10 Best Independent Living Communities in St Louis, MO
Known for its sports scene, blues music, breweries, and historical monuments, St. Louis is perfect for active people who love spending time in the community. Home to a plethora of museums, the Gateway Arch, and the Soulard Farmers Market, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone.
With eight independent living communities partnered with A Place for Mom within a 10-mile radius of downtown St. Louis, independent living offers a way to spend retirement stress-free. Not only will you find your community offering regular activities and social events, you also won’t have to worry about transportation, home maintenance, or dining as those costs are included in St. Louis independent living facilities.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about independent living, including how to pay for independent living, the laws and regulations that protect your rights, veterans benefits in St. Louis, Medicare and Medicaid information, and things to do in the city.
St Louis Independent Living Facilities | 221 Reviews
The outreach fellow is great The flower arranging is fun The Bingo lady makes it exciting The outings on the van were fun The kitchen area on the floors could always use a good cleaning My auntie doesn't...
[name removed], the director, is very patient and kind. She explained everything in detail and was very accommodating to our requests. She made the transition very comfortable and is always available for...
We’re very happy so far. My mom has settled in well and all her needs are met. No big complaints and all small things have been or are being taken care of. The facility is clean fresh. Smells nice not...
The staff at The Rockwood are wonderful and for a small facility the activities are varied and fun. The chef is very good and tries new things. It is not a cheap facility and annual cost increases are...
Marvelous facility! My mom lived at Laclede Groves for the last 3 years of her life. From her 90th birthday party in the first month of her stay to her last week in Laclede’s hospice care, our family was...
Can't say enough kind words about [name removed] and the Brentmoor. Been very on the fence about putting my mother in a facility -- I wanted it to be the easiest transition for her and our family. These...
I love it. I picked this community because of the cost, and tenant friendliness. I would recommend to others.
The staff have been kind helpful and quick to respond when my mother in law needs assistance. The community is very clean and we are happy with it. They do offer some daily social activities for the...
[Name Removed] goes well beyond serving as a director of memory care; she is an advisor and friend to my mom. Without her guidance and care we would be lost. Previous to her arrival our mom’s care was...
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Overall our experience has been good. The physical plant is well maintained. There is a perception of a lot of staff turnover, but that is not unusual. My parents say the menu could have more variety....
My grandmother has lived at Pacific Place for over ten years now, and we couldn't be happier...The size and location makes visits so easy. The neighborhood is fun to walk around, there are lots of great...
So far my experience has been great. It came just when the family needed it and it has been a godsend to me. The Head of Nurse is very informative and keeps communication open with the family. The staff...
Everything is going well for my brother since his move to this community. I'am satisfied with the care and everything they have done for us. He is doing very good. They have a pleasant staff, they have been...
Our methodology
How we rank order the St Louis community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders St Louis community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the St. Louis area
- What families are saying about independent living in Saint Louis
- How people pay for independent living in St. Louis
- Understand Missouri laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in St. Louis
- Saint Louis independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with St. Louis? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in St. Louis
- Transportation for seniors in St. Louis
- Senior activities in St. Louis
Costs of independent living in the St. Louis area
According to recent data from A Place for Mom, the average monthly cost of independent living, including associated fees and service fee add-ons, is $3,954, several hundred dollars more than the state and national averages.[01] Fees and service add-ons are included in this price.
The following chart illustrates the average baseline costs of independent living in St. Louis without taking any add-on fees into account.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Saint Louis, MO vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Saint Louis, MO vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Saint Louis vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Saint Louis, MO by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Saint Louis over time
What families are saying about independent living in Saint Louis
Recent reviews for independent living in Saint Louis
Lutheran Senior Services At Breeze Park in St. Charles, MO
Keystone Place at Richland Creek in O'Fallon, IL
Veronica Place in Florissant, MO
How people pay for independent living in St. Louis
Independent living isn’t classified as a type of senior care; because of this, seniors can’t use funding methods like Medicaid and Medicare to cover the housing costs associated with independent living.
