Situated in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, Hazleton attracts active seniors looking to enjoy year-round recreational activities, such as golfing, biking, hiking and fishing. Of the city’s 29,900 residents, more than 15% are adults aged 65 or older. In addition to outdoor pursuits, residents have access to restaurants, sporting and entertainment venues and quality medical facilities, including Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton, featuring specialized emergency medicine and cancer centers.
Assisted living facilities, which are ideal for seniors who wish to receive help with activities of daily living within a community setting, charge an average of $4,473 per month in Hazleton. This is higher than the Pennsylvania median but slightly less than the U.S. average. Combining this affordable rate with a cost of living that’s nearly 25% below the national average, Hazleton is a viable retirement option for seniors looking to make the most of their retirement income.
This guide compares the cost of assisted living in Hazleton to the rest of the state. It also lists a variety of free and low-cost resources that seniors can access to help them make the best choices for their future and live as independently as possible.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Pennsylvania. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities 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.
According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021, assisted living in Hazleton costs an average of $4,473 per month.
Although the cost of assisted living in Hazleton is $373 above the Pennsylvania average of $4,100, it is on a par with the national median rate of $4,500.
Assisted Living costs vary widely across Pennsylvania. Seniors living just 46 miles north of Hazleton in Scranton pay $2,875 per month, one of the lowest rates in the state. Pittsburgh is the most affordable of the major cities, with assisted living facilities charging an average of $3,250. Costs in Gettysburg and Erie are slightly more expensive than those in Hazleton but still on a par with the U.S. average at $4,515 and $4,585, respectively. Seniors in the state capital, Harrisburg, pay $4,828, while those choosing to retire in Philadelphia spend $5,685 at some of the most expensive assisted living communities in Pennsylvania.
Note: Data for Hazleton was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Bloomsburg, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Pennsylvania.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Hazleton Active Adult Center | (570) 459-1441 | Adults aged 60 and older can keep active and meet other residents at the Hazleton Active Adult Center. In addition to organizing a range of fitness and well-being classes, the center hosts regular congregate meals and holiday celebrations. The center also features a computer lab for members to use. |
Area Agency on Aging | (570) 822-1158 | The local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) serves the needs of seniors residing in Luzerne County. It aims to improve their quality of life and ability to remain independent through a range of programs and services. AAA’s Apprise and Link programs help seniors make informed decisions on insurance and long-term care options to best suit their needs. The organization also helps adults aged 55 and older learn new skills through its Mature Worker program. Through this AAA, older adults can volunteer as foster grandparents to help underprivileged children develop life skills. |
Hazleton Public Transit | (570) 459-5414 | Hazleton Public Transit (HPT) operates the public bus transportation system with routes throughout the city and surrounding area. Seniors aged 65 and older can apply for a Transit ID card that allows them to use the HPT service for free. |
Luzerne County Veteran Affairs | (570) 706-3960 | Luzerne County Veteran Affairs supports Hazleton seniors who have served their country in the U.S. military. It helps vets and their families apply for the federal and state pension and benefits they’re entitled to, including Aid and Attendance, which can help cover assisted living expenses. |
Pennsylvania Department of Aging | (717) 783-1550 | The Pennsylvania Department of Aging helps seniors across the state by ensuring they have access to the resources and services they require. Services include health and wellness programs, Medicare counseling, transportation and prescription medication assistance. The department also acts as a long-term care ombudsman, advocating for the rights of seniors residing in assisted living communities, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. |
Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline | (877) 727-7529 | Hazleton adults aged 60 and older can access legal advice and information through the Pennsylvania SeniorLAW Helpline. To ensure seniors live safely and with dignity within the community, the organization helps with addressing financial exploitation, civil legal issues and elder life planning, such as preparing wills, powers of attorney and Medicaid estate recovery counseling. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Hazleton area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.