U.S. News Editorial Pick: Best Affordable Places to Retire

In some cities, it’s difficult for seniors who can’t or don’t want to drive to get around, but not in Pittsburgh. Senior citizens 65 or over can ride Port Authority buses and trains free at all times if they have a state senior citizen identification card or a Medicare card. Also, look into the low-cost activities at the two major colleges, the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Seniors get a discount on tickets to Carnegie Mellon School of Music concerts, for example, and some shows are free.

Upper St. Clair, PA a suburb of Pittsburgh was ranked as one of America’s 20 best places to live in 2009.  Properties that make up the Upper St. Clair real estate market include some of the most elegant homes in the region. From wonderful single-family homes on generously sized lots to exquisite estates featuring golf course views of the St. Clair Country Club, there is an abundance of picture perfect residences. Impeccable landscaping, large patios, and spacious garages make for remarkable exteriors, but the interiors are equally impressive. You can expect everything from hard wood floors, fireplaces, wine cellars, and state of the art appliances to boost your comfort and enjoyment.

Upper St. Clair PA was voted one of America’s most livable cities according to the 2009 US News and World Report survey. For a quiet residential option, consider Upper St. Clair, Pa. This quaint town of fewer than 20,000 residents is located in the hilly woodlands outside Pittsburgh, where the Whiskey Rebellion of the late 1700s was centered. The median home price of this family-oriented community was $240,000 in 2008. And its school system is superb: Ninety-eight percent of its high school graduates go on to college, and the Upper St. Clair school district currently boasts 10 federal government blue-ribbon “Excellence in Education” awards.

Mount Washington PA Homes For Sale

The real estate market in Pittsburgh PA has been stable and there is an increase in number of first-time home buyers who plan to take advantage of the 2009 federal housing tax credit.  This is a great opportunity to take advantage of up to an $8,000 tax credit for purchasing a first- time home, or if you have not owned a home for three year or more.  Here are some commonly asked questions listed below and you can click on the this link for more specific information regarding the 2009 tax credit.  

Contact Pittsburgh PA Real Estate Specialist, Liz Caplan for assistance with purchasing or selling a home in the Pittsburgh area, liz@pittsburghhomesite.com, 412-302-2645 and visit my website, www.Pittsburghhomesite.com for all your Pittsburgh real estate and financing needs.

• Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?
  First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home—new or resale—are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the home owner.
• How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
  The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
• Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
  Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $75,000; the limit is $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of more than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.

A recent US News and World Report article names Pittsburgh one of the top places in the country to retire.

According to the article, Pittsburgh takes pride in being America's most livable city, and is a great place to retire because of its low cost of living, numerous cultural attractions, economy, geography, and recreational opportunities.
 
Click here to view the article in US News and World Report  and let me know how I may assist with your Pittsburgh real estate needs. 

Relocating to Pittsburgh or thinking of buying or selling a Fox Chapel luxury home, Condo or town home?   Contact me to assist with the newest luxury single family homes and town homes for sale in Fox Hall and other communities in the Fox Chapel area. 

Fox Hall includes 7 villages of well appointed single family and town home designs offering residents a quiet convenient location with grounds and exterior maintenance provided.  The exterior private courtyards and gardens are charming and provide unique outdoor spaces.  For more information about available properties for sale in Fox Hall and other Fox Chapel communities contact Realtor Liz Caplan to buy or sell your next home, loft or condo and assist with your financing needs, 412-302-2645, liz@pittsburghhomesite.com .

Pittsburgh PA Fox Chapel and O'Hara Realtor, Luxury Homes, Town Homes and Condo Specialist

Are you looking to buy or sell a Fox Chapel or O'Hara PA town home, luxury home, condo or commercial property?  As a top Pittsburgh and Fox Chapel real estate expert, I specialize in selling, buying and marketing homes, condos and luxury properties in the Fox Chapel area and all areas of Allegheny, Butler and Washington Counties.

The homes that encompass Fox Chapel properties are single-family homes and townhomes featuring the kind of space and attention to detail that is perfect for a growing family. Those with children should be aware that the Fox Chapel Area School district oversees some of the best schools in the region, and private schools such as Shady Side Academy and The Country Day School can see your children through from childhood until they are ready to leave the nest.

Owners of Fox Chapelreal estate enjoy an exclusive lifestyle characterized by the natural surroundings - 134-acres of Beechwood Farms Nature Reserves has miles of walking trails, and the McCahill Park is the perfect setting for baseball, basketball, and soccer on many of its designated fields. Yet only a short drive away is Downtown Pittsburgh living and it many surrounding neighborhoods, offering access to many cosmopolitan activities ranging from the shopping, dining, and nightlife options of the city.

Contact Pittsurgh Realtor and Luxury Home Specialist Liz Caplan to assist with buying or selling a home in the Fox Chapel and the Pittsburgh area, 412-302-2645, liz@pittsburghhomesite.com

Please visit my website, www.Pittsburghhomesite.com to learn more about my areas of expertise and contact my team The Caplan Group to assist with all your Pittsburgh real estate and relocation needs- 412-302-2645

There has never been a more exciting time for development in Downtown Pittsburgh and more and more home buyers are looking for a relaxed urban life style.  Many new construction projects in the City of Pittsburgh offer tax-abatement's that are a great benefit and incentive to buy now. The Carlyle  New Luxury Downtown Pittsburgh Condos  has been approved for a 10 year tax abatement with a savings of over $6,000 a year for 10 years.

Buyers from all over the country are looking to relocate to Pittsburgh for a variety of reasons and it is great to see Pittsburgh gaining national and international attention as a top place to live. Tax abatement's ranging from 3 to 1o years and give residents an added benefit to purchase in Downtown and other developing areas of Pittsburgh.

This is a great time to buy real estate in Pittsburgh.  Interest rates are at historically low rates and this is a great time to purchase or sell a home.  Our team of real estate experts and financing advisers are here to assist with any questions and we would love to hear from you.  If you need assistance with purchasing or selling a home or financing a new home contact Realtor Liz Caplan, liz@pittsburghhomesite.com, 412-302-2645 and bookmark our website, www.pittsburghhomesite.com.