Williamsport is a city in Lycoming County that’s best known for being the birthplace of little league baseball. It’s home to 27,754 people, with about 13.4% being 65 or older. The city’s seniors enjoy a cost of living that’s significantly below the state and national averages, an excellent free transportation network and relatively low rates of crime. Those who hunt game or simply enjoy trekking are treated to a surrounding landscape of 300,000 acres of state game lands, while baseball fans like that the city hosts the Little League World Series.
The aging process can result in some seniors having to make decisions regarding their independence due to everyday chores becoming more difficult, such as home cooking. Assisted living is an alternative to other forms of care, a way to remain mostly independent while common tasks, such as housekeeping, are carried out by trained staff, freeing up seniors’ time to enjoy their retirements. The average monthly fee in Williamsport is $3,700, saving $255 per month when compared to the state average.
This guide delves deeper into senior living costs in the area, considers the advantages and disadvantages of living in Williamsport and lists some useful resources for seniors.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Williamsport, PA
1251 Rural Ave, Williamsport, PA, 17701
Leighton Place was very nice. They had a few areas that were being remodeled at the time. I saw some of that in the process, so I wouldn’t say that I saw everything updated as it will be probably with
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Leighton Place was very nice. They had a few areas that were being remodeled at the time. I saw some of that in the process, so I wouldn’t say that I saw everything updated as it will be probably within four to six weeks. It was just cosmetic remodeling, probably like new furniture, new carpeting, and a few areas that they were working on. Everything looked very, very well cared for. The staff was very knowledgeable, very nice, and they took a lot of time with me to answer questions. There was no activity happening when I was there. I saw a few people sitting in a dining space, but I didn’t see any other activities happening. They did describe activities, and they showed me different spaces where they can do different things. They had an area where they did crafts or cooking classes, they had group activities that they did in a certain space, and they had some other little areas on the different floors that they had for a movie night and a little exercise. I saw three different rooms. They were very nice. Two were pretty similar to each other. The main difference was a slightly different style bathtub-shower unit. One was very large, it was a two-bedroom, and it had a larger kitchen area.
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Leighton Place was very nice. They had a few areas that were being remodeled at the time. I saw some of that in the process, so I wouldn’t say that I saw everything updated as it will be probably with
… (read more)
Leighton Place was very nice. They had a few areas that were being remodeled at the time. I saw some of that in the process, so I wouldn’t say that I saw everything updated as it will be probably within four to six weeks. It was just cosmetic remodeling, probably like new furniture, new carpeting, and a few areas that they were working on. Everything looked very, very well cared for. The staff was very knowledgeable, very nice, and they took a lot of time with me to answer questions. There was no activity happening when I was there. I saw a few people sitting in a dining space, but I didn’t see any other activities happening. They did describe activities, and they showed me different spaces where they can do different things. They had an area where they did crafts or cooking classes, they had group activities that they did in a certain space, and they had some other little areas on the different floors that they had for a movie night and a little exercise. I saw three different rooms. They were very nice. Two were pretty similar to each other. The main difference was a slightly different style bathtub-shower unit. One was very large, it was a two-bedroom, and it had a larger kitchen area.
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1900 Ravine Road, Williamsport, PA, 17701
The Williamsport Home had two different areas. One was almost like an efficiency apartment, but they kept the stove turned off and had a refrigerator and a microwave. Another section was just rooms an
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The Williamsport Home had two different areas. One was almost like an efficiency apartment, but they kept the stove turned off and had a refrigerator and a microwave. Another section was just rooms and the nursing staff was closer by. The staff was very friendly and very knowledgeable.
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The Williamsport Home had two different areas. One was almost like an efficiency apartment, but they kept the stove turned off and had a refrigerator and a microwave. Another section was just rooms an
… (read more)
The Williamsport Home had two different areas. One was almost like an efficiency apartment, but they kept the stove turned off and had a refrigerator and a microwave. Another section was just rooms and the nursing staff was closer by. The staff was very friendly and very knowledgeable.
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7190 South State Route 44, Williamsport, PA, 17702
My aunt moved into Nippenose Valley Village a month ago. The rooms are beautiful, she has one of the best there. Some of the rooms in their interior have no outside windows. We know the main person th
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My aunt moved into Nippenose Valley Village a month ago. The rooms are beautiful, she has one of the best there. Some of the rooms in their interior have no outside windows. We know the main person there, she really takes good care of her people, I have no complaints with the staff, they’re doing really good. We’ve asked her if she’s eating good, and she says yeah she loves everything. They’ve renovated, it’s beautiful, when you first walk in, there’s a big waterfall there, and there’s like a little man-made pond with fish, It’s a beautiful environment. They’ve kept part of the gym, half of it they made into a dining room, they kept the other half, and a lot of the residents go out there and throw basketballs around and get a little exercise around. I would definitely recommend them.
