Harrisburg has numerous colleges and universities in the surrounding area, which may factor in why the 65+ community comprises a below-average 11.1% of its 50,000 residents. Despite this, the city has plenty to offer seniors, such as competitive taxes and quality health care, both of which help it appear on lists of the best places to retire in Pennsylvania.
Many Harrisburg seniors find assisted living a good solution to the challenges of aging. These facilities take on typical household chores for their residents, such as cleaning, cooking and laundry, and providing staff to assist with personal care. They also manage social programs that entertain residents and encourage new friendships. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Harrisburg’s typical senior pays $4,828 per month for assisted living. This is about 15% more than Pennsylvania’s median fee, although the gap with the national average is narrower.
This guide reviews the pros and cons of living in Harrisburg and compares its median fee for assisted living with some neighboring cities. It also examines costs for other types of senior care and lists some free resources suitable for assisted living residents.