Independent Living in New York

New York State’s variety of lifestyle options makes it an ideal retirement destination. While the hustle and bustle of New York City may be the first thing that comes to mind, the Empire State has much more to offer. From the beaches of Long Island, to Niagara Falls and the Finger Lakes out west, to the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains in the north, New York is filled with natural wonders and smaller, quieter towns.

Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 350 independent living communities in New York.

The median monthly cost of independent living in New York is about $3,000.

Top cities in New York

Upstate New York Tri State Area Erie County Long Island Monroe County Suffolk County

New York Independent Living Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because independent living is often provided by assisted living communities, states may regulate independent living within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to facility records in New York.

In New York, independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of independent living communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in New York is considered to be less affordable than the national average. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

Cost of Living: 136
Groceries: 115
Housing: 204
Utilities: 109
Transportation: 117

Demographics

About 16% of New York’s population are seniors. Politics in the state can vary but often tend to be left of center. In the 2016 presidential election, New York leaned liberal.

2016 Presidential Election

59% voted Democratic
37% voted Republican
5% voted third party or abstained

Population

Median age: 39
Over the age of 55: 30%
2018 population: 19,542,209
2020 population: 19,445,549
Estimated 2025 population: 19,205,986

Miscellaneous

29% regularly attend a religious service
44% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
Across the state there are a total of 14,110 congregations
There are 72 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

Almost all of New York’s northern section is classified as having a humid continental climate, whereas the southern area covering New York City and Long Island has a warmer humid subtropical climate. The state has four distinct seasons including warm summers and cold winters, and the western areas near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario often experience more extreme temperatures and higher amounts of precipitation.