It’s no surprise why Atlanta, Georgia, has become a choice destination for seniors. Idyllic weather, access to some of the best hospitals in the country, and lush outdoor spaces are just a few qualities that make Atlanta a Southern haven for seniors. Out-of-state moves into Atlanta assisted living communities have been a rising trend among seniors who want to live closer to family in the area. Atlanta is brimming with assisted living options — from the lively city and surrounding suburbs to the serene countryside. These communities offer well-appointed living spaces with access to supportive services and resort-style amenities.
Sifting through so many options can be a dizzying experience for most, which is why we crafted this guide to Atlanta assisted living. This guide can help you discover different types of assisted living in Atlanta, with an emphasis on listings within 10 miles of downtown, where A Place for Mom partners with 28 assisted living communities. You’ll find details about the costs of assisted living, Georgia’s laws and regulations, and what payment options may help cover senior care. We’ve also broken down the local types of assisted living communities, popular amenities, as well as local highlights, resources, and activities for seniors in Atlanta.
Their staff is super caring and patient with their elderly care. Cannot say enough about their patience and compassion for everyone there. Biggest issue is cleaning. I have complained a few times about their...
My name is [name removed] when I found out about this place this place is such a great place to live from the Front Desk staff. It is great from the sales. It is great everybody at this place together as a...
They are doing some great improvements. Yes, we would recommend this community to other families given all the recent changes and plans
My dad passed in [date removed], but what we liked the most about Sunrise of Buckhead is that everyone was attentive. Based on the experience we had, we would recommend this community to other families who ...
The overall experience has been good, but small population and my mother felt like outsider because the eating groups had been formed. The cleanliness is good, but washing machine in my mother's floor was....
My Dad is enjoying his experience at Summerset. His first day there we sat with one of his high school classmates, someone he's known over 75 years! There are many activities that take place at the facility...
I'd say it used to be better (last year) and now the quality has decreased significantly. There's currently no director, they haven't found an appropriate suitor since the last one left in February and none...
My husband and I recently moved to the magical place that the Renaissance is; from the beautiful landscaping to the old world charm mixed with modern features, a grand lobby, spacious apartments, and...
the people at the front are very nice and welcoming and nice i had a great time visiting also the staff are very helpful. everyone is super happy and joyful and i live this place, will be back very soon
My Mothers journey was a long one and unfortunately she did not prepare for the last years as well as one might hope. Due to this I had to be very resourceful with care options and still trying to get the...
Peachtree Creek was a blessing in caring for my mom in her last stages of dementia. Everyone there was kind and helpful and the facility was clean and well managed.
It starts with [name removed]- but it’s the way the staff cares for my mom, her day and her needs that sets them apart. They are happy and rooting for my mom - what she needs for the day, her progress, and...
My parents have been living at Wesley woods for a couple of months now. They are really enjoying it! They like having some activities on hand, the noon day meal with plenty of options to also take away for...
The Coventry Place has a wonderful selection for my uncle, he is getting acquainted with new friends and enjoying his independence. It’s been a pleasure working with the team and having him be in a space...
I don't require any specific care - it's a retirement community but there are a small # of residents that use assisted living & some that have helpers but that may be 1/4 or less of the total residents. ...
Staff are caring, respectful, helpful, and friendly. The food is good, but not worth the price for a guest. The menu is rarely accurate. If I call and leave a particular staff member a message. I would say I...
I think it is a good place, there are activities daily and group participation There are several performers that entertain the residents. The staff are very involved with the residence. it is very relax and...
For the overall experience, there have been a few issues, but they were immediately corrected when discussed. My mom usually can't recall what she has eaten, but is ready for the next meal. My mom is in...
My wife and I lived for two months before we had to leave because I required emergency open heart surgery. We enjoyed living here. The food was well-prepared and plentiful. We were also able to participate...
What our family likes the most about the King's Bridge Retirement community is the staff team. The staff members there are outstanding. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this...
I have been very happy with the attention that my Uncle has been getting. They are working through getting to know him and his peculiarities. I feel as though he is getting the attention that he needs and...
All categories get a 5! My loved one has been very content there. I have been very pleased with his care and the staff I have interacted with!! I am very happy with the placement.
