Pittsburgh was named the fifth most fun city in the U.S. by StorageCafe. What are PAR President David Dean’s favorite local spots? 

Fun in the City of Bridges 

Pittsburgh has 108 fun spots per every 10,000 people, totaling nearly 3,280 combined venues, according to StorageCafe’s analysis. 

StorageCafe highlights new restaurants like Fet Fisk and Stuntpig for the foodies, as well as the revitalized Strip District featuring both new and old businesses. The neighborhood saw a jump of almost 500,000 visitors from 2022 to 2023. 

They also recommend the Museum of Illusions, Carnegie Mellon’s School of Music, Pusadee’s Garden, Butler Street and Contemporary Craft.  

Recommendations From a Local Realtor® 

Dean, a local Pittsburgh Realtor®, offers some of his own favorite fun spots:  

1. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens 

“I love plants!” he says, recommending the conservatory in the Oakland area known for its horticulture hub, botanical gardens and steel-and-glass Victorian greenhouse. 

Phipps also features various changing exhibits and recurring events, including yoga, happy hour, art exhibits, adult education, story time and more. Through Sept. 27, stop by to see the Summer Flower Show: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. 

2. Clayton – Henry Clay Frick Mansion 

Henry Clay Frick was an American industrialist, financier and art patron who served as the chairman of the Carnegie Steel Company. He also bequeathed his vast art collection – The Frick Collection – to New York City, where it lives in a museum on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. 

Today in Pittsburgh, the historic home where the Frick family lived from 1882 to 1905 is open for tours. It features 23 well-preserved rooms that give visitors a glimpse into the life of a wealthy Pittsburgh family at the height of the city’s cultural and economic importance. 

3. Heinz History Center 

This history center prides itself on being “more than a ketchup museum.” It shares inspiring stories of Western Pennsylvania’s people who have helped change the course of U.S. history.  

This includes Dean’s favorite exhibit: Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Here, visitors can see the original set pieces and exclusive artifacts from the hit show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” which was filmed right in Pittsburgh.  

Dean is a well-known Mister Rogers fan, embodying the late television star during his installation as 2026 PAR president and promoting Realtors® as good neighbors in their communities. 

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, and 1 in 5 prospective homebuyers and current homeowners have turned to it for homebuying research, according to the National Association of Realtors®, via Bank of America. 

Millennials and Gen Z make up most of those utilizing AI for these purposes, with 28% and 32%, respectively, saying they’ve used AI to support their home search and/or for financial planning. 

The top ways AI is being used in the home search include:  

1. Estimating affordability, mortgage payments or closing costs (57%) 
2. General education and research about the homebuying process (55%) 
3. Researching neighborhoods, market trends or property values (52%) 

Still, prospective buyers said they prefer human expertise for key steps in the homebuying process, including touring homes (55%) and legal or contractual advice (54%). 

As advanced as AI is, it’s important for consumers to remember that it’s not always right, and for Realtors® to remember that they’re the human experts in the industry.  

“Be aware of what your clients are doing with AI,” Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist with Bright MLS, told Realtors® during PAR’s Mid-Year Housing Market Update webinar in June. 

Sturtevant went on to tell viewers about a real-life scenario in which someone posed as a homeseller and asked ChatGPT, “Did I price my house appropriately?” ChatGPT replied, “No, you should have priced it higher.” Then, with the same house, they pretended to be the buyer and said, “I offered this on the house. Should I have offered lower?” to which ChatGPT answered, “Yes, you should have offered lower.” 

“ChatGPT will tell you what you want to hear,” she stressed. “And that makes it very difficult for a real estate agent or a Realtor® who’s trying to help make data-based decisions about pricing and about offers.” 

“Help them navigate the actual facts so that they can make informed and confident decisions.”  

Livable outdoor spaces add the most value by making yards feel more expensive and enticing to buyers – more so than decorative landscaping – says Real Simple magazine. 

Buyers want outdoor spaces that they can use and enjoy. Namely, patios and seating areas are simple upgrades that can add significant value for buyers. These can transform unused yard space into an area that feels like another part of the home itself – an area that’s functional and serves a purpose. 

