10 Best Independent Living Facilities in New York City
New York City consistently ranks high among places to retire for independent seniors seeking a thrilling lifestyle. With endless activities, state-of-the-art facilities, and world-class health care within arm’s reach, it remains a perennial favorite city for all-inclusive independent living. For New York seniors who don’t need extra health support or assistance with activities of daily living, independent living can be a fabulous option. A Place for Mom partners with seven independent living facilities at the heart of New York City, with benefits above and beyond having your own New York apartment and none of the typical hassles.
Many New York City independent living communities feature gorgeously appointed living spaces, a robust and lively social calendar, housekeeping services, and excellent all-inclusive meal plans. If you’re considering making the change to independent senior living, there’s much to consider.
We understand it can be overwhelming to parse out all the information that goes into choosing the right senior living community. In this guide, we detail the costs of New York City independent living communities, their typical services and amenities, state regulations on senior living, and what you can expect to find locally. We draw from resident reviews, current senior demographics, and local government and community resources to help inform your decision making.
New York City Independent Living Facilities | 1068 Reviews
Im sending my uncle there starting next month. Im very happy with what they offer. Place is very clean and staff is caring and professional.
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All is well for me, they have been able to assist me with what I am limited to. The staff do a reasonable cleaning of the community and my room. I am happy with the meals I select from and the activities...
St Nicholas Home, I love living here because the staff members treat me like gold and I feel like a Queen because of how well I am treated. I love the home made fresh quiche.
I want give my gratitude to those who have worked tirelessly during this holiday and essentially have compromised their own health every day while finding ways to cope without jeopardizing those patients...
Our methodology
How we rank order the New York City community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders New York City community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of New York City independent living
- What families are saying about independent living in New York City
- How seniors pay for New York City independent living
- Understand New York City laws and regulations for independent living facilities
- Get to know
- Types of independent living in New York City
- New York City independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with New York City? Check out these highlights for seniors
Costs of New York City independent living
New York City independent living communities typically cost an average of $7,648 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This amount represents what seniors we referred actually paid, including extra costs for any add-on services. A Place from Mom’s cost data offers transparency into what one can expect to pay for independent living in New York City.
As expected for New York City housing, this price is higher than the national average of $$4,033. However, the national average does not include add-on fees for services seniors often pay at these communities.
It’s important to always get a detailed explanation of cost breakdowns. Be sure to ask prospective communities whether there are entrance fees, additional pet rental fees, or any other service fees.
Add-on service fees at independent living communities can include the following:
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Transportation
- Health care or personal care services
- Premium apartments, such as penthouses
- Fully furnished apartments
The following cost chart represents baseline independent living monthly fees, which typically cover the following:
- Apartment rent
- Maintenance, landscaping, and utilities
- Community amenities like libraries, fitness centers, pools, game rooms, salons, movie theaters, and restaurant-style dining halls
- A full calendar of social activities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in New York City vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in New York City vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in New York City vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in New York City by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in New York City over time
What families are saying about independent living in New York City
Recent reviews for independent living in New York City
Arbor Terrace Mountainside
The Fountains at RiverVue in Tuckahoe, NY
The Residence at St. Peter’s in River Edge, NJ
How seniors pay for New York City independent living
While some health care services may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance, rent in an independent living community is not. This is because independent senior living communities aren’t care facilities, though some may offer access to third-party care services on-site.
Most New York seniors sell their house and use a variety of other private sources to pay for an independent living community.
Private funds to pay for independent living can be sourced from many types of investments, such as personal savings, investment returns, pensions, and more. Families can also look into the following to pay their senior living expenses:
A senior veteran living in New York City may be eligible for pension and disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (or VA) to pay their costs of independent living. Veterans over 65 can receive supplemental income through the pension program through the VA if they meet service and financial requirements. If a veteran is disabled and is enrolled in VA health care, they may qualify for additional income benefits through the Aid and Attendance benefit or the Housebound allowance. Note that these two allowances cannot be received simultaneously.
While the Aid and Attendance benefit can be used for anything that improves the disabled veteran’s quality of life, the Housebound allowance is meant to be used to cover the costs of in-home care for a housebound veteran with a permanent disability. Also, Aid and Attendance tends to pay out more, as it’s for a disability related to wartime service, whereas the Housebound is for disabilities related to the natural aging process.
