State College is home to the University Park campus of Penn State and more than 40,000 people. Since many of the residents in town are college students, adults aged 65 and older make up only 6.2% of the population. Despite this low number of seniors, State College has many qualities that benefit residents in retirement, including relatively low health care costs, friendly tax policies, clean air and beautiful summer weather. 

Seniors in State College who require some assistance with daily activities, such as housekeeping, laundry, grooming and meal preparation, may find assisted living facilities in the area their preferred living option. In addition to room and board and daily assistance, these communities can feature a wide range of amenities, from spas and swimming pools to movie theaters and game rooms. According to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2020, the average cost for assisted living in State College is $5,340 per month. 

Below, families can compare the cost of assisted living in State College with other Pennsylvania cities and other types of senior care in the city. This guide also offers information about local resources that can make life easier for seniors in the community. 

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in State College, PA

Celebration Villa of Nittany Valley

150 Farmstead Lane, State College, PA, 16803

Celebration Villa of Nittany Valley is located in State College, Pennsylvania, home to the largest campus of Penn State University. This assisted living and memory care facility offers a variety ameni … (read more)
Celebration Villa of Nittany Valley is located in State College, Pennsylvania, home to the largest campus of Penn State University. This assisted living and memory care facility offers a variety ameni … (read more)

Juniper Village at Brookline

1930 Cliffside Drive, State College, PA, 16801

Juniper Village at Brookline is located in State College, Pennsylvania, near shops and a country club. Residents and visitors enjoy spending time around the facility’s beautifully manicured grounds an … (read more)
Juniper Village at Brookline is located in State College, Pennsylvania, near shops and a country club. Residents and visitors enjoy spending time around the facility’s beautifully manicured grounds an … (read more)

Harmony At State College

121 Havershire Blvd, State College, PA, 16803

Harmony at State College was great. It was very clean. The residents were doing an activity. They seemed very happy there. It was very nice. They had a gym, a movie theater, and an outdoor area for re … (read more)
Harmony at State College was great. It was very clean. The residents were doing an activity. They seemed very happy there. It was very nice. They had a gym, a movie theater, and an outdoor area for re … (read more)

2015

Foxdale Village

500 East Marylyn Avenue, State College, PA, 16801

Foxdale Village is located in State College, Pennsylvania, just minutes from Route 322. Residents and their loved ones praise the facility for its gorgeous 21-acre campus, which features landscaped co … (read more)
Foxdale Village is located in State College, Pennsylvania, just minutes from Route 322. Residents and their loved ones praise the facility for its gorgeous 21-acre campus, which features landscaped co … (read more)

Juniper Village Wellspring Memory Care at Brookline

610 West Whitehall Drive, State College, PA, 16801


Wynwood House

2350 Bernel Road , State College, PA, 16803

The people at Wynwood House are very personable. They have made my father very comfortable and I would recommend them. The staff is very kind and courteous. He enjoys the food and is very pleased with … (read more)
The people at Wynwood House are very personable. They have made my father very comfortable and I would recommend them. The staff is very kind and courteous. He enjoys the food and is very pleased with … (read more)

2013

The Village at Penn State Retirement Community

260 Lions Hill Road, State College, PA, 16803

The Village at Penn State Retirement Community, at State College, Pennsylvania, provides assisted living, nursing and continuing care in a bright, spotless environment. Student nurses offer the commun … (read more)
The Village at Penn State Retirement Community, at State College, Pennsylvania, provides assisted living, nursing and continuing care in a bright, spotless environment. Student nurses offer the commun … (read more)

Wynwood House Personal Care Community

122 Wynwood Drive, Centre Hall, PA, 16828

Wynwood House of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, is nestled in a quiet residential setting close to scenic farmlands and an abundance of shopping and dining options. Visitors admire the facility’s newer co … (read more)
Wynwood House of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, is nestled in a quiet residential setting close to scenic farmlands and an abundance of shopping and dining options. Visitors admire the facility’s newer co … (read more)

The Oaks at Pleasant Gap

200 Rachel Drive, Pleasant Gap, PA, 16823

The Oaks at Pleasant Gap is positioned on a 35-acre plot in Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania, moments away from I-99 and five state forests. Residents enjoy the facilities’ private and semi-private rooms, w … (read more)
The Oaks at Pleasant Gap is positioned on a 35-acre plot in Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania, moments away from I-99 and five state forests. Residents enjoy the facilities’ private and semi-private rooms, w … (read more)

Wynwood House – Nittany Valley

294 Discovery Drive, Boalsburg, PA, 16827

My mother was at this facility for over three years, and although she suffered from dementia she was well liked by the other people at the facility. She passed away several weeks ago and neither my si … (read more)
My mother was at this facility for over three years, and although she suffered from dementia she was well liked by the other people at the facility. She passed away several weeks ago and neither my si … (read more)

Eagle Valley Personal Care Home

500 Front Street, Milesburg, PA, 16853

Eagle Valley Personal Care Home is located off Route 220 in the cozy city of Milesburg, Pennsylvania, near historic Bellefonte and Penn State University. Residents enjoy the partnership the community … (read more)
Eagle Valley Personal Care Home is located off Route 220 in the cozy city of Milesburg, Pennsylvania, near historic Bellefonte and Penn State University. Residents enjoy the partnership the community … (read more)

