Assisted Living in Buffalo, New York
With some of the lowest living costs in New York State, the city of Buffalo is a popular place for an affordable retirement. Set on the eastern shores of Lake Erie beside the Canadian border, the city is within a half-hour drive of stunning natural landmarks such as Niagara Falls.
Beginning its history as a small trading post in the 18th century, Buffalo features impressive historic architecture and is home to renowned cultural institutions, including the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Buffalo experiences a humid continental climate with striking seasonality, with warm summers and snowy winters. With its proximity to many areas of outstanding natural beauty, residents can enjoy water sports, hiking and other seasonal sports, such as ice skating and cross-country skiing.
There are 35 assisted living facilities in the Buffalo area, with an average cost of $4,443 a month according to Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey. This is higher than the national average of $4,051 but significantly lower than the state average of $4,630.
The SeniorScore for Buffalo, New York
SeniorScore is a metric of how comfortable a city is for seniors, based on 100 data points from government and private databases. Buffalo has a SeniorScore of 70, which is marginally lower than the national average of 72. With a rich offering of open spaces and sporting facilities, the city performed highest on Recreation and Leisure, reaching a high score of 70. Residents can enjoy access to 18 parks, 62 golf courses, 141 gyms or health clubs and 338 churches. Over a quarter of Buffalo's population are senior citizens, making it an excellent location for retirees to develop a social network.
With regards to Health and Safety, Buffalo residents have access to an extensive network of doctors and medical establishments. The city boasts a high number of Medicare registered physicians, over 500 pharmacies and 17 multiservice hospitals, such as Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital and the Erie County Medical Center. According to the U.S. News and World Report, the Buffalo General Medical Center, conveniently located in the city center, has the highest score for geriatric care in the Buffalo metro area.
Due to New York State's high income tax relative to the national average, Buffalo has a low score of 55 for Finances. Costs of assisted living, home health care and nursing homes are all markedly higher than the national average, but adult day care costs are much lower. Notwithstanding the high costs of senior care in Buffalo, local sales tax is less than the U.S. average and the overall cost of living is similar to national figures.
SeniorScore™ for Buffalo, New York
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.
- Buffalo scores lower than the New York average of 71.
- Buffalo scores lower than the national average of 72.
- There is a very high number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There are 17 hospitals within close range of the city, including Millard Fillmore Gates Hosp, Brylin Hospitals, and Erie County Medical Center.
- There are 83 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Terrace View Long Term Care Facility, Niagara Lutheran Health System, and St Catherine Laboure Health Care Center.
- There is a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is a high number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 80.5, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 529 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has a very high property crime rate.
- The area has a very high violent crime rate.
- The city has an average percentage of seniors in the population (27% of residents).
- There are 62 golf courses in or around the city, including Delaware Park Course, Cazenovia Golf Course, and Grover Cleveland Golf Course.
- There are 18 parks near the city center, including Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, and Delaware Park.
- There are 338 churches in or near the city, including Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Lewis Joe A, and Antioch Baptist Church.
- There are 17 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 333 grocery stores within the city.
- There are 21 movie theatres in or near the city.
- There are 141 gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
- The property taxes average 4.98% of total income, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 2.65% of property value, which is lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 6.50%, which is lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- New York has an average state income tax of 4.81%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $56,271, which is significantly lower than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $42,942, which is significantly lower than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $24,770, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $51,180 per year, which are very high compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $136,145 per year, which are very high compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $12,480 per year, which are very low compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $52,624 annually, which are very high compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 9.80%, which is average compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is average compared to national averages.
- 1% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Buffalo receives average levels of rainfall each year.
- Buffalo has harsh mean temperatures, with cold winters and pleasant summers.
- This city has very poor air quality.
- This city has very good water quality.
- Buffalo has a dense population density of 5,492.3 people per square mile.
- Residents of Buffalo have a short daily commute time.
- The city has a high public transportation ridership.
- Buffalo has a low public school quality ranking.