I have no complaints of how things went for my loved one while he was at this community for his respite stay. The staff where wonderful to work with and I was comfortable with the care they provided him. He...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Atlanta community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
The average cost of assisted living in Atlanta is about $3,850 per month for a private studio and $2,800 a month for a semi-private suite, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data from 2022-23.[01] This can vary based on certain factors, such as a community’s location, amenities and services offered, and the floor plan.
This average monthly rate includes rent and the following services and amenities many Atlanta assisted living communities offer:
You may run into some other fees at an Atlanta assisted living facility. Here’s a breakdown of some types of fees charged by communities within 25 miles of downtown Atlanta:
You can find more area starting costs — which don’t account for any add-on expenses — below.
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to pay for an Atlanta assisted living community, and there are several approaches families can take. Both private and public funding options can contribute to assisted living costs, and many families use a combination of both resources. We’ve provided several options below that may help families pay for Atlanta assisted living.
Private funds are often the first sources of funding families look into to pay for assisted living. Many families dip into their savings and sources of retirement income, like Social Security benefits, pensions, and IRAs or a 401k. These resources can go a long way for seniors living in the Peach State. Georgia doesn’t tax Social Security benefits and offers deductions for all pensions and retirement income:
These sources of private funds may fully fund life at an assisted living community, depending on one’s care costs over time. If you’re concerned about private funds covering care over the long haul, consider these additional private funding options:
Nearly 45% of Atlanta’s veteran population is age 65+.[03] Atlanta veterans may be eligible for federal benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (or VA). The VA pension provides supplemental income to low-income veterans. To qualify for a pension, a veteran must meet service and financial requirements as well as at least one of the following:
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is a benefit paid in addition to a veteran’s monthly pension amount, and it can be used to help pay for assisted living costs. Similar to VA pensions, Aid and Attendance is a supplementary source of income that can be put toward any assisted living expenses. A veteran must already receive a VA pension, have acknowledgment from VA health care of a disability, and meet at least one of the requirements below to be eligible:
The Georgia Department of Veterans Services (or GDVS) also has state benefits available for veterans, which includes tax exemptions on military retirement income.
Keep in mind that the approval process for VA benefits is complex and difficult, so it’s a good idea to reach out to a local, VA benefit assistance organization that can help you apply efficiently. You can get more information or help with the application process by contacting a local Veterans Field Service Office or the Atlanta VA Regional Office. Some local nonprofits will also host experienced volunteers to assist veterans in attaining their eligible benefits, like Catholic Charities of Atlanta.
Atlanta’s veteran population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 44% of Atlanta veterans are age 65 and older, per the U.S. Census Bureau
Additional resources for Atlanta veterans
Find a Veterans Field Service Office near you
2 M.L.K. Jr. Drive SE.
Atlanta, GA 30334
Phone: 404-656-2300
For help with applying for VA benefits
1700 Clairmont Road
Decatur, GA 30033
Phone: 404-929-6000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans Support Services
Phone: 678-426-5804
Email: Help@ccatlanta.org
Georgia’s Medicaid program can’t be used to pay for room and board expenses in Atlanta assisted living facilities. It can be used for skilled nursing care, however, either through in-home health care agencies or within a nursing home, for patients referred by their doctor.
Georgia Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services (or HCBS) waiver programs can help seniors receive long-term care services in their home or assisted living community instead of in an institutional nursing home. These waiver programs put some Medicaid requirements on hold, so that seniors can get the following care services covered in their home:
To qualify, you must be an elderly or disabled Georgian and meet the following requirements:
The Elderly and Disabled waiver program (E&D) — previously called Community Care Services Program (CCSP) — offers eligible seniors the option to receive coordinated care services from their home or assisted living community. Seniors must meet the Medicaid eligibility requirements above as well as the following:
As with the E&D waiver, Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (or SOURCE) is another Georgia Medicaid waiver program that gives seniors the option to receive certain care services in a different setting than a nursing home. In addition to the previously mentioned Medicaid eligibility requirements, seniors must also meet the following conditions:
You can only be enrolled in one waiver program at a time. Programs include the following set of core services:
You can find out more about Georgia’s Medicaid waiver programs by contacting the Georgia Department of Community Health or your local Area Agency on Aging. For those who need to apply to Medicaid, you can print out and complete an application or submit one online through Georgia Gateway — the state’s self-service website. You’ll want to have the following items on hand when applying to verify personal information:
You can find a complete guide to Georgia’s Medicaid waiver programs on the Department of Community Health’s website.
