Independent Living Retirement Communities

Independent Senior Living communities, often called retirement communities, senior living communities or independent living retirement communities, are housing communities designed for seniors 55 and older who are mentally and physically capable of living alone without skilled nursing or assistance with day-to-day activities.

These communities are ideal for seniors who want less home upkeep and increased access to nutritious meals, social interaction, physical and mental stimulation and assistance with transportation. 

Independent living communities typically provide apartments, cottages, condominiums, and single-family homes.  Residents are seniors who do not require assistance with daily living activities or 24/7 skilled nursing care, but may benefit from convenient, independent assisted living senior-related services, senior-friendly surroundings and increased social opportunities specifically geared for seniors.  

Independent living communities are very popular among "snowbird" seniors who wish to downsize or travel freely without the burden of managing a house.  Many retirement communities offer amenities such as, dining services, basic housekeeping and laundry services, transportation to appointments and errands, activities, social programs and access to exercise equipment.  Some offer emergency alert systems, live-in managers, and other amenities such as pools, spas, clubhouses, libraries, and on-site beauty and barber salons.  

Independent living communities do not provide health care or assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as medication management, bathing, eating, dressing, toileting and more.  

Independent living communities differ from continuing care communities, which offer independent living along with multiple other levels of care, such as Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, in one single community.  

Independent senior living residents are permitted to use third-party home health care services to meet additional health needs.  

Independent senior living communities are typically the least expensive of other senior living options.  Monthly costs vary significantly by community type, size of living space, location and amenities.  

The average total cost for a U.S. one-bedroom senior living apartment is $2,750/month.