Cincinnati is a lively Midwestern metropolis that stretches along the Ohio River and straddles the Ohio-Kentucky border. Cincinnati is home to reputable universities, fascinating museums, major league sports teams, and, of course, its famous Skyline Chili. The city prides itself on its action plans to boost accessibility and senior-friendliness, making it a great place to retire. Among its many senior living options, browse Cincinnati independent living communities, which are designed for adults 55+ seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle with luxury amenities. You’ll find restaurant-style dining, on-site salon services, recreational activities, and more.
A Place for Mom partners with 17 independent living communities in Cincinnati. This guide to Cincinnati independent living communities is based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. We’ve compiled information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Cincinnati seniors like you.
Mom reluctantly agreed to move to an assisted living community after a third fall. She is 99 and had been living alone for 6 years since my Dad died. She had lived in the same house for 72 years. She was...
I'm currently a resident at The Kenwood by Senior Star. I came to look at this place and loved it, so I moved in! There is lots to do, everyone is so friendly at this facility. I'm happy to be here. I live...
The staff at traditions is exemplary, from the director to the aides. They are willing to listen to our concerns, and any questions are quickly answered. The arrival at traditions was a bit confusing and...
My father in law has passed away about a year and a half ago, but his stay there was a good experience for him as well as his loved ones., I would have to say 5. Overall good experience and was very pleased...
Everyone at Legacy has been amazing. The staff is always smiling and greeting us by name. They have helped my mom with transitioning from her home that she shared with her husband to living alone at the...
We chose Trustwell Living at Fairfield Place because of the size of the facility, all private apartments, location and the administrative willingness to work with us. Administrative staff are always...
Love all the music the most! The entertainment is the best. Every time I turn around there is something new and different. This place always surprises me.
My mom has lived here many years and we have been very happy with the care as staff there. The facility is very clean and very accommodating.
They have been heaven sent.. The staff is friendly, it always look and smell good when I visit and my older brother loves it... If he want to go out there others in the common areas or he can sit in his...
My mom has been living at Northgate Park since this past January and she has been happier than I've seen her in a long time!! They really care about their residents in all aspects of care, physically and...
All 5 stars! We were very pleased with the experience at Celebration Villa of Summit Hills. [name removed] was very helpful and all residents and staff were very friendly and welcoming.
What we like about Barrington of Fort Thomas is that the staff are very informative and all aspects. Sit there facility. It's extremely clean. Staff and faculty is very accommodating.
The dining area is very nice but the food isn't very good. I think it's expensive for my mom but I also haven't compared it to other facilities. The fee had gone up substantially after her first year.
They've had a lot of changes in personnel...from the top to the bottom...no consistency. My mom complains about this. Since she's in independent living, I don't think it's really affected her too much. ...
She likes it very much but the cost is too high. Rent increase are too much. Will probably have to move her soon which is very disappointing
My experiences with all who worked there were great. Special commendation to [name removed], who moved my mother in. Never saw anything out of place. My mother was in independent living, so she didn't get...
I am very happy with Brookdale and how they treat my mother. Yesterday she told me her aide took care of her like she was her mother. As far as rating everything else I will give them all a 4, no one is...
People should ask or know about the difference in care levels. This facility is mostly for those with high amounts of independence. Once my father worsened, there was limited floor space in the "extra...
I would definitely recommend Christian Villages at Mt. Healthy! Everyone who works there is kind, compassionate, and always so helpful. The activities are wonderful, too. My mom loves being there!
My loved one was previously a resident at The Victorian at Riverside and the experience was great! We liked this facility very much. I would recommend The Victorian at Riverside to others.
Most of the vegetables are hard and aren't cooked long enough for the residence to chew them. Most of them have false teeth or missing teeth, so soft veggies would probably be eaten more often if they were ...
We have had an excellent experience with the Cottingham community. We picked this community because of the price, and they accept Medicare.
The director , and nurses, are great. The aides who I have worked with are good . But the newer ones may need a little more training. The cleanness is a 4 because the hallways carpets need to be replaced...