Atlanta Medicaid resources
Contact DCH
2 Peachtree St. NW.
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-656-4507
Area Agency on Aging — Atlanta
229 Peachtree St. NE., Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-463-3333
In general, Medicare won’t cover the costs of assisted living since the majority of the services provided in these facilities are considered custodial care, such as help with everyday tasks. There are some circumstances where Medicare may cover medically necessary care services and supplies provided by a certified health professional, which can include the following:
So, how can you be certain what services may be covered through Medicare? The Georgia State Health Insurance Assistance Program (or SHIP) provides free Medicare counseling to help seniors make informed decisions about health care benefits and enroll in a plan that meets their specific needs. Additionally, SHIP counselors can help eligible seniors find and apply for financial assistance resources like Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and the Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy). These programs can help lower the cost of prescriptions and other out-of-pocket expenses for seniors with limited income.
Medicare resources
Division of Aging Services
2 Peachtree St. NW., 33rd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-657-5258
Medicare assistance
Phone: 1-866-552-4464, ext. 4
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Assisted living communities in Atlanta are defined as personal care homes that serve 25 or more residents.[04] These communities provide personal support services, such as help with activities of daily living (ADLs).
Atlanta assisted living communities are licensed and regulated by the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division (HFRD), which is a division within the Georgia Department of Community Health. Some of these regulations include the following:
Atlanta assisted living communities must assess all potential residents before admission. Future residents must have a physical exam performed by a licensed health professional at least 30 days before they can be accepted. This physical exam must show that they can complete the following tasks:
In Georgia, a person can’t be admitted to an assisted living community if they meet any of the following criteria:
Whether the care is for you or a loved one, it’s important to be familiar with Georgia’s assisted living regulations to recognize when any signs of trouble arise. The Department of Community Health’s HFRD provides a detailed document that covers all of Georgia’s rules and regulations for assisted living communities. A list of regulated facilities, inspection reports, and verified licenses can be found on the Georgia Department of Community Health’s website.
Georgia Department of Community Health
Find more HFRD laws and regulations
2 Peachtree St. NW.
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404-656-4507
As of January 2023, there weren’t any COVID-19 regulations or mandates in place for Atlanta assisted living communities. However, efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 remain especially important for long-term care facilities like these. Many Georgia assisted living communities have continued to follow guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The recommendations below were part of the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Administrative Order to reopen long-term care facilities, which was released in October 2021. While the state of emergency was rescinded in April 2022, some assisted living facilities may still implement the measures or have stricter rules in place. It’s always a good idea to contact a community directly before visiting to make sure you’re familiar with their screening protocols and to have a mask on hand — just in case.
You can find regularly published COVID-19 status reports along with information about vaccines and local testing sites on the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and Fulton County Board of Health websites.
Georgia Department of Public Health
Georgia COVID-19 updates
2 Peachtree St. NW.
Atlanta, GA 30303-3186
Phone: 404-657-2700
Fulton County Board of Health
Office of Epidemiology
10 Park Place SE.
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-613-1391
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Testing. Residents and staff are tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms or were exposed to someone who tested positive.
Masking. All staff members should wear a mask, and residents and visitors are encouraged to wear a mask in common areas.
Vaccines. Facilities should have protocols for vaccinating residents and staff and keep a list of vaccination status in the facility.
Quarantining. Symptomatic residents who test positive for COVID-19 can remain in the facility if they can safely self-isolate in their room.
Atlanta’s bustling metro offers the best of both worlds with high-end assisted living residences in the downtown area and cozy residential options in its prosperous suburbs.
For those seeking upscale assisted living, Atlanta has a wealth of options to choose from. Many of these boutique communities come in high-rise packages with incomparable city views and contemporary fixtures. Sitting in some of Atlanta’s most-desired neighborhoods, these chic assisted living residences resemble high-end hotels, from the exterior to the grand lobbies and tastefully decorated common areas.