Real Simple notes that patios and defined outdoor seating areas are delivering the strongest and most consistent value right now because they appeal to the widest range of buyers. 

Following patios/decks/outdoor seating areas, outdoor firepits and kitchens also add function and appeal. These may depend more on the home, the home’s price point and the buyer, but they have the potential to add significant value as well.  

If adding home value and/or selling is the goal, Real Simple advises against creating outdoor spaces that feel oversized or disconnected, like adding a large outdoor kitchen to a modest home or placing a fire pit in an awkward spot in the yard. Overdesigning and personalizing can also drive buyers away from these additions. 

As home prices and the cost of living rise, many Americans are feeling hesitant to buy a home. However, many believe that they’ll also pay a price if they wait too long, according to a survey by Lombardo Homes. 

Renters Feel Trapped 

The survey revealed that 9 in 10 renters feel trapped between rising rents and rising home prices, yet 93% worry that waiting to buy a home will make homeownership even less affordable.  

When asked whether buying a home felt impossible in today’s economy, 84% of renters said yes, and 6 in 10 said they regret not buying a home sooner. 

The top reasons why renters said they were delaying a home purchase were: 

1. High home prices (84%) 
2. Lack of down payment savings (67%) 
3. Rising interest rates (61%) 
4. Economic uncertainty (51%) 

Still, of the respondents who were renting at the time (44%), 84% said they had intentions to buy a home someday. 

The Financial Consequences of Waiting 

Of all respondents, 77% said they believed that waiting to buy has financial consequences, and 68% said they thought they would have saved money if they had bought a home sooner. 

“First-time buyers face huge hurdles in the market, including low inventory, higher home prices, higher mortgage rates, student loan debt, higher rental prices and childcare costs,” Dr. Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors®, recently told PAR members. “With the first-time homebuyer average age of 40 years old, compared to 28 years old previously, this represents approximately $150,000 in lost equity over time,” she noted. 

The top consequences they believed come from waiting were: 

1. Higher home prices over time (77%) 
2. Paying rising rent (72%) 
3. Higher interest rates (59%) 
4. Missing out on home equity growth (54%) 
5. Reduced buying power (31%) 

What would motivate them to buy sooner? Lower interest rates (67%), having more savings for a down payment (60%) and having a stable job or income (57%) were the most common answers. 

Homeowners Wish They’d Bought Sooner 

Of the homeowners surveyed (56%), 46% said they wished they had bought sooner. 

Most (39%) waited two to three years to buy, but 25% waited five to 10 years, and 17% waited more than 10. 

What finally pushed them to purchase? 

1. Need for stability and long-term housing security (69%)
2. Desire to invest in their financial future (58%)
3. Wanted to start building equity (53%) 
4. Tired of dealing with landlords and rental restrictions (43%) 
5. Rising rent costs made homeownership seem more affordable (42%) 

Financial help was still utilized for 46%, and of those, 31% received help with a down payment. 

Realtor.com named five different Pennsylvania metros on its list of top 20 summer 2026 housing markets. The ranking evaluated the 200 most populous U.S. metro areas and considered housing market conditions, economic health and overall livability. 

No. 3: Lancaster 

The Lancaster metro ranked third, with a June 2026 median listing price of $417,000. Realtor.com notes the area has a population of 563,159 and an unemployment rate of 3.3%. Since spring 2026, it has climbed one spot.  

No. 6: Reading 

Reading’s median home listing price at the start of the summer was $355,000. The metro has a population of 440,072 and an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and it climbed from no. 12 on the spring list.  

No. 13: Harrisburg-Carlisle 

With a population of 617,427, the Harrisburg-Carlisle metro had a median home listing price of $350,000 and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. In spring 2026, it ranked no. 22.  

No. 16: Youngstown-Warren-Boardman 

This Ohio-Pa. metro had a median listing price of $200,000, with a population of 423,678 and an unemployment rate of 5.0%. It climbed from its no. 21 spot on the spring list.  

No. 18: York-Hanover 

Rounding out Pennsylvania’s presence on the list, York-Hanover had a median listing price of $369,000, a population of 473,197 and an unemployment rate of 3.9%. In the spring, it ranked no. 27.  