Keep in mind that even if you’re rightly eligible for these benefits, the approval process can be difficult. It’s important to reach out to local benefit advisors and advocates to ensure the application process is completed properly so you get your due benefits.
Help to get New York City veterans benefits
You can learn more about services that may be available to you as a New York veteran by reaching out to a veterans benefits advisor through the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services. You can also explore free resources through the even more local NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (or DVS) office. There’s a wealth of information available on the DVS website as well as VA claims and benefits assistance.
DVS staff advocate for and assist New York City veterans in applying for pensions and accessing their eligible benefits. DVS even has a specific senior veteran division to ensure senior veterans are accessing all their eligible benefits. Speak to a DVS intake specialist through email at connect@veterans.nyc.gov or by phone at 212-416-5250. You can also find help accessing services and benefits by filling out an online form with VetConnectNYC, another DVS service.
Many veterans can also find strong benefit advocacy services through their local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapters or their local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter.
Number of veterans living in New York City, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of New York City veterans who are 75+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Additional resources for New York City veterans
Manhattan Veteran Resource Center
519 8th Ave., Suite 2401
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-951-6866
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bronx Veteran Resource Center
2471 Morris Ave., Suite 1A
Bronx, NY 10468
Phone: 718-367-3500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Brooklyn Veteran Resource Center
25 Chapel St., Suite 604
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-630-2830
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Queens Veteran Resource Center
75-10B 91 Ave.
Woodhaven, NY 11421
Phone: 718-296-2871
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Staten Island Vet Center
60 Bay St.
Staten Island, NY 10301
Phone: 718-816-4499
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
New York Medicaid provides a variety of medical expense services and coverage for over 7.3 million New York residents. While it doesn’t cover costs specific to independent living, Medicaid offers an assisted living program that can help cover living costs if you encounter health issues. Medicaid can also help cover the more general costs of medical care during your senior years. Visit our guide to Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care for a broad overview of how Medicaid can help pay for independent living costs.
To apply for New York Medicaid, you can stop by select Medicaid offices in New York City or contact your county Department of Social Services. They require an appointment to create an application. You can also contact the New York Medicaid helpline for any questions about the application process. New York City’s local Office for the Aging also has some fantastic counseling and assistance programs connecting seniors to health care resources. Their experts can also get you information on Medicaid enrollment.
Medicaid resources for New York City independent living
Phone: 800-541-2831
While Medicare can help cover some medical care costs during your time in independent living, it doesn’t cover independent living rent itself. Our guide to Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care gives a broad overview of what Medicare can generally cover for you.
New York City’s Medicare Savings Programs may also cover some Medicare Parts A and B deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, and/or premiums. You must meet certain income eligibility requirements in order to qualify for these programs.
If you need help signing up for cost coverage through Medicare, New York’s Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) through the NYC Office for the Aging offers help navigating the sign-up process. HIICAP can also help find resources to cover health care costs. These programs may help cover monthly premiums or provide other discounts to make sure your loved one can afford the medical care they need. Additionally, for New York City metro area specifics on Medicare coverage, you can dial 2-1-1, visit the federal Medicare website, or reach out to one of your local Social Security Administration offices.
New York City Medicare resources
Reach your local NYC ombudsman.
Paula Goolcharan
Center for Independence of the Disabled
1010 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 301
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-812-2901 (Bronx, New York, and Richmond counties)
Phone: 212-812-2911 (Kings and Queens counties)
Email: pgoolcharan@cidny.org
Contact New York State Office for the Aging.
Phone: 844-697-6321
Some seniors may turn to Social Security benefits to make independent living more affordable. As independent living communities without health care capabilities are regulated like standard apartments in New York, you may be eligible for public assistance benefits. Such benefits can help seniors pay for living expenses in independent living. Here’s what you need to know.
