Best Assisted Living Communities by City (July 2024)
For people who need help with activities of daily living, assisted living provides a supportive community of both older adults and caregivers; however, not all assisted living communities are created equally. After looking at over 1,000 assisted living communities throughout the United States, here are our picks for the best, ordered by the city.
Did You Know: To learn more about assisted living, read our updated guide to assisted living.
Our Methodology
Every person’s needs, preferences, and budgets are different, so no assisted living community is perfect for everyone. That said, here’s how we evaluated the best options.
- Cost: With average assisted living costs exceeding $5,000 per month, we took budgets into account. Each facility that made this list is either below the local average or so impressive in its services that it’s worth the extra cost.
- Location: We chose assisted living communities that are close to city centers, natural beauty, or other desirable amenities.
- Amenities: Each of these assisted living communities offers personal care, housekeeping, a wellness program, and modern apartments to ensure older adults are safe, taken care of, and comfortable in their new homes.
- Levels of care: Most of these facilities offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care, ensuring that you will not have to move to receive care if your needs change.
- Activities: An engaging activity calendar is important for healthy aging and brain health. We chose facilities that offer activities to fit every personality, including lifelong learning, fitness classes, arts and crafts, lectures, shopping excursions, volunteer opportunities, movie nights, ice cream socials, and more.
The Best Assisted Living Facilities by City
Alaska
Alaska is big, bold, and exciting with spectacular views and remarkable opportunities to revel in nature. Its cities are relatively few, but there are towns that offer a range of senior housing options — any of which would be ideal for people looking for assisted living in Alaska.
Our favorite community: Anchorage Pioneer Home
Cost: In Alaska, the average cost of assisted living is $6,830 per month. Anchorage Pioneer is generally lower, with its most basic services costing about $3,700 per month.
The experience: Operated by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, this five-story facility accepts Alaska residents aged 65 or older and has a 168-resident capacity with private and semi-private rooms. As an officially registered Eden Alternative home, Anchorage Pioneer Home provides a supportive environment to enhance residents’ quality of life. It offers multiple levels of care, including intermittent services and memory care. Some of the activities residents enjoy include exercise, movies, shopping trips, outdoor excursions, and family barbecues.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is known for its dry desert air, hot air balloon festival, and cultural variety. Albuquerque also offers a variety of senior housing options and some top-notch assisted living communities.
Our favorite community: MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Albuquerque
Cost: The average monthly cost of assisted living facilities in New Mexico is $4,750. The starting rate at MorningStar is a little bit more, at $5,120 per month. Pricing varies depending on apartment size (studio, one bedroom, or two bedrooms) and the level of care you need.
The experience: MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care has been operating for 18 years, and won an award in 2019 as a premier assisted living facility. The community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care so you won’t have to move facilities if your needs change. The facility values wellness and engagement, so residents may lead or join interest groups based on artistic, spiritual, or physical interests. Meals are created on a seasonal basis with nutrition and health in mind, and the food is often locally sourced and sometimes comes from residents’ gardens. MorningStar also offers on-site clinical services to facilitate healthy aging.
Atlanta
Atlanta conjures up images of Gone With the Wind, but the city mixes old Southern charm and historical interest with all the modern amenities. An excellent mass-transit network and relatively inexpensive cost of living make it easy for seniors to experience all this multilayered town has to offer.
Our favorite community: Orchard at Brookhaven
Cost: Assisted living at Orchard costs $5,300 per month. The average cost of assisted living in Georgia is $3,535, but Orchard’s philosophy of care and amenities makes the extra cost well worth it.
The experience: Orchard’s care philosophy is based on four wellness categories: self-care, purpose, renewal, and activity. To satisfy those criteria, you can participate in a robust activities calendar that includes ice cream socials, intellectual round tables, movie nights, Zumba, music therapy, sewing, crossword puzzles, and bingo. No matter what kind of person you are, Orchard has an activity that will stimulate your brain and body.
Orchard takes its name seriously. The staff will help you find the right living space amid 40,000 square feet of outdoor paths and gardens. The community is split into five neighborhood groves, each one specializing in different levels of care that range from independent living to memory care. The community not only provides holistic care for individuals with dementia by focusing on sharpening their remaining abilities, but it also offers support, outreach, and communication to families of residents.
Austin, Texas
Austin has a big, colorful personality and offers a warm welcome to anyone who wants to live there. A walkable downtown, varied cultural and educational scene, friendly tax structure, and plenty of senior housing make this beautiful, sunny city a great option for retirement.
