A new affordable housing complex for seniors has opened in Medford.

Medford Gardens is a three-story, 67-unit development at 3161 Horseblock Road.

It was built by the nonprofit WellLife Network at a cost of about $40 million.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday drew community leaders and elected officials.

All but two units have already been leased, according to the developers.

Demand was strong.

The lottery for 33 affordable apartments drew 560 applicants this summer.

WellLife CEO Sherry Tucker said there is "such a demand and such a need" for affordable housing.

Who it serves

Apartments are for households age 55 and older earning up to 60 percent of the area median income.

The other 33 apartments are supportive units for tenants who are exiting homelessness or recovering from behavioral health issues, and one unit is set aside for the building superintendent.

Rents for one-bedroom apartments range from $975 to $1,460, depending on income.

Rents include heat, electricity, hot water, and Wi-Fi.

Tenants must earn at least $39,000, and a single person can earn no more than $69,300.

The maximum income for a couple is $79,200.

What is inside

The building has an elevator, an outdoor patio, a community garden, an exercise room, a community room, a library, and laundry facilities.

It is all-electric, with energy-efficient appliances and heating, electric vehicle charging, and storm drainage retention ponds.

Seven apartments are fully accessible for residents with mobility disabilities, and four are adapted for residents with sensory disabilities.

Grocery stores, a pharmacy, and a public library are within a half mile.

On-site services provided by WellLife include case management, transportation, health services, crisis intervention, and employment and life skills training.

How it was funded

Construction began in April 2025.

The financing mixes public and private sources, led by federal and state low-income housing tax credits expected to generate more than $19 million in equity.

It also includes about $8 million from the state's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program and $6.7 million from the Supportive Housing Opportunity Program.

The supportive apartments are funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.

What officials said

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state is prioritizing affordability for all, including older New Yorkers on fixed incomes.

State housing commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said the complex offers a place to live along with services that foster community and connection.

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel Panico said the project gives local seniors safe, affordable housing and the stability of a place to call home.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said the opening signals a new chapter for residents and that the county wants seniors to keep calling Long Island home.

The state says it has created or preserved more than 2,800 affordable homes in Suffolk County.