- The city has an average public school safety rating.
- This city has an average graduation rate of 86.49%.
Assisted Living Costs in Buffalo, New York
According to figures from the Genworth Financial's Cost of Care Survey 2019, assisted living costs in Buffalo are higher than the national average. With the study reporting an average of $4,443 per month for assisted living in Buffalo, residents pay almost $500 more per month than the nationwide figure of $4,051. Despite these relatively high costs, Buffalo residents still have some of the most affordable assisted living in New York State, which has an average assisted living cost of $4,630.
There is a wide variance of assisted living costs within New York. Buffalo residents pay some of the lowest assisted living costs statewide while enjoying the convenience of living in the second most populous urban area. By contrast, residents of New York City, the most populous city in the state, pay some of the highest assisted living costs at an average of $6,950 a month. Figures are highest of all in Ithaca and Watertown, where residents pay an average of $7,100 and $7,290 respectively. Towards New York's rust belt area, assisted living costs begin to decline significantly. While Syracuse reports a lower monthly average of $4,033 for assisted living, Buffalo's figure of $4,443 remains distinctly low compared to other cities in New York.
- Syracuse: $4,033
- Buffalo: $4,443
- Albany: $4,525
- Rochester: $4,748
- Binghamton: $5,700
- New York City: $6,950
- Ithaca: $7,100
- Watertown: $7,290
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Buffalo, New York
Situated within the Hamlin Park neighborhood of Buffalo, New York, Niagara Lutheran Health System is a 173 bed nursing facility. With an average per-family income of $25,206, the community is in a primarily lower income area. It has ...
Brompton Heights is a senior care community located at 275 Brompton Rd in Buffalo, New York. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with approximately 55,000 residents in the zip code of 14221. It is a generally middle class ...
Mary Agnes Manor Alp is a senior housing community situated in the Front Park neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with around 13,000 poeple living in the zip code of 14201. With ...
Situated in the Delaware-West Ferry neighborhood, The Bristol Home is a senior care community serving Buffalo, New York. With about 9,000 individuals residing in the 14209 zip code, the neighboring area has an average population density. It is ...
Kenwell - Depaul Senior Living Community is a senior housing facility situated within the Kenmore area of Buffalo, New York. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with a median per-family income of $46,301. It is ...
Located at 7 Limestone Dr, Elderwood Senior Care is a senior care community in Buffalo, New York. The neighboring area is densely populated, with around 55,000 residents in the 14221 zip code. With a median family income of ...
Situated around the Kensington neighborhood, Presbyterian Village at North Church is a senior care community in Buffalo, New York. With about 55,000 residents in the 14221 zip code, the neighboring area is heavily populated. It is a mostly ...
Brookdale Kenmore is located within the Kenmore neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. It is a senior housing community for those over the age of 55. The community is in a largely middle income area, with a median household ...
Located at 245 Bassett Rd in Buffalo, New York, Brookdale Bassett Road is a senior housing community for residents over 55. With approximately 55,000 residents in the 14221 zip code, the encompassing area is densely populated. It is ...
Glenwell A Depaul Senior Living Community is a senior housing community located around the Kaisertown neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with an average family income of $50,838. With approximately ...
Presbyterian Senior Care of Western New York is a senior housing community located at 4455 Transit Rd Ste 2a in Buffalo, New York. With approximately 55,000 residents in the 14221 zip code, the encompassing area is heavily populated. ...
Located nearby the Cazenovia Park area of the city, Eden Heights of West Seneca is a senior care community in Buffalo, New York. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with a median family income of $54,838. ...
Mercy Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility is located within the South Abbott neighborhood of Lackawanna, New York. It is an 84 room nursing facility. The neighboring area has a medium-density population, with about 20,000 people residing in the 14218 ...
4 miles away from Buffalo, NY
Located close to the Kaisertown area of the city, Peregrine's Landing Senior Community is a senior housing facility serving Cheektowaga, New York. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with roughly 24,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 14227. ...
