family and friends.
Safety features like grab bars can also be found in bathrooms, and select units may offer wheelchair-accessible showers for residents with limited mobility. All our Pittsburgh senior apartment partners also offer units with bathtubs.
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Number of seniors over the age of 60 living in Pittsburgh in 2021
Average combined household earnings for seniors aged 60 and older living in Pittsburgh[06]
Pittsburgh offers exceptional medical professionals and hospitals located within the city. See some of Pittsburgh’s top hospitals below.
UPMC Shadyside is a Magnet-designated hospital offering primary care, a range of specialty services, and nursing and physician education. The hospital provides routine and preventative medical services to adults age 65 and older. UPMC Shadyside has been nationally ranked for specialties including cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, and neurology.
Allegheny General Hospital has provided top-notch care in Pittsburgh since 1886. Its cardiovascular department is nationally recognized and participates in over 100 clinical trials and research opportunities for heart disease. Allegheny General Hospital was awarded the Gold Seal of Approval for its comprehensive cardiac care center by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association.
Pittsburgh is highly navigable whether you prefer to walk, bike, or use public transportation. Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) operates a fleet of 700 buses making daily stops across Allegheny County. PRT’s impressive rail line system covers nearly 30 miles of track across the city. Seniors age 65 and older can ride PRT and other public transit vehicles for free with a Senior Citizen ConnectCard.
There are also several door-to-door transportation and van services available to seniors in the Pittsburgh area. Take a look at some of the available transportation options below:
In addition to the city’s highly rated public transit system, Pittsburgh is incredibly walkable and bikeable. The downtown area has a near-perfect walk score and an impressive bike score from Walk Score. The scores below indicate most daily errands can be completed without a car. All scores are out of 100.[07]
Active seniors are sure to experience a thrilling retirement in Pittsburgh. The city has much to offer in the arts and culture area, but it is also packed with activities and attractions for nearly every interest. Browse some of Pittsburgh’s top spots below.
The Senior Community Center in Allegheny County hosts social and educational experiences for seniors 60 and older. Several senior community centers are scattered throughout the Pittsburgh area, and Allegheny County has numerous transportation resources to help get to and from those centers. Some popular activities you can find at these centers include the following:
You might find it hard to picture The Steel City as a haven for outdoor adventures, but Pittsburgh delivers seemingly endless opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation. Hit the tee box on one of the city’s outstanding public golf courses, or indulge in fishing and boating activities. Several trails can also be found outside city limits, such as the following:
Whether you’re on the hunt for high-end fashion finds, a great deal, or one-of-a-kind items, Pittsburgh’s unique neighborhoods satisfy all shopping tastes and budgets. See what awaits at Pittsburgh’s shopping venues.
Pittsburgh’s food scene is full of authentic dishes to appease all palettes. Take a look at some of these local Pittsburgh staples to sink your teeth into.
Pittsburgh is an acclaimed sports town with several professional teams, from football to baseball to hockey. Whether you tailgate at a Steelers game — don’t forget to grab your Terrible Towel — or host watch parties, there are plenty of opportunities to go all-in on Pittsburgh’s sports culture. Take a look at Pittsburgh’s beloved hometown teams below.
Pittsburgh’s arts and culture scene is second to none, with ample museums, exhibits, and performing arts venues. We highlight some of Pittsburgh’s famed cultural attractions below.
Sometimes the best activities involve simply doing nothing and unwinding. Indulge in retirement bliss at one of these restorative local spas in and around Pittsburgh.
Celebration Villa of Allison Park, Abode Care of Monroeville and Blawnox Manor are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Pittsburgh, PA. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Pittsburgh is $2,716 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Pittsburgh. [Data set]. American community survey.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Home and community-based services.
Medicare. Home health services.
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. (2022, June). Consumer guide to tenant and landlord rights.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 60 years and over in the United States: Pittsburgh (S0102). [Data set]. American community survey.
Walk Score. (2022). Downtown Pittsburgh.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Pittsburgh. [Data set]. American community survey.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Home and community-based services.
Medicare. Home health services.
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. (2022, June). Consumer guide to tenant and landlord rights.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 60 years and over in the United States: Pittsburgh (S0102). [Data set]. American community survey.
Walk Score. (2022). Downtown Pittsburgh.