Our favorite community: Parmer Woods at North Austin
Cost: Base prices start at $117 per day (or $3,510 per month) for standard independent living floor plans. If you have greater health care needs, then monthly prices range from around $300 to $450 more per month. For reference, the average monthly price of assisted living in Texas is $3,998. Parmer Woods often offers special pricing or discounts when new residents first sign a lease. Senior living sales staff will also help you determine if you are eligible for veteran benefits, care insurance, or Social Security benefits to help pay for housing.
The experience: Parmer Woods offers assisted living or more enhanced care for people with complex health needs. The facility has a lively calendar featuring shopping outings, nature excursions, and trips to concerts, plays, and museums. There is an emphasis on health monitoring, medication management, and nutrition. Staff will also help care for pets, run errands, and assist with personal care. Three meals are served along with snacks throughout the day, all made with local ingredients.
Baltimore, Maryland
Just shy of its 300th birthday, Baltimore is dedicated to ensuring its retirees thrive. Baltimore is rich with historical sites, and it has set a citywide goal to create the safest, healthiest, and most easy-to-traverse environment for its growing senior population.
Our favorite community: Symphony Manor of Roland Park
Cost: An assisted living studio starts at $5,095 per month, while a shared deluxe studio with two bathrooms starts at $6,145. Memory care quotes start at $5,995, and there may be extra costs determined by individual evaluation. That is a little more than the average Maryland assisted living cost of $4,900 per month, but we think it’s worth it for the world-class amenities.
The experience: This pet-friendly community is in a historic area of Baltimore, and it offers impressive amenities, including a salon, spa, resident garden, library, movie theater, parking, and private bus transportation. Each room is outfitted with an emergency alert system, housekeeping services, laundry services, and air conditioning. Each apartment and common space is outfitted to enhance mobility by using wayfinding signage, handrails, low tables, nonslip flooring, and elevators. The community also has family resources to help caregivers and loved ones support residents.
Birmingham, Alabama
With Birmingham’s generally mild climate, outdoor activities happen year-round. People who prefer theater, live music, or art will find plenty of choices. The lower cost of living also makes it a great alternative to other sunny but more costly and heavily populated cities.
Our favorite community: Danberry at Inverness
Cost: Independent living at Danberry starts at $3,900, assisted living starts at $4,750, and memory care starts at $6,700. That is more or less in line with the $4,028 average cost of assisted living in Birmingham.
The experience: Danberry at Inverness features beautiful grounds near Lake Heather. Residents may choose from independent living, assisted living, or memory care. The facility features a wellness clinic staffed by nurses to provide preventative health care, a heated indoor pool that hosts regular fitness classes, in-home companion services, and housekeeping. The facility provides scheduled transportation to medical appointments, secure walking areas, on-site medical services, and 24/7 care for people who need more specialized care.
Boise, Idaho
Boise has both a highly diverse population and one of the lowest crime rates in the country. The city’s cultural diversity makes for fascinating dining and educational options, as well as tourist attractions. Pedestrian- and bike-friendly, this town has a little bit of everything.
Our favorite community: Arbor Village at Hillcrest
Cost: Assisted living units start at $2,795 per month, which is significantly lower than the Boise average of $3,586 per month.
The experience: Arbor Village offers independent living, assisted living, and respite care (a temporary stay for people recovering from surgery or who have a caregiver who is unavailable). The facility does not offer memory care services, but the price point is perfect for people who need assistance with daily life. Each room is outfitted with an emergency alert system and housekeeping services. The community areas are cozy and offer games, a social calendar, and manicured outdoor spaces.
Boston
Beantown has a lot to offer! The city has a rich cultural history, universities such as Harvard and Boston College make the city a mecca for intellectualism and ideas, and cobblestone streets connect shopping districts, world-class restaurants, and sidewalk cafes. The Charles River is the perfect place for a stroll to one of the city’s many museums and attractions.
Our favorite community: Springhouse Senior Living Community
Cost: The assisted living wing of Springhouse Senior Living Community is called Ledgemont Assisted Living. The cost of a studio at Ledgemont starts at $6,545 per month, and a second person is an additional $1,575 per month. You may also spring for extra amenities such as enhanced personal care for an extra $900 per month. The average cost of assisted living in Boston is $6,819 per month, so you’re still getting a good deal even if you spring for the extra amenities.
The experience: Springhouse Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The assisted living option features many apartment styles to fit each resident’s budget and needs. In addition to a traditional dining room, there is a bistro and “country kitchen” area for a more varied dining experience. The facility offers a variety of amenities, walking trails, and even on-site visits from doctors and specialists to keep residents happy and healthy.