The staff at Brookdale Finneytown were friendly and very welcoming. It seems like everyone works very hard at making it feel like home as much as possible.
Maple Knoll Village is a great community with beautiful grounds and gardens. In talking to the current residents, every one of them had great things to say about the staff and how helpful and kind they are....
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Cincinnati 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
Independent living in the Cincinnati area costs an average of $4,060 per month in 2022-2023, according to A Place For Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure represents the amount paid by real people referred to our partnered Cincinnati independent living communities. This cost includes rent plus the prices of optional add-ons. Add-ons may include services and amenities like the following:
The rates outlined in the graphic below represent independent living community baseline monthly costs in the Cincinnati area before any optional amenities or add-on fees.
You can combine several private and public assistance options to help cover the cost of independent living in Cincinnati. Taking an initial assessment of your unique financial position will help you decide the best way for you to pay for your independent living accommodations, as well as any personal or medical support you may need through in-home care.
Most public assistance programs won’t cover the cost of independent living, but they may help you offset other expenses. If you have a disability, a chronic health condition, or need personal care services, you may be able to receive public assistance to help cover the cost of these services, enabling your income to go farther towards your cost of living.
Your private pay methods can include any income or assets you have. Even if you’re retired and no longer receive a paycheck, your income and assets might be sufficient to cover your independent living expenses. Depending on your resources, your income and assets might include savings accounts, Social Security benefits, pensions, investment returns, and any of the following:
If you are a veteran of the U.S. military, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that can help you pay for Cincinnati independent living, as well as other expenses. Veterans pension benefits, such as Aid and Attendance or Housebound Allowance, are designed to provide senior veterans and their surviving spouses with supplemental income to improve their quality of life.[03]
Applying for veterans benefits can be a difficult process. Even if you are a qualifying veteran, any errors in the application process could cause you to be denied benefits. This is why successfully applying usually requires assistance or advocacy. By visiting one of the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs field offices, you can seek assistance and referrals from your area veteran service officers. As fellow veterans trained and certified in benefits offerings, veteran services officers are there to help Ohio senior veterans get the most out of their eligibility.
Ohio residents can visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services webpage or contact the local VA office for assistance with finding veterans benefits. The Ohio Attorney General website offers information on additional community resources for veterans such as financial support, legal advocacy, housing assistance, and more. Kentucky also has Veterans Affairs offices for Cincinnati veterans across the Ohio-Kentucky border.
Each state has veterans service organizations overseen by the VA, which include specialized departments for aiding veterans with disabilities and veterans of foreign wars. Find information on Cincinnati veteran service organizations below.
Resources for Cincinnati veterans
Cincinnati Veterans Center
4545 Montgomery Road
Norwood, OH 45212
Phone: 513-763-3500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Hamilton County Veterans Service Office
230 E. Ninth St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-946-3300
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Louisville Regional Office
321 W. Main St., Suite 390
Louisville, KY 40202
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
1111B Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-9203
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
Verne Riff State Office Tower
77 S. High St., #7
Columbus, OH 43215
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — Ohio
35 Chestnut St., Suite 506
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-224-1838
DAV — Ohio Department Headquarters
35 E. Chestnut St., Suite 503
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-221-3582
Cincinnati DAV Services Office
VA Medical Center
3200 Vine St., Room B147
Cincinnati, OH 45220-2288
Phone: 513-475-6443
Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded health insurance program for Americans 65+, who have a low income, or who suffer from a disability. While Medicaid programs vary by state, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines. Medicaid in Ohio and Kentucky are simply called Ohio Medicaid and Kentucky Medicaid, respectively. In order to receive Medicaid benefits, you’ll need to be enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO), and the agency providing the care services must be contracted with that MCO.
Medicaid programs will not cover the cost of rent in an independent living community. However, Cincinnati independent living residents in both Ohio and Kentucky may be able to receive financial support with care services through home and community based services waivers, which are offered by both states’ Medicaid programs.
The PASSPORT waiver is a home and community based services waiver designed to cover care for people age 60 and over who need a nursing facility level of care but choose to live in the community rather than in a skilled nursing facility. Eligible Ohio seniors can use this waiver to cover the cost of care in their own home, including an independent living apartment or other senior housing facility, instead of moving into a skilled nursing facility.
The PASSPORT waiver can cover costs of care needs such as the following:
PASSPORT waivers also include basic Medicaid coverage and may cover costs such as prescription medications, doctor appointments, and hospital stays.[04]
Kentucky Medicaid also offers a Home and Community Based (HCB) waiver program, which seniors in Kentucky can take advantage of. Kentucky’s HCB waiver can cover the costs of services such as the following:
Similarly to Ohio’s waivers, Kentucky Medicaid HCB waivers have specific eligibility requirements. In order to qualify, Kentucky residents must be age 65 or older or have a qualifying disability. They must also meet general Medicaid eligibility requirements, and they must need a nursing facility level of care.[05]
The Ohio Department of Aging has several Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) where Ohio residents can receive additional support with Medicare, Medicaid, and other support programs. Ohio Medicaid recipients can manage their care through the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline Member Portal. A long-term care ombudsman can offer advice and provide advocacy on your rights as a resident in senior living.
Kentucky residents can use the Kynect website to find out more about Medicaid benefits eligibility and access their benefits. Kentucky seniors also have their own Area Agencies on Aging, ombudsman advocacy, and more.
Cincinnati resident Medicaid resources
Ohio Medicaid Member Portal
Phone: 800-324-8680
Ohio Department of Medicaid
50 W. Town St., Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
4601 Malsbary Road
Blue Ash, OH 45242
Phone: 800-252-0155
Pro Seniors Long-Term Care Ombudsman
7162 Reading Road, Suite 1150
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Phone: 800-488-6070
Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
275 E. Main St., 3W-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-4321
Email: dmsweb@ky.gov
Medicare is a federally funded program designed to extend health coverage to Americans age 65 or older and individuals with qualifying disabilities. Since Medicare is a federal program, eligibility requirements will be the same in both Ohio and Kentucky. Medicare has multiple segments that cover different health care needs such as the following:
As a form of health insurance, Medicare won’t cover the cost of rent in an independent living community. Medicare can, however, be used to cover medically necessary in-home care and care for short-term medical conditions. You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website or by contacting one of your local Social Security Administration offices. Qualified seniors may receive help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
If you are eligible for Medicare, the Social Security Administration can help you receive access to benefits. If you’re able to dual enroll in both Medicare and Medicaid, you can pay Medicare premiums using Medicaid benefits. A local long-term care ombudsman can help you access the benefits you’re eligible for. An ombudsman can also investigate complaints of long-term care residents, advocate for your rights, and help ensure that you receive the quality of care you deserve. Find links to these resources below.
Cincinnati resident Medicare resources
Independent living communities in Cincinnati generally have an age minimum of 55, 62, or 65, though the exact age requirement depends on the community. Age minimums generally don’t apply to every tenant; rather, one person in each independent living household must meet the age requirement.
Independent living communities are subject to the same regulations as any other Ohio apartment. Tenants and landlords each have their own rights and responsibilities. Independent living communities may also include assisted living on the same campus. Independent living communities with on-site assisted living or memory care may be subject to tighter regulations, particularly in the units where medical care services are provided. To learn more about the assisted living or memory care unit regulations of your potential community, visit our guide to Cincinnati assisted living.
Ohio and Kentucky apartment landlords are required to maintain basic maintenance, safety, and cleanliness standards for their tenants. Both states require apartment landlords to do the following:[06,07]
Both Ohio and Kentucky apartment regulations require tenants to do the following:[08,09]
Independent living communities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by making reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities. Federal law prohibits owners of housing facilities from denying residency to individuals who have disabilities. Since ADA compliance is enforced on the federal level, Kentucky and Ohio have the same standards to uphold.
Reasonable accommodations mean adjusting rules or policies so that residents with disabilities can access the same amenities offered to other tenants. Accommodations may include provisions such as the following:
Modifications typically entail construction changes to the apartment complex and unit in order to make the space more navigable for tenants with disabilities. Modifications could mean installing handrails in bathrooms, a hands-free entrance, or a wheelchair ramp. The costs of these modifications are the responsibility of the property owner, rather than of the tenant with the disability, provided that they do not impose an undue financial burden upon the landlord.[10]
Cincinnati area senior living facilities that offer independent living as well as other care types may have stricter regulations in both Ohio and Kentucky. These regulations include direct care staff requirements, minimum staff-to-resident ratios, and service offerings such as the following:[11,12]
Ohio assisted living services also must include the following:[11]
In Kentucky, however, housekeeping and laundry services are not required, though residents must have access to facilities to take care of their own laundry.[13] Three meals per day and snacks are required.[12]
Ohio assisted living facilities, or residential care facilities as they are designated in that state, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The ODH performs facility inspections before licensing the facility and then a minimum of every 15 months after licensure.
Kentucky assisted living facilities must be certified annually through the Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living to ensure they uphold regulatory standards.[14]
You can find more information on related Ohio and Kentucky tenant-landlord laws below.
Cincinnati Health Department
3101 Burnet Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Phone: 513-357-7200
As most COVID-19 restrictions in both Ohio and Kentucky have been lifted, there are no specific COVID-19 regulations required for Cincinnati independent living communities at this time.
However, Ohio independent living communities that include assisted living are recommended to implement precautionary measures in accordance with CDC guidelines. Kentucky similarly follows CDC guidelines, particularly COVID-19 by county recommendations, updating guidelines based on the number of COVID-19 cases in each individual county.
Individual communities may have their own rules in place, so make sure to call prospective communities ahead of time to learn about their specific guidelines. The general guidelines include the following:
Testing. Staff and residents should be tested for COVID-19 if they are experiencing symptoms or if they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive.
Masking. Masks should be worn by individuals who are immunocompromised, by individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, and by health care workers with COVID-positive patients.
Quarantining. Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 should be placed in isolation or in rooms with other patients infected with COVID-19.
Cincinnati independent living communities are here to offer you a worry-free retirement, where you can relinquish the stress of home ownership. Without the responsibilities of lawn care and maintenance, your time will be freed up to enjoy the many resort-style amenities and services, and to explore the beautiful Cincinnati metropolis.
Cincinnati independent living communities offer many services designed to foster a high-quality lifestyle, so you can get the most out of your retirement. Our partner independent living communities in Cincinnati generally offer the following:
Our Cincinnati independent living partners typically offer communal leisure areas and on-site conveniences such as the following:
Enjoy a private independent living apartment with convenient features such as the following:
Out of our partner Cincinnati communities that offer independent living, 94% offer some blend of independent living, assisted living, and memory care within one community. Communities that integrate multiple care types enable residents to easily transition to a support level that fits their evolving needs, making them optimal for aging in place. These types of communities also offer more variety among residents, providing more opportunity for friendships and social engagement, no matter an individual’s particular level of need.
Independent senior living communities also provide a wealth of social opportunities, both through formal activity schedules and through groups or gatherings spearheaded by residents with common interests.
Many of our partner Cincinnati independent living communities are central to the downtown area, so residents have the city’s best dining and entertainment venues right at their fingertips. Downtown Cincinnati is known for being easily navigable on foot, but there are also plenty of additional transportation options.
There’s always something happening in Cincy’s Fountain Square, whether it’s skating, music, libations, or much more. Explore the city’s one-of-a-kind landmarks, and perhaps best of all, try all the Cincinnati dining options.
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Cincinnati seniors have access to several state-of-the-art medical centers and teaching hospitals.
The Christ Hospital is ranked No. 1 in Cincinnati and No. 5 in the state of Ohio, according to U.S. News and World Report. The Christ Hospital has been offering compassionate expert medical care to the Cincinnati metropolitan area for over a century. It’s nationally ranked in 14 procedures/conditions and four adult specialties, including cardiology.
