About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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Senior Living Apartments in Buffalo, NY

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Who are you searching for?

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
Showing 28 communities
Last Updated: 3/15/24
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Types of care available in Buffalo, NY
Senior Apartments
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Assisted Living
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Nursing Homes
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Memory Care
Memory Care
Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Independent Living
Independent Living
Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Residential Care Home
Residential Care Home
Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Home Care
Home Care
Home care relies on trained aides to provide companionship and non-medical care for seniors living at home.
Recent reviews of Senior Apartments in Buffalo, NY
5 / 5.0

Have been here a little over a week now and am quite happy wIth everything! People are friendly and Bristol is quick to respond to any calls that you present. The food is quite good! Overall I am enjoying living here .

5 / 5.0

Fayebrook has been a great experience for me so far. The people are just so friendly. The staff is wonderful; very kind and helpful. I haven't had a chance to participate in the activities yet, but the community has quite a few. I like that they keep the place very clean and tidy. Fayebrook is wonde...

5 / 5.0

My mother is really enjoying her time here at this community, It is a wonderful place. Everyone has been very helpful, and polite. The community is very well maintained. They do a great job keeping everything nice, and well-kept. The owner has been very accommodating, kind. There is a lovely communi...

Photo of Elderwood Assisted Living at West Seneca
1010 Photos available
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We think the facility is very nice. Our experience the past year has been very good. Overall I think our complaint would be with the day of arrival entry process. It was VERY long, often duplicative of...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Elderwood Assisted Living at West Seneca offers an independent lifestyle with caring personal attention. The community in West Seneca, New York, features comfortable common spaces and private studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The backyard patio features a lovely koi pond and overlooks a...
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Photo of Fayebrooke on Maple
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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...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Welcome Home to FayeBrooke Senior Apartments where Lifestyle, Luxury & Location are key! We are Amherst' s premier Retirement Community, offering all the amenities and comforts you desire.. You have a new place to call 'HOME' Choose from our spacious one or two bedroom floor plans.
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Photo of Crestmount Senior Apartments
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Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
CrestMount Square Senior Apartments is a safe community for seniors ages 55 and better. With plenty of activities to make new friends and have more fun in your later years. Centrally located in the Town of Tonawanda near the Thruway.
Photo of Sandra Lane Senior Apartments
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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...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Conveniently located near shopping, our lovely community is in a beautiful wooded setting. We are a 55+ and Pet Friendly Community.ALL UTILITIES ARE INCLUDED!!!Here's what our residents say about Sandra Lane…“There’s always something fun to do!” ~ Mary Snyder“In the last year we’ve made so many...
Photo of Eagle Crest Senior Village
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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...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
At Eagle Crest Senior Village we offer spacious one and two bedroom apartment homes in a luxury, 2-story, independent living community. Envision it... a New York lifestyle without all the challenges - no snow to shovel, no lawns to mow, and no property to maintain, PLUS daily events to nourish...
Photo of The Belvedere
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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...
Provides: Independent Living, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nestled comfortably inside Lancaster's rolling hamlet meadows along the Williamsville and Clarence border, the Belvedere is unlike any other existing 55 and older active adult rental community in the area. Conveniently located just 5 minutes from Transit Road, you will find shopping, dining and...
Photo of The Fairways at Lancaster
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My parents highly recommend it. They seem happy with the community. The community is quick to respond to maintenance requests. The apartments is a somewhat open floor plan, they are bright and spacious.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
BRAND NEW 55+ ACTIVE ADULT PATIO HOME RENTALS. No HOA fees. One floor living, fully accessible. The Fairways at Lancaster is a pet-friendly, luxury patio home community. All units feature 2 BR/2 FULL baths with an attached one or two car garage. You'll also enjoy a gas fireplace, granite counter...
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Photo of Elderwood Assisted Living at Cheektowaga
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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...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Elderwood Assisted Living at Cheektowaga is a assisted living community located in the growing town of Cheektowaga, NY. Cheektowaga is located in Erie County, close to Buffalo, and home to just over 88,000 people. Cheektowaga has a lot of great stores, shopping, and restaurants giving residents...
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Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Bell Tower ApartmentsThe 55+ Bell Tower Apartments senior housing are in the suburb of Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Erie County, NY. The quiet residential senior apartments offer you the comfort of living close to superb highways. Living in Bell Tower Apartments is also an opportunity to enjoy the...
Photo of Bristolwood Senior Living Community
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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...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Our English garden-style apartments located in a quiet neighborhood in Buffalo New York. We are conveniently located near Buffalo's finest historical sights and in the theatre district for those who enjoy arts and entertainment. The structure and lay out of the apartments are designed for...
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Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Williamstowne Senior Apartments
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Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Trinity Tower
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Monsignor Adamski Village Apts
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Timon Towers Apartments
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Stuyvesant Apartments
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Elmwood Square Apartments
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Santa Maria Towers
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Marine Drive Apartments Inc
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Sunflower Apartments
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Seneca Pointe Located in the heart of West Seneca, Erie County, New York, Seneca Pointe is a senior apartment community for people ages 55 and older, who are looking to live a happy and active lifestyle. On a beautiful day, enjoy a leisurely walk to nearby Market in the Square and the Southgate...

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 cost comparisons near Buffalo, NY

Average monthly costs

Buffalo, NY

$1,809

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.

Private pay methods

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:

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VA benefits
9460

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 offices

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

VSOs 

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

Medicaid

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

Apply for Medicaid

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.

Medicaid application assistance

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

Medicare

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

Apply for Medicare and programs

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.

Advocacy and assistance

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

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.

 

Public assistance

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:

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 and housing assistance

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

Senior advocacy programs

Erie County Department of Senior Services
95 Franklin St., Room 1329
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: 716-858-8526

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 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.

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Vaccinations.

Strongly encouraged, but not required.

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Masking.

Strongly encouraged in indoor public areas, but not required.

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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

35,727

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Buffalo

13%
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Buffalo population
$33,843

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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Mercy Hospital-Buffalo

U.S. News & World Report ranks Mercy as a high performer in four adult speciality areas, including diabetes care.

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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.

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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.

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67

Walk Score

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47

Transit Score

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63

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

Fox Creek Estates, Elderwood Assisted Living at West Seneca and Fayebrooke on Maple 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 1808.84 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

References

  1. Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  2. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

  3. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

  4. U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Buffalo, NY.

  5. Walk Score. (2023). Living in Buffalo.

  6. Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. (2018). Buffalo’s Frederick Law Olmsted Legacy: The Park System that Started It All.

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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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1.

Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

2.

United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

3.

United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

4.

U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Buffalo, NY.

5.

Walk Score. (2023). Living in Buffalo.

6.