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is among the many U.S. towns eager to supply desirable senior housing. Buffalo offers art, history, sports, great health care, and an effective transportation system. Whether you’re living in the city or one of its suburbs, you’ll enjoy both a strong sense of community and a relatively low cost of living.
Our favorite community: Solstice at East Amherst
Cost: Studios at Solstice start at $1,836 per month, while two-bedroom units start at $3,311. The cost includes housekeeping, security, entertainment, dining, and transportation. Health-care services and medical alert systems may be an additional cost. That is much less than the Buffalo average of $4,741 per month, however, and it’s perfect for budget-conscious older adults!
The experience: Solstice at East Amherst has a unique approach to assisted living. In addition to independent living, its “health-care professionals” option provides seniors with extra care without sacrificing their dignity or independence. The care includes wellness checks, physical therapy, personal care assistance, and access to health-care services. Solstice allows you to pay for extra services on an as-needed basis, so you pay only for what you need. The facility also keeps in touch with family members and caregivers through dedicated technology to share calendars and other important information.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is experiencing fast growth partly due to the number of retirees looking for sunshine and a low cost of living. With a plethora of senior housing options to choose from, Charlotte is an easy retirement pick for older adults.
Our favorite community: Waltonwood Providence
Cost: An assisted living one-bedroom unit costs $5,995 per month. The average cost of assisted living in Charlotte is $4,400, but Waltonwood Providence offers luxury amenities to make up for the price difference.
The experience: This family-owned business provides security and comfort in idyllic surroundings. Each resident is provided with a Life Alert pendant to offer an extra layer of care. Activities at the community range from jewelry-making to volunteer excursions. The specialized Life Enrichment Program provides for intellectual pursuits, wellness activities, and social clubs.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati is known for many features, including attractively hilly terrain, a substantial collection of 19th-century buildings, and an impressive health-care system. Throw in the senior-friendly tax system, and what’s not to like?
Our favorite community: Assisted Living at the Kenwood
Cost: The average cost of assisted living is $4,750 per month, which is slightly above the Ohio average of $4,635.
The experience: The Kenwood provides necessary personal and medical care while empowering residents. The community features multiple bars and restaurants, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and many other amenities. The community even has a resident therapy dog to bring puppy love and pet therapy to residents!
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs was designed as a resort town, and the ability to accommodate its residents — especially seniors — has only increased over time. Even nature wants to please, providing more than 270 days of sunshine annually.
Our favorite community: Broadmoor Court
Cost: Shared suites with private bedrooms and common bathrooms and living areas start at $2,920 per month, while one-bedroom units start at $3,620 per month. The price includes three meals per day, housekeeping, laundry, and utilities. Additional fees may be required depending on your individual level of care. The average monthly assisted living cost for Colorado is much higher, at $4,750.
The experience: Broadmoor Court tailors its care to each resident to increase quality of life. The facility features 24-hour care, medication management, and chronic condition monitoring, and it staffs a licensed nurse for specialized supervision. The grounds feature outdoor patios, a sunroom reading room, flexible meal times, and housekeeping and maintenance services.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is known for many things, including breweries, historically intriguing and highly walkable neighborhoods, its downtown, and a wide range of festivals. The city has received awards for being the most intelligent city in the world, and it has a devotion to being even more responsive and accessible to all.
Our favorite community: Chestnut Hill Senior Living
Cost: Monthly fees start at $2,675, which is much lower than the $4,635 average cost for assisted living in Ohio. That price, however, may not include some care and maintenance costs, since each cost is tailored to the resident.
The experience: At Chestnut Hill, individual care plans are developed in tandem with the resident, their family, and the director of wellness to ensure residents thrive. Each plan involves setting goals to enhance each resident’s overall well-being. There is also a focus on engagement, both physically and mentally, to support good health. Chestnut Hill offers the amenities and personal care many other facilities offer, but with an emphasis on individual care.
Dallas
Dallas has a senior-friendly tax structure and generally mild winters. The city is a mecca for golfers or anyone who enjoys being outdoors year-round. Dallas is an exceptionally diverse city that sparkles with entertainment, cultural options, and a variety of senior housing options.
Our favorite community: Walnut Place
Cost: The average monthly price of an assisted living facility in Texas is $3,998. Walnut Place is less than that, with monthly costs starting at $3,700.
The experience: This community prioritizes helping seniors live as independent a life as possible, which includes personal care as needed inside the home, as well as scheduled shopping trips, crafting, and engaging social opportunities. The community also offers memory care, rehabilitative care, and a skilled nursing facility on site in case your level of care changes during your stay.