A selection of communities have resort-style amenities, such as swimming pools, putting greens, and state-of-the-art fitness centers. Many offer refined dining options that feature chef-prepared meals and international cuisines, which can be enjoyed from lavish dining rooms or from the privacy of your home.
Atlanta also has many quaint, homey assisted living communities. Many of these communities pay homage to traditional Georgian architecture with grand entrances, pillared columns, and brick exteriors. While still within miles of Atlanta’s thriving downtown scene, these communities provide serene retreats for seniors with outdoor patios, raised garden beds, and cheerful sunrooms.
Rather than high-rise buildings, these communities are surrounded by lush landscaping and foliage with nostalgic, homelike furnishings inside. Many of these communities also plan engaging leisurely activities ranging from gardening and cooking clubs to games and group outings.
Life plan communities — also called Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) — offer a continuum of care for seniors aged 62+. This type of community offers multiple levels of care on the same campus, which can range from independent living, assisted living, and memory care to skilled nursing. These communities are growing in popularity for seniors who want to age in place without worrying about their growing costs of care.
Life plan communities typically charge a large care service fee upfront that essentially guarantees you’ll have access to a variety of care services within that campus if and when the need arises. This means you will never have to move due to illness, and your care fees are paid for in advance — ensuring you’ll be taken care of.
Assisted living communities that offer memory care are popular in the Atlanta metro. About 59% of partnered assisted living communities within 25 miles of downtown Atlanta are designed to accommodate residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.[01] These communities typically have dedicated memory care wings or neighborhoods, secured with enhanced safety features, such as Wander Guard technologies, to provide oversight for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
While memory care residents receive the same level of care as assisted living residents, these neighborhoods also provide caregivers that can accommodate different levels of memory loss. Memory care units give residents the opportunity to receive person-centered care from staff members specially trained in dementia care. Assisted living facilities that provide memory care are also required to provide therapeutic activities that promote motor skills, socializing with peers, and sensory enrichment.
Atlanta’s affluent suburbs offer all of the benefits of Atlanta assisted living in a more serene setting. These locations feature ample upscale assisted living communities with palatial campuses, scenic views, and full-sized kitchens with contemporary fixtures. Seniors can enjoy indulging in resort-style amenities that include indoor pools, on-site salons, and putting greens.
You’ll find some of the most lavish assisted living communities in Buckhead, which is sometimes referred to as the “Beverly Hills of the South.” The area is distinguished for its posh boutiques and shopping districts, trendy bars and restaurants, and premier art galleries. Atlanta has several other suburbs, each with their own unique qualities and highlights. Roswell and Sandy Springs offer direct access to scenic trails and waterways, while Alpharetta is home to ample festivals, shopping, and dining.
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Number of seniors age 75+ living in Atlanta, per the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of married seniors in Atlanta age 65+, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau
Average amount of retirement income savings in Atlanta, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau
Atlanta is anything but short on world-class hospitals. The metro has access to some of the best hospitals in Georgia, with some ranking nationally in specialties such as cancer and neurology.
Emory University Hospital is the No. 1 hospital in Atlanta and all of Georgia. This general medical and surgical facility is part of the Emory Healthcare network and also serves as a teaching hospital. Emory University is nationally ranked for its performance in five specialties, including cancer, diabetes, and neurology.
Also part of the Emory Healthcare Network, Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital (ESJH) is a general medical and surgical facility that’s ranked the second-best hospital in Atlanta and Georgia. ESJH is Atlanta’s longest-serving hospital, and it’s recognized for its performance in conditions and procedures that include diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and back surgery.
Northside Hospital Atlanta is ranked No. 3 in Atlanta and Georgia. This facility offers access to the most board-certified oncologists in the state, and it’s the top hospital in Georgia for several types of cancer surgeries.
Piedmont Atlanta is the fourth-ranking hospital in both Atlanta and Georgia. The nonprofit medical facility offers primary care services, as well as heart care and innovative cancer therapies and treatments.
