The Best Assisted Living in New York City

Matthew Jones Matthew Jones Writer and Editor

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New York City is the most populous (and most densely populated) city in the United States.1 It also has one of the largest populations of older adults, with roughly 4.6 million residents ages 60 or older.2 There are dozens of NYC senior communities to accommodate seniors who can no longer live independently. However, the state of New York uses specific language to refer to different kinds of adult care facilities (ACFs) based on the type of care that can be provided,3 including multiple types of assisted living.

In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best assisted living communities in New York City. Continue reading to see which community may be the right choice for you.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in New York City

New York City is a unique location for assisted living. Not only is it home to a large population of seniors, but the state also sets specific requirements for different kinds of assisted living facilities, such as ALP facilities and EALRs. We spent over 50 hours researching communities and considered various factors when choosing the best assisted living facilities in NYC.

  • Cost: The cost of assisted living in New York City is very high, but programs like ALP can help lower-income seniors get coverage for their care. We examined a wide range of communities, from low-cost, not-for-profit facilities to luxury, resort-style communities.
  • Available care: Many assisted living communities offer multiple types of care so seniors can age in place as their needs change. We focused on communities that offer multiple types of care, such as memory care.
  • Reviews: While conducting our research, we read hundreds of reviews to get a better idea of the advantages and drawbacks of each community. That helped us provide a clearer picture of what life at the best NYC assisted living communities is really like.
  • Amenities: Amenities can help make an assisted living community feel like a home away from home. Focusing on communities offering quality and varied amenities helped us narrow our list.
  • Location: Location is an extremely important factor in New York City. Each of the five boroughs is unique, and many seniors may have specific preferences about where in the city they want to live. We tried to identify the best assisted living communities throughout New York City, not just Manhattan.
  • Staff size: We highlighted assisted living communities that offer high staff-to-resident ratios, often with a maximum of eight residents per caregiver.

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  • 1. 305 West End Assisted Living

    Luxury Apartments and Care by Riverside Park

    STARTING PRICE

    $8,900 per month

    ADDRESS

    305 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10282

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front lobby at 305 West End Assisted Living.

    Image Source: 305 West End Assisted Living.

    Highlights

    • Independent living, assisted living, and memory care
    • Multiple fine-dining options
    • Luxurious common areas and on-site amenities
    • Two modes of transportation for residents

    Overview

    Just a block away from scenic Riverside Park off West 74th Street sits 305 West End Assisted Living. Nestled in the middle of the Upper West Side, 305 West End is a high-end community that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. In addition to assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing and dressing, 305 West End provides nutritious meals and snacks from its country club dining room, bistro grill, and juice bar.

    When you first walk through the front doors at 305 West End, you’ll notice the luxurious furnishings and large common areas. The community has many luxury amenities, including an on-site movie theater, fitness center, and salon. If you’re worried about getting around the city, 305 West End has you covered. The community offers a town car service for nearby appointments and motor coach trips to and from activities throughout Manhattan. Online reviews frequently commend the community’s clean, inviting accommodations and amenities.

  • 2. Atria West 86

    Supportive Living on the Upper West Side

    STARTING PRICE

    $7,300 per month

    ADDRESS

    333 W. 86th Street, New York, NY 10024

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance at Atria West 86.

    Image Source: Atria West 86.

    Highlights

    • Rooftop terrace with a view of the Hudson River
    • Citywide town car service
    • Pet-friendly community
    • Various wellness and fulfillment programs

    Overview

    Atria West 86 is technically a supportive living facility, but it offers most of the same services as assisted living, including help with ADLs, 24-hour nursing assistance, medication management, and even access to telehealth services. Atria West 86 has spacious, modern senior apartments equipped with kitchenettes and walk-in closets. The community is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry companion with you.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Thinking about moving to New York City from out of state? Check out our New York senior living statistics guide to learn more!

    Atria West 86 provides complimentary town car service to restaurants, shopping, medical appointments, and entertainment throughout the city. If you’re more of a homebody, Atria West 86 offers various ways to stay engaged within the community. Some of the most popular programs include physical fitness courses, lifelong learning classes, creative arts events, and faith and worship services. The community often receives high praise for its convenient location and caring staff.

  • 3. Sunrise at Mill Basin

    Waterfront Assisted Living in South Brooklyn

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,107 per month

    ADDRESS

    5905 Strickland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11234

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance of Sunrise at Mill Basin.

    Image Source: Sunrise at Mill Basin.