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency launched its new custom homebuyer education course earlier this summer. 

Designed in partnership with Framework, an award-winning homeownership education platform, the course is an engaging and user-friendly online program that helps Pennsylvania homebuyers by offering accessible, bilingual and audio-enabled education to prepare for homeownership – at no cost. 

“For nearly 15 years, our agency has put education at the forefront of our services to ensure it remains a critical part of sustainable homeownership,” PHFA Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann said in a press release. “With Framework, we replaced our legacy course with one that speaks directly to the needs of Pennsylvania families – from first-time homebuyers to veterans to households making accessibility modifications – while also giving us the ability to measure impact and continuously strengthen our programs.” 

The course is offered in both English and Spanish, with full audio in both languages, to better serve the state’s diverse population, and Framework’s platform helps homeowners thrive even after closing.  

“Our partnership with PHFA demonstrates how state housing agencies can leverage technology to deliver localized, measurable homebuyer education,” noted Omar Esposito, president and CEO of Framework. “Together, we’re helping families across Pennsylvania gain the knowledge, confidence and resources they need to succeed in homeownership – curated and localized by PHFA.” 

Learn more about the PHFA’s homebuyer education course. 

The average annual salary needed to afford a two-bedroom rental in the U.S. is $70,000, according to Visual Capitalist via the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Low Income Housing Coalition. 

With affordability defined as spending no more than 30% of income on rent, that comes out to $1,749 per month. The average hourly wage nationwide is $33.63. 

In Pennsylvania, renters need to make an annual salary of $57,900. The average hourly wage is $27.83. This places the commonwealth at no. 28 on the list of the most expensive rental markets. 

In comparison, the salaries needed for rent in neighboring states are as follows: 

• New York: $95,500 (ranked no. 3 most expensive) 
• New Jersey: $83,200 (no. 7) 
• Delaware: $66,900 (no. 17) 
• Maryland: $81,400 (no. 8) 
• West Virginia: $39,400 (no. 51 – least expensive overall) 
• Ohio: $46,800 (no. 37) 

The white picket fence was once a symbol of the American dream, signifying middle-class wealth, suburban friendliness and homeownership pride. Now, more Americans are steering away from the trend. 

A Growing Desire for Privacy 

There’s a reason the traditional white picket fence feels friendly: it’s low and has wide gaps between the slats, creating a more open, welcoming feeling and allowing for a view inside.  

However, it’s this lack of privacy that’s killing off the trend, according to the Washington Post, which talked to Mike Dominique, a fence salesman in Connecticut, who shared that he thought the traditional white picket fence was at risk of extinction.  

“Appetites for higher, gap-free boarders surged during the pandemic, netting Mike a couple of record seasons, but he’d assumed openness would rebound once the world felt safer,” the Washington Post wrote. “Six springs later, making it in America looked less like being seen and more like being inaccessible.” 

The article noted that Dominique has seen a steep drop in white picket fence sales in his area.  

Concern About Upkeep and Convenience 

Aside from the desire for more privacy, more Americans are turning to modern fences for their convenience and low-maintenance upkeep. 

While wood fences offer a timeless, natural style, they require more maintenance, including routine staining/sealing, and are more affected by moisture, insects and temperature changes, according to Fence & Deck Depot. This decreases their overall lifespans. 

On the other hand, modern fence materials offer greater durability and convenience, requiring less frequent upkeep, making them a more reliable go-to for many homeowners today. 

Fence & Deck Depot lists the most popular non-wood fence materials for 2026: 

• Vinyl: Ideal for homeowners who want a polished look with minimal maintenance. 
• Aluminum: Works well for homeowners focused on safety, visibility and clean design. 
• Chain Link: Reliable for homeowners who prioritize function and value. 
• PVC: A smart choice for homeowners who want a polished, long-lasting fence with excellent structural integrity and minimal maintenance. 

Jason Burkholder is a Realtor® and a good neighbor to his Lancaster County community, volunteering his time and service to various local organizations whenever he can. 

Burkholder is a member and former president of the Reading-Berks Association of Realtors®. He currently serves on the board of Lancaster County Chooses Love, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals within the community by creating safe social spaces and connecting community members with local resources. 