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My aunt moved into Nippenose Valley Village a month ago. The rooms are beautiful, she has one of the best there. Some of the rooms in their interior have no outside windows. We know the main person th
… (read more)
My aunt moved into Nippenose Valley Village a month ago. The rooms are beautiful, she has one of the best there. Some of the rooms in their interior have no outside windows. We know the main person there, she really takes good care of her people, I have no complaints with the staff, they’re doing really good. We’ve asked her if she’s eating good, and she says yeah she loves everything. They’ve renovated, it’s beautiful, when you first walk in, there’s a big waterfall there, and there’s like a little man-made pond with fish, It’s a beautiful environment. They’ve kept part of the gym, half of it they made into a dining room, they kept the other half, and a lot of the residents go out there and throw basketballs around and get a little exercise around. I would definitely recommend them.
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124 Emery Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701
My dad is in Willow View Personal Care. It has been very good. I have been up there several times. The place is clean. The food is decent. He has been there probably two months now. He is in a semi-pr
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My dad is in Willow View Personal Care. It has been very good. I have been up there several times. The place is clean. The food is decent. He has been there probably two months now. He is in a semi-private room. They have a few different lounge areas with TVs. His food is provided. The nurses provide medication. He is allowed to leave the facility for local trips or if family members want to take him out.
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My dad is in Willow View Personal Care. It has been very good. I have been up there several times. The place is clean. The food is decent. He has been there probably two months now. He is in a semi-pr
… (read more)
My dad is in Willow View Personal Care. It has been very good. I have been up there several times. The place is clean. The food is decent. He has been there probably two months now. He is in a semi-private room. They have a few different lounge areas with TVs. His food is provided. The nurses provide medication. He is allowed to leave the facility for local trips or if family members want to take him out.
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300 Leader Drive , Williamsport, PA, 17701
1201 Rural Avenue, Williamsport, PA, 17701
My grandmother is a current resident of Rose View Court. She has been a resident since 2005. The staff is always very curteous and kind, towards both all the residents and visitors. They have activ
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My grandmother is a current resident of Rose View Court. She has been a resident since 2005. The staff is always very curteous and kind, towards both all the residents and visitors. They have activities everyday for the residents. Everything from bingo every Monday afternnoon to a bus to mass Sunday morning. There is also a doctors office in the building.The reason I only give Rose View Court a 3 out of 5 is because my grandmother has a few gripes. These include taking a month for her new leg stockings for reducing the chances of a clot. She was very angry about this and complained to the staff. The next time she needed new stockings it took about 3 weeks for her to get a new pair. This has been about the usual response time to this request for about a year. Also, I have eaten there countless number of times and the food for dinner is okay. The food for lunch isn’t good. Lunch also has very small portions. Too small for me anyways.
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My grandmother is a current resident of Rose View Court. She has been a resident since 2005. The staff is always very curteous and kind, towards both all the residents and visitors. They have activ
… (read more)
My grandmother is a current resident of Rose View Court. She has been a resident since 2005. The staff is always very curteous and kind, towards both all the residents and visitors. They have activities everyday for the residents. Everything from bingo every Monday afternnoon to a bus to mass Sunday morning. There is also a doctors office in the building.The reason I only give Rose View Court a 3 out of 5 is because my grandmother has a few gripes. These include taking a month for her new leg stockings for reducing the chances of a clot. She was very angry about this and complained to the staff. The next time she needed new stockings it took about 3 weeks for her to get a new pair. This has been about the usual response time to this request for about a year. Also, I have eaten there countless number of times and the food for dinner is okay. The food for lunch isn’t good. Lunch also has very small portions. Too small for me anyways.
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801 MARKET STREET, Williamsport, PA, 17701
810 Louisa Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701
2725 Four Mile Drive, Montoursville, PA, 17754
The Hillside Senior Living Community seemed convenient for the people that they have there. They didn’t seem to be as well-staffed as the other facility we visited though. There’s nothing bad about th
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The Hillside Senior Living Community seemed convenient for the people that they have there. They didn’t seem to be as well-staffed as the other facility we visited though. There’s nothing bad about them, I was just more impressed with the other one I saw.