Seniors commonly combine various income streams like retirement savings, social security benefits, and VA benefits to offset housing and medical costs for independent living. In this section, you’ll learn how these methods, as well as other private pay options and public assistance, can be used to fund a move into an independent living community.
Private income sources are often used to pay for costs related to independent living, whether through Social Security benefits, investment returns, or pensions. Other sources seniors often turn to include:
Number of veterans who live in St. Louis
About 56% of those veterans are over the age of 65
Veterans in St. Louis have several resources available to them that can help assist with the costs of independent living and the process of identifying eligibility and filing claims.
There are several VA benefits for seniors who need support with living costs, each with slightly different eligibility requirements. The most common is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which supports people who are bed-bound due to illness, have limited eyesight, or who need help performing daily activities. This benefit is added to a veteran’s Pension payment.
When trying to determine eligibility, we recommend contacting a veterans services officer who can work with you to ensure no benefits are left on the table. Veterans services officers can be accessed through various veterans services organizations and are vetted by the VA. They’re recognized by the VA as the best resource for eligibility and application support.
There are 5 Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in the city and 17 American Legion locations. We’ll list some of the American Legions below, but here is a directory of all 17. The St. Louis County Veterans Program is available for additional case assistance, advocacy, and referral services.
Resources for St. Louis veterans
St. Louis County Veterans Program
St. Louis County Government Center NW
715 NW Plaza Drive
St. Ann, MO 63074
Phone: 314-615-7400
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
St. Louis Veterans Services Officers
Virgina Mack
Missouri Veterans Home
10600 Lewis & Clark Blvd., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO, 63136
Phone: 314-421-8637
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Christy Allison
Missouri Veterans Home
10600 Lewis & Clark Blvd.
St. Louis, MO, 63136
Phone: 314-421-8654
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Derrick Russell
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO, 63132
Phone: 314-421-8676
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nathan Ruhnow
Prevedel Federal Building/Missouri Veterans Commission
9700 Page Ave., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO, 63132
Phone: 314-421-8673
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Malinda Graves-Sampson
Prevedel Federal Building/Missouri Veterans Commission
9700 Page Ave., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO 63132
Phone: 314-421-8674
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts
Post 3480 Capt. Horace G. Burke Post
5020 State St.
East St. Louis, IL 62205
Phone: 618-271-7004
Post 6137 Newport Heights Memorial Post
5468 Gravois Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Phone: 314-352-6137
Post 8112 Gruhala-Gmeiner Memorial Post
4310 S. 38th St.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Phone: 314-351-8890
Quentin Roosevelt Post 1
St. Louis Altenheim
5408 S. Broadway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63111
Griesedieck-Fournier Post 3
4617 Dahlia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Fred W. Stockham Post 4
405 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63102
Known as MO HealthNet in Missouri, Medicaid is available for people in the state who need assistance with medical care. While independent living itself isn’t covered, in-home health care services (even those within an independent living community) are available for some people who qualify for a waiver program.
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program is available to people over the age of 63 and who meet the state’s income requirements, can assist with personal care, housekeeping and errands, nursing services, and meal deliveries. To apply for Medicaid and any waivers, apply online through MO HealthNet and your application will be sent to all programs to check for eligibility.
For assistance or support applying for benefits, Aging Ahead, operated by St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA), offers several services. The St. Louis Ombudsman can also support seniors through grievances and advocate for those in the claims process.
St. Louis resident Medicaid resources
Missouri Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division
615 Howerton Court
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-3425
Aging Ahead
14535 Manchester Road
Manchester, MO 63011
Phone: 800-243-6060
Email: info@agingahead.org
St. Louis County Ombudsman
8050 Watson Road, Suite 155
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-918-8222
Medicare is federal health care for people who are at least 65. While it doesn’t cover the cost of independent living, residents can use it for short-term medically necessary health expenses, including in-home care. To apply for Medicare, fill out the online application or contact your local Social Security Administration office.
The St. Louis Area on Aging (SLAAA) offers funding for those who need financial assistance with health care and may cover Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays. MORx, the Missouri State Pharmacy Assistance Program, is available for people with Medicare Part D who need assistance paying for prescription medication.
