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The Ultimate Senior Resource

Senior Living in Hershey, PA

Discover quality senior care options in America's sweetest town, with 2 communities offering assisted living and specialized care services.

2 Communities

Hershey, Pennsylvania, known worldwide as "The Sweetest Place on Earth," offers seniors a unique blend of small-town charm and world-class healthcare access. Home to the renowned Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, one of the region's premier academic medical facilities, the area provides exceptional healthcare resources that are particularly important for aging adults. The town's rich history, built on Milton Hershey's philanthropic vision, continues to influence its welcoming community atmosphere today.

Currently, Hershey has 2 senior living communities serving local families seeking assisted living and specialized care options. The estimated monthly cost for assisted living in Hershey is approximately $5,900, while nursing home care averages around $9,277 for a semi-private room. These costs reflect the area's quality care standards and proximity to major medical facilities.

Beyond healthcare, Hershey offers seniors access to beautiful parks, cultural attractions like Hershey Theatre and Hershey Gardens, and a safe, walkable downtown area. The community's moderate size provides the perfect balance—large enough to offer amenities and services, yet small enough to maintain a close-knit, neighborly feel that many seniors appreciate.

Cost of Senior Living in Hershey

Senior living costs in Hershey align with Pennsylvania's regional averages, with assisted living estimated at approximately $5,900 per month and nursing home care at around $9,277 monthly for a semi-private room. These rates match the national averages, reflecting the area's quality care standards and access to excellent medical facilities. Individual costs vary significantly based on the level of care required, room size and style, and specific amenities offered by each community. Many facilities offer tiered pricing structures that allow residents to pay only for the services they need, helping families manage expenses while ensuring appropriate care levels.

Assisted Living
$5,900
per month
Nursing Home (Semi-Private)
$9,277
per month
Home Health Aide
$6,250
per month

Neighborhoods in Hershey for Seniors

Downtown Hershey

Downtown Hershey centers around Chocolate Avenue and offers seniors excellent walkability with convenient access to shops, restaurants, and the Hershey Public Library. This historic area features tree-lined streets with vintage streetlights shaped like Hershey's Kisses, creating a charming atmosphere. Seniors appreciate the proximity to medical offices, pharmacies, and the Giant Food Store. The neighborhood maintains a safe, small-town feel while providing easy access to cultural venues like the Hershey Theatre. Sidewalks are well-maintained, and the relatively flat terrain makes walking manageable for many older adults.

Derry Township

Derry Township encompasses much of residential Hershey and offers a quiet, suburban setting ideal for seniors seeking a peaceful environment. This area features established neighborhoods with mature trees, well-kept homes, and minimal through-traffic. Residents enjoy close proximity to Hershey Medical Center, making it particularly appealing for those with regular medical appointments. The township provides excellent emergency services and maintains high safety standards. While slightly less walkable than downtown, the area offers convenient driving access to all essential services, shopping centers along Route 422, and recreational facilities at Hershey Park.

Brownstone Area

The Brownstone neighborhood, located near Milton Hershey School, represents one of Hershey's more established residential areas with a strong sense of community history. This quiet section appeals to seniors who value tranquility and privacy while remaining close to medical facilities and services. The area features mature landscaping, spacious properties, and lower traffic volumes compared to commercial districts. Residents benefit from proximity to Hershey Gardens and various walking paths. The neighborhood's peaceful character and established infrastructure make it attractive for seniors who prefer a residential setting with easy access to Hershey's amenities.

East Hershey

East Hershey, along and near Hockersville Road, offers a blend of residential living with convenient access to modern shopping and services. This area has seen thoughtful development over recent decades while maintaining green spaces and a suburban character. Seniors in this neighborhood benefit from proximity to multiple medical practices, urgent care facilities, and the Penn State Health system. The area includes several parks and maintains good road connectivity without heavy congestion. Access to major routes provides easy travel to Harrisburg and surrounding communities, making family visits convenient while keeping daily life peaceful and manageable.

Senior Care Options in Hershey

Hershey's 2 senior living communities offer a range of care options tailored to individual needs, including assisted living for those who need help with daily activities while maintaining independence, and specialized memory care programs for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. Some facilities also provide respite care and transitional rehabilitation services. The proximity to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center ensures that residents have access to specialized medical care when needed, complementing the daily support provided within senior living communities.

Healthcare & Transportation

Hershey's greatest asset for seniors is undoubtedly Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a comprehensive academic medical center offering specialized geriatric care, cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology services. The facility includes a Level I Trauma Center and consistently ranks among the region's top hospitals. For transportation, rabbittransit provides public bus service connecting Hershey to Harrisburg and surrounding areas, with paratransit options available for seniors with mobility limitations. Many senior living communities offer their own transportation services for medical appointments and shopping. While Hershey's compact size makes some areas walkable, most seniors find having access to a vehicle or transportation service beneficial for daily needs.

Activities & Recreation Near Hershey

Hershey offers seniors abundant cultural and recreational opportunities, including the beautiful Hershey Gardens with its stunning rose displays and butterfly house, perfect for peaceful strolls. The Hershey Theatre presents concerts and shows year-round, while the Hershey Story Museum celebrates the town's chocolate-making heritage. Seniors can enjoy dining along Chocolate Avenue, attending events at the Giant Center, or simply relaxing in one of the area's well-maintained parks. The Hershey Public Library offers programs specifically designed for older adults.

Weather & Climate in Hershey

Hershey experiences all four seasons with warm, humid summers averaging in the 80s and cold winters where temperatures often drop below freezing with regular snowfall. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Seniors should be prepared for seasonal weather variations, including occasional snow and ice in winter that may limit mobility, though most senior living communities maintain clear walkways and provide transportation during inclement weather.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Living in Hershey

What is the average cost of senior living in Hershey, PA?
Assisted living in Hershey costs approximately $5,900 per month, which aligns with the national average. Nursing home care is estimated at $9,277 monthly for a semi-private room. Actual costs vary based on the level of care needed, room type, and specific amenities, so it's important to discuss pricing details directly with individual communities.
How many senior living communities are in Hershey?
Hershey currently has 2 senior living communities listed on Ultimate Senior Resource. While this is a smaller number compared to larger cities, the proximity to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and the town's excellent quality of life make these communities attractive options for families seeking quality care in a charming, safe environment.
What makes Hershey a good place for seniors?
Hershey offers seniors access to world-class healthcare at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a safe and walkable downtown area, and numerous cultural and recreational activities. The town's moderate size provides a close-knit community feel while still offering all necessary services and amenities. The area's rich history and beautiful surroundings create an engaging environment for active seniors.
What types of senior care are available in Hershey?
The senior living communities in Hershey provide assisted living services for those needing help with daily activities, as well as specialized memory care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Some facilities also offer respite care and rehabilitation services. The proximity to Hershey Medical Center ensures access to additional specialized medical care when needed.
Is Hershey walkable for seniors?
Downtown Hershey offers good walkability with well-maintained sidewalks, relatively flat terrain, and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and services within a compact area. However, residential neighborhoods are more spread out, and many seniors find having access to transportation helpful for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and accessing attractions. Most senior living communities provide transportation services for residents' convenience.

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