Alexander SumnerFinding a safe place for an aging parent is a heavy responsibility. They need help with daily tasks, but you also want them to keep their dignity.
Choosing between assisted living and retirement homes in Philadelphia is a major life change, so I compared published price lists, state licenses and what each community actually offers.
Here are the best assisted living communities in Philadelphia to help you decide.
How much does assisted living cost in Philadelphia?
Assisted living in Philadelphia costs from $2,900 a month for a basic semi-private room to over $5,500 a month for a fully private suite. Some communities also charge significant entrance fees.
| Accommodation type | Typical monthly price |
| Semi-private room | $2,900 to $3,500 |
| Private suite | $4,400 to $5,500+ |
1. Oakwood Residence
Website: oakwoodresidence.com
Address: 2109 Red Lion Road
Contact: (215) 673-5555 | [email protected]
Hours: Available 24/7
Fluctuating care bills are stressful for adult children managing a parent’s budget. Oakwood Residence charges a flat $2,900 a month for semi-private rooms and $4,400 for private suites, with no hidden move-in fees.
That one monthly payment bundles utilities, meals and housekeeping, so the bill stays predictable.
When I spoke to their staff about the clinical setup, they confirmed that dentists, podiatrists and psychiatrists come straight to the residents. That’s a relief for families who struggle to arrange transit for routine checkups.
Short-term respite guests also get the same full-time nursing supervision and chef-prepared meals as permanent residents.
The catch is that moving up from a semi-private room to a private suite adds $1,500 a month, which is a steep jump.
Compassionate Care and Support During Transitions
I highly recommend Liz and her staff. I work for a company that comes across many people who need to transition into senior / assisted living. On several occasions , Liz has come to the property and assisted with the move. I have witnessed her compassionate approach and detailed explanation to family members on this life changing move. There have been several difficult situations and Liz has always been there every step of the way. When this difficult situation arises , consider Oakwood as a choice for your loved one. Liz Good is your first contact.
Mike Leasher | Google Review
Awesome Care From Day One at Oakwood
My mom has been at Oakwood for over a year now. She started in assisted living,short term ,then long term rehab. The management and staff gave my mom awesome care from day one! My mom is very happy and so are we! I recommend Oakwood again and again to everyone! Thanks so much!
Bill Talarico | Google Review
2. The Philadelphia Protestant Home
Website: pphfamily.org
Address: 6401 Martins Mill Road
Contact: (215) 515-6315
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Chronic short-staffing leaves seniors waiting for help in many care facilities. The Philadelphia Protestant Home avoids that by keeping staff for decades, so residents see familiar faces they can trust.
Married couples can stay on the same campus too, even if one partner eventually needs memory support. Seniors can manage their daily routines independently while certified support stays close.
The property works like a self-contained village, with its own primary care doctor, pharmacy delivery and banking.
Residents also get a heated therapeutic pool, kept between 82 and 85 degrees, for comfortable arthritis management.
Keep in mind that moving in requires an entrance fee starting at $53,000. Plus, you must be at least 62 years old to qualify.
PPH Outshines All Other Assisted Living Homes
PPH is the nicest passionate assisted living continuous care home I have had one of my relatives in. I have had relatives in three other homes and PPH out shines them all. Congratulations on such a great job
Tim Herman | Google Review
Caring, Kind, and Cheerful Nursing Staff
My husband is a resident of the 4th floor skilled nursing in Pathways at The Phila Protestant Home. The staff at PPH are caring, kind, friendly and take very good care of my husband. If you have any questions or concerns the staff are right on getting answers for you. PPH is very clean and cheerful. I can’t say enough about PPH. I told my children if I ever have to live in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility-PPH is where I want to go.
Dorothy Thumm | Google Review
3. Viva Senior Living at Chestnut Hill
Website: vivaseniorliving.com/chestnuthill
Address: 495 E Abington Ave
Contact: (215) 253-8133
Hours: Available 24/7
Some older adults dread moving into what feels like a clinical ward. Viva Senior Living at Chestnut Hill offers a residential feel instead, in a 19th-century stone mansion.
Hospital discharge planners can turn to their short-term respite stays for seniors recovering from surgery, which include physical and occupational therapies right on the property.
