Top Senior Living in Central Pennsylvania – Quality Long-Term Care Services Available for Loved Ones

As the demand for long-term care surges across the United States, a variety of options have emerged to meet the needs of the aging population. These include adult day care centers, senior communities, assisted living facilities, memory care units, nursing homes, and in-home care providers.

In central Pennsylvania, residents seeking top-tier senior living communities have numerous choices. However, selecting the ideal community can be challenging, given the array of options available.

Central Pennsylvania: A Prime Retirement Destination

Central Pennsylvania, often referred to as Central PA, is a diverse region encompassing a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas. It is generally considered to include the middle portion of the state, spanning from the Maryland border in the south to the northern tier counties. The region is known for its rolling farmland, historic towns, thriving cities, and a strong sense of community.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was ranked as the number one city to retire in 2024, up from its second-place spot in 2023. This ranking was based on exceptional resident happiness, robust health care, and low taxes for retirees. The city's scenic views, abundant green spaces for outdoor activities, nontaxable Social Security benefits, and a wealth of cultural enrichment opportunities contributed to its top position.

Central Pennsylvania is a prime destination for retirees and families alike, offering a blend of small-town charm, modern amenities, and access to some of the state's most beautiful landscapes.

As of 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau says those aged 65 and older comprised 20% of Pennsylvania's population, totaling approximately 2.59 million people. This demographic trend underscores the importance of quality senior living options in this area.

Choosing the Right Senior Living Community

Selecting a senior living community is a significant decision that impacts one's quality of life, access to amenities, and level of care. Key factors to consider include:

• Safety: Ensure the facility has a 24-hour emergency alert system and is consistently well-staffed.
• Amenities: Top-rated communities often offer a variety of spacious floor plans, multiple housing types (such as cottages, estate homes, and apartments), and diverse dining options, including cafés and bistros on campus.
• Activities: Look for a community that provides a wide range of engaging activities beyond standard offerings like bingo and movie nights.
• Location: Consider the setting's scenic value and proximity to medical facilities, shopping centers, and cultural attractions. Accessibility to transportation services is also crucial.

Cost of Senior Living and Long-Term Care

Another key consideration when searching for quality long-term care is the cost. Care expenses can vary widely depending on the type of service, location, and level of assistance required. To get a clearer picture of potential costs, the LTC News Cost of Care Calculator provides median retail average costs for home care, assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes in your specific city or area.

Once you understand the financial requirements, you can evaluate your budget, determine whether your loved one has a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, and explore available VA or Medicaid benefits.

With this information, you can make a more informed decision and find the best care option in Central PA or wherever in the country you may want that meets both financial and personal needs.

7 of the Top Senior Living Facilities in Central PA

The top senior living communities in Central PA reimagine aging as a meaningful, lively, and memorable experience while providing all the modern conveniences and entertaining activities you could want.

Methodology

Gathering quantitative information across several key categories, including safety, hospitality, and amenities, is essential when evaluating a senior living community.

• Does the facility have a 24-hour emergency alert system?
• Is it consistently well-staffed to ensure quality care?
• Do the amenities extend beyond basic modern conveniences?

A mid-range senior living facility may offer limited floor plan options, fewer housing choices, and a standard meal plan of three daily dining hall meals. Activities might include pre-planned programs such as bingo, cardio classes, and occasional movie nights. The surroundings may lack appeal, with views limited to a parking lot or roadway.

In contrast, a top-rated community provides spacious, diverse floor plans, including cottages, estate homes, and apartments. The property is scenic and thoughtfully designed, creating a welcoming and engaging environment. Dining options extend beyond the cafeteria, with cafés and bistros available on campus. Activities are plentiful and diverse, ensuring residents have access to enriching and engaging experiences that go beyond the basics.

Here are seven that do it best.

1. Messiah Lifeways

Messiah Lifeways is a nonprofit organization in picturesque Mechanicsburg, providing exceptional residential communities for adults 55 and older. Its vast network of services, amenities, and activities enables residents to age in place gracefully, making it the top senior living community in Central PA.

Messiah Lifeways is a continuing care retirement community offering personal care, maintenance-free housing, and community services. Whether you need independent, personal, nursing, or memory care living, they can provide.

There are multiple private and semi-private apartments, cottages, and estate home floor plans to choose from. Wherever you live, you can enjoy a bustling community, scenic nature views, and an inviting atmosphere.

Monthly fees range from $2,496 to $4,472, which is much lower than the median national price of $5,350 per month other assisted living facilities charged for a one-bedroom suite in 2023. Messiah Lifeways residents gain access to cable television, dining, apartment maintenance, wellness memberships, amenities, and storage with that one payment.

If you need more proof, Messiah Lifeways was one of a few dozen senior living communities highly rated for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care by U.S. News & World Report in 2024 — a prestigious recognition. 

Messiah Lifeways was one of a few dozen senior living communities highly rated for short-term rehabilitation and long-term care by U.S. News & World Report in 2024 — a prestigious recognition. 

Pros:

• Multiple inviting neighborhoods.
• A variety of different floor plans.
• Abundant and exceptional amenities.
• 24-hour emergency call system available.

Cons:

• Faith-based living may not be for everyone

Community Highlights

Messiah Lifeways offers a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) with a strong focus on faith-based living for older adults. The community's Messiah Village Church provides pastoral care, Bible studies, and spiritual support, welcoming residents of all faith backgrounds.

Beyond religious services, residents can enjoy a variety of wellness and recreational activities. The community features an indoor pool for aquatic yoga, a fitness center with Pilates classes, a day spa offering massages, and scenic walking trails for outdoor relaxation. The beautifully landscaped campus, with its charming architecture, creates a picturesque setting for daily activities.

Messiah Lifeways also offers lifelong learning opportunities through lectures, cultural events, and spiritual growth programs. The community fosters a vibrant and engaging atmosphere where residents can continue to explore new interests and build meaningful connections.

2. Magnolias of Chambersburg

Magnolias of Chambersburg is a personal, memory, and respite care community with a dedicated staff that can provide caregiving and in-house therapy. They accept various needs, making finding a home for yourself or a loved one easier.

Housing at Magnolias of Chambersburg is the highlight of the campus. The spacious private residences — available furnished or unfurnished — have a rustic beauty. While the vintage, country-style setting may not appeal to everybody, it has an unmistakable charm. Imagine dancing to the jukebox, lounging by the fireplace, or enjoying a cool breeze on the porch.

Pros:

• The calendar is always full of fulfilling events
• Spacious private residences

Community Highlights

In addition to standard care, Magnolias of Chambersburg provides enhanced services designed to simplify daily life. Residents have access to therapy services, dry cleaning, party catering, and private transportation for medical appointments. Each residence is equipped with a vital communication system to ensure immediate assistance in case of emergencies.

The community offers a variety of on-campus amenities, including a club room, aviary, and full-service salon. Residents can also participate in a diverse calendar of events featuring religious, social, recreational, and educational programs.

With its well-rounded offerings and engaging environment, Magnolias of Chambersburg stands out as an exceptional senior living option.

3. Garden Spot Village

Garden Spot Village is a nonprofit organization that provides faith-based living in a CCRC. It offers independent, personal, nursing, and memory care living.

Regarding luxury housing, this CCRC is a close second to Messiah Lifeways. It has multiple distinct neighborhoods suited for different needs. You can choose from cottages, apartments, carriage homes, or cottages. Regardless of which you pick, you will enjoy a small-town setting and a vibrant community.

In 2024, U.S. News & World Report highly rated Garden Spot Village, recognizing it as one of the country's best CCRCs and independent living communities based on metrics like hospitality, value, and safety.

However, while this senior living community has its charms, they do not come without a cost. Garden Spot Village's average monthly fee is $5,534, slightly higher than the national median price for assisted living. If you want a larger home or enhanced services, you could pay up to $9,271 monthly.

Pros:

• Quant small town setting.
• Luxurious services available.
• The scenic residences feel homey and welcoming.
• Incredibly spacious floor plans.

Cons:

• Monthly fees can be pricey.

Community Highlights

At the health and wellness center at Garden Spot Village, residents can stay active with a variety of fitness and recreational options. Take a swim in the pool, complete a circuit workout at the gym, or enjoy outdoor activities such as pickleball, yoga, or a walking club. The beautifully landscaped gardens and walking paths provide a scenic setting for daily strolls.

The community is home to a diverse range of micro-communities and amenities. Residents can enjoy a golf course, flower and vegetable gardens, a movie theater, a coffee bar, a conservatory, a public library, a thrift store, an art studio, and a chapel.

There are beekeeping, gardening, quilting, and woodworking groups for those with hobbies and special interests. With endless opportunities for engagement and enrichment, Garden Spot Village ensures that residents are always connected, active, and inspired.

