Cortland is a small town of just over 17,500 residents, often considered a gateway city to the Finger Lakes region. Seniors represent approximately 12% of the city’s population. This part of the state is mainly rural, with rolling hills and natural beauty. Even with its small size, Cortland has extensive cultural and historical points of interest, and there are always activities to keep seniors active and engaged.  

Seniors in Cortland have access to a variety of assisted living options, with an average monthly cost of $8,075. Assisted living services vary by community but often include some form of assistance with household management tasks and personal care. They also have access to medical wellness checks and a range of therapeutic treatments.  

This guide covers assisted living costs in Cortland compared to cities in the region and the town’s pros and cons. It also includes free assisted living resources for seniors in the area. 

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Cortland, NY

2015, 2016

Walden Place

839 Bennie Road, Cortland, NY, 13045

We’re in New York right now at Walden Place Cortland. It’s exceptionally good. It is clean, and the people are very friendly. They have a lot of services. They do our laundry, they make our beds somet … (read more)
We’re in New York right now at Walden Place Cortland. It’s exceptionally good. It is clean, and the people are very friendly. They have a lot of services. They do our laundry, they make our beds somet … (read more)

Crown Park

28 Kellogg Road,, Cortland, NY, 13045

I was totally against putting my husband in this facility due to their reputation, But my husband is now in there for 3 months and my opinion has changed. I have to say the nurses and staff on the 1st … (read more)
I was totally against putting my husband in this facility due to their reputation, But my husband is now in there for 3 months and my opinion has changed. I have to say the nurses and staff on the 1st … (read more)

Brookdale Bellevue

4330 Onondaga Boulevard, Syracuse, NY, 13219

Brookdale, located in a quiet residential neighborhood, has a homey and welcoming feel. The rooms are designed to be easily accessible for seniors with mobility concerns, and the staff is attentive an … (read more)
Brookdale, located in a quiet residential neighborhood, has a homey and welcoming feel. The rooms are designed to be easily accessible for seniors with mobility concerns, and the staff is attentive an … (read more)

2014

Brookdale Manlius

100 Flume Road, Manlius, NY, 13104

Our 96 year old father was a resident at Brookdale Manlius NY for the last six months. I witnessed on a daily basis the commitment to extending quality care that the staff extended to all residents. … (read more)
Our 96 year old father was a resident at Brookdale Manlius NY for the last six months. I witnessed on a daily basis the commitment to extending quality care that the staff extended to all residents. … (read more)

Brookdale Ithaca

103 Bundy Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850

The atmosphere at Brookdale Ithaca is very nice. They allow people to keep their pets, which is very nice. The downside is that they’re expensive. The dining room is very nice. The rooms had nice ligh … (read more)
The atmosphere at Brookdale Ithaca is very nice. They allow people to keep their pets, which is very nice. The downside is that they’re expensive. The dining room is very nice. The rooms had nice ligh … (read more)

The Athenaeum Of Skaneateles

150 East Genesee St., Skaneateles, NY, 13152

The Athenaeum of Skaneateles is beautiful. It’s a big mansion. It’s a big, single family home and it’s now built into 14 really nice rooms. It’s more like living at your house. It’s very clean. We got … (read more)
The Athenaeum of Skaneateles is beautiful. It’s a big mansion. It’s a big, single family home and it’s now built into 14 really nice rooms. It’s more like living at your house. It’s very clean. We got … (read more)

The Nottingham

1301 Nottingham Road, Jamesville, NY, 13078

I was very impressed with the staff at The Nottingham as well as the administration. They’ve taken very good care of my mother. The facility is extremely clean and well appointed. It’s comparable to … (read more)
I was very impressed with the staff at The Nottingham as well as the administration. They’ve taken very good care of my mother. The facility is extremely clean and well appointed. It’s comparable to … (read more)

Kendal at Ithaca

2230 NORTH TRIPHAMMER ROAD, Ithaca, NY, 14850

I liked the whole complex of Kendal At Ithaca and the idea that you can go there at different stages, starting with living independently, and then assisted living. If you have to go to the hospital, t … (read more)
I liked the whole complex of Kendal At Ithaca and the idea that you can go there at different stages, starting with living independently, and then assisted living. If you have to go to the hospital, t … (read more)

