To some, being a military retiree sounds a little sad. Part of your life has ended and again you have reached a point where you need to decide again what you want to do with your life. It’s almost the same when you graduated from high school when you asked yourself if the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force is a good place to start a career. Now, you’ll be asking yourself: “What’s good about Pittsburgh that can convince me to live my retirement there?”
Pittsburgh is popularly known as the “City of Bridges” and the “Steel City” for the bridges and the steel manufacturing base. Currently, the city has shifted the economy to the areas of healthcare, technology, education, financial services and technology. Though already modernized, be happy that a lot of the city’s historical background and spots are preserved and still stand to this day.
Pittsburgh is home to approximately 311,647 people with an Income per capita of $24,084.
For the housing, the median asking price for home is $79,560, which is more than half of the national average. The property taxes paid have a median score of $1,192. If you plan to rent, on the other hand, the median rent is $773 per month, slightly lower than the national average. There are more residents who own a house than residents who rent. The vacancy level is at 11%, on which 34% is attributed to residences for rent. Also if you plan to rather rent, be aware that most lease contracts state that rentals are exclusive of utilities. This means that other than the regular payment of rents, you’ll also have to pay for your own utilities. Try contacting a real estate agent so you can be charged with bills and rentals that you can afford.
There are 912 police officers in the city, thus, favorably affecting the city’s crime index. Now, Pittsburgh, PA has a crime index of only 3.9 with a positive ratio of 2.9 officers to 1000 residents. The State of Pennsylvania has a ratio of 1.7 officers to 1000 residents while the national average has 2.8 officers to 1000 residents ratio.
Unemployment rate of Pittsburgh as of 2000 of 10.1%, which isn’t a good number, considering that the national unemployment rate is under 10.0%. However, the city staggered and managed to reduce the unemployment range to 8.5% in 2010. The national average unemployment rate in 2010 is 9.5% while the State of Pennsylvania has 9.2%.
The neighborhoods in Pittsburgh consist of the suburbs and urban area. The South Side is one of the most renowned neighborhoods. The home values in the South Side houses are consistently increasing annually by 10%. You’ll find the area very interesting because some notable spots, such as East Carson Street, hold several enjoyable events, including live music.
Pittsburgh is recognized as a very livable city. With a low cost of living, crimes and opportunities to be introduced to new cultural ways. Earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes don’t often pass through the city, making it low risked as to natural disasters. In fact, Forbes put Pittsburgh to the second seat of the nation’s lowest natural risk.
If you love sports, you will love being able to watch professional football – the Steelers, professional baseball – the Pirates, professional basketball – the 76ers, and professional hockey – the Penguins – professional sports all year round.
There is much to love about military retirement in Pittsburgh. Plan a mini vacation and see if you fall in love.
Check out the resources below to help you through your military retirement: