Senior Living Apartments in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo may not be the first place most people think of when listing popular retirement locations, but with a nickname like, “the City of Good Neighbors,” you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more welcoming community as a retiree. Plus, Buffalo has a small-city feel with all the resources and amenities you’ve come to expect in a big city. Located close to the eastern end of Lake Erie, Buffalo has a humid climate with warm summers and winters blanketed with snow. Buffalo is also known for its history and culture with many art galleries, museums, and theaters open to the public.
Senior apartments offer active and independent seniors housing options that are accessible with elevators, wide doorways, and more. Health care services and daily assistance are not provided within senior apartments. The amenities that senior apartments can vary, but common amenities you can expect are walkability due to their central location, access to washers and dryers, outdoor common areas, and balconies.
In an effort to help you find a senior apartment community in Buffalo, New York, that suits your specific needs, A Place for Mom has put together this guide. Below, you’ll find listings for senior apartment communities within a 10-miles radius of downtown Buffalo, ranked by a variety of categories. You’ll also find details on payment options, local and state regulations, transportation, health care, and Buffalo itself.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Buffalo, NY
I have been living at Fayebrooke on Maple for almost a year and I am very pleased with my decision to move here to this facility. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I have had no problems since I...
Facility is all private rooms. Nice sitting area outside during summer, under cover from sun and rain. Many activities and staff encourage residents participation. Nursing staff communicates resident's needs...
Sandra Lane has turned out to be perfect for my parents. [Removed]was excellent and very helpful when we were researching and going through the move-in process, and I love that they have an amazing community...
Eagle Crest and my mom has been a good match. She has been there almost a year now, and has settled in nicely. My siblings and I are pleased with the cleanliness, security and quality of employee's and...
Truly grateful that my sister and brother-in-law were able to make this their new home! The Fairways at Lancaster provides excellent accommodations and a very pleasant welcoming atmosphere for residents.
It's a 55 and over independent apartment. It is a very nice facility for about the same price as other places. We picked this community, because it was newer/bigger. My loved one ultimately chose it. I would...
Overall our experience with Elderwood Assisted Living has been a good one. The staff is very compassionate, and they do a great job explaining everything that is going to be going on. We had a few difficult...
They have a calendar of lunches you get at the beginning of every month. The food is good and there is a variety of choices. They call every morning to see if you would like lunch that day. They also offer...
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Buffalo community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Buffalo 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 senior apartments in the Buffalo area
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Buffalo
- How people pay for senior apartments in Buffalo
- Understand New York laws and regulations for senior apartment communities
- What to expect from senior apartments in Buffalo
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Buffalo? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Buffalo area
The cost of living in a senior apartment community can vary greatly based on location, unit size, floor plan, amenities offered, and other additional services. In Buffalo, the cost of a senior apartment averages about $1,267 per month.[01] Being the average, however, seniors can expect to pay as little as $848 per month to upwards of $1,459 per month.[01]
The following figures represent the average baseline costs for the immediate area and do not include additional fees for ancillary services.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Buffalo, NY vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Buffalo, NY vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Buffalo vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Buffalo, NY by room type
What families are saying about senior apartments in Buffalo
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Buffalo
Bristolwood Senior Living Community in Buffalo, NY
Fayebrooke on Maple in Williamsville, NY
Elderwood Assisted Living at West Seneca
How people pay for senior apartments in Buffalo
As senior apartment communities don’t offer skilled nursing care or other medical care, public assistance is rather limited to offset the cost. Residents often use personal funds to cover their monthly rent and associated fees when living in senior apartments.
However, seniors and their families should explore all their options. Assistance may still be available, especially if a senior were to require medically necessary in-home care or meet certain income levels. Below, you’ll find additional details on a variety of payment methods, including Medicaid, Medicare, VA benefits, public assistance, and private funds.
Most seniors use private resources to pay for the rent and associated fees of senior apartment communities. These resources often include but are not limited to retirement savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, distributions from retirement accounts, and income generated by investments, as well as any one or more of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Buffalo
About 44% of Buffalo veterans are 65+
Buffalo offers a number of VA benefits that can help offset the cost of living in a senior apartment community. The VA Pension is probably the most common, as it can be used to directly cover the cost of housing. A close second would be that of the VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit, which is an additional benefit made available to veterans who require assistance with day-to-day activities. For low-income veterans, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) provides housing vouchers and VA supportive services to veterans needing private housing, such as senior apartments.
In addition to the more traditional VA benefits, veterans in the Buffalo area may be eligible for any number of grants through WNY Heroes, Inc. One in particular, Heroes Bridge, should be of great interest to any senior looking for assistance in paying for senior housing, as the program provides help with rent and utilities.
If seniors need help in navigating the often-complex VA benefits system, consider contacting a veterans service officer. These experts are recognized and vetted by the VA to ensure that veterans can receive trusted information to guide them through the benefits process. You can connect with them through the VA offices and veterans service organizations (VSO). We’ll list several below, but VSOs in Buffalo have a lot of locations; you can find a complete list of VSOs in Erie County on this list.
Resources for Buffalo veterans
VA Buffalo Regional Office
130 S. Elmwood Ave., Suite 601
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Erie County Veterans Service Agency
Rath Office Building
95 Franklin St., Suite 800
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-862-8902
Disabled American Veterans
130 S. Elmwood Ave., Suite 620
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-6363
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Erie County American Legion
609 City Hall
65 Niagara St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-852-6500
AMVETS Post 72
1881 Clinton St.
Buffalo, NY 14206
Phone: 716-825-6207
Vietnam Veterans of America Post 77
57 Main St.
Tonawanda, NY 14150
Phone: 716-693-4479
VFW Post 898
Col. John B. Weber Post
2909 S. Park Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14218
Phone: 716-823-9605
While New York’s Medicaid program doesn’t cover the cost of rent at a senior apartment community, Medicaid may help offset the cost of any medically necessary in-home health care that you need while living in a senior apartment if you qualify for a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. These waiver programs cover a variety of personal care services, including help with bathing, grooming, dressing, and cooking.
You can apply for Medicaid online or by submitting a printed Medicaid application by mail to the Erie County Work Center. Complete step-by-step instructions for applying for Medicaid online can be found on New York’s myBenefits site. In-person assistance is restricted to emergency needs only. However, that doesn’t mean help is not available. New York State of Health provides navigators to assist you. You can check this navigator directory to find a downloadable monthly schedule of where navigators will be or find out how to chat with them online or over the phone.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program can also help in providing additional information and answering any questions. Ombudsman are professionals trained to help answer questions The ombudsman can also be a good resource. They can help you by answering questions about long-term care, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Buffalo resident Medicaid resources
Medicaid application mailing address
P.O. Box 120
Buffalo, NY 14201-9903
Erie County Work Center
159 Pearl St.
Buffalo, NY 14202
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New York State of Health Customer Service Center
Phone: 855-355-5777
TYY: 800-662-1220
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Region 15
Contact: Susan Fenster, ombudsman coordinator
2447 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: 716-817-5626
Email: sfenster@people-inc.org
Like Medicaid, Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of living in a senior apartment community. The program can, however, help offset costs associated with medically necessary health care services for people 65 and older, such as inpatient hospital stays, short-term in-home care, doctor visits, and medical equipment.
It can also be valuable to save on costs and apply for additional benefits for qualified seniors. The following are Medicare programs and resources for Buffalo seniors:
- Medicare Savings Program
The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) can assist people with limited income in paying for Medicare premiums, fees, and deductibles, as well as other cost-sharing expenses. Once enrolled, seniors also automatically receive Extra Help, a federal program which pays most of Medicare Part D – the prescription drug plan.To qualify, seniors in the State of New York must make no more than $1,677 per month individually or $2,268 per month as a couple, as of 2023. - EPIC for New York
The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program helps offset the cost of Medicare Part D for income-eligible seniors. EPIC can help cover the premium of Medicare Part D and assist with medication costs after meeting Medicare Part D’s deductible. For more information on EPIC, contact 800-332-3742. - Catholic Health LIFE
Catholic Health LIFE is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for seniors who still live at home, yet require some level of supervised care. The program offers a range of services, including physician services, nursing services, rehabilitation therapies, spiritual care, nutritional services, recreational activities, educational activities, and round-trip transportation. - Fallon Health Weinberg-PACE
Fallon Health Weinberg-PACE offers health care services to older adults who still live at home, but need nursing-home level of care. Much like Catholic Health LIFE, this program offers medical transportation and specialty care services. It also offers home care, day center services, comprehensive medical care, prescription drug coverage, a care team of geriatric experts, and caregiver support. - Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program
The Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HIICAP) is New York State’s state health insurance assistance program (SHIP), which counsels seniors how to navigate their Medicare benefits, private insurance, and other health coverage plans. Contact 800-701-0501 for details.
The Social Security Administration office is a good resource for more information on Medicare and for assistance signing up. You submit a Medicare application to the Social Security Administration either online or in-person with a paper application. If you need further assistance in understanding Medicare eligibility requirements or with the application process itself, find a New York State of Health (NYSOH) navigator near you. You can also contact the local ombudsman program. An ombudsman can provide details on senior living options and payment methods, as well as advocate for the health care rights of seniors who live in senior living communities.
Buffalo resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
478 Main St., Suite 200
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
EPIC Application and Contact Information
Phone: 800-332-3742
TYY: 800-290-9138
Email: nysdohepic@magellanhealth.com
Catholic Health LIFE PACE Program
55 Melroy Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14211
Phone: 716-819-5433
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fallon Health Weinberg PACE
461 John James Audubon Parkway
Amherst, NY 14228
Phone: 855-665-1112
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Local Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – Region 15
Contact: Susan Fenster, ombudsman coordinator
2447 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14214
Phone: 716-817-5626
Email: sfenster@people-inc.org
Health Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance Program
Phone: 800-701-0501
NYSOH Navigator Program – Erie County
237 Main St., Suite 400
Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: 716-847-0650
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Social Security Administration’s Social Security benefits can help seniors pay for rent at a senior apartment, as well as housing assistance programs. Social Security benefits often fall into one of four categories, all of which can be used to offset any cost of living:
- Social Security Retirement (SSR) benefits are eligible to seniors 62 and older who’ve paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are eligible to individuals with a disability who’ve paid Social Security taxes.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are eligible to individuals with a disability who have no work credits.
- Social Security Survivors pensions are eligible to surviving spouses of workers with work credits.
Seniors with qualifying income levels may be eligible for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) voucher program. The program can help offset the cost of living in a senior apartment community if that community accepts the Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV). Not all senior living communities are open to receiving rental payments through HCVs, so consult with the landlord or management company prior to signing a lease if public housing assistance is necessary.
In the Buffalo area, seniors looking for housing assistance may also want to contact the YWCA School House Commons, which provides housing and support services for low-income seniors.
Additionally, seniors and their families should consider connecting with one of the local senior advocacy programs such as Erie County Senior Services or the local Office for the Aging, as they can offer information and referrals regarding housing options, legal and financial issues, respite care, long-term care consultation, and other needed services.
Buffalo resident public assistance resources
Social Security Administration Office
478 Main St., Suite 200
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Buffalo HUD Office
300 Pearl St., Suite 301
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-551-5755
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
YWCA School House Commons
1005 Grant St.
Buffalo, NY 14207
Phone: 716-447-1334
Erie County Department of Senior Services
95 Franklin St., Room 1329
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-8526
New York Department of Aging
Phone: 844-697-6321
Email: NYSOFA@aging.ny.gov
Understand New York laws and regulations for senior apartment communities
The Erie County Department of Senior Services classifies senior apartment communities as a form of independent living, which generally means residents will be 55 and older and do not require assistance in their daily activities but may benefit from a senior-friendly environment with more convenient services and social opportunities. This classification, however, doesn’t require senior apartments to obtain a license to own and operate such a community.
Being a rental property, senior apartment communities are subject to the same federal, state, and local housing laws as any other apartment community. That means all senior apartment communities must remain compliant with the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Senior apartments are also covered under the HUD Housing Choice Voucher program. HUD vouchers are eligible for low-income seniors and can be used on housing that meets HUD standards. Please check with the landlord or property manager of the senior apartment community to see if they accept HUD vouchers.
Inspections
Much like all apartment communities, senior apartments are subject to regular inspections by the Department of Permits and Inspections – after which they will receive a Certificate of Rental Compliance. If a rental property fails to meet the standards for the certificate, the property will no longer be able to operate as an income property. This, however, doesn’t mean tenants would then be evicted. Property owners will have an opportunity to bring the property up to code.
The City of Buffalo’s Permit and Inspections Data Resources site provides links to online data around inspections and violations. This open data guide explains how to find what you are looking for and navigate the site. If you need help, reach out to the office for more information.
Additional resources
If you’d like to learn more about tenant’s rights, please feel free to review any one of the guides below:
- New York State Residential Tenant’s Rights Guide
- Warrant of Habitability FAQs
- Know Your Rights: Fair Housing Laws
New York Department of Health contact information
New York State Department of Health
Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237
Phone: 866-881-2809
Email:dohweb@health.ny.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m
COVID-19 regulations for Buffalo senior apartments communities
Senior apartment communities have no specific COVID-19 mandates in New York. However, the Erie County Department of Health recommends that property owners and residents follow CDC guidelines and safety measures. Some senior apartment communities may choose to have their own rules to prevent the spread of COVID.
Vaccinations.
Strongly encouraged, but not required.
Masking.
Strongly encouraged in indoor public areas, but not required.
Staff safety.
Vaccinations and boosters are not mandated, but strongly encouraged.
What to expect from senior apartments in Buffalo
Most senior apartment buildings in Buffalo are multi-story buildings that sit right alongside city streets and sidewalks. These city apartments provide easy access to public transportation, medical buildings, as well as neighborhood bars, restaurants, and coffee shops within walking distance. Small dogs and cats are usually allowed.
No-frills apartments in convenient locations
Senior apartments in Buffalo are generally historic buildings that have been renovated. There are onsite laundry facilities as well as onsite maintenance. Most apartments provide between 500 and 700 square feet depending on the choice of studio, one- or two-bedroom options. While balconies aren’t a common feature, it’s not impossible to find.
Senior-friendly features
Buffalo senior apartments feature elevators and wheelchair accessibility for the most part. The apartments have been designed with senior-friendly features that enable both independence and accessibility, such as grab bars and roll-in showers.
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Unfamiliar with Buffalo? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Buffalo
Median annual income for Buffalo seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Buffalo
Buffalo has a number of health care options for the senior population, many of which specialize in services geared toward aging individuals. Refer to the listing below for further information:
Buffalo General Medical Center
Buffalo General Medical Center provides a variety of clinical inpatient and outpatient services. Specialities of note include orthopedics, urology, cardiac care, vascular services, rehabilitation medicine, and neurology.
Sisters Of Charity Hospital
Sisters of Charity Hospital is part of a larger non-profit health care system, Catholic Health, that provides inpatient and outpatient care, as well as a number of ancillary services, to patients living in the greater Buffalo area.
Erie County Medical Center
This general medical center in Erie County Medical Center has been given a rating of high performance in hip replacement by U.S. News & World Report.
Mercy Hospital-Buffalo
U.S. News & World Report ranks Mercy as a high performer in four adult speciality areas, including diabetes care.
Buffalo VA Medical Center
The Buffalo VA Medical Center is the primary medical center for area veterans, providing medical, surgical, and outpatient care. The provider’s primary specialties include cardiac surgery, cardiology care, and comprehensive cancer care.
Transportation for seniors in Buffalo
One of the things they say about Buffalo is that you can get almost anywhere in 20 minutes, and much of it will be by car. Though the city does have a public transit system that consists of one rail line and a fleet of buses, most people find it more convenient to get around by car – that, or by bike.
The area is considered bikeable, earning a bike score rating of 63.[05] Transportation scores, such as a bike score, are given out of a total of 100 and are based on other U.S. cities and neighborhoods. A score of 63 indicates that most areas of the city can be traversed by bike, but it may be too far or too cumbersome to travel to some locations by bike.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get around by foot as well. The city’s walk score is 67 out of 100, making the area somewhat walkable. If you live in the neighborhoods of Allen, Grant Ferry, the Central Business District, Bryant, or Front Park, the walkability jumps to anywhere from 85 to 94. This means that driving and walking from there will likely be the best method of transportation. Many Buffalo residents can walk to an average of two restaurants, bars, or coffee shops in no more than 5 minutes.[05]
Seniors looking for a reliable means of getting around can turn to Going Places Transportation System, which is a senior-specific, curb-to-curb van service. All you need to do is schedule health-related trips two weeks ahead of your appointment and non-medical trips one week ahead of the day needed. The city also provides a paratransit service that is called PAL Direct.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Buffalo
If you’re not from the area, you may not yet know that Buffalo is home to a number of truly stunning parks. In fact, the city’s entire park system was designed by the renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted.[06] Delaware Park in particular was named one of the top 10 parks in the world, with walking paths, a carriage drive, picturesque lake, and plenty of green space to enjoy. Also available is a self-guided audio tour of the park, highlighting all the various points of interest.
Buffalo is also home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House, which has long been considered one of Wright’s finest residential works. Tours are available, but the schedule does change throughout the year. It’s best to check the website prior to a visit. Other historic places of note are the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Historic Site, with its interactive exhibits and historically restored rooms; Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, with its four decommissioned Naval vessels; and, of course, Niagara Falls State Park, which, besides the scenery, offers interactive exhibits, hiking trails, and other attractions.
Those looking for an experience in culture and art can find it at the Shea’s Performing Arts Center, which has three theaters that offer an array of different performing arts. You can even catch a touring Broadway show or two. If you hit a matinee, you can make a day of it and head over to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, which is said to be a living museum with several indoor, interconnected greenhouses on the property.
If you want to press your luck, head out to the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. The casino offers more than just slot machines, there are dining options and even a beautiful golf course. If sports interest you, put on some blue and white and go root on the University of Buffalo Bulls.
Seniors with the social bug can always visit one of the many community and senior centers in the Buffalo area. One such community is the South Buffalo Community Association which provides both arts and physical activities available as well as nutrition programs. Programming varies from one center to the next, but you can choose to take part in exercise classes, music activities, arts and crafts, computer classes, and pickleball. The Erie County Department of Senior Services also regularly schedules activities for the senior population, which could include visiting local attractions, gardening, crafts, and even cars. No matter the interest, there’s something available for you to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fayebrooke on Maple, Elderwood Assisted Living at West Seneca and Fox Creek Estates are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Buffalo, NY. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Buffalo is $1,810 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Buffalo, NY.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Buffalo.
Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. (2018). Buffalo’s Frederick Law Olmsted Legacy: The Park System that Started It All.
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