Assisted Living in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown may not be well known as a retirement destination, but this city has plenty to offer its older residents. Allentown was listed among the best places to retire by U.S. News and World Report, as well as one of the safest places to live in the country. Located in eastern Pennsylvania near the New Jersey border, Allentown offers easy access to the big city amenities in Philadelphia and New York City.
In the Allentown area, there are 17 assisted living facilities for seniors to choose from. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, residents of these facilities pay $3,550 per month, on average. This is more affordable than both the state and national averages, making Allentown a good choice for seniors on a budget.
The SeniorScore for Allentown, Pennsylvania
The SeniorScore system rates cities based on more than a hundred factors, including climate, tax rates and health care access, with the goal of helping seniors find a retirement destination that suits their needs. In Pennsylvania, the average SeniorScore is 75, though Allentown’s score is somewhat lower at 68. Despite its below-average rating, the city scored well in some categories that make up the SeniorScore, including Health & Safety.
Allentown received a score of 72 for Health & Safety, which is two points higher than the Pennsylvania average. Seniors who prioritize access to health care resources will be pleased to learn that there are a very high number of doctors who take Medicare in Allentown, as well as 11 hospitals and 377 pharmacies within close range of the city. The city also has a high number of home health care providers and senior living facilities to support residents who need help with daily activities.
The city’s second-best score, a 68 for Recreation & Leisure, is similar to the Pennsylvania average. Allentown offers many recreational amenities for its older residents. Retirees can explore the area’s seven parks, play a round at one of the 75 golf courses or watch a movie at one of the 10 nearby theaters. In addition, the Allentown area offers 262 churches to accommodate seniors of varying denominations.
Allentown received a low score of 48 in the Finances category. The city has a high unemployment rate, and its median household income and per capita income are both lower than the U.S. average. However, these issues may not affect seniors who are in assisted living.
SeniorScore™ for Allentown, Pennsylvania
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Allentown scores lower than the Pennsylvania average of 75.
- Allentown scores lower than the national average of 72.
- There is a very high number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There are 11 hospitals within close range of the city, including Lehigh Valley Hospital, Good Shepherd Rehab Hospital, and Sacred Heart Hospital.
- There are 69 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center, Above and Beyond, and ManorCare Health Services - West Allen.
- There is a very high number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is a very high number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 78.5, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 377 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has an average property crime rate.
- The area has a high violent crime rate.
- The city has a low percentage of seniors in the population (25% of residents).
- There are 75 golf courses in or around the city, including Lehigh Country Club, Allentown Municipal Golf Course, and Iron Lakes Country Club.
- There are 7 parks near the city center, including Bicentennial Park, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, and Covered Bridge Park.
- There are 262 churches in or near the city, including Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship, St Thomas More Church, and St Paul Catholic Church.
- There are 10 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 179 grocery stores within the city.
- There are 10 movie theatres in or near the city.
- There are 143 gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
- The property taxes average 4.39% of total income, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 1.48% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 7.00%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
- Pennsylvania has an average state income tax of 3.07%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $60,419, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $45,471, which is significantly lower than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $23,504, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $51,660 per year, which are very high compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $139,550 per year, which are very high compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $19,500 per year, which are high compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $47,728 annually, which are high compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 11.70%, which is high compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is very high compared to national averages.
- 1% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Allentown receives high levels of rainfall each year.
- Allentown has average mean temperatures, with average winters and pleasant summers.
- This city has above average air quality.
- Allentown has a dense population density of 5,854.8 people per square mile.
- Residents of Allentown have a short daily commute time.
- The city has a low public transportation ridership.
- Allentown has an average public school quality ranking.
- The city has a very low public school safety rating.
- This city has a low graduation rate of 79.50%.
Assisted Living Costs in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Allentown’s relatively low cost of assisted living may be attractive to retirees. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in this city pay an average of $3,550 per month. Compared to the statewide average cost of $3,955, this represents a savings of more than $400 per month. Compared to the national average of $4,300, Allentown seniors save $750 per month.
