The city of Pittsburgh is home to an array of major league sports teams, entertainment venues, academic institutions and now, retirees.

According to Pittsburgh Business Times, Pittsburgh ranked as the number one city in 2021 for retirees looking to relocate. Over 7% of retirees moved to Pittsburgh this past year.

Masonic Village at Sewickley resident Toni Vosseler said there’s a good reason for this trend. Toni, who was born and raised in Pittsburgh, moved to Masonic Village at Sewickley six months ago with her husband, Harry.

“I absolutely love living in Pittsburgh because it has everything you want or need in regard to sports, arts, places to go in the evening, things to do … it really has everything,” Toni said.

Toni and Harry have been “snowbirds” for 23 years, spending six months of every year in Pittsburgh and the other six in Florida. Toni said though they enjoy Florida because of the warmer weather, nothing compares to Pittsburgh, and Sewickley specifically.

“Sewickley is just a charming place, and the people here are extremely nice,” Toni said. “People say hello to each other in this city. If you look at someone eye to eye, they’ll smile at you.”

Since Toni is native to the area, she was familiar with Masonic Village at Sewickley before moving in. Additionally, Harry is a Mason, so moving to Masonic Village naturally felt like “the right choice.”

Toni and Harry decided to move to Masonic Village at Sewickley after realizing how helpful it would be to receive some extra support and care outside of their family. Toni said in the short time they’ve been there, everything has been “perfect” so far.

“I have so many things I like about living here. It’s worry-free, and they take care of everything for you,” Toni said. “If you have any problems, they get fixed immediately, and the meals are pleasant because they are prepared by a chef. It’s Godsent.”

Toni said she encourages those exploring retirement destinations to come to Pittsburgh and check out Masonic Village at Sewickley.

“I know this is the last stop for me, but I’m okay with that because everyone here speaks to you, is willing to help you and invites you to join them for everything,” Toni said. “The residents are very cheerful and welcoming, and everybody living here is so happy with their decision.”