    Highlights

    • Assisted living and memory care
    • Affordable rates for basic room and board
    • Personalized care plans
    • Safe walking paths throughout the neighborhood

    Overview

    Mill Basin is an excellent choice if you want to live in Brooklyn without being surrounded by the noise and activity of the downtown area. Situated along the waterfront in South Brooklyn, Sunrise at Mill Basin is a beautiful assisted living facility in a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood. The community also offers limited home care services for people not ready to move to assisted living.

    Sunrise at Mill Basin is a great choice for seniors who need minimal help with ADLs. Basic rates for room and board — with maintenance, housekeeping, and trash removal — are affordable. You’ll develop a personalized care plan when you move in so you pay only for the services you actually need. Family members of residents often comment on the facility’s cleanliness and the safety of the surrounding area.

  • 4. The Bristal Assisted Living at York Avenue

    Beautiful High-Rise Apartments With Nearby Parks

    STARTING PRICE

    $12,800 per month

    ADDRESS

    1622 York Avenue, New York, NY 10028

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    A common area at the Bristal Assisted Living at York Avenue.

    Image Source: Bristal Assisted Living at York Avenue.

    Highlights

    • Independent living, assisted living, and memory care
    • Emergency-response system in every apartment
    • Dozens of scheduled activities and excursions
    • Pet-friendly community

    Overview

    The Bristal Assisted Living at York Avenue is a luxury high-rise on the Upper West Side, just a block from Carl Schurz Park. Offering varied levels of care, the Bristal is ideal for seniors with unique personal requirements. The Bristal is certainly a lavish retirement community, but it doesn’t sacrifice quality care for all its amenities. Every apartment is equipped with an emergency-response system, and the entire community has 24/7 security monitoring and round-the-clock support from trained staff.

    If you’ve grown accustomed to a grand lifestyle or simply want to enjoy some luxury during your retirement, the Bristal Assisted Living at York Avenue is a great choice. It’s surrounded by all the swanky shops, galleries, and institutions of the Upper East Side, which you can easily access thanks to scheduled transportation services. Online reviewers generally agree that the Bristal provides excellent, friendly care to residents and their family members.

  • 5. Sunrise of Staten Island

    Pristine Senior Apartments by Wagner College

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,633 per month

    ADDRESS

    801 Narrows Road North, Staten Island, NY 10304

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    A front view of the Sunrise of Staten Island.

    Image Source: Sunrise of Staten Island.

    Highlights

    • Assisted living and memory care
    • Holistic wellness programs and activities
    • Close to multiple parks
    • Pet-friendly community

    Overview

    Sunrise of Staten Island gives residents the same quality care that Sunrise Senior Living communities are known for but in the more affordable borough of Staten Island. The community is situated in a quiet neighborhood with easy access to the Staten Island Expressway. That makes it a great option for seniors who want to enjoy the relative tranquility of Staten Island while still having a quick way to get to Manhattan or Brooklyn.

    FYI:

    FYI: If you or a loved one need more help with daily living than assisted living can provide, nursing homes offer more intensive medical and personal care plans.

    Sunrise of Staten Island has plenty to offer, especially for nature lovers. Clove Lakes Park and Silver Lake Park are just a short drive from the property, and residents can also enjoy exercise classes, social groups, and an ever-changing events calendar. Many current and former staff members report positive experiences working at Sunrise of Staten Island, plus a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

  • 6. Signature Senior Living

    Jewish-Centered Community in Kensington

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,600 per month

    ADDRESS

    631 Foster Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance at Signature Senior Living.

    Image Source: Signature Senior Living.

    Highlights

    • Hotel-style ambiance
    • Dozens of in-house entertainment opportunities
    • 24-hour concierge
    • Special accommodations and services for Jewish residents

    Overview

    Signature Senior Living is a faith-based assisted living community that caters to Jewish residents. You’re not required to be Jewish to live there, but Signature Senior Living provides various services specifically for people of the Jewish faith. The community has an on-site synagogue, observes Jewish holidays, and offers Glatt kosher meals and snacks.

    Signature Senior Living residents enjoy the simple pleasures of a hotel-style ambiance. From the lobby to the many activity rooms, the community makes you feel like you’re on a perpetual vacation. It has a 24-hour concierge on staff to help schedule appointments, arrange transportation, and answer questions. Family members often praise the professionalism and communication of both the caregivers and administrative staff.

  • 7. The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights

    Resort-Style Living in Downtown Brooklyn

    STARTING PRICE

    $10,795 per month

    ADDRESS

    21 Clark Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The on-site library at the Watermark at Brooklyn Heights.

    Image Source: Watermark at Brooklyn Heights.