4. The Residence at Hilltop

The Residence at Hilltop is an excellent choice if you are looking for assisted or personal care. It provides housing, personalized caregiving, and health care. Depending on your preferences and budget, you or your loved one can live in a private or companion one-bedroom suite. While they come fully furnished, you can decorate them to your liking.

Pros: 

• In-house nurses available 24/7.
• Housekeeping professionals come by daily.
• Daily scheduled activities.

Cons:

• Amenities are relatively standard.
• Only one-bedroom suites available.

Community Highlights

Life at The Residence at Hilltop is designed for comfort and convenience, allowing residents to focus on relaxation and personal interests. The full-service dining room serves three home-cooked meals daily, while housekeeping and maintenance services ensure a worry-free lifestyle.

Residents can unwind by the fireplace, socialize in the community room, or watch movies at the on-site Nickelodeon Theater. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the community offers birdwatching at the aviary and peaceful strolls in the enclosed courtyard. On-campus beauty and barber shops provide easy access to personal care services.

A varied schedule of activities keeps residents engaged throughout the week. Options include Bible study, arts and crafts, and classic bingo, ensuring a fulfilling and active lifestyle.

5. Woodcrest Senior Living Community

Woodcrest Senior Living Community is a faith-based senior living option operated by Grove Manor Corporation, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Churches of God. The community embraces Christian values of hope and healing, providing assisted living and personal care in a supportive, spiritually enriched environment.

Residents can choose from apartments, cottages, and duplexes, with options for up to two bedrooms. Each suite includes a private kitchen and full bathroom for comfort and independence. For added convenience, a full-service dining area offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring well-balanced meals in a communal setting. 

Pros:

• Choice of a cottage, apartment, or duplex.
• Emergency call system included.
• Staff schedules frequent entertaining activities.
• The monthly fee includes all amenities.

Cons:

• Faith-based living may not be for everyone.
• Somewhat standard amenities.
• Apartment floor plans are comparatively small.

Community Highlights

At Woodcrest Senior Living Community, residents receive personalized assistance to support their daily routines, including medication reminders, housekeeping, and room maintenance. These services help ensure a comfortable and worry-free lifestyle.

The community offers a diverse calendar of social, recreational, and educational activities. Residents can participate in baking sessions, library visits, bingo, pet therapy, audiobooks, arts and crafts, and manicures. With a variety of engaging opportunities, Woodcrest fosters a vibrant and fulfilling living experience for all residents.

6. The Residence at Arrowood

The Residence at Arrowood provides assisted and independent living. The staff members provide comprehensive caregiving, covering short-term rehabilitation and long-term care. This facility is ideal if you need extra support. Their goal is to simplify your daily routine and improve your quality of life.

While no cottages or houses are available at the Residence at Arrowood, long-term care residents can live in a home-like environment. Suites come furnished with a television, dresser, bed, table and chairs. Resident also get a private bathroom and kitchenette.

Though the suites are somewhat dated and only have simple conveniences, the community's vibrant, active, and community-centered lifestyle more than makes up for it.

Pros:

• Staff provides comprehensive care.
• Residents can enjoy live entertainment.

Cons: 

• Residences are not very homey.
• Few details about the activites offered.

Community Highlights

At Woodcrest Senior Living Community, residents can enjoy a carefree lifestyle as staff handles housekeeping, laundry, and linen services, allowing residents to focus on what truly matters—relaxation, socializing, and personal interests.

The community offers a full schedule of activities and live entertainment, ensuring there is always something engaging to do. Residents can also gather in comfortable community lounges or enjoy meals in welcoming communal dining areas, fostering a strong sense of connection and community.

7. Mountain View Senior Living

Mountain View Senior Living provides assisted, personal, and memory care. The trained staff can handle a wide range of physical and mental conditions, supporting most levels of care and overseeing medication management, housekeeping, and laundry. If you need additional help, you can use the 24-hour call system.

The apartment-style building offers a scenic, homey setting. Private and semi-private rooms are available, furnished with beds, televisions, and dressers. A recent renovation has given much of the property a clean, contemporary feel.

Pros:

• Activities offer a lot of variety.
• A recent renovation has updated and modernized the building, enhancing its comfort and appeal.
• There is a 24-hour concierge service.
• Meals are under dietitian supervision, ensuring balanced nutrition.

Cons:

• Only apartment-style residences offered.