In terms of other Medicare resources, Missouri CLAIM is Missouri’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) which provides free financial counseling to Medicare users. Circle of Care Counseling is local organizations that provide advocacy and financial counseling through free, unbiased services.
The Social Security Administration, which runs Medicare programs, is also a helpful resource for those with general questions about Medicare and what is and isn’t covered. For those of you who have grievances or complaints, or need advocacy, two ombudsmen are available. The St. Louis Ombudsman Program (run by VOYCE) and the State Office of Long Term Care Ombudsman Program are both on hand to support.
St. Louis resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
717 N. 16th St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 800-772-1213
St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA)
1520 Market Road
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-612-5918
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Circle of Care Counseling
423 Chez Paree
Hazelwood, MO 63042
Phone: 314-873-3501
State Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Phone: 800-309-3282
St. Louis Ombudsman
8050 Watson Road, Suite 155
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-918-8222
SLAAA Medicare Savings Program
City Hall
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-622-4800
MORx, Missouri State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
Phone: 800-375-1406
CLAIM: State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Phone: 800-390-3330
Understand Missouri laws and regulations for independent living communities
Because independent living apartments aren’t classified as long-term care facilities, they don’t have the same licensing requirements that communities like assisted living or memory care need to adhere to. There are, however, state and federal laws communities need to abide by:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires independent living communities to be accessible and make reasonable accommodations when requested. It also prohibits discrimination from disability.
- The Fair Housing Act prohibits rental discrimination from disability, sex, race, and familial status. The Housing for Older Persons exemption also ensures that approved housing can only be rented by those over the age of 55.
- Renters in Missouri are also protected under the Landlord-Tenant Law, which protects renters from code violations and requires landlords to maintain safe housing standards.
However, if an independent living facility is part of a combined community with assisted living or memory care, for example, there will be additional licensing required due to these communities being classified as long-term care facilities. In this case, the Department of Health and Senior Services requires annual inspections and regular staff training. This document outlines the minimum requirements of assisted living and residential care facilities. To find inspection reports for assisted living facilities, search here.
Missouri Department of Health contact information
St. Louis Department of Health
1520 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-657-1528
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for St. Louis independent living communities
There are no COVID-19 mandates for independent living communities However, the St. Louis Department of Health recommends people follow best practices based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance and provides some recommendations that are in line with the CDC.
Vaccinations. Encouraged but not required.
Masking. No mask mandate exists, but wearing a mask is recommended if transmission rates are up.
Social distancing. Avoidance of people with COVID-19 or symptoms of it is recommended.
Quarantining. No specific quarantining requirements exist.
Types of independent living in St. Louis
Independent living is a wonderful way to enjoy retirement without the stress of household errands. Expect to see communities that provide activities and social outings, prepared meals, transportation, as well as housekeeping and maintenance. Independent living typically doesn’t offer personal care services, making it ideal for people who are active and healthy but want the convenience of living within these communities.
More time for joy
In an independent living community, most tasks related to home upkeep — like landscaping, and home maintenance — are covered in the costs of independent living. This leaves more time to spend on hobbies and activities you enjoy, with many independent living communities having amenities like a golf course, pool, clubhouse, and tennis center.
Care to suit your future needs
For those thinking about future care needs, it’s important to note that many independent living communities are part of more extensive care communities. For example, only four independent living communities we partner with in St. Louis are standalone; one is combined with an assisted living facility, and three are combined with an assisted living and memory care facility. These combination communities make transitioning according to care needs smoother and less stressful than moving to a new standalone facility.
Independent living in the surrounding St. Louis suburbs
Beyond the 10-mile radius of downtown St. Louis, there are an additional 32 communities we partner with offering independent living within a 25-mile radius of the city center. Eleven are standalone facilities, while the rest are part of larger care communities and living facilities, including assisted living, memory care, and senior apartments.
Saint Louis independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Saint Louis independent living
Availability of select dining options in Saint Louis independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Saint Louis independent living
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
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See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with St. Louis? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in St. Louis
Median annual income for St. Louis seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in St. Louis
Ranked No. 11 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll, Barnes Jewish Hospital is nationally ranked in 20 procedures by U.S. News and World Report.