Denver
Denver offers a wide range of affordable senior housing. The city is tax-friendly and served by an efficient, inexpensive mass-transit system. It’s easy to get around and enjoy all the sites and the dining scene, not to mention the parks and outdoor sports.
Our favorite community: The Courtyards at Mountain View
Cost: Pricing starts at $2,379 per month, well below the $4,750 average for assisted living in Colorado. There are six care levels that may add surcharges to the base price, depending on the specialized services you may require.
The experience: With beautifully manicured grounds and bright common spaces, the Courtyards at Mountain View offers hotel-style amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, fireside common area, outdoor grills and lounge areas, and an on-site salon. It’s located right next to shopping and beautiful parks with many opportunities for excursions. The staff creates individualized care plans, provides personal care assistance, performs bathroom assistance and medication reminders, and provides assistance with scheduling medical appointments and ensuring care needs are met.
Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines has developed as a retirement destination over the past 20 years or so. The attractive city, lying along the Des Moines River, has invested in expanding senior housing options, mass transit, arts and entertainment, and shopping, not to mention its emphasis on prime health care.
Our favorite community: Prairie Hills Des Moines
Cost: Prairie Hills assisted living apartments start at $4,175 and memory care apartments start at $5,975. The average cost of an assisted living facility in Iowa is $4,367, so Prairie Hills is a slightly better deal.
The experience: Prairie Hills provides comprehensive support services, including housekeeping and laundry, and residents may also attend stimulating events such as movie nights, shopping trips, games, exercise groups, and nail services. It also offers Catholic services for faith-based residents. The facility provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care, so it has the resources to attend to its residents’ specific health needs.
Hawaii
Whether you’re looking for nightlife or a more casual, rustic experience, Hawaii’s five main islands can supply it. Seniors should be prepared for an exotic landscape and a sun-filled, gentle climate. The friendly tax structure may just be the icing on your (pineapple) cake.
Our favorite community: Hawai'i Kai Retirement Community
Cost: Hawaii can be expensive because of its remote location. The average monthly cost for assisted living in Hawaii is $5,375. At Hawai’i Kai Retirement Community, studios range from $4,510 to $5,475, depending on the amenities and care needed. The cost for a one- or two-bedroom unit ranges from $4,845 to $6,620.
The experience: Hawai’i Kai includes a saltwater pool on 23 acres overlooking the ocean. The community is outfitted with a hot tub and extensive grounds for people who love the outdoors. A personal emergency response device is included with the monthly rent, and residents can choose from a menu of offerings from on-site health- and personal-care providers to pay only for the additional care services they need.
Houston
Houston has become one of the most popular cities in the country. Among the things that make it unique are its exceptional cultural diversity, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and depth of entertainment and education options. If that’s not enough, add in more than 300 parks, beautiful beaches, and a sunny climate.
Our favorite community: Belmont Village Senior Living Hunters Creek
Cost: A private assisted living studio starts at $5,380 per month and includes meals, housekeeping, utilities, and 24/7 monitoring by a licensed nurse or certified nursing assistant. That is more than the $3,998 average price of assisted living in Texas.
The experience: You can rest assured that this facility takes good care of its residents. There is a licensed nurse on site 24 hours a day, brain health programs, a professionally supervised fitness center, and daily wellness checks. It also offers specialized monitoring for people with chronic conditions, diabetes, or memory impairment. The community’s Whole Brain Fitness program is structured around socialization and enriching activities guided by a highly trained team.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis has frequently been rated among the most livable U.S. cities, in part because of its walkability, the quality of its parks, and the range of its cultural activities.
Our favorite community: Rosegate Assisted Living & Garden Homes
Cost: Assisted living apartments start at $2,495 per month, which includes basic services such as dining, housekeeping, most utilities, and maintenance. That is much less than the $4,283 average cost of assisted living in Indiana
The experience: Rosegate considers assisted living a new life chapter, and it focuses on wellness. The facility provides 24/7 care from a licensed nurse, outpatient therapy, and transportation services. The community also accepts veterans’ benefits, long-term care insurance, and a Medicaid waiver to help pay for the care you need.
Jacksonville, Florida
Even by Florida’s standards, Jacksonville is exceptional. A lush landscape, generally mild weather, endless entertainment options, and a very tax-friendly structure make this town worthy of attention. Museums, the symphony, and golf year-round are just the beginning.
Our favorite community: The Windsor at Ortega
Cost: The Windsor is pricier than the $4,000 average monthly cost of assisted living in Florida, but the amenities are well worth it. Assisted living apartments start at $5,375 per month, and memory care starts at $7,140 per month.