4 miles away from Buffalo, NY
Free Assisted Living Resources in Buffalo, New York
New York State Office of Long Term Care The New York State Office of Long Term Care is a government body that advocates for the quality of senior care in New York State. An ombudsman service is available for all complaints regarding mistreatment or negligence in assisted living communities, nursing homes and licensed adult care facilities. Following a complaint, an ombudsman is assigned to the case to promptly investigate and resolve the issue. 2 Empire State Plaza, 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12223 (800) 342-9871 https://aging.ny.gov/long-term-care-ombudsman-program?utm_medium=301&utm_source=www.ltcombudsman.ny.gov |
Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program Operated by the New York State Department of Health, the EPIC program is available to New York residents over the age of 65 who meet certain eligibility requirements based on income and marital status. The program offers secondary coverage for prescription medications in addition to the Medicare Part D drug plan, helping to lower the Medicare premiums for low earners. Eligible citizens can easily apply with a mail-in form that is verified by the Social Security Administration and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. EPIC, P.O. Box 15018, Albany, NY 12212-5018 (800) 332-3742 https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/epic/ |
Buffalo Veteran's Center The Buffalo Veteran's Center is the local office of the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs in Buffalo, connecting retired military service members with VA benefits and health care. In addition, the organization offers a wide range of counseling services for military retirees and members of their immediate family. 2372 Sweet Home Road, Suite 1, Amherst, NY 14228 (716) 862-7350 https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/facility.asp?ID=460 |
U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs Western New York Healthcare System The VA Western New York Healthcare System offers specialized health care for retired military professionals. With 199 beds, the center helps veterans to easily access general medical services, surgery and mental health support. Specialized departments are available for LGBT individuals, homeless veterans, female veterans and retired service members suffering from PTSD. 3495 Bailey Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215 (716) 834-9200 https://www.buffalo.va.gov/ |
The Salvation Army's Golden Age Center The Salvation Army's Golden Age Center is a community outreach program that helps seniors in the Buffalo area maintain a physically and socially active lifestyle. The organization schedules a number of arts and crafts workshops, fitness programs, devotional services and recreational activities. For a minimal fee, seniors can enjoy healthy, nutritious lunches as well as celebratory meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas. 960 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 (716) 888-6261 https://buffalo.salvationarmy.org/BuffaloNY/Senior_Services |
Center for Elder Law & Justice The Center for Elder Law & Justice is a free legal aid clinic for senior citizens living in Western New York. It offers advice, mediation and litigation in any legal proceedings concerning housing, finances, health care and elder abuse. An attorney can be consulted easily using the organization's free legal advice helpline, which is open from Monday to Friday. Seniors are invited to leave a message outside of business hours and will be contacted within one working day. 438 Main Street, Suite 1200, Buffalo NY 14202 (716) 853-3087 https://elderjusticeny.org/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How much is assisted living in New York?
Answer
With a range between around $41 and $347 daily, the mean price of assisted living in New York is about $3,684 monthly.
Question
How much is assisted living in Buffalo?
Answer
The price of assisted living in Buffalo, New York averages between around $3,350 and $7,830 monthly. The median cost is around $4,265 monthly, or around $51,180 per year.
Question
What does assisted living include?
Answer
Most assisted living communities offer care in both private and shared rooms. They typically offer numerous services such as hygiene assistance, exercise programs, 24-hour supervision, help with dressing, and meal planning.
Question
Does Medicaid cover assisted living in Buffalo?
Answer
There are several assisted living facilities in Buffalo accepting Medicaid, which include Greenfield Health and Rehabilitation Center, The Brothers of Mercy , Elderwood at Wheatfield, Mercy Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility, and Beechwood Continuing Care .
Question
What is the senior population of Buffalo?
Answer
While the city is home to 564,824 people, the encompassing area has a total population of 1,016,847. Residents over the age of 55 compose around 27% of the community.