Assisted Living in Bronx, New York

Bronx, New York Assisted Living Costs

Located within Bronx County, Bronx is a major city in the State of New York. It is included in the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island metropolitan area. With 9,544,861 people in the surrounding metro area and 1,382,480 residing in the city limits, it is the 3rd biggest city in the state. Approximately 20% of the population are over the age of 55.

Bronx has a medium SeniorScore™ of 64. The city has a median per capita income of $18,000 and a median household income is $36,000 (the New York state average is $62,000). The median home price in Bronx is $511,500, which is significantly more than the New York average of $328,500. The city has a high unemployment rate of about 13.06%.

Bronx has moderate mean temperatures, with comfortable winters and mildly warm summers. The area receives heavy amounts of rain annually. Bronx has moderate water quality ratings and very poor air quality in relation to other American cities.

Senior Living in The Bronx

Although the Bronx has a strong Italian heritage (and is home to some of the most authentic Italian food you can find outside of Italy), the city is a melting pot of people from all over the world. More than one-third of the city's population was born outside the US. Despite its diversity, the city is known for having a tight-knit neighborhood vibe. And with more than 1.5 million people squeezing into about 43 square miles, it's easy to see why.

Often overlooked for Manhattan, the Bronx offers the amenities of the Big Apple without the Manhattan pace and price tag. The borough is a beauty in its own right and deserves the recognition. The city has delightful attractions and a surprising amount of greenery with three of the largest parks located in New York City. Pelham Bay Park holds the title for the biggest park in NYC, covering more than 2,772 acres of land.

New York City as a whole has inherent appeal as a place to grow older - with its robust transportation networks, diverse cultural offerings, and world-class medical establishments. About 13 percent of the city's total population are seniors, a number projected to rise to over 1.4 million by 2040.

Senior Resources in the Bronx

There are many resources for seniors in the Bronx community, most of which are offered by the nonprofit organization, BronxWorks. They are "committed to ensuring that the Bronx's elderly live out their golden years with the respect and dignity they deserve."

BronxWorks operates four senior centers throughout the borough. Centers are designed for senior residents to socialize with one another and participate in recreational and educational activities. Seniors have access to a support system that provides meals, games, movies, health screenings, and classes in basic computer skills, ESL, and exercise. To accommodate the diverse population in the Bronx, senior centers offer interpretive services to seniors who do not speak English, offering more than 270 languages.

In order to keep its senior population healthy and active, BronxWorks offers older adults with a nutrition program of healthful meals and snacks. Through the BronxWorks nutrition program, seniors have access to daily free lunches and dinners. Nutritional supplements and a food pantry are also available to seniors. Outside of meals, the program also provides workshops on healthy eating, nutritional assessments, and nutritional counseling to help seniors get healthy beyond the free lunch.

With the rising housing crisis in metro areas, BronxWorks is committed to keeping a roof over the heads of its senior residents. The BronxWorks Senior Homelessness Prevention Project helps low-income seniors avoid eviction. Seniors with active cases against them in the Bronx Housing Court can find help through the program. Specialists work with seniors to secure funds for housing, identify possible benefits seniors may qualify for and sustain a stable environment in which to live. Through the Housing Assistance Program, a housing specialist works with seniors who are at risk of homelessness. The specialists work with older residents to mediate disputes with landlords, complete applications for housing subsidy programs, review leases and legal documents and access public assistance. Housing specialists also help seniors obtain benefits for which they may be eligible.

Seniors who live alone or with a partner who is also eligible for senior status, may have a hard time sustaining a life in their own home. Home repairs become more difficult for the aging resident and modifications may be necessary to continue living in the home. Through the Minor Repair Program, seniors can qualify for help fixing and installing things around the home. Trained technicians are available to help seniors with many issues such as replacing door hinges, fixing leaky faucet, changing light bulbs, installing shelves and repairing cabinets. Safety checks are also performed by the technicians to ensure locks are secure, carbon monoxide detectors are up to code and the overall home is safe for its residents. For more information on eligibility about the program, seniors are encouraged to call 718-299-0300.

