5 Best Independent Living Communities in Shippensburg, PA

Independent Living

For many seniors, the financial burden of home ownership and the maintenance of daily tasks and chores might deter them from living an independent life. Independent Living Communities provide a good solution. Basic tasks such as meal planning and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and leisure activities is provided, allowing residents an opportunity to use their time as they see fit, free from daily obligations. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to be among peers, in a community with others of similar age groups 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 entertain guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies differ between communities, a number of residences allow pets as well. If medical or nursing care is desired, residents may always utilize the services of private health care professionalls. There are a number of costs and advantages to balance when determining an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these services are covered in your service plan: wellness program, parking, internet access, laundry, cable TV, Waiting list deposit, meals, and field trips. The luxuries associated with independent living include game/TV room, community activities, fitness center & swimming pool, golf course, security guards, laundry service, beauty salon & barber shop, and healthcare center.

Cost of Living

The neighborhood where a community is located can have a significant effect on the price of care. Cost of living can be a motivating factor when choosing which location is best for you or your loved one. The rent burden for Shippensburg is about 19.1% of the average monthly income. Monthly, the median price for rent in Shippensburg is around $832 and the median home value for Shippensburg costs around $143,386.

Demographics and Values

Out of the total city population, 48.8% are male and 51.2% are female. The median age of Shippensburg is 33 years old. Shippensburg has a population density of 1,080 people per square mile. Demographically, Shippensburg is 0.1% Asian, 0.0% Native American, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 3.3% black, 3.1% mixed race, 90.8% white, 2.7% other or not specified, and 6.4% Hispanic. Out of the total population of Shippensburg, 8.8% consider themselves widows, 4.7% do not have health insurance, 23.7% live in poverty, and 66.5% participate in the labor force. Of the population of Shippensburg 29.8% have a college degree, 39.8% have a high-school diploma, and 12.4% have a graduate degree. In Shippensburg, 8.4% of the people are veterans of the United States military.

State Information

An overview of Pennsylvania

Based on natural beauty, Pennsylvania ranks 38th in the nation. Overall, Pennsylvania ranks 41st out of all states in quality of life and 21st in healthcare. There are 201 general hospitals and 273 health centers that provide care for 12,823,695 Pennsylvania residents. Reading Hospital, Lancaster General Hospital, and And Main Line Hospital Bryn Mawr Campus are among the top three highest ranked hospitals in the state. 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. In terms of diversity, Pennsylvania ranks 29th in the nation and 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 Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-19%, Mainline Protestant-23%, and Historically Black Protestant-5%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Pennsylvania there are 535 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

On average, Pennsylvania has an air quality index rating of around 39.9 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of May with a rating of 49.0 AQI. On average, the humidity rating for Pennsylvania is around 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. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 45F during the month of December. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 11F in the month of January. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of July at around 6.38 inches. On average, the state receives 3.64 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 wintergreen, columbine, walnut, and poplar. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the red and gray foxes, the black bears, the mink, or the bobcats. The state animal of Pennsylvania is the the white-tailed deer.