He also frequently volunteers with events, services and fundraising initiatives for his local downtown improvement nonprofit, the Lititz Library and various other service clubs in his community. 

“I volunteer and fundraise whenever I can, in small roles or large roles, as needed,” Burkholder says. “The opportunities I have to volunteer in my community do so many good things! I have a chance to not just show up and do the work, but to connect other amazing people in our community together to bring their talents and skills to the project. It sounds cheesy, but together, we definitely all achieve more, and in our community, when there is help needed, people show up, so we get a lot done. I got involved because of the amazing people who show up too. We help our community shine together!” 

“Being a Realtor®, I can be a good neighbor in so many ways. From flexibility in schedules, to connecting people together, to sponsoring and fundraising for nonprofits and student groups, to coordinating and volunteering with the events that help our community business thrive – there are so many doors of opportunity I can open as a Realtor® based on the people I know and the people they know, and it makes a difference every single day.” 

What’s Burkholder’s advice to other Realtors® and community members wanting to get involved? 

“The best advice I can give is what Mr. Rogers said,” he says. “Look for the helpers. Almost anything that you notice needs to be done in your community, there is someone else who noticed that need, too.” 

“Not everyone is going to start a new nonprofit or service organization, and most of the time, you don’t need to. Look for the people doing the work and show up to help. The ones doing the work will welcome you, and your impact will be huge.”  

What home remodeling projects bring the best return on investment? Here are the top eight of 2025, analyzed in 119 U.S. markets by the Journal of Light Construction. 

1. Garage Door Replacement 

The average cost of a garage door replacement in 2025 was $4,672, with an estimated resale value of $12,507, making for a 268% ROI.  

This remodeling project adds practicality, functionality and curb appeal. A Realtor® with Tri-County Suburban Realtors® agrees that a garage door replacement can be well worth the investment. 

2. Steel Entry Door Replacement 

This project costs an average of $2,435 and has a resale value of about $5,270, making for a 216% ROI.  

Key benefits of replacing a traditional door with a steel door include enhanced security, more durability, lower maintenance, better energy efficiency, fire resistance and improved versatility.  

3. Manufactured Stone Veneer 

Manufactured stone veneer, or faux stone, is lighter and more cost-effective than natural stone. It can also be more durable while still offering a natural feel to home exteriors. 

The average cost for adding this material to the exterior of a home is $11,702, and its estimated resale value is $24,328. That comes out to a 208% ROI. 

4. Fiber Cement Siding Replacement 

Another home exterior upgrade, fiber cement siding is a highly durable, fire-resistant and low-maintenance option with a lifespan that often exceeds 30-50 years. It’s versatile and comes in various colors and textures. 

Replacement with fiber cement siding costs an average of $21,485 and offers a resale value of $24,420 for a total ROI of 114%. 

5. Midrange Minor Kitchen Remodel 

A minor kitchen remodel (midrange) costs about $28,458 and adds an estimated resale value of $32,141 for an ROI of 113%.  

This is based on a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops. It includes minor upgrades, such as replacing old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones, as well as aesthetic upgrades (e.g., new flooring, painted walls, new cabinet/drawer fronts, etc.).  

6. Vinyl Siding Replacement

Vinyl siding replacement costs an average of $17,950 and has an estimated resale value of $17,313, making for a 97% ROI.  

This siding is cost-effective, low-maintenance and generally durable, often lasting over 30 years. It’s available in a wide range of colors and textures, including styles that mimic natural materials like wood and stone. 

7. Backup Power Generator 

Installation of a backup power generator costs on average $13,534 and has a resale value of $12,902, offering 95% ROI. 

Aside from adding value, backup power generators add peace of mind and comfort to homeowners when electricity goes out. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners in rural areas and/or areas with harsh weather conditions.  

8. Wood Deck Addition 

Adding a 16×20-foot wooden deck costs an average of $18,263 and offers a resale value of $17,323, making for a 95% ROI.  

Wooden decks offer a more natural look and have a more affordable upfront cost, but they are more high-maintenance and less durable than composite decks, which have an 89% ROI.