Learn More About Independent Living in Rochester, NY
Independent living communities – also known simply as retirement communities – in Rochester, New York 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 Rochester retirement communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.
Cost of Independent Living in Rochester, NY
The median monthly cost of independent living in New York is about $2,050 in the city proper, and $2,328 within the metropolitan area. The median monthly cost of independent living in the state of New York is around $3,017.
For this type of senior living, Rochester, New York offers many great options, and A Place for Mom can help you find the right one.
Learn More About Rochester, NY
Cost of Living
Rochester is quite affordable, especially when compared to New York City. Overall, the cost of living index is rated 22 points lower than the national average of 100. The grocery cost index is also slightly below the national average of 100, and the city has a sales tax that is below 5%.
| Cost-of-living index |
Grocery index |
Median rent |
Rent burden |
Median home value |
Median family income |
Estate tax |
Sales tax |
| 78 |
98 |
$1,190 |
18.4% |
$171,947 |
$43,790 |
Top estate tax rate is 16 with an exemption threshold of $5.749 million |
4% |
Local Hospitals
Proximity to high quality medical facilities is a common factor in many seniors’ choices when deciding on an assisted living facility. As home-state to one of the country’s most populous cities, New York has a large number of world-renowned hospitals and medical centers, including highly rated facilities such as:
- Mount Sinai Hospital – Founded in 1852, Mount Sinai is one of the longest running hospitals in the country. The entire system has over 7,000 physicians and 3,815 staffed beds. Consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals in the country, the hospital is one of the top performing in the country for cardiovascular and diabetes care.
- NYU Langone Medical Center – This teaching hospital is affiliated with New York University and the New York School of Medicine. They operate a number of different hospitals and facilities and are consistently ranked one of the top hospitals in the country.
- Tisch Hospital – A 725 bed acute care tertiary hospital, the facility is recognized by the joint commission for excellence in perinatal, palliative, stroke, and ventricular assist device or pacemaker care.
Weather and Climate
A region’s climate and air quality can have a great effect on the health and well-being of local residents. The climate of Rochester is varied, consisting of a continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Seasonal Temperatures
| Average summer temp |
Typical summer high |
Typical summer low |
Average winter temp |
Typical winter high |
Typical winter low |
| 65°F |
82°F |
47°F |
33°F |
48°F |
17°F |
Air Quality
| Average air quality index rating |
Average maximum air quality index rating |
| 37 (Good) |
53 (Moderate) |
Moderate conditions mean that those who are sensitive to particulates in the air should consider limiting the amount of time they spend on outdoor exertion.
Precipitation
| Monthly precipitation |
Yearly rainfall |
Yearly snowfall |
| 4” |
33” |
77” |
Demographics and Values
2016 Presidential Election in Rochester
| Voted Democratic |
Voted Republican |
Voted Third Party |
| 54.2% |
39.3% |
5.25% |
Age
| Median |
60+ |
70+ |
80+ |
| 32 |
9% |
4% |
2% |
Race & Ethnicity
| Asian |
Black |
Hispanic |
Native American |
White |
Two or more |
Other or Not Specified |
| 3.3% |
40.7% |
17.8% |
1.0% |
46.6% |
4.5% |
3.8% |
Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation
Rochester is a place where you can live relatively easily while having access to one of the world’s greatest cultural hubs (NYC) just a few hours away. Within a short walk, one can find countless wineries, breweries, galleries, and theaters, as well as beautiful outdoor parks and restaurants to fit every taste and budget. Some notable destinations include:
- George Eastman Museum
- Kodak Center
- Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
- Roberts Cultural Life Center
Transportation
Rochester is serviced by a countywide bus system that has 54 routes inside and 35 routes outside of Monroe County. The town can be traversed easily by bus and the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority offers van services for disabled and elderly riders.