Community Highlights

Mountain View Senior Living offers a variety of modern amenities, including an in-house beauty parlor, outdoor courtyard, dining hall, and fitness center. Recent renovations have introduced state-of-the-art communal lounges, providing comfortable spaces for socializing and relaxation.

Residents can enjoy a full calendar of events and activities planned almost daily by the staff. Options include manicures, arts and crafts, trivia competitions, and ice cream socials, ensuring there's always something engaging to do.

Choosing from Top Senior Living in Central PA

Finding quality long-term care in central Pennsylvania is crucial for ensuring your well-being or that of a loved one.

The LTC News Caregiver Directory offers access to over 80,000 providers, including caregivers, home health agencies, senior communities, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, memory care units, and nursing homes.

For care providers, the LTC News Directory Business Portal offers the opportunity to claim a free listing or upgrade for enhanced visibility. 

Paying for Long-Term Care

Financing long-term care can be complex, but several options are available:

• Personal Savings: Many individuals use income and personal funds to cover long-term care expenses.
• Government Programs: Medicaid will pay for long-term care services for those with limited financial resources. Medicare offers limited coverage, primarily for short-term skilled nursing care following hospitalization.
• Private Financing Options: These include Long-Term Care Insurance, reverse mortgages, certain life insurance policies, annuities, and trusts. The suitability of each option depends on factors such as age, health status, and financial situation.

RELATED: How to Pay for Long-Term Care

LTC News: Assisting with Long-Term Care Insurance Claims

If you or a loved one already has a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, don't delay using the benefit to pay for quality care services like those listed here in central PA. LTC News helps families navigate the claims process for any Long-Term Care Insurance policy, ensuring policyholders receive their benefits quickly and with minimal hassle.

In partnership with Amada Senior Care, a nationally recognized in-home healthcare agency, LTC News works to secure the quality care your loved one deserves.

If your loved one does not have a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, Amada Senior Care can still assist by providing free case management and helping develop a personalized care plan tailored to their needs.

This service is offered at no cost or obligation, providing families with expert guidance and support during an often complex and emotional process - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Planning with Long-Term Care Insurance

LTC Insurance is usually the easiest and most affordable option; however, medical underwriting could limit some people's eligibility for coverage. Most people require an LTC policy between ages 47 and 67.

LTC Insurance is designed to cover services not paid for by standard health insurance and Medicare, such as assistance with daily activities in various settings and memory care. Policies will cover services like home care, assisted living, adult day care, respite care, hospice care, nursing homes, memory care facilities, and home modifications for disabilities.

Use the LTC News Long-Term Care Insurance Education Center to learn more about how you can plan for the future costs and burdens of aging. LTC News can even connect you with LTC News Trusted Partners – these are LTC Insurance Specialists Dedicated to providing accurate LTC Insurance quotes and comparisons.

You can rely on LTC News Trusted LTC Insurance Specialists when you seek accurate quotes for Long-Term Care Insurance. These LTC News trusted partners are professionals who are screened by LTC News and hold the esteemed CLTC designation, are endorsed by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI), and come highly recommended as Ramsey Trusted Pros by financial expert Dave Ramsey's organization (Ramsey Solutions.)

Planning is essential to ensure you have access to quality care when needed.

Quality Care Means Better Quality of Life

Finding quality long-term care in Central PA is an essential step in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of your loved one. With various options available— from in-home care and adult day centers to senior communities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes—it's possible to find a solution that fits medical and lifestyle needs.

Each care option provides varying levels of assistance, from help with daily tasks to specialized memory care for individuals facing cognitive decline.

Selecting the right care setting is about more than just meeting medical needs—it's about enhancing quality of life. A well-chosen caregiver, community, or facility ensures that your loved one receives compassionate support, remains socially engaged, and continues to participate in meaningful activities.

Whether through social gatherings, wellness programs, or hobbies, quality care allows seniors to experience joy, dignity, and a sense of purpose in their later years.

While needing assistance with daily living activities or requiring supervision for memory-related conditions may bring challenges, it does not mean that life loses its value. The right care and support system can help seniors maintain independence, nurture relationships, and continue to find fulfillment in everyday moments.

Your loved one deserves the best care possible, whether in their own home, a senior community, or a long-term care facility. The better the care, the better their quality of life—because life is still worth living, no matter the level of assistance needed. Quality care makes all the difference, offering comfort, safety, and an enriched daily experience for those who need it most.