The experience: The Windsor allows individuals to pay only for the services they need. Caregivers are available 24/7 to help with bathing, dressing, medication, mobility, and medical ailments. The facility’s unique companion services not only offer assistance with care, but also a compassionate and engaging companion to socialize with. They can also assist with correspondence and shopping, and escort residents on excursions.
Fact: Studies have found that 25% of adults over 65 are socially isolated. Assisted living communities can help seniors forge invigorating friendships.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is among the safest cities in the state and has the seventh-lowest cost of living in the U.S. With its easy-living style, Kansas City provides ample dining and entertainment opportunities. Explore the town’s 90 historic buildings, visit a casino, or take in a race at the Kansas Speedway.
Our favorite community: The Oxford Grand Assisted Living & Memory Care
Cost: The starting price of the Oxford Grand is $3,525, less than the $4,580 average cost of assisted living in Kansas. The price includes cable, Wi-Fi, around-the-clock personal care, an emergency call system, and housekeeping.
The experience: The Oxford Grand is all about community. In addition to personal care, it has a team dedicated to building community and helping residents thrive. Its philosophy encourages residents to pursue lifelong learning, express themselves, gather together, stay active, and connect with younger generations. The expansive activity calendar ensures varied activities for residents to indulge in their interests and passions.
Los Angeles
The City of Angels has it all! The beach, the mountains, palm trees, and the glitz and glamor of Hollywood are everywhere. Los Angeles has many museums, excellent restaurants, world-renowned shopping, and vibrant entertainment offerings — and the mild climate and sunny weather don’t hurt either!
Our favorite community: Pacifica Senior Living Northridge
Cost: Living in California can be costly. The average monthly price of assisted living is $5,250, but Pacifica Senior Living Northridge assisted living apartments start at $3,350, well below the state average.
The experience: This award-winning assisted living community balances comfort with enrichment. The facility provides a 24-hour staff to help with personal care and transportation to medical appointments. It puts an emphasis on enhancing mobility through physical therapy, providing care for chronic conditions, and nutrition. It also provides activities for artistic individuals and fitness junkies to stimulate the mind and provide socialization opportunities.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is a particularly vibrant university town, known for merging the old with the new by renovating old buildings into new work or living spaces. The town also boasts some 48 festivals annually, an easily accessed and scintillating arts scene, and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and Ohio River.
Our favorite community: Magnolia Springs Senior Living
Cost: Magnolia assisted living starts at $3,495 per month, which is on par with the $3,448 average monthly assisted living cost for Kentucky.
The experience: Magnolia Springs has won multiple awards in customer satisfaction, so you know it puts an emphasis on care. The facility offers personal care assistance, mobility support, and medication assistance. It also offers concierge services so residents can plan their own outside activities such as shopping, fishing, or going to the movies. It offers spiritual activities for several faiths, exercise classes, and even a writer’s club for budding novelists.
Miami
Miami owes much of its appeal to its colorful, flavorful, and melodic Spanish heritage. Factor in that the temperature seldom dips below 60 degrees, it’s mostly tax-friendly, and there’s an increasingly effective mass-transit system, and the list of things to do and see is endless.
Our favorite community: The Palace at Coral Gables
Cost: Assisted living starts at $5,500, a bit more than the Florida average of $4,000 per month. The price includes many services, such as an emergency response system, meals, entertainment, car expenses, housekeeping, wellness consultations, and a personal trainer.
The experience: The Palace at Coral Gables truly is palatial. Apartments are spacious with private terraces and walk-in tubs. The community has hotel-style amenities, and it has won awards for interior design. Residents enjoy a piano bar, an indoor heated swimming pool, a spa, an updated fitness center, group exercise classes, multiple dining rooms, a salon, and a wellness center with on-site doctors and nurses. The Palace offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing services so there is no need to move even if your needs change.
Montana
Montana offers something few states can: a sense of the Old West and the freedom and independence many people long for. The lower cost of living (especially for veterans), lack of traffic congestion, excellent health-care network, and access to nature make for a life lived on a grand scale.
Our favorite community: Highgate at Bozeman
Cost: The cost of assisted living at Highgate starts at $4,449 per month, which matches the $4,450 state average for monthly assisted living costs.
The experience: Highgate offers extra help with everyday tasks while maintaining resident independence. Staff are attentive to the needs of each resident, and align their schedules with the residents to respect privacy. Highgate’s mission is to help older adults redefine their purpose in life as they age. Staff can handle a high level of care, including oxygen management, wound dressing, and tube feeding — medical care that not many assisted living facilities offer.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville has the second-lowest cost of living in the U.S., and also has an appealing array of senior housing. The mild winter climate, combined with an exceptional live music scene and first-rate medical facilities, make Nashville worth looking into.