It was assisted living. Their studios, compared to the suites, were smaller and a suite would have been more appropriate for my father.
They have activities. I did not see anything like bingo during the tour, but I did see that they had a place where they would bring in live music and things of that nature. They have libraries there too and they have a place where you can sit out on a balcony and enjoy the view of the outside.
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The Hillside Senior Living Community seemed convenient for the people that they have there. They didn’t seem to be as well-staffed as the other facility we visited though. There’s nothing bad about th
… (read more)
The Hillside Senior Living Community seemed convenient for the people that they have there. They didn’t seem to be as well-staffed as the other facility we visited though. There’s nothing bad about them, I was just more impressed with the other one I saw.
It was assisted living. Their studios, compared to the suites, were smaller and a suite would have been more appropriate for my father.
They have activities. I did not see anything like bingo during the tour, but I did see that they had a place where they would bring in live music and things of that nature. They have libraries there too and they have a place where you can sit out on a balcony and enjoy the view of the outside.
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2985 Four Mile Drive, Montoursville, PA, 17754
I thought the Celebration Villa of Loyalsock’s layout was pretty nice. The atmosphere was also very nice. One of the things I always look for when I go to places like this is I like to see the other r
… (read more)
I thought the Celebration Villa of Loyalsock’s layout was pretty nice. The atmosphere was also very nice. One of the things I always look for when I go to places like this is I like to see the other residents that are there just to see and read their body language. They seemed to be all happy there. They didn’t seem to be disgruntled or miserable so I believe that’s a reflection on the facility itself.
For my father and his needs, for his size, he was more in need of a suite than a studio. Their studio seemed to be a little too small for him. Other than that, the quality of the rooms and how it was maintained seemed to be fantastic.
They had a salon, a location for occupational and physical therapy, and locations for activities. I saw all of those places and all of those things.
The staff is very friendly, they’re very knowledgeable, and they’re very well-staffed, from what I could see.
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I thought the Celebration Villa of Loyalsock’s layout was pretty nice. The atmosphere was also very nice. One of the things I always look for when I go to places like this is I like to see the other r
… (read more)
I thought the Celebration Villa of Loyalsock’s layout was pretty nice. The atmosphere was also very nice. One of the things I always look for when I go to places like this is I like to see the other residents that are there just to see and read their body language. They seemed to be all happy there. They didn’t seem to be disgruntled or miserable so I believe that’s a reflection on the facility itself.
For my father and his needs, for his size, he was more in need of a suite than a studio. Their studio seemed to be a little too small for him. Other than that, the quality of the rooms and how it was maintained seemed to be fantastic.
They had a salon, a location for occupational and physical therapy, and locations for activities. I saw all of those places and all of those things.
The staff is very friendly, they’re very knowledgeable, and they’re very well-staffed, from what I could see.
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2160 WARRENSVILLE ROAD, Montoursville, PA, 17754
I went to The Meadows. I liked the decor, the openness of it, the ease of getting to the dining room, and the very country atmosphere (in which my father was born and raised in). It kind of represents
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I went to The Meadows. I liked the decor, the openness of it, the ease of getting to the dining room, and the very country atmosphere (in which my father was born and raised in). It kind of represents his beginnings as he nears his end. The staff was very knowledgeable and accommodating, and they answered all questions without hesitation. There’s no kitchenette, but you’re allowed to bring your refrigerator. They’ve got a beautiful courtyard and a little deck area. There’s a complete flat walk around, and they’ve got various places. They’ve got raised gardens.
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I went to The Meadows. I liked the decor, the openness of it, the ease of getting to the dining room, and the very country atmosphere (in which my father was born and raised in). It kind of represents
… (read more)
I went to The Meadows. I liked the decor, the openness of it, the ease of getting to the dining room, and the very country atmosphere (in which my father was born and raised in). It kind of represents his beginnings as he nears his end. The staff was very knowledgeable and accommodating, and they answered all questions without hesitation. There’s no kitchenette, but you’re allowed to bring your refrigerator. They’ve got a beautiful courtyard and a little deck area. There’s a complete flat walk around, and they’ve got various places. They’ve got raised gardens.