Allentown is one of the most affordable cities for assisted living in the Keystone State. In nearby Philadelphia, seniors pay the state’s highest prices at $5,550 per month, $2,000 more than in Allentown. Chambersburg is nearly as pricey at $5,215, while Harrisburg is slightly lower at $4,857. Erie’s average cost, at $4,315 per month, is about the same as the national average. Across the state in Pittsburgh, assisted living prices are on par with those in Allentown. Statewide, only two major cities have lower costs than Allentown. To the west in Johnstown, the cost is $525 lower at $3,025 per month. In nearby Scranton, prices are even lower — just $2,450 per month.
- Philadelphia: $5,550
- Chambersburg: $5,215
- Harrisburg: $4,857
- Erie: $4,315
- Pittsburgh: $3,550
- Allentown: $3,550
- Johnstown: $3,025
- Scranton: $2,450
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Manorcare Health Services-Allentown is located at 1265 South Cedar Crest Blvd in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It is a 166 room nursing home facility. With approximately 46,000 residents in the zip code of 18103, the neighboring area is densely populated. ...
ManorCare Health Services - West Allen is a 146 unit nursing care facility situated in Allentown, Pennsylvania. With a median per-household income of $66,485, the facility is in a generally middle class area. It is densely populated, with ...
Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center is a 395 room nursing home facility. It is located at 1925 Turner St in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The neighboring area is densely populated, with around 44,000 poeple living in the 18104 zip code. ...
Lehigh Valley Hospital is a 52 room nursing care facility. It is located at 17th & Chew Sts in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The encompassing area is sparsely populated, with about 1,000 individuals residing in the 18105 zip code. ...
Luther Crest is a senior housing facility located at 800 Hausman Rd in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with approximately 44,000 people residing in the zip code of 18104. With a median household income of ...
Located at 2232 29th Street SW, Above and Beyond is a senior care facility serving Allentown, Pennsylvania. The encompassing area has a dense population, with about 44,000 poeple living in the 18104 zip code. With an average family ...
Located at 1545 W Greenleaf St, Emeritus at Allentown is a senior community in Allentown, Pennsylvania. With approximately 51,000 residents in the 18102 zip code, the encompassing area has a dense population. It is a predominantly low income ...
Woodland Terrace at The Oaks is a senior housing community located at 1263 South Cedar Crest Blvd in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The surrounding area is densely populated, with around 46,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 18103. With ...
Arden Courts of Allentown is a senior community located at 5151 Hamilton Blvd in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The facility is in a largely affluent area, with a median per-family income of $80,775. It is sparsely populated, with roughly 8,000 ...
Horizon House is a senior community located at 2130 S Lehigh Ave in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with about 28,000 people residing in the zip code of 18052. It is a primarily middle income ...
4 miles away from Allentown, PA
Located at 2 Front St, Silver Manor is a senior community serving Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. With a median family income of $54,271, the facility is in a predominantly middle income area. It has a medium-density population, with roughly 10,000 ...
4 miles away from Allentown, PA
Located at 3000 Fellowship Dr in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, Fellowship Manor is a 121 room senior housing facility. With about 28,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 18052, the encompassing area has a dense population. It is a ...
4 miles away from Allentown, PA
Holy Family Manor is located at 1200 Spring St in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is a 208 room senior care community. With approximately 33,000 residents in the 18018 zip code, the encompassing area is densely populated. It is ...
4 miles away from Allentown, PA
Sacred Heart Senior Living is a senior care community located at 4851 Saucon Creek Rd in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. With around 9,000 people residing in the 18034 zip code, the neighboring area has an average population density. It ...
5 miles away from Allentown, PA
Manorcare Health Services - Bethlehem is a 227 unit nursing care facility. It is located at 2021 Westgate Dr in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The neighboring area has a dense population, with around 39,000 people residing in the 18017 ...
5 miles away from Allentown, PA
Located at 2029 Westgate Dr in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, ManorCare Health Services-Bethlehem is a 217 unit nursing care facility. The community is in a largely middle income area, with a median per-household income of $64,939. With roughly 39,000 people ...