About 89% of partnered Atlanta assisted living communities offer some sort of transportation arrangement, which includes both complimentary and at-cost services.[01] Additionally, Atlanta boasts safe and reliable public transportation services for seniors through the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).
MARTA offers a Travel Training Program to help seniors and people with disabilities learn how to safely navigate and ride MARTA’s transit on their own. Seniors age 65+ and Medicare cardholders can apply for Reduced Fare Breeze Cards. These discounted fare cards can be used to ride all MARTA buses and trains, and your first card is free.
There are numerous transportation resources for seniors in Atlanta. These include volunteer driver programs for appointments and errands, specialized transportation services for seniors enrolled in community programs, and vouchers for free or low-cost public transit. Discover more transportation resources and services near you by contacting trained counselors at Empowerline — Atlanta’s appointed area agency on aging — or by using their online search tool, which you can access in the resources following this section. Once you’ve reached the search tool, you can take the following steps to find senior transportation resources near you:
On top of the incredibly accessible public transportation, Atlanta also ranks among the top 25 most walkable cities in the United States.[07] Though most errands do require a car or public transit, you can enjoy strolling through Atlanta’s flourishing walking trails and neighborhoods with peach tree-lined streets.
Empowerline
Find senior resources in Atlanta
Phone: 404-463-3333
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
MARTA
2424 Piedmont Rd. NE.
Atlanta, GA 30324
Customer service: 404-848-5000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
See how the area ranks for pedestrians, bike friendliness, and access to public transit below.
Atlanta offers an optimal fusion of a big-city lifestyle and Southern charm. With ample shopping, dining, and entertainment options abound, there’s always something fabulous to do in The Big Peach.
Some popular outings for Atlanta assisted living communities include the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Braves games, and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Additionally, the Office of Recreation’s Primetime Senior Programs plans several activities, such as jewelry making, line dancing, and sewing.
A focal point of the Civil Rights Movement, Georgia’s fifth-named capital city has been a central part of American history. Enjoy a day immersing yourself in Atlanta’s historically significant attractions and museums, which include the following:
Atlanta’s retail districts feature shopping for all tastes and budgets. You’ll find plenty of boutique shopping available across the city, as well as vintage finds and deals at Atlanta’s outlet stops. Treat your visiting friends and family to a day of window shopping or perusing posh boutiques at well-known locations:
Much like the city’s shopping destinations, Atlanta’s flavorful food scene has something to satisfy every palette. You’ll find a mix of casual and high-end restaurants serving up iconic Atlanta staples, ranging from ice pops and lemon pepper wings to fried pies, as well as a diverse selection of international cuisine along the famed Buford Highway.
Fondly called the “city in a forest,” Atlanta has a lush, tree-dense landscape and is rich in parks and green spaces. Among these is Piedmont Park, which is a prime gathering space in Midtown that holds several events throughout the year, which includes the Atlanta Jazz Festival.
Just a quick stroll down the street from Piedmont Park will put you in the Midtown Arts District, which is the heart of Atlanta’s art and culture scene. This trendy neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most notable venues where you can enjoy award-winning plays, live musical performances, and spectacular art exhibits. You can also enjoy an unforgettable experience with visiting family and grandkids at the Center for Puppetry Arts.
Presbyterian Village of Austell, Legacy Ridge at Peachtree and Sunrise of Five Forks are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Atlanta, GA. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Atlanta is $3,538 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
SmartAsset. (2022). Georgia retirement tax friendliness.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Georgia Department of Community Health. (2015). Compendium of residential care and assisted living regulations and policy: 2015 edition.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Atlanta, GA.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Demographic and housing estimates (DP05) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walkscore. (2022). Living in Atlanta.
Georgia Department of Community Health Healthcare Facility Regulation Division. (2021). Rules and regulations for assisted living communities.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
SmartAsset. (2022). Georgia retirement tax friendliness.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Georgia Department of Community Health. (2015). Compendium of residential care and assisted living regulations and policy: 2015 edition.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Atlanta, GA.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Demographic and housing estimates (DP05) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walkscore. (2022). Living in Atlanta.
Georgia Department of Community Health Healthcare Facility Regulation Division. (2021). Rules and regulations for assisted living communities.