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6 East Central Avenue, South Williamsport, PA, 17702
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Williamsport
The Bureau of Human Services Licensing, part of the Department of Human Services, has the authority to issue licenses to assisted living facilities in Pennsylvania. It has the authority to conduct unannounced inspections, regulate and monitor facilities, revoking licenses from those that fail to meet the required standards.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Williamsport
- The average cost of living in Williamsport is significantly below the national average of 100 used by Sperling’s Best Places as a guide. The city averages 76.1. Also, in almost every index, it is more affordable than the majority of cities in Pennsylvania. Health care costs are noticeably lower at 87.1, compared to the state average of 97 and the national average of 100.
- PennDOT travel is a free transit program for adults aged 65 and older. It enables them to use the River Valley Transit fixed-route network at all hours for no cost. Another free option is STEP Transportation, operated by the Area Agency on Aging. It’s a curb-to-curb service, operating on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. throughout Lycoming and Clinton counties.
- Williamsport is generally safer than the majority of cities, particularly when measuring instances of violent crime, which are below the state average and nearly half the national average. Property crime is slightly above average. However, seniors in assisted living typically benefit from staff on-site and 24-hour surveillance cameras. Also, crime in the city tends to concentrate on specific neighborhoods, mostly those bordering the north bank of the river.
- Williamsport’s regional location means it doesn’t have the wide choice of medical facilities afforded to metro cities. However, Williamsport Hospital is a well-respected facility, rated as high-performing in dealing with heart and kidney-related conditions by U.S. News & World Report. There are also 55 family medicine doctors within the city who treat Medicare beneficiaries.
- The city’s climate is good and bad for seniors. Winter months can be cold, with temperatures averaging 20 degrees in January and above-average snowfall and rainfall. Summer months are much more pleasant, with the dial often reaching a comfortable 85 degrees. The major benefits of the city’s climate are that its residents get to enjoy all four seasons and are surrounded by a rich landscape of forests, rivers and hills.
Paying for Assisted Living in Williamsport
According to the findings in the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Williamsport offers more affordable assisted living for seniors than the majority of Pennsylvania’s cities. The typical fee is $3,700, $255 per month below the state average and $600 below the national average.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Although Williamsport can boast below-average assisted living fees, it’s not the most affordable city in the state. In Bloomsburg, it’s common to see costs of $3,570, while in Scranton, they drop significantly to $2,450 per month. However, there are many cities with higher costs, such as East Stroudsburg, where fees of $4,875 are the norm.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Usually, but not always, senior care costs reflect the type of care and facilities provided. Adult day care’s low fees of $1,213 are a reflection of this. However, in Williamsport, assisted living is the next most affordable option, with fees of $3,700 for accommodation and care. Home care and home health care cost more, with fees for both averaging at $4,385, even though the latter also provides basic medical services. Typically, nursing home fees are the least affordable, with a semiprivate room in Williamsport usually costing $9,604, while another $631 per month gets a private room.
Assisted Living Facilities
Nursing Home (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home (private room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Williamsport
Williamsport 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.
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 Williamsport
Seniors in Williamsport can access a number of free and subsidized resources to help reduce their care costs, some of which are listed below. Other resources can help deal with care-related issues and provide ways of learning new skills and making friends.
The Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a free service provided by the state to seniors in residential care. The ombudsman can provide inspection reports for seniors comparing different facilities in Lycoming County, giving them a better understanding of the communities on their shortlists. Residents of communities, their families, and third parties, can also register complaints about care with the ombudsman, who will investigate and attempt to resolve the issue with the facility in question.
HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) is a waiver that enables qualifying seniors to have some or all of their assisted living costs paid through Medicaid. Qualification criteria are strict. They include being a U.S. citizen, having a Social Security number and a medical impairment that doesn't require nursing home care but justifies assisted living support. There are also income limits, which are currently 300% of the federal benefit rate for an individual.
Located on the south side of the West Branch Susquehanna River, the Riverside Senior Center is a place for older residents of Williamsport to meet and participate in a range of activities. Those who want to develop their fitness can take part in the tai-chi, Zumba Gold and step classes. Others looking for more gentle outlets for their energies can get involved in the wood carving or art classes, while live music lovers can join friends in square dances. There are also regular picnics and holiday-related festivities.
Williamsport Vet Center houses the local VA office, opening on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays by appointment only. In some cases, it can also provide after-hours services. The center's staff can help seniors identify and apply for a range of local, state, and federal services, in addition to veteran-specific benefits, such as the VA Aid and Attendance allowance, which can cover some assisted living costs.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Williamsport
Williamsport-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.