5 miles away from Allentown, PA
Located at 113 W 4th St, Abbe Hall is a senior care community serving Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The neighboring area has a dense population, with around 34,000 people residing in the 18015 zip code. It is a predominantly middle ...
5 miles away from Allentown, PA
Free Assisted Living Resources in Allentown, Pennsylvania
Lehigh Valley Active Life A popular senior center in Allentown, Lehigh Valley Active Life has more than 3,200 members. In its 15,000-square-foot facility, seniors can take part in a variety of fun programming, including art classes, music workshops and fitness programs. They can also join other seniors on trips to dinner theaters and other local destinations. A yearly membership costs only $30. 1633 W Elm Street, Allentown, PA 18102 (610) 437-3700 https://lvactivelife.org/ |
Lehigh County Veterans Affairs Office Senior veterans and their surviving spouses can visit the county’s Veterans Affairs Office to learn about the benefits they may be eligible to receive. The office can also provide help filing for a variety of local, state and federal veterans benefits. These may include benefits that help seniors afford the long-term care services they need, such as Pennsylvania’s Veterans Homes or the Aid and Attendance pension benefit. 17 S 7th Street, Room 230, Allentown, PA 18101 (610) 782-3295 https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Veterans-Affairs |
RSVP of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties As the local chapter of the nationwide Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, this organization helps Allentown seniors give back to their community. It partners with more than 80 local organizations, including schools and nonprofits, to link seniors with volunteer positions. Seniors choose where and how often they work, and while they’re on duty, they receive free volunteer and automobile liability insurance from RSVP. 321 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015 (610) 625-2290 https://www.rsvpoflnc.org/ |
Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline The Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline is a statewide resource for people 60 years of age and older. The helpline is operated by the SeniorLAW Center, a nonprofit legal services agency, and staffed by lawyers. Seniors can call if they need advice about a non-criminal legal problem, such as Social Security benefits, VA benefits, elder abuse or estate planning. 1500 JFK Boulevard, Suite 1501, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 988-1244 https://seniorlawcenter.org/ |
Pennsylvania's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Pennsylvania’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides oversight of the state’s assisted living facilities. Residents of these facilities can contact the Ombudsmen if they have concerns or complaints about the care they’re receiving. Assisted living residents who are interested in advocating for their neighbors can sign up to be Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Residents (PEERs). 555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717) 783-8975 https://www.aging.pa.gov/aging-services/Pages/Ombudsman.aspx |
Lehigh County Office Of Aging and Adult Services This city department is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Allentown. It can answer seniors’ questions about local programs and provide information about the resources available in Allentown, such as health insurance counseling. Seniors can also contact the department for help filling out various applications for benefits, including PACE. 17 S 7th Street, Room 230, Allentown, PA 18101 (610) 782-3034 https://www.lehighcounty.org/Departments/Human-Services/Aging-and-Adult-Services |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How much do assisted living facilities cost in Pennsylvania?
Answer
The average cost of assisted living in Pennsylvania is around $109 daily (ranging from $31 to $256), $3,280 per month (ranging from $925 to $7,677), and $39,360 per year (ranging from $11,100 to $92,124).
Question
How much does assisted living cost in Allentown?
Answer
The price of assisted living in Allentown, Pennsylvania averages from about $2,900 up to $8,250 per month. The average cost is about $4,305 per month, or around $51,660 yearly.
Question
What services are included with assisted living?
Answer
Assisted living commonly includes meal planning, recreational activities, toileting assistance, 24-hour supervision, and help getting dressed. Care can be provided in private or shared rooms.
Question
Does Medicaid cover assisted living in Allentown?
Answer
The following assisted living communities in Allentown take Medicaid: Country Meadows of Bethlehem Nursing Center, Brakeley Park Center, Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center, ManorCare Health Services-Easton, and Manorcare Health Services-Allentown.
Question
How many seniors are there in Allentown?
Answer
The surrounding metro area contains 647,380 residents, but there are 166,081 within the city. About 25% of the local residents are 55 and over.