10 Best Independent Living Communities in Bethlehem, PA

Independent Living

Many seniors may be capable of living without assistance, but cost of owning a home and the maintenance of the property might be a deterrent to living an independent life. Independent Living Communities offer a convenient remedy to this situation. Daily needs such as meal planning and the scheduling of social activities are taken care of, which provides residents more free time to live their lives as they desire. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to live among peers, in a community with others of similar ages and backgrounds. Residents’ quarters consist of private living spaces, each with their own kitchen. The independence of apartment life is still enjoyed, offering opportunities to socialize with guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies differ between locations, numerous residences allow cats and dogs as well. Nursing and health care services can always be arranged for with independent care providers if desired. There are an assortment of expenditures and advantages to balance while determining an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these services are included in the service plan: housekeeping, private phone, laundry, internet access, Waiting list deposit, utilities, move-in fee, and cable TV. The benefits associated with independent living include golf course, transportation, community activities, private rental hall, laundry service, healthcare center, concierge services, and security guards.

Cost of Living

The neighborhood in which a community is located might have a huge influence on the overall cost. Cost of living can be a motivating factor when determining which community is best for your loved one’s needs. Monthly, the median rent in Bethlehem is around $1,141 and the median price for a house for Bethlehem is $168,177. The rent burden for Bethlehem is about 19.1% of the average monthly income.

Demographics and Values

Demographically, Bethlehem is 2.9% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 78.7% white, 7.0% black, 28.5% Hispanic, 5.6% other or not specified, 5.4% mixed race, and 0.4% Native American. In Bethlehem, 15.8% live in poverty, 8.3% do not have health insurance, 14.1% have some form of disability, and 60.6% participate in the labor force. Of the population of Bethlehem 27.7% have a college degree, 11.4% have a graduate degree, and 33.8% have a high-school diploma. Based on gender, 51.3% are female and 48.7% are male. The median age of Bethlehem is 35 years old. Bethlehem has a population density of 1,529 people per square mile. Currently, the population of Bethlehem consists of 75,707 people. In Bethlehem, 6.5% of the citizens are veterans of the United States armed forces.

State Information

An overview of Pennsylvania

The quality of life enjoyed by the average Pennsylvania citizen is ranked 41st nation-wide. Additionally, Pennsylvania is ranked 21st by standards of healthcare. In total, Pennsylvania has 201 general hospitals and 273 health centers that provide care for 12,823,695 citizens. Reading Hospital, Lancaster General Hospital, and And Main Line Hospital Bryn Mawr Campus are among the top three highest ranked hospitals in the state. Based on natural beauty, Pennsylvania ranks 38th in the nation. In terms of resources, Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 98.6, a grocery index rating of 106.9, and a housing index rating of 100.8. These index ratings are based on a system where 100 is considered the national average and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average.

Social demographics of the state

In the last presidential election 47% of Pennsylvania residents voted Democrat and 48% voted Republican. In Pennsylvania, 32% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 41. The state of Pennsylvania ranks 29th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly. In terms of religious values, 34% of Pennsylvania’s population regularly attend some form of service and there are in total 15,359 different congregations. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-19%, Mainline Protestant-23%, and Historically Black Protestant-5%. In Pennsylvania there are 535 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

Pennsylvania experiences an average humidity rating of about 70%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of January at around 75%. During the summer, the average temperature in Pennsylvania is around 69F. The average high summer temperature is around 89F in the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 47F during the month of June. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 29F. The average high winter temperature is around 45F in the month of December. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 11F in the month of January. On average, Pennsylvania has an air quality index rating of around 39.9 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of May with a rating of around 49.0 AQI. On average, the state receives 3.64 inches of precipitation a month. The most precipitation occurs in July with an average of 6.38 inches of precipitation a month. While residents of Pennsylvania mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Pennsylvania can include floods, tornadoes, and and hurricanes.

Wildlife to be found in Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of weeping willow, maple, poplar, and sassafras. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the bobcats, the white-tailed deer, the mink, or the river otter. The state animal of Pennsylvania is the the white-tailed deer.