    Highlights

    • Independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays
    • Flexible-spending plan
    • Beautiful facilities with breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge
    • Fun, exciting neighborhood with quick access to Manhattan

    Overview

    Watermark Retirement Communities manages over 70 senior communities countrywide, implementing time-tested approaches to senior wellness and fulfillment. The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights is one of the most celebrated Watermark locations since it is situated in the middle of downtown Brooklyn. That puts entertainment, shopping, and restaurants right on your doorstep.

    The community offers beautiful facilities with rooftop gardens and amazing views of the East River and surrounding area. The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights ensures that all assisted living and memory care residents get the care and attention they require, but the lifestyle also encourages independence. The flexible-spending plan, for example, gives you back credit from your monthly fee that you can use for a night out at your favorite restaurant, a spa day, or whatever else you would like to splurge on. Residents and family members frequently praise the excellent food and wait staff at the Watermark at Brooklyn Heights.

  • 8. VillageCare at 46 & Ten

    Nonprofit Assisted Living Near Restaurant Row in Midtown Manhattan

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,500 per month

    ADDRESS

    510 W. 46th Street, New York, NY 10036

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    A rooftop patio at VillageCare at 46 & Ten.

    Image Source: VillageCare at 46 & Ten.

    Highlights

    • Assisted Living Program facility
    • 24-hour concierge and security service
    • Emergency call system in every apartment
    • Award-winning assisted living care

    Overview

    VillageCare at 46 & Ten is an assisted living community regulated by the New York State Department of Health. Unlike traditional, for-profit assisted living communities, VillageCare is part of New York’s Assisted Living Program (ALP), which allows applicants who would otherwise require a nursing home to access more affordable and less intensive care.4 The program is open to both private payers and Medicaid beneficiaries.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Need help paying for long-term care? Check out our guide to what Medicare and Medicaid do and don’t cover.

    VillageCare at 46 & Ten goes above and beyond to provide residents with a safe and supportive environment. The building is staffed with a 24-hour concierge and security personnel. As a bonus, it’s just steps from Restaurant Row, giving residents easy access to some of the best eateries in the city. Family members generally commend the friendly staff and excellent food.

  • 9. Vista on 5th

    Tech-Driven Senior Care With a View of Central Park

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,500 per month

    ADDRESS

    1261 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10029

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance at Vista on 5th.

    Image Source: Vista on 5th.

    Highlights

    • ALP facility
    • On-site medical specialists
    • Complementary Amazon Echo Dot
    • Robust emergency-response system

    Overview

    Vista on 5th is an ALP facility available to eligible Medicaid beneficiaries and private-payer applicants, which means Vista on 5th has to meet certain standards set by the State of New York and pass random inspections. Located across the street from Central Park and just a few blocks north of the Mount Sinai Medical Center, the community combines beautiful surroundings with quality care.

    FYI:

    FYI: Need a way to get around the city? Check out our guide to transportation for seniors!

    The community sets itself apart with a wide array of on-site specialists. Residents of Vista on 5th have regular access to a physician, podiatrist, ophthalmologist, and mental health resources. The community also works to keep residents connected and engaged through activities and modern technology, including complimentary Amazon Echo Dot devices. Many online reviews praise Vista on 5th for the spacious rooms and beautiful views of Central Park.

  • 10. Sutton Gardens Enhanced Assisted Living

    Suburban Living and Specialized Senior Care in Queens

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,400 per month

    ADDRESS

    147-02 34th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance at Sutton Gardens Enhanced Assisted Living.

    Image Source: Sutton Gardens Enhanced Assisted Living.

    Highlights

    • Enhanced assisted living residence
    • Quiet, suburban neighborhood in Flushing, Queens
    • Health and well-being programs
    • Complimentary transportation to appointments

    Overview

    Sutton Gardens is one of just a few enhanced assisted living residences (EALR) in New York City. The State of New York provides EALR licenses to facilities that provide long-term assistance with ADLs for people with chronic conditions who require durable medical equipment. In addition to being an EALR, Sutton Gardens offers short-term stays and hospice care.

    Located in Flushing, Queens, Sutton Gardens resides in a pleasant, family-friendly neighborhood. The community also offers a variety of wellness programs and entertainment, ranging from meditation classes to movie nights. Family members have frequently commended Sutton Gardens for its clean accommodations and attentive staff.

  • 305 West End Assisted Living
  • Atria West 86
  • Sunrise at Mill Basin
  • The Bristal Assisted Living at York Avenue
  • Sunrise of Staten Island
  • Signature Senior Living
  • The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights
  • VillageCare at 46 & Ten
  • Vista on 5th
  • Sutton Gardens Enhanced Assisted Living

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

It’s important to do your research to find the best care in a place as big as New York City. We encourage seniors and their family members to research and consider various factors before deciding. Here are a few steps you can take to make the process easier.