What to Consider About Assisted Living in State College

Assisted living communities in Pennsylvania, officially known as assisted living residences (ASR), are licensed and regulated by the state’s Department of Human Services. Representatives from the Northeast Regional Office are responsible for overseeing ASRs in State College and the surrounding areas. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in State College

  • The overall cost of living in State College is 8% higher than the national average and 15.5% higher than the Pennsylvania median. These higher costs are largely related to housing prices, so seniors who already own their homes or choose to reside in an assisted living community may not be as affected. 
  • Older adults in State College benefit from some of the most senior-friendly tax policies in the nation. Pennsylvania doesn’t collect tax on any form of retirement income, whether it’s Social Security benefits or private pensions. This can help many seniors pay for assisted living.
  • The air quality in State College is considered very healthy. The American Lung Association gives Centre County an A for ozone pollution and a passing grade for annual particle pollution, so seniors can feel comfortable going outdoors knowing the air won’t harm their lungs or worsen respiratory issues. 
  • The climate in State College is a bit colder and wetter than the national norms. The area gets about 41 inches of rain, 45 inches of snow and 178 sunny days per year. However, summers in State College are very pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 82 degrees in July. 
  • State College is home to Mount Nittany Medical Center, a hospital that’s high-performing in procedures such as heart surgery and knee replacement. The city’s BestPlaces Health Cost Index is 94, which is six points better than the national average. 
  • Rates for both property and violent crime in State College are well below the Pennsylvania and United States averages. Families looking for additional peace of mind can find assisted living facilities in the area that have enhanced security features, including controlled access points and video surveillance. 

Paying for Assisted Living in State College

The average rate charged by assisted living facilities in State College is $5,340 per month. This is relatively high compared to both the state and national averages, which are $3,955 and $4,300, respectively.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

State College has one of the highest assisted living costs in Central Pennsylvania at $5,340 per month. Nearby Williamsport has one of the least expensive rates at $3,700, while costs in Altoona are almost as low, at a monthly average of $3,723. In the state capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, the median rate for assisted living is $4,857 per month. The average rate in Chambersburg is slightly less than in State College at $5,215. 

$5340

State College

$3955

Pennsylvania

$4300

The United States

$3700

Williamsport

$4857

Harrisburg

$5215

Chambersburg

$3723

Altoona

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Compared to the $5,340 average for assisted living, costs for other types of senior care in State College are both higher and lower. Homemaker services and home health aides costs are $430 less at $4,910 per month. Local cost information isn’t available for adult day health care, but given the statewide average of $1,517, this is likely the least-expensive option in the city. Nursing homes offer the most expensive type of care available. Semiprivate rooms cost an average of $9,673 per month, while private rooms average $10,768. 

$4910

Home Care

$4910

Home Health Care

$5340

Assisted Living Facilities

$9673

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

$10768

Nursing Home (private room)

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in State College

State College seniors who meet certain eligibility requirements for the Pennsylvania Department of Aging waiver may qualify for financial assistance in order to pay for care within one of the city’s assisted living facilities. In addition, if you receive SSI and need to live in an assisted living facility, the state can pay a supplement to the facility if you qualify.  

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

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in State College

The following resources can make life easier for older adults in State College who are either currently residing in an assisted living facility or considering their long-term care options. 

Resource

Contact

Service

(814) 355-6716

The Area Agency on Aging that serves seniors in State College administers a range of programs for local residents aged 60 and older. Examples include information and referral services, long-term care ombudsman advocacy and volunteer opportunities. Staff can provide guidance for seniors and their families about Medicare coverage and available financial assistance programs that may help pay for assisted living services. 

(814) 231-3076

Adults aged 55 and older in State College can visit the Centre Region Active Adult Center to participate in a variety of healthy activities, including hiking groups, line dancing, tai chi and outings to local events and attractions. The Center serves a nutritious congregate lunch each weekday and also has plenty of indoor activities available. Bingo, canasta, bridge and other games are scheduled regularly. Crafting classes provide an opportunity for seniors to learn new skills or enjoy favorite hobbies.

(814) 355-6812

Senior veterans in State College can contact Centre County Veterans' Affairs office for assistance accessing VA benefits, health care, dental insurance, compensation, grants, home loans and education opportunities. Veterans can make an appointment to get help applying for financial benefits that can be put toward the cost of assisted living, such as VA disability compensation, pensions and Aid and Attendance supplemental payments.

(814) 238-2282

State College residents who are aged 65 and older may qualify for free fares and passes on CATA routes. To get free rides, seniors must apply for a Senior Citizen Transit Identification Card, which they can show to drivers on routes in the area. This program also applies to local transportation services throughout the state of Pennsylvania. CATA also offers the CATARide paratransit service, which is available to qualifying seniors. Rides provided through this service require advance reservations.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in State College

State College-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Pennsylvania are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulation  in Pennsylvania