Social Security benefits
Seniors in New York City can pay for any costs of living, including independent living costs, using their Social Security benefits. The benefits available to you will depend on your work history and current situation. Explore the individual Social Security benefits you may qualify for:
- Social Security Retirement benefit: A 62+ New York resident can receive retirement benefits once they’ve either reduced their working hours or retired. Eligibility is dependent on work history, and you receive payments monthly.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI): If a senior has a qualifying disability, they may be eligible to receive monthly benefits through the SSDI program. You must have paid Social Security taxes and established a recent, long-standing work history in order to qualify. Some of your family members may also be entitled to these benefits.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI): Offering monthly payments to qualifying individuals with a disability or to seniors 65+, SSI grants benefits regardless of work history. These payments may be stacked with SSDI and Social Security Retirement payments. To be eligible, you must have limited income and resources.
- Social Security survivors’ benefits: The survivors’ benefits plan pays a monthly benefit to provide financial support for widows, widowers, and dependents. This monthly payment is meant to ensure a reliable income stream for the survivors of a deceased spouse who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
Explore further housing assistance and Social Security benefits resources for New York residents below. These websites point you to New York City organizations, guides, and departments that’ll connect you to relevant housing programs that can help alleviate some costs of living. You’ll also find advocacy resources and information on Social Security benefits, including online services and an office locator search.
New York City resident public assistance resources
Understand New York City laws and regulations for independent living facilities
Stand-alone independent living facilities
Independent living facilities are considered ordinary apartment complexes in New York City from a regulatory standpoint. As such, they are required to follow the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (also known as the HPD) regulations. It’s crucial to understand your housing rights as a tenant entering into a new rental agreement. Your landlord is required to provide you with the following security measures and essential services:
- Heat
- Hot and cold water
- Fresh paint every three years
- Good lighting
- Carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors
- Self-closing entrance doorways
Your landlord must also keep your apartment free of hazards, vermin, and leaks.[03] You have the right to request repairs or remediation if your apartment is lacking essential services or if you’re living in hazardous conditions. If your landlord refuses to make repairs, you have a right to file a housing complaint with the HPD. You can also search a New York independent living or apartment building’s history to make a more informed decision. Explore the resources below for more tools and information on viewing building statuses, complaints, and how those issues are resolved.
Independent living with assisted living
If your community offers assisted living and skilled nursing services on-site, that facility is additionally regulated beyond just residential tenant rights and protections. Such facilities are required to comply with state and federal regulations, such as the following:
- Provide support or a plan to help with residents’ activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Have a distinct facility area for nursing services
- Develop a discharge plan to ensure residents have support in place when they leave
To review inspection information on a facility offering both independent living and assisted living, get in touch with the New York State Department of Health. You can contact them by requesting facility inspection records from the New York City health department through their online form or send a request via mail, email, fax, or in-person at the Records Access Office. To review specific contact details or learn more about specific New York senior living regulations, explore the state resources listed below. If you’re thinking of moving somewhere with higher levels of individual care, consider looking into one of New York’s assisted living facilities.
Housing protections for persons with disabilities
For seniors with disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Authority (FHA) have laws in place to prevent housing discrimination. According to these regulations, a person who meets disability requirements has the following rights:
- Residents can reasonably modify their living areas to help them use and enjoy their home.
- Residents can live with a service animal even when there’s a no-pets policy in effect.
- Residents can adjust their rent due dates to reflect disability income payment dates.[04]
NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)
HPD search index
Phone Number: 212-504-4115
File a housing complaint with HPD
NYC building history
Department of Buildings self-service
New York State Department of Health
Records Access Office
New York State Department of Health
Corning Tower, Room 2364
Albany, New York 12237
Email: foil@health.ny.gov
Fax: 518-486-9144
New York state housing resources
Residential Tenants’ Rights Guide
Disability and discrimination laws
COVID-19 regulations for New York City independent living facilities
COVID-19 continues to pose a risk to vulnerable populations in New York City, including seniors in independent living. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pulls back on their recommendations and safety measures, the New York state health department relaxes COVID-19 safety requirements as well. As such, independent living communities vary on safety policies. Stand-alone independent living facilities generally recommend but do not require common-sense safety procedures, such as staying in when sick and keeping hands washed. Independent living communities with assisted living units may limit visiting hours and require guests to undergo temperature checks and wear masks while in the assisted living wing.
Be sure to ask your prospective community about their COVID-19 policies. A general list of COVID-19 guidelines is also available from the Department of Human Services, and it’s revised upon any changes to policies.
Get to know
Types of independent living in New York City
New York independent living communities work hard to emphasize a sense of comfort and ease, so you often don’t have to worry about things like home maintenance, landscaping, transportation, or laundry and linens. Seniors newly settled in New York independent living leave reviews on how delighted they are to have so much time back in their lives now that they don’t have to worry about the mundane and tedious tasks of ownership.
The independent living communities we partner with and cover in this guide are within a 10-mile radius of New York City Hall. This means communities are in premium locations, with easy access to the world’s finest entertainment, shopping, dining, and museums. From high-end Manhattan accommodations to affordable residences, there’s no shortage of independent living options near the heart of New York City.
Luxurious independent living
People around the world dream of a life of luxury in New York City, and with many independent living options near the heart of the city, this dream becomes reality. From gourmet, five-star dining experiences to elegantly appointed community rooms and lodgings, our in-network New York communities have much to recommend them. Take an afternoon stroll through on-site libraries, view art galleries featuring brilliant work from local artists, or enjoy an evening of stunning skyline views on outdoor lounges with refreshments from the community wine bar. These features are typically included in these communities:
- Robust special event calendars
- In-house Juilliard and Carnegie Hall performances
- Multiple on-site dining options
- Deluxe meal plans
- Stylishly elevated lodgings with premium appliances and luxury finishes
The high-luxury communities are often situated in gorgeous neighborhoods to match. A reviewer in one of our in-network communities remarks that “the surrounding neighborhood could not be more vibrant and visually magnificent.” With walking proximity to world-class museums, luxury retail shopping, thrilling art districts, and endless entertainment, there’s always something new to experience and enjoy.
Faith-based independent living
New York City is one of the world’s most celebrated cultural hubs, and its faith-based senior communities are one glowing expression of the many ways New Yorkers enjoy shared cultural values together. New York offers many independent living options centered around a variety of religious traditions. Currently, A Place for Mom partners with several communities of Jewish and Christian faith traditions.
Residents report a particularly homey feeling in faith-based communities, where they enjoy a sense of well-being. These communities are often smaller and more intimate, with on-site places of worship and bustling activity calendars. “Family” is a theme among resident reviews for these facilities; residents and families use the following words and phrases to describe the staff members:
- “kind”
- “compassionate”
- “respectful”
- “treat residents like family”
For residents looking to spend their senior years in communities with like-minded people, New York City’s faith-based communities may be an excellent, personal-value-driven choice.
Continuing care retirement communities
Some seniors prefer not to move if their health changes or if they need more assistance with daily life. If you’re looking for a New York City community to stay in for many retirement years, you might consider an independent living community with continuing care options. Several of our in-network community partners offer advanced levels of assisted living or memory care if residents are faced with increasing health needs down the road. Especially if it’s a rehabilitative center or a respite home, continuing care retirement communities in New York City often feature the following:
- 24-hour care staff
- Emergency response systems
- Medication management
- On-site therapies, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy
- More hands-on assistance with tasks of daily living
- Health professionals on-site
Unlike independent living, assisted living features more involvement from support staff, from cooking and cleaning to dressing and grooming, if needed. To simplify the payment process for more involved care, some communities offer all-inclusive rates and roll the fees from additional care services into a resident’s single monthly payment. For seniors who don’t want to bother with moving from an independent living community during their retirement years, a continuing care home might be the way to go.
New York City independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in New York City independent living
Availability of select dining options in New York City independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in New York City independent living
Explore senior care with confidence
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Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with New York City? Check out these highlights for seniors
Number of residents in New York City who are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of New York City population 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of senior New York City residents living with disabilities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Health care for seniors in New York City
New York offers world-class care to senior residents, with multiple hospital systems ranking in the top 10 nationwide. New York residents taking proactive health measures or managing chronic conditions have access to multiple top-rated hospital systems. We list a few of New York City’s outstanding nearby health care options below.
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Health hospital system offers patients state of the art facilities and a dedicated joint pain and injury orthopedic hospital. NYU Langone Health ranks No. 1 in New York City and No. 3 nationwide, according U.S. News and World Report.
NewYork-Presbyterian
NewYork-Presbyterian is the No. 2 ranked hospital in New York City and No. 7 nationwide, according to U.S. News and World Report. It boasts top-ranking care programs for 14 adult medical specialties and is affiliated with Cornell and Columbia universities.
Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital was founded in 1852 and is distinguished for its outstanding geriatrics program. It’s ranked No. 3 in New York City and No. 11 nationwide, according to the U.S. News and World Report.
Jersey City Medical Center
Jersey City Medical Center is just across the Hudson from lower Manhattan. They rank highly for their excellence in nursing and leadership in LGBTQ health care equality. Jersey City Medical Center also has an outstanding reputation for effective treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure.
Transportation for seniors in New York City
In New York City, 86% of our in-network independent living facilities provide on-site transportation.[01] Half of those facilities offer complimentary transportation, while the other half provide transportation at an additional cost. That said, as one of the world’s largest metropolitan centers, New York City has no shortage of options for public transportation. Many New York City residents don’t own a vehicle, and the city has numerous options for navigating transportation without needing your own car.
For most daily errands, walking the neighborhoods near your independent living community is a great option. You can also catch a taxi, take a bus, or ride the subway to get where you want. The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) website is an invaluable resource for parsing transportation options. You’ll find everything from fare prices to subway and bus routes.
Additionally, explore transportation options with New York State’s Office for the Aging transportation services. You’ll find assistance with rides to doctor appointments, shopping districts, and more depending on your area and eligibility. There may be additional transportation discounts available, along with information about driver safety. Contact the local Office for the Aging near you to learn more about what’s available in your area.
Each of these scores from WalkScore are out of 100:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in New York City
New York City is a world leader in culture and excitement and has no lack of things to do for seniors in the city. Countless theaters, museums, restaurants, and galleries are a short walk or subway ride away.
Museums in New York City
New York pulls in some of the most riveting artistic talent in the world, and many global treasures can be found in the city’s wealth of museums and cultural centers. Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum are widely celebrated for their incredible exhibits.
History buffs may also enjoy these destinations:
- The American Museum of Natural History is sprawling and packed with encyclopedic information and amazing specimens.
- The Museum of the City of New York honors this dynamic city and its fascinating history.
- The Brooklyn Museum has period rooms full of cultural artifacts from ancient to modern times.
Fun with the family
The Prospect Park Zoo offers a beautiful day of memories for visiting family. Grandkids can marvel at 400+ animals and learn about conservation efforts around the world. There’s plenty of room to explore the wildlife among the zoo’s 12 acres of exhibits.
The Staten Island Ferry is another long-standing favorite. The cheery, golden ferryboat ushers passengers past scenic views of the Hudson River to the iconic Statue of Liberty and back again in about 25 minutes.
For respite in some lovely green space, enjoy a stroll through Central Park. With 843 acres of beauty, there’s a year-round schedule of programming, events, and fun for all ages. The stunning Brooklyn Botanic Garden also features some gorgeous, exotic foliage. Take a waterside stroll with the family, as there are many scenic riverside walking trails that frame the Hudson and East rivers.
Performing arts
Some of the world’s most iconic shows get their start on Broadway, the crown jewel of the American theatrical industry. Renowned plays, musicals, films, and performances can be enjoyed at these theaters:
- Tribeca Performing Arts Center is home to an annual, diverse film festival.
- Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts features 30 indoor and outdoor facilities and one of the world’s most technologically advanced stages.
- The American Ballet Theatre was founded in 1939 and is celebrated as one of the finest classical dance companies to date.
Activities and events from the comfort of home
Many independent living communities in New York City additionally offer their own robust activity schedules, so you don’t have to worry about planning activities or events. There’s often plenty to do right in the building. Enjoy an afternoon of gaming, attend a community celebration, fitness class, or seminar. Some communities have even been known to hold wine tastings or holiday events from the comfort of the on-site common areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Belvedere, Atria Plainview and Atria Woodlands are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near New York City, NY. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in New York City is $6,080 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
NYC Housing Preservation & Development. (2023). Tenants’ rights and responsibilities.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
U.S. News and World Reports. (2023). Best Hospitals in New York, NY.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in New York.
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