  • Identify your needs: Every assisted living community is a little different, and some provide more care than others. If you’re eligible for nursing home care but prefer the comfort of assisted living, you’ll want to find an EALR. Alternatively, if your family has a history of Alzheimer’s, you may want to consider a community that offers memory care.
  • Review your budget: Most things in NYC are expensive, and assisted living is no exception. Review your budget to ensure you can afford the community of your choice before making a decision. Certain NYC assisted living communities accept Medicaid, but Medicare doesn’t cover assisted living in most cases. Many seniors depend on Social Security benefits, retirement savings, and long-term care insurance to cover costs.
  • Read reviews: Always read what other people say about a community before signing on the dotted line. Even if you like a community on paper, you may find a lot of complaints from family members or residents that could help you avoid major issues down the road.
  • Visit communities: Visiting an assisted living community gives you firsthand experience with everyday life there. Make sure to visit a community before making a decision, and speak to residents, staff, and administrators while you’re on the property.
  • Check licensing and certifications: While researching a community, check that it has up-to-date licensing and certifications to operate in New York.
  • Trust your gut: When in doubt, don’t be afraid to trust your gut! It can be difficult to choose between several good options, so trust your intuition when you find it hard to narrow down your choices.

What Is Living in New York City Like for Seniors?

Many New Yorkers choose to stay in the city during retirement because they simply enjoy living there. It’s less common for older adults to move from out of state to retire in NYC, there are still plenty of things that attract seniors to the Big Apple. Here’s a quick look at aspects of life in NYC that may help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

  • Climate: New York City has a humid subtropical climate, which means it is relatively hot and very humid in the summer. It gets very cold in the winter and sees a lot of precipitation year-round. If you’re not a fan of wind, rain, and snow, you may not like NYC in the wintertime.
  • Health care: NYC has some of the best healthcare facilities in the country. It is home to both public and private clinics, along with world-renowned hospitals like NYU Langone Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital.
  • Cost of living: The cost of living is extremely high in New York City, but costs vary substantially from one borough or neighborhood to the next. Manhattan’s cost of living is roughly 122 percent higher than the national average, for example, while the cost of living in Queens is about 41 percent higher than the national average.5
  • Walkability: New York City is considered the most walkable city in the country. With a geographically small land area and a comprehensive subway and public transit system, it is easier to get around without a car in NYC than in most other major cities.
  • Activities: There’s a reason it’s called the city that never sleeps! You can still get plenty of rest and relaxation in New York City, but the city is celebrated for its world-renowned restaurants, art exhibits, shopping, museums, cultural events, and public parks.
  • Safety: Contrary to popular belief, New York City is a relatively safe city, especially considering its population. The chances of becoming a victim of a violent crime in New York are low, and the NYPD has reported a decline in crime statistics throughout 2023.6
  • Tax structure: New York is known for its high taxes, making it one of the most expensive states in the country for retirees. It’s also important to consider that New York is one of the few states with an estate tax, which could impact your estate planning.7

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in New York City?

According to Genworth, the estimated median cost of an assisted living community in New York City is $6,703 per month in 2024. That’s roughly 21 percent higher than the national median of $5,511.8

The high cost of assisted living in NYC may make it difficult to budget for retirement, but various communities offer lower monthly fees than the city median. Remember that the community’s location and the level of care you require can impact your costs. Memory care, for example, tends to be far more expensive than assisted living. That said, you can often find communities that offer customizable plans and affordable starting rates, plus state-affiliated communities that accept Medicaid.

Citations
  1. U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). QuickFacts – New York city, New York.

  2. New York State. (2022). NYSOFA Annual Report Details Services to Older New Yorkers, Aging Population Trends, Statistics.

  3. New York Department of Health. (2023). Adult Care Facility Services.

  4. New York Department of Health. (2023). Assisted Living Program (ALP).

  5. CNBC. (2023). The 15 U.S. cities with the highest cost of living—San Francisco isn’t No. 1.

  6. New York City Police Department. (2023). NYPD Announces Citywide Crime Statistics for March 2023.

  7. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. (2023). Estate tax.

  8. Genworth. (2022, Jun 2). Cost of Care Survey.

Written By:
Matthew Jones
Writer and Editor
Read About Our Panel of Experts
Matthew is a freelance writer who has written on a wide range of topics, from personal finance to nutrition. Over the past three years, Matthew has worked extensively on articles and guides for seniors related to Medicare, insurance, and finance…. Learn More About Matthew Jones
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