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
A general medical and surgical facility, Missouri Baptist Medical Center performs highly in 15 procedures and 3 adult specialties according to U.S. News and World Report.
Rated as high performing in three adult specialties and 13 procedures by the U.S. News and World Report, this general medical and surgical facility is spread across two campuses.
St. Luke’s Hospital – Chesterfield
St. Luke’s Hospital – Chesterfield is particularly well known for treating heart conditions but is rated as high performing in 13 procedures and conditions according to the U.S. News and World Report.
Known for its treatment of COPD and lung cancer, Christian Hospital is a regionally ranked surgical and medical facility according to the U.S. News and World Report.
The St. Louis VA Medical Center is designed to provide veterans with primary and specialty care. This includes mental health care, extended care and rehab, recreation therapy, and treatment for substance abuse.
Transportation for seniors in St. Louis
Getting around St. Louis has been made easy by our partner independent living communities because they all offer complimentary transportation. But there are certainly other ways to get around, too.
While some neighborhoods in St. Louis are very walkable with a walk score of 66 out of 100[07], most people use cars to get around the city easily. The higher the walk score, the easier it is for people to walk around the city.
St. Louis’ public transport is called the Metro system, which offers several different transport options, including buses and trains. All Metro transit is accessible; MetroBus has lifts and ramps and is equipped with kneelers for people who need stairs. The MetroLink offers similar accommodations, floor-level entry and exit platforms, and ramps or elevators at all stations.[08] Amtrak also offers accessible seating, but reservations must be made in advance.[09]
For those unable to use public transportation, the Metro system and several St. Louis organizations offer transportation for seniors and those with disabilities.
- Metro’s Call-A-Ride program offers curb-to-curb transport for those with physical or cognitive disabilities.
- City Seniors provides transportation to people 60+ for medical appointments, banking appointments, and other errands.
- Seniors on the Fly offers a number of personal assistance transportation services in the St. Louis metro area.
- The City of St. Louis has free transportation to SLAAA senior centers and for non-emergency medical transportation.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in St. Louis
For the best views of St. Louis, there’s no better place to see the city than the St. Louis Arch Grounds and Museum. Reaching 630 feet in the air, you can see the U.S.’s tallest monument from the ground or take the tram to the very top. Another great spot for great views (and sports lovers) is Busch Stadium. The stadium hosts regular Cardinals baseball games and also features accessible seating.
Another iconic part of St. Louis’ history worth visiting is the Anheuser-Busch brewery, home to the oldest Budweiser brewery. Here you can explore the old caves where beer was traditionally stored while learning about the brewing traditions that make this brand what it is today.
Theater lovers, particularly those who love Broadway, will enjoy spending an evening at The Fabulous Fox or The Muny. Both theaters have regular shows and are extremely accessible, offering accessible seating, listening, and communication aids.
If you like spending time outside, Tower Grove Park and its surrounding neighborhood are a wonderful way to spend the day. Spread across 289 acres; it’s the largest and best preserved 19th Century Gardenesque park in the United States.[10] Beyond the park, wander through the local boutique stores or sip coffee at one of the many cafes in the area.
Art lovers also have plenty to do. The St. Louis Art Museum has a variety of art on display — from Monet watercolors to Ming Dynasty textiles — and is wheelchair accessible. For some local flavor, the Missouri History Museum and Soldiers Memorial have short- and long-term exhibitions that delve into the history of St. Louis.
For people interested in staying active in the community and making new friends, the following senior centers have various programming and supportive services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Regency Manor, Avalon Park Independent Living and Crestview Senior Living are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near St Louis, MO. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in St Louis is $3,899 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Missouri Baptist Medical Center.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). St. Luke’s Hospital-Chesterfield.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Christian Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in St. Louis.
Metro St. Louis. (n.d.). Accessibility | Metro Transit – Saint Louis
Amtrak. (n.d.). Accessible Travel Services | Amtrak
City of St. Louis. (n.d.). Tower Grove Park | City of St. Louis Parks
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