The City of New York provides transportation for seniors age 60 and older to attend senior centers, educational and recreational activities, and essential medical and social service appointments. Seniors can call 311 to connect with a network of approved providers.

Fun in the Bronx for Seniors

The Bronx is a hip little gem in the north part of New York, home to the biggest parks in the city and of course, the Yankees. Residents are proud of their town and everything it has to offer. Sports fans, foodies, and history buffs have everything they could possibly want in this borough. The Bronx is famous for its tight-knit community and love of urban spaces. The city's restaurants are a homage to the cultures that make up the Bronx.

The famous New York Yankees have made the Bronx their home. The national baseball team is treasured in the Bronx and has brought home 27 World Championship titles. A sea of Yankee hats and shirts are often seen in crowded areas. While tickets can be pricey, going to a Yankees baseball game is a one of a kind experience you won't soon forget. With their brand new stadium built in 2009, the architecture is a celebration of the spirit and tradition of the franchise.

You might be surprised that the borough has its own beach. Orchard Beach is open to the public all year long and brings out all the Bronx residents for a day of fun in the sun. And if the sand isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of parks in the city to explore. The Bronx holds the lesser known title as one of the greenest boroughs. The Bronx is home to three of the top ten largest parks in NYC. Residents have their choice between Bronx Park, Van Cortlandt Park and the biggest park in New York, Pelham Bay Park. On a nice day, pack a picnic and head down to any one of the parks for a beautiful day out.

Visit the Bronx Hall of Fame. Every year, The Bronx honors sons and daughters of the borough who have gone on to make Bronxites proud. They are inducted into The Bronx Walk of Fame with street signs along this two-mile strip of The Grand Concourse. Over 100 Bronxites have been inducted since 1997, including actors like Jennifer Lopez, Al Pacino, and Billy Joel.

The city is home to so many attractions, it's hard to know where to start. For animal lovers, The Bronx Zoo might be the place to begin. The Bronx is home to one of the largest zoos in the country that has more than 6,000 animals. The zoo also includes a children's zoo, 4D theater and aquarium. The zoo also features a bug carousel where guests can ride insects like ladybugs and praying mantis.

Your next stop should be the New York Botanical Garden, America's premier urban garden. Its special exhibitions, seasonal programs, and engaging activities inspire visitors of every age and interest. The Botanical Garden is an ever-changing living museum, and a showplace of natural beauty and wonder. During the winter enjoy the holiday train show. For the past three decades, a Kentucky-based artist creates a replica of the city for a train to pass through. Over 150 landmarks are featured in the train show with each structure being made by organic material such as tree resin or seed.

Literary enthusiasts might be interested to know that a piece of Edgar Allan Poe can be found in the city. The famous poet, known for his macabre and horror, spent his last years in a cottage in the Bronx that has since been preserved and turned into a museum. Visitors can view the very place Poe wrote "Annabelle Lee" and "Eureka."

Foodies with a taste for Italian will find that the Bronx has some of the most authentic meals outside of Italy. The Italian district in the city is home to the freshest breads, pastas and pastries. Stop by the Arthur Avenue Retail Market for Italian sausage and assorted meats. Drop into Mario's Restaurant for good old-fashioned pizza or Cafe al Mercato for the best chicken parm sandwich. For classic Italian meals, nothing gets better than Mangi Pasta. The restaurant makes each dish with quality ingredients and the pasta is made fresh daily. For date night, visit Roberto's and share mozzarella alla caprese. While you're in the Italian district, might as well pick up some of the most addictive cannolis at Artuso Pastry Shop. The shop is known for being generous with the cream cheese. After everything, make sure to finish off the night at Mon Amour Coffee & Wine with a glass of vino and a plate of macarons.

To see information on the SeniorScore™ for Bronx, NY, please visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore/senior-living-in-bronx-ny.