Evergreen House

4461 Jacksonville Rd, Jacksonville, NY, 14854

My mom is now at Evergreen House. I chose it because there are only six residents, and she gets more one-on-one care. She exercises every day, and they eat their meals together. They just entertain th … (read more)
My mom is now at Evergreen House. I chose it because there are only six residents, and she gets more one-on-one care. She exercises every day, and they eat their meals together. They just entertain th … (read more)

Longview, an Ithacare Community

1 Bella Vista Drive, Ithaca, NY, 14850

Longview (Longview, an Ithacare Community) was a bit rigid in the way they handled my mother-in-law, and the staff was not as accommodating. My mother-in-law was there for about eight or nine years. T … (read more)
Longview (Longview, an Ithacare Community) was a bit rigid in the way they handled my mother-in-law, and the staff was not as accommodating. My mother-in-law was there for about eight or nine years. T … (read more)

Manlius Assisted Living Program

215 East Pleasant Street, Manlius, NY, 13104

Our 85 year old Mom has been here for almost a year….We could not be more pleased with the place or the care she has received…….Susan, Kevin, Steph, John and the entire staff are just the best ! … (read more)
Our 85 year old Mom has been here for almost a year….We could not be more pleased with the place or the care she has received…….Susan, Kevin, Steph, John and the entire staff are just the best ! … (read more)

The Bixby Home

8342 North Main Street, Interlaken, NY, 14847

Hi, I live near this facility and visit it often since my own father lived there. Amazing, loving home that is extremely inspiring. The Victorian house is beautiful,the rooms are large and private,a l … (read more)
Hi, I live near this facility and visit it often since my own father lived there. Amazing, loving home that is extremely inspiring. The Victorian house is beautiful,the rooms are large and private,a l … (read more)

Bridges Cornell Heights

407 Wyckoff Avenue, Ithaca, NY, 14850

I was very skeptical of my grandmother going into any sort of facility. I am of the mindset that these facilities are often not run properly and the staff is not competent. That being said, I was pl … (read more)
I was very skeptical of my grandmother going into any sort of facility. I am of the mindset that these facilities are often not run properly and the staff is not competent. That being said, I was pl … (read more)

The Bernardine

417 Churchill Avenue, Syracuse, NY, 13205

The Bernadine is located just off I-81 in the south side of Syracuse, New York. Visitors to the facility praise its safe location and note that the grounds are beautiful and well-maintained. The 20-st … (read more)
The Bernadine is located just off I-81 in the south side of Syracuse, New York. Visitors to the facility praise its safe location and note that the grounds are beautiful and well-maintained. The 20-st … (read more)

The Heritage

750 East Brighton Avenue, Syracuse, NY, 13205

Care and attention from the staff at The Heritage at Loretto are cited by many of the residents and their families as part of what makes living in this assisted care facility so enjoyable. Small apart … (read more)
Care and attention from the staff at The Heritage at Loretto are cited by many of the residents and their families as part of what makes living in this assisted care facility so enjoyable. Small apart … (read more)

Elizabeth Brewster House

41 South Main Street, Homer, NY, 13077

This is listed as an Assisted living center. It is an Adult home for independent living. The aides are PCA’s not ceritifed CNA’ or HHA’s. They do assist with shower and dressing when needed, The m … (read more)
This is listed as an Assisted living center. It is an Adult home for independent living. The aides are PCA’s not ceritifed CNA’ or HHA’s. They do assist with shower and dressing when needed, The m … (read more)

Franziska Racker Centers

707 Elm St, Groton, NY, 13073

This home is very run down and understaffed. All of the people staying at the facility are mentally (and mostly physically) disabled. The staff spends a majority of their time ignoring outbursts from … (read more)
This home is very run down and understaffed. All of the people staying at the facility are mentally (and mostly physically) disabled. The staff spends a majority of their time ignoring outbursts from … (read more)

Greenbriar Home for Adults

46 Cortland Street, Homer, NY, 13077


Westminster Manor

81 South Street, Auburn, NY, 13021


Old Hundred

704 Five Mile Dr, Ithaca, NY, 14850


COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Cortland

Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in New York . Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Cortland