Residents facing cognitive decline can use Lilac Trace, a clinically guided memory care neighborhood.
Pricing is transparent here, since utilities and property taxes are folded into the monthly rent, so there are fewer surprises on the bill.
Just be aware that the private studio apartments are compact, and there are no multi-bedroom floor plans.
Solid Community with Involved and Responsive Leadership
Solid community with a progressive and involved director who helps to address any concerns brought up by a resident. This is essential when new to the assisted living world and having to trust that your loved one is being properly cared for. Would recommend!
R Savage | Google Review
Clean Facility with Friendly and Patient Staff
I must say as soon as I walked in I loved it! The staff was very friendly ,Lisa M. was so patient and understanding with me. It is clean and there was no smell. The rooms are nice definitely to suite your living style. Convenient to many areas of Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill and Willow Grove. I am comfortable with this choice of Assisted Living place for my loved one.
Melissa Morton | Google Review
4. Atria Center City
Website: atriaseniorliving.com/retirement-communities/atria-center-city-philadelphia-pa
Address: 150 N 20th St
Contact: (215) 647-0751 | [email protected]
Hours: Available 24/7
Finding a central downtown community with easy family access is tough in a busy city. Atria Center City sits near Logan Square and offers free guest parking, so relatives can visit without stress.
Support is individualized, starting with a clinical assessment by an on-site licensed nurse.
Memory care residents benefit from a specialized method called PIECES, which helps caregivers uncover the root causes of dementia-related behaviors.
They also partner with CaringKind to run educational workshops for families navigating a diagnosis.
On top of that, residents can use a fifth-floor penthouse with an art gallery and an open solarium.
The catch is that the community is only licensed for personal care, so seniors who later need complex skilled nursing have to hire third-party providers.
Also, move-in and pet fees are charged separately.
Smooth Transition and Exceptional Support at Atria
I recently moved my mom into an Atria Center City senior assisted living facility, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. From the moment we started the process, the staff provided exceptional support, making the transition as smooth as possible. They took the time to understand my mom’s needs and preferences, ensuring she felt comfortable and welcomed.
The food service at Atria is excellent, offering a variety of nutritious and delicious meals that cater to different dietary requirements. My mom has enjoyed exploring the menu and appreciates the quality of the food.
Jennean Gantt | Google Review
Great Amenities, Location, and Friendly Community
My husband and I are very pleased with our move to Atria Senior Living. We love being in Center City Philadelphia, and enjoy being near wonderful museums. Our fellow residents are friendly and interesting. The programs Atria offers are enjoyable: exercise programs, book club, yoga, card and board games and more. The food is tasty and the servers are excellent. There is a daily happy hour too. A driver is available to take residents to appointments and planned outings to Philadelphia sights.
I highly recommend Atria to seniors seeking independent or assisted living, including a memory care unit.
Deborah Hales | Google Review
5. Fountain View at Logan Square
Website: fountainviewlogansquare.com
Address: 2 Franklin Town Blvd.
Contact: (215) 563-1800
Hours: Available 24/7
Urban seniors often worry about losing their connection to the city when they move into supportive care.
Fountain View at Logan Square is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community in Center City, and they provide complimentary transit to local shops and appointments.
A friend of mine whose mother needed a balanced lifestyle told me how much the on-site amenities matter for daily happiness.
The building also has a salon, a virtual golf simulator and Samba Fitness classes designed for safe cardio.
Residents who prefer their own cooking can even use private kitchens with ovens and ranges in their apartments.
Just be aware that you’ll need to budget separately for telecom services like internet and cable TV.
Well-Maintained Facility with Excellent Amenities and Care
This is a well maintained senior and assisted living building. There’s a wide range of amenities for the residents. The staff aim to make life easier, more engaging and comfortable for the residents. Overall, it’s a great place to bring your loved ones.
Zyair Bryant | Google Review
Smooth Transition to Personal Care at Fountain View
Very, very happy with all the care from Vanda Johnson and all the staff in the Personal Care section at the Fountain View. They made the transition to assisted living much easier. Also, don’t want to leave out Matthew Smith and Ann Lyntkowski from the office who got the ball rolling. Thanks all!
Sheila Chimes | Google Review
