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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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