St. Elizabeth Edgewood Hospital
St. Elizabeth Edgewood Hospital is ranked No. 2 in Cincinnati and No. 1 in Kentucky, according to U.S. News and World Report. St. Elizabeth offers exceptional orthopedic, cardiovascular, and cancer care. It’s high performing in several medical procedures.
Bethesda North is a teaching hospital featuring a Level III trauma center. It’s the third-highest ranking hospital in Cincinnati, according to U.S. News and World Report. Bethesda North is a general medical and surgical hospital that’s high-performing in 10 adult specialties.
Out of A Place for Mom’s partnered Cincinnati independent living communities, 87% offer complimentary transportation services to residents and 37% offer transportation services at an additional fee. These at-cost services are generally for on-demand transport outside of the community’s regular transportation schedule.
Downtown Cincinnati is quite walkable, and most errands can be accomplished without a car. As you get further from the city center, however, you may want to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Cincinnati’s public transportation system is called Go Metro. Go Metro features multiple bus routes, and you can search a route in the Cincinnati area or by popular destinations. Go Metro’s buses are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, so even Ohio residents who have disabilities or require a wheelchair or service animal can ride. However, if a person’s disability makes buses inaccessible even with these accommodations, Cincinnati offers an access rideshare program where Ohioans can be picked up by a van designed specifically for passengers with special needs.
For some enjoyable downtown entertainment, you can take the free Cincinnati streetcar that loops through the heart of the city.
Downtown Cincinnati is considered a walker’s paradise by Walkscore.com, which gives it the following transportation ratings out of 100:[17]
Cincinnati offers a wealth of museums, shopping, parks, sporting events, and more in its walkable downtown area. The following are only some of Cincinnati’s most popular downtown attractions:
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Music and theater lovers can enjoy Cincinnati’s symphony orchestra, ballet, Broadway Cincinnati, opera, Shakespeare in the Park, and many other art and cultural attractions. For Cincinnati residents and visitors on a budget, the city has many exhibits and historical sites that are free to the public.
It may be no surprise that Cincinnati is famous for its chili, with the iconic Skyline brand featuring the city’s striking cityscape. But Cincinnati has diverse cuisine options, from pizza to waffles to artisan seafood. You can enjoy many dining options from restaurants with rooftop seating or floor to ceiling windows that give you a panoramic view of this beautiful city. If you’re not sure where to start, hop on one of the city’s food and beverage tours for eats and inspiration.
The Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) offers many programs for Cincinnati residents to stay active and connected with each other, but did you know they have programs specifically for older residents? The CRC offers fitness classes, activities, meals, group outings, and the Southwest Ohio Senior Olympics event. Seniors all over the city can gather at one of the many CRC locations for fitness, fun, and friendship.
For seniors interested in continued education, the University of Cincinnati offers the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where you can take classes in whatever strikes your interest.
StoryPoint Union, Deerfield Springs Retirement Resort and Legacy Living of Florence are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Cincinnati, OH. 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 Cincinnati is $4,145 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Cincinnati [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Ohio Department of Aging. PASSPORT.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Home and community based waiver.
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04 (2012).
Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 383.595 (2023).
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.05 (2012).
Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 383.605 (2023).
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Residential Care Facility, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.16 (2018).
Assisted Living Communities, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 194A.705 (2023).
Assisted Living Communities, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 194A.703 (2023).
Department for Aging and Independent Living. (2022). Assisted living communities. The Commonwealth of Kentucky.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Cincinnati. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Cincinnati.
Walk Score. (2023). Downtown, Cincinnati.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Cincinnati [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Ohio Department of Aging. PASSPORT.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Home and community based waiver.
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04 (2012).
Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 383.595 (2023).
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.05 (2012).
Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 383.605 (2023).
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Residential Care Facility, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.16 (2018).
Assisted Living Communities, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 194A.705 (2023).
Assisted Living Communities, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 194A.703 (2023).
Department for Aging and Independent Living. (2022). Assisted living communities. The Commonwealth of Kentucky.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Cincinnati. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Cincinnati.
Walk Score. (2023). Downtown, Cincinnati.