4700 5th Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
To contact a resident: (412) 621-0900
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
The Residence on Fifth Costs & Pricing
The Residence on Fifth offers competitive pricing for its accommodations, standing out for its affordability in comparison to both Allegheny County and the broader Pennsylvania region. For a semi-private room, residents can expect a monthly cost of $2,340, significantly lower than the county average of $3,166 and the state average of $3,542. Studio apartments are also attractively priced at $2,790, while similar options in Allegheny County and across Pennsylvania exceed this figure. The one-bedroom option at The Residence on Fifth is priced at $4,170; although this is higher than the county's average of $3,798, it remains competitive against the statewide average of $4,006. Overall, The Residence on Fifth presents an appealing choice for those seeking quality living arrangements without straining their budget.
| Floor plans | The Residence on Fifth | Allegheny County | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private | $2,340 | $3,166 | $3,542 |
| Studio | $2,790 | $3,637 | $3,737 |
| 1 Bedroom | $4,170 | $3,798 | $4,006 |
Overall Review of The Residence on Fifth
Pros
Peak dorm is spacious and relatively clean.- It is the best dorm in CMU.
- The apartment-style living is really nice and is the best campus housing for freshmen, with just a short walk.
- The apartments for CMU first-years are clean, spacious, and a great choice.
Review
The Residence on Fifth is best suited for Carnegie Mellon University undergraduates who want apartment-style dorm living with immediate campus access. The prevailing sentiment from the available impressions is that it stands out as campus housing most friendly to freshmen, delivering clean, spacious units that feel more like modern apartments than traditional dorm rooms. The emphasis is on independence, modern interiors, and proximity to classrooms, dining, and campus life, making it a practical fit for students who value space and a campus-centric routine. This is not a setting designed for aging in place or for residents needing daily care or medical support; its strengths lie in youth-oriented, self-directed living within a university environment.
Those evaluating options for older relatives or a long-term senior living plan should consider alternatives. The Residence on Fifth lacks elder-care infrastructure, on-site caregiving, memory-care design, 24/7 staff, and the safety features that families expect in assisted living. For families seeking reliable daily assistance, coordinated health services, or a residence crafted around aging-in-place needs, other communities are a more appropriate match. The student-focused design, while appealing for young adults, makes it a poor fit for anyone who requires predictable, age-appropriate support or a quieter, maintenance-free lifestyle.
On the upside, the strongest pros center on space, cleanliness, and campus integration. Reviewers consistently describe the units as apartment-like, clean, and generously sized, offering a level of comfort and privacy that exceeds typical dorm expectations. The “best campus living” label for freshmen underscores the appeal of living somewhere with real apartment-style layouts while remaining within a short walk of academic facilities and campus amenities. For families and students alike, these features translate into a sense of stability and autonomy that can make the college experience more manageable and enjoyable.
Despite the positives, there are clear drawbacks if the needs go beyond undergraduate life. The main cons stem from its identity as a university housing option rather than a senior residence: there is no indication of on-site medical services, assisted care, or elder-friendly design. The environment can be noisier and more transient than a traditional senior community, with roommates and frequent turnover typical of campus housing. One practical nudge from the reviews notes a walk to certain campus points, described as “just a little bit of a walk”, which, while manageable for many students, may be less appealing for those carrying heavy loads or seeking a shorter commute.
The overall calculus favors the pros for the intended audience and less so for those with aging-in-place priorities. For undergrads and families prioritizing independence, space, cleanliness, and easy campus access, the advantages clearly offset the occasional inconveniences of a student-centered setting. The apartment-style reality, paired with a campus lifestyle, delivers value that traditional dorm rooms rarely match. Conversely, for anyone evaluating senior living or daily-care needs, the absence of care services, safety features geared to older adults, and long-term residency stability means the cons dominate the equation.
In final terms, The Residence on Fifth delivers a practical, high-value option for CMU freshmen seeking true apartment-style dorm living and campus immersion. It represents the right choice when the goal is to maximize independence, space, and proximity to campus facilities within a student-focused environment. For families considering elder care or residents needing ongoing medical assistance, alternatives with on-site care and age-appropriate design are essential. Prospective residents should assess lease terms, furnished versus unfurnished options, and the specifics of campus integration to ensure alignment with long-term expectations before committing to this housing as part of a broader plan.
Assisted Living
Activities on-site
Devotional services off-site
Indoor common areas
Pittsburgh International (15 miles away)
Ambulatory care
Diabetic care
Meals provided
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