Our favorite community: Clarendale at Bellevue Place
Cost: Assisted living starts at $5,195 per month and includes dining, utilities, maintenance, transportation, and housekeeping. That is more than the $4,105 average monthly cost of assisted living in Tennessee.
The experience: Clarendale at Bellevue Place offers nursing services and 24-hour care for residents. Apartments are private, spacious, updated, and modern. The wellness program is inspired by the eight dimensions of wellness. Amenities and engagement opportunities include volunteering in the community, games, exercise, spiritual study, and varied outings. The EverSafe 360 program emphasizes senior safety that addresses and enhances safety measures, especially in emergency situations such as environmental disasters or pandemics.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City, with its four clear-cut seasons and lower-than-average cost of living, offers a comfortable, low-key lifestyle. Rich with dining and cultural options, residents and their guests will always have something to do. City planners continue efforts to further make this a town people want to call home.
Our favorite community: Assisted Living at Epworth Villa
Cost: The average monthly cost of assisted living in Oklahoma is $3,855. The monthly cost at Epworth Villa is slightly more, with apartments starting at $4,175.
The experience: The staff at Epworth Villa is attentive to each resident, so they can adjust services if your care needs change. The community has impressive amenities, including a community garden, a woodworking shop, and a movie theater. There are 40 acres of grounds, including trails and a lake. Wellness classes include cycling, chair yoga, and balance exercises.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a mild climate and an exceptional mass-transit system, making it easy to get out and explore the town’s immense history. Explore museums, take advantage of educational opportunities, watch various sports teams, or golf to your heart’s content.
Our favorite community: Atria Center City
Cost: The starting monthly cost of assisted living at Atria Center City is $2,795, much lower than the state average of $4,100.
The experience: Atria Center City is located in the heart of Philadelphia, close to museums, shopping, and fine dining. In addition to personal care assistance, the staff sets up doctor’s appointments for physical therapy and speech therapy to improve strength, cognition, and balance. The community features a rooftop deck with city views, a parking garage, and around-the-clock car service.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh offers a gorgeous and historically intriguing setting and low cost of living, as well as great senior housing options and loads of exciting entertainment and cultural and educational opportunities. The city is enjoying its own renaissance.
Our favorite community: Fair Oaks Senior Living
Cost: The monthly cost of an assisted living apartment is $3,900, with a one-time entrance fee upon move-in. The price is a little lower than the state average of $4,100.
The experience: Fair Oaks has been in operation since 1891, so its experience is unrivaled. The community is situated on 18 acres and includes walking trails and a gazebo. Food is served in the dining room or may be delivered directly to your home. At Fair Oaks, residents receive aide services in their private suites for assistance in daily tasks. A licensed nurse is available on weekdays and on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. A trained medication professional works directly with doctors and pharmacists to manage medications.
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence has the restaurants, museums, and culture of a big city with the friendliness of a small town. Close to both the beach and Boston, it has access to everything you would want as you explore your golden years.
Our favorite community: Capitol Ridge at Providence
Cost: Monthly pricing for studios starts at $2,700 per month. There are additional daily prices based on the level of care you need, so you can customize your care plan and pay only for what you need. The average cost of assisted living in Rhode Island is $6,826, so, depending on what care you require, Capitol Ridge may be perfect for your budget.
The experience: Capitol Ridge is located in downtown Providence and provides residents with ample opportunities to explore. Group outings are a frequent feature of the activities calendar, and the concierge provides transportation assistance for doctor’s appointments and other personal excursions. The community is pet-friendly and features a pub, terrace, and walking paths. There is an on-site care network that ensures care for residents.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has worked hard to make itself attractive to anyone wanting a new home. For retirees, there’s a blend of great housing, gorgeous views, public transportation, and the vitality of a university town.
Our favorite community: Cottonwood Creek
Cost: Assisted living apartments start at $3,250 per month and include utilities, an emergency alert system, dining, and activities. Cottonwood Creek is less expensive than the $3,500 average cost of assisted living in Utah.
The experience: Each apartment at Cottonwood Creek is pet friendly with a private patio or balcony. Assisted living services include 24-hour monitoring, personal care assistance, housekeeping, and wellness checks. The newly renovated community features a barbershop, piano lounge, and beautiful grounds with grand views of the mountains. The facility recently received a five-star safety rating, so you can be sure the staff is taking good care of you.