The New York State Department of Health is responsible for licensing assisted living communities and other long-term care providers throughout the state. It inspects Cortland assisted living facilities every 12-18 months, and it expects them to renew their licenses every two years.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Cortland

  • Cortland’s cost of living is more than 23% lower than that of the nation. Seniors here pay less for groceries, utilities and transportation. Housing, rent and maintenance costs are more affordable as well.
  • The city of Cortland is home to a satellite campus of the State University of New York. As such, seniors enjoy two distinct atmospheres during the year. While school is in session, the city is vibrant, busy and intellectually stimulating. When the students leave, it becomes a quaint, comfortable place to enjoy the area’s arts and natural beauty. 
  • Cortland cares a lot about its senior population. Compared to neighboring counties, it spends 200% more on Senior Services for residents over 65. With the added expenditure, seniors here have access to classes, programs and services through cooperative efforts between the city and local museums, art galleries and other popular destinations in and around the city.
  • Residents feel pretty safe living in Cortland. Overall, the violent crime rate is far below the national average, and although there is a high incidence of theft reports, property crime rates are also lower in Cortland than the national average.
  • For a smaller city, Cortland’s transportation infrastructure is commendable. Cortland Transit maintains seven separate routes throughout the city. Seniors pay half the price for service and have access to additional medical transportation through a dial-a-ride service. Residents can travel outside of the city using the local Greyhound bus, and Amtrak has a station in nearby Syracuse. 

Paying for Assisted Living in Cortland

Cortland seniors pay an average of $8,075 per month for assisted living care.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Cortland’s assisted living costs far exceed care costs in nearby cities. Cortland and Binghamton have the most notable difference, with a monthly difference of more than $3,400. Syracuse’s monthly fees are only slightly higher than Binghamton’s at $4,694 but still far less than Cortland’s. Finally, Elmira seniors pay $5,600 per month, just under $2,500 less than Cortland seniors.   

$8075

Cortland

$4580

New York

$4500

The United States

$5600

Elmira, NY

$4597

Binghamton, NY

$4694

Syracuse, NY

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care in Cortland, NY

Cortland offers other senior care options, which can vary widely in cost. Adult day health care is ideal for seniors who have little need for medical care but require some daytime supervision. It costs $1,625 per month for this service. Seniors who still live in their homes might use home care, which is under $2,000 less per month than assisted living. Some seniors require more medical attention and care than assisted living communities can safely provide, and a nursing home may be their best care option at $9,885 per month for a semi-private room and $10,190 per month for a private room. 

$6101

Homemaker Services

$6101

Home Health Aide

$1625

Adult Day Health Care

$8075

Assisted Living Facility

$9885

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

$10190

Nursing Home (private room)

Note: Data for Cortland, NY was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Ithaca, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Cortland

New York state residents who qualify for Medicaid can use it to pay for assisted living in Cortland. Those who do not qualify can get help from the Assisted Living Program.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in New York page.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in New York

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in New York page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Cortland

Cortland seniors can find various free and low-cost resources to help them with aging in an assisted living facility. Local nonprofits and government agencies can provide transportation access, recreational activities, and information about their rights as assisted living residents. 

Resource

Contact

Service

(607) 758-5528

The Cortland County AAA provides seniors with a range of services, from health and wellness classes to application assistance and information. It also offers free accessible transportation to seniors who live in outlying areas of Cortland county.

(855) 582-6769

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman assists seniors throughout New York who live in assisted living communities. It acts on behalf of seniors to assure that no one violates their rights, serves as a mediator in disputes and offers referral services when necessary.

(315) 492-1756

This program offers seniors aged 62+ free access to the majority of New York's state parks, boat launches and arboretums, as well as reduced-fee entry to state-operated golf courses and historic sites. Seniors only need to provide their New York state identification card or driver's license.

(607) 842-6984

The Truxton Senior Center provides Cortland county seniors a place to congregate and socialize. The Center's activities vary by month and season but include fitness classes, card and board games, Bingo and special social events, all of which seniors can attend for free.

(607) 756-3485

NY Connects is a free government program that helps connect seniors with the help they need to maintain or improve their health or well-being. Support specialists can offer guidance and advice, assist seniors with applying and enrolling in public assistance programs and connect them with programs across the state that can provide further assistance.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Cortland

Cortland Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in New York are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in New York page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in New York