Communities
Pittsburgh, PA
US
6
1
2
About This Community
Pittsburgh is a vibrant, mid-sized city that has the feel of a small town coupled with big-city amenities. It is consistently ranked by national surveys as one of the most livable cities in the USA. Diverse in its 90 neighborhoods, the communities of Squirrel Hill (literally Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood) and Greenfield have been the urban-based center of Jewish life in the city for over 80 years.
Known for “eds and meds,” Pittsburgh’s medical and academic communities bring people in from all over the world, and the city has become a tech-engineering hub in recent years as well. Top universities such as Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh are just minutes from the Jewish community, as are many world-class hospitals. Major corporations like Google, Heinz, BNY Mellon, PNC, and others have homes here and the job market is robust.
As of 2024, Pittsburgh has over 1,800 tech companies employing more than 86,000 people! The city's rich industrial heritage is blended seamlessly with cutting-edge innovation, creating a vibe where startups can thrive.
Pittsburgh’s quality of life is excellent. The city itself has 4 parks within its borders with hiking, biking, playgrounds and wooded areas and meadows (3 of them surround Squirrel Hill itself), and state parks are close by. It boasts numerous world class museums, botanic gardens and a conservatory, a symphony and an opera, zoo and aquarium, and many more family-friendly amenities. And we cannot forget sports as Pittsburgh has championship teams for you to cheer on.
Pittsburgh International Airport allows access to cities all over the world, and Amtrak is another option to the east coast hubs. Driving, Pittsburgh is two hours from Cleveland, four hours from Baltimore and Washington DC, five hours from Toronto and Detroit, and six hours to New York City.
Jewish life is thriving here, with Jewish day schools, numerous shuls, kosher food availability, men and women’s mikvaot, and eruv covering several neighborhoods. Youth have access to NCSY, Bnei Akiva, Friendship Circle, the JCC, and other organizations to encourage connection. People of all ages have choices for programs all over the city, with educational and volunteering opportunities at every turn.
RETIREE AMENITIES:
In Allegheny County, where Pittsburgh is located, 20% of residents are adults over 65. This concentration allows for a more age-friendly area than other locales. For example, mass transit is free for this age group, and ride-shares and paratransit are reasonable and accessible. Gerontology is a widely available specialty at local medical practices and hospitals, including several major research hospitals, which are located within a 15-minute drive of Squirrel Hill.
Programs directed at seniors are everywhere, including life-long learning programs and college classes that can be audited at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. The JCC has a kosher lunch program, exercise, and educational opportunities. Aging services are easily accessed, both private pay and county-provided, as state lottery funds benefit older adults in Pennsylvania. AgeWell Pittsburgh, a collaboration of three Jewish social service agencies, provides information and referral, and a comprehensive continuum of services to help seniors live independently in a healthy and safe way. Pittsburgh’s friendliness and openness at all ages makes it a great place to settle at any stage of life.
Apartments - rental - within walking distance of an Orthodox synagogue
Co-ops / Condos - within walking distance of an Orthodox synagogue
Assisted Living - within walking distance of an Orthodox synagogue
Eruv
Kosher Food Availability
Kosher Dining
Retiree Learning programs
Mass transit
Disability/senior transit
Strong geriatric medical services
Community-based senior services
Pittsburgh has a robust lifestyle scene for seniors. In addition to many Jewish learning opportunities through our shuls and kollel, secular continuing education is available through Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes at Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh. Auditing classes at the many local universities is another available resource.
The JCC (and other local senior centers) have many exercise and other classes, and the JCC has a kosher lunch program many frum people attend.
The cultural district, museums, etc are within a 5-mile radius of the Jewish neighborhoods. Community services are available through the JCC, JFCS, Jewish Association on Aging, and the county Area Agency on Aging, and private agencies.
Volunteer opportunities abound through our local Jewish organizations, including the kosher food pantry, friendly visits, and rides, and delivering kosher meals on wheels. Low-cost shared ride transportation is available in addition to free mass transit for people over 60 so getting around the city without a car is very doable.
Our Community Amenities