San Antonio
San Antonio is nearly unbeatable when it comes to air and water quality, cost of living, and the number of activities. This 300-year-old city was — and is still — shaped by both the Old West and Mexican culture. Both historic and cutting edge, San Antonio provides a lifestyle in which older adults can thrive.
Our favorite community: Heartis Senior Living
Cost: Assisted living apartments start at $4,795 per month and include dining, wellness programs, activities, and housekeeping. The average monthly price of an assisted living facility in Texas is $3,998. Heartis is more expensive than the average home, but its offerings make the price well worth it.
The experience: Heartis Senior Living offers personalized assistance with daily tasks, bathing, dressing, and medication management, as well as a 24-hour emergency call system. The community features multiple dining venues, a bar, a spa, and a concierge service so you can schedule transport. Heartis also offers memory care with a Montessori-inspired wellness philosophy that encourages engagement and community. The apartments are updated and well-designed, and the staff arranges visits from doctors and therapists to improve well-being. The facility focuses on community, and the staff is engaged and knowledgeable about residents.
San Diego
San Diego has been a popular retirement town since World War II. Not only does this beautiful and stimulating city offer a mild and sunny climate — annual temperatures range from the low 40s to the upper 70s — but it also boasts a lower-than-average crime rate among U.S. cities.
Our favorite community: Wesley Palms Retirement Community
Cost: Assisted living apartments at Wesley Palms start at $3,390, which includes dining, maintenance, housekeeping, utilities, internet, cable, telephone, security, and activities. That is much lower than the average monthly price tag of $5,250 for assisted living in California.
The experience: Personalized care includes an on-site nurse, medication management, and skilled nursing services if necessary. A dental clinic, dog park, art gallery, and fitness center are also available. The grounds are expansive with trails, perfect for individuals with pets.
San Francisco
Whatever type of senior housing you’re looking for, San Francisco has it. Don’t worry about the terrain; well-developed mass transit makes it easy to sample the outrageous amount of entertainment and style this classic city has to offer. The mild climate makes it comfortable all year round.
Our favorite community: Rhoda Goldman Plaza
Cost: San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the country, and Rhoda Goldman Plaza is in the center of the vibrant city. Assisted living monthly costs start at $6,586. The average monthly price of assisted living in California is $5,250, but Rhoda Goldman Plaza’s price includes care management, housekeeping, dining, an emergency call system, access to a wellness clinic, and parking.
The experience: Rhoda Goldman Plaza is more about providing basic care. The beautifully designed community offers healthy food with fresh ingredients and specialized meal plans for individuals on keto, paleo, kosher, vegetarian, or diabetic diets. Its health-services staff has offices on every floor, and they will help personalize a wellness plan and coordinate care with nearby doctors. The community provides lifelong learning with on-site lectures, webinars from the Fromm Institute, and other cultural events. The facility is steps from Fillmore Street for great shopping and dining. It is truly a luxury assisted living experience meant to improve brain health and provide stimulating companionship.
San Jose, California
San Jose not only provides an overall glittering lifestyle, but it also takes pride in its significantly lower-than-average U.S. crime rate. With its gorgeous scenery and climate and innumerable activities, it may be ideal for any retiree. An added bonus: Everything San Francisco has to offer is a little under an hour away.
Our favorite community: Westgate Villa Assisted Living
Cost: Pricing starts at $4,990 per month, which is much less than the average price of $5,250 per month for assisted living in California.
The experience: Westgate Villa Assisted Living offers a variety of care options for people on a budget. A licensed nurse is available seven days a week, and the staff has the means and training to take care of residents with chronic health conditions. The staff can handle catheters, colostomy care, outpatient therapy, dementia care, and bedridden care. A podiatrist comes once a month to check in with residents, and a robust wellness program helps residents with nutrition and exercise.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is ideally situated on Florida’s western coast. It’s culturally diverse and affordable, with museums, parks, restaurants, shopping, and all forms of entertainment, including major league sports teams. And the climate is not as hot as southern Florida and comfy all year long.
Our favorite community: Colonial Assisted Living at Tampa
Cost: The average monthly cost of assisted living in Florida is $4,000 per month. Colonial Assisted Living apartments start at only $2,595.
The experience: Located in the heart of Tampa, residents at Colonial Assisted Living can find support 24 hours a day. Medication management, physical therapy, and skilled nursing services are all available to take care of any health or personal care needs. Residents can partake in daily exercise activities, poker, art classes, cooking classes, movie nights, and excursions around Tampa Bay. The staff is accommodating and dedicated to personalized care for every patient.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a city shaped largely by its complex Native American and Mexican past and the warm climate enjoyed by the people who live here. Vibrant Tucson blends small-town charm with big-city comforts. Sports, arts, culture, cuisine, and good health care — it’s all at your fingertips.
Our favorite community: Fairmount Assisted Living & Memory Care
Cost: Assisted living at Fairmount starts at a reasonable $3,635 per month. The average cost of assisted living in Arizona is $4,000 per month.
The experience: With a five-to-one ratio between staff and residents, Fairmount puts an emphasis on providing superior care. There are three levels of care, ranging from light, standby assistance to hands-on care for people with serious health conditions. Fairmount assesses residents’ needs often to ensure they are receiving the correct level of care. Two nurses regularly visit residents to check on their health. The community offers activities such as live music, painting classes, chair yoga, movie nights, and happy hours. The grounds have gardens, walking paths, chickens, rabbits, orchards, and patios.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Friendly Tulsa lies along the picturesque Arkansas River near the breathtaking Ozark Mountains and Osage Hills. While celebrating its Native American and cowboy past, the town provides an array of modern entertainment, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
Our favorite community: The Parke Assisted Living
Cost: The starting monthly cost of assisted living apartments at the Parke is $3,900, similar to the average monthly cost in Oklahoma of $3,855.
The experience: This family-owned facility has been operating for 20 years. Safety is a top priority for the Parke, and it provides thorough background checks on staff and ensures they exceed expectations. They even interview residents regularly to ensure their needs are being met. The staff is fully trained to manage and administer medicine, provide personal care, coordinate health care and wellness opportunities, and provide housekeeping and maintenance. The grounds feature gardens, and the facility is located next to a beautiful city park with trails. Residents may pay extra for enhanced personal care assistance and incontinence management.
Waco, Texas
Waco is rapidly developing as a desirable retirement destination. The low cost of living, the range of housing options, lots of sun, and a wealth of outdoor — and indoor — entertainment options make Waco a smart choice for retirees. Shopping, museum-hopping, live music, good food — this town has it all.
Our favorite community: The Delaney at Lake Waco
Cost: Starting at $3,750 per month for assisted living, the Delaney at Lake Waco includes dining, activities, utilities, maintenance, transportation, and housekeeping in the monthly fee. The average monthly cost of assisted living in Texas is $3,998, so the Delaney is perfect for people on a budget.
The experience: The Delaney at Lake Waco consistently wins awards for customer satisfaction because it works with residents to get an idea of their wants and needs and deliver a fulfilling lifestyle. Assistance with daily tasks, an on-site nurse, and an emergency response system provide residents with peace of mind while maintaining their independence and dignity. The staff helps coordinate appointments and wellness checks, and works with residents to ensure proper nutrition. The community features gourmet dining, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and an art studio.
Tip: Many assisted living communities use technology to inform loved ones and caregivers how a resident is doing. Some even share pictures of special moments and activities. Make sure to ask how each facility will keep your loved ones in the know.
Wyoming
Wyoming is the least populous state in the Union and continues to draw more retirees each year. It is very tax friendly, and it’s a nature lover’s paradise. The sunny climate lets residents enjoy the multiple rivers, impressive mountains, and broad selection of flora and fauna underneath the big, blue sky.
Our favorite community: Primrose Retirement Community of Casper
Cost: Primrose’s pricing is close to Wyoming’s average assisted living cost of $4,169. Primrose monthly costs are slightly less, at 4,009 per month.
The experience: With stunning views of the Casper landscape, Primrose’s mission is to promote independence and dignity while ensuring residents get the special attention they need. Around-the-clock personal assistance and nursing is available. The community’s activity calendar includes shopping, bingo, live music, Bible study, excursions, ice cream socials, Wii bowling, and more. Its family-connection service provides software that connects residents and their families, so staff can capture and share special moments. The community prioritizes lifelong learning through the Primrose Senior University, which provides classes, brain exercises, enlightening group discussions, and reading groups.
Bottom Line
To learn more about our favorite assisted living communities and alternative senior living options, check out our helpful guides.
- Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes
- Guide to Low-Income Assisted Living
- Medicare and Medicaid Coverage of Assisted Living
- Guide to Christian Assisted Living
- Guide Jewish Assisted Living
- Guide to Quaker Assisted Living
- Guide to Adventist Assisted Living
- Guide to Baptist Assisted Living
- Guide to Presbyterian Assisted Living
- Guide to Catholic Assisted Living
- Guide to Methodist Assisted Living
- Guide to Lutheran Assisted Living
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do you choose the best assisted living for a parent?
The best way to choose between communities is to visit them. This is the only way to assess the happiness of residents, the professionalism of the staff, and the cleanliness of facilities. You’ll also be able to try the food.
