Arlington, Texas, attracts seniors from all around with its ideal climate, astonishing parks, and exhilarating sports scene. A city just west of Dallas, Arlington suits seniors who want to retire within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex without big-city traffic and noise. Seniors in Arlington consider their time well spent due to the city’s diverse activities, health care options, and senior living options — including independent living facilities.
Independent living communities are ideal for seniors who want to live alongside their peers and lead carefree lifestyles. These communities take over daily chores like cooking, cleaning, and driving so residents can focus their time on making new friends, maintaining hobbies, and discovering new interests. In Arlington, seniors have several independent living community options — A Place for Mom partners with 15 independent living facilities within a 10-mile radius of south-central Arlington.
In this guide to independent living facilities in Arlington, we use our proprietary data to bring you real resident ratings on each community’s cleanliness, activities, amenities, services, and other features. You’ll also find detailed information on local costs, how seniors typically pay, senior-specific benefit resources, and senior-friendly activities in Arlington.
Very nice and helpful staff. Very professional and provide great care to their residents. The food if often late by 30 minutes to an hour.
Very caring place and employees professional. Housekeeping Very Clean, Meals are very good. Activities are okay for Seniors, some cannot participate, other are more active, and may need simulation. Pricing...
All of the above has made our experience great. It is just what I wanted & needed. Love this place. I would most definitely recommend this community to other families.
Mom has been in the community for two plus years and we have enjoyed every aspect other than the food. She hasn't required much care until recently when she went on hospice. Much to my surprise the care team...
I used to be a resident here at Overture Highlands and I had an over the top experience, everything about this place was so nice. The staff were great and very educated so they knew exactly what they were...
I would say the staff makes you feel wanted and safe.This community exhibits such great customer service that allow me to make the decision much easier for my grandmother.
Magnolia Estates In Grand Prairie is an exception to most Assisted Living facilities I’ve visited. The suites are ample in size and bright in appearance. I love the fact that residents have private...
They are the most wonderful place in the world. They cared for her, they got to know her personally. They were very warm and welcoming. They did a great job, and I am so happy I found them.
We were drawn to this facility because it's Christian- Church of Christ based and the grounds are beautiful. The staff is very nice and community is very clean. I would highly recommend this place!
Our loved one who is there likes it very much, she is doing well there and really finds the atmosphere to be very friendly. There are a lot of activities which is great, and we now have found out she is kind...
Friendly helpful staff, nice atmosphere, a good place for mom, food is nutritious and adequate, always activities going on. The nursing staff is amazing and friendly and she gets her medicine on time...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Arlington 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
Average rent is around $2,419 per month at an Arlington independent living community, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data.[01] This figure only accounts for rent, so you may pay more or less depending on your chosen add-on services. Rent is also affected by the community’s location, floor plan, and on-site amenities.
This price may seem steep when compared to senior apartments in the area, but that’s because independent living communities typically offer more on-site services and amenities. Independent living communities offer an additional level of convenience and entertainment than typical apartments. Below is a list of on-site amenities and services typically included in monthly rent at our partner independent living communities in Arlington, Texas:
The following amenities and services are also common at our partner independent living communities in Arlington, but they typically come at an additional cost:
Below, you’ll find figures that reflect average baseline costs for independent living communities in the greater Arlington area. They’ll provide a good cost of living comparison for the area.
Seniors typically pull together their personal income and retirement resources to cover independent living costs in Arlington, Texas. Seniors who served in the U.S. military may also qualify for VA benefits to offset some living costs. Many seniors also qualify for Social Security benefits, which can be used to pay for costs of living. If care needs arise, seniors may turn to Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance programs to pay for in-home health care services. With certain programs, qualifying health care services can be provided wherever the senior calls home, like within an independent living community.
Below, you’ll learn more about all of these resources. In each section, you’ll find local contact information and websites for programs to help you access such benefits. Learn how these private and public payment methods can be used to cover costs of living as well as potential long-term care costs in independent living facilities.
Approximate number of veterans living in Arlington as of 2021
About 47% of Arlington veterans are 65+.
If you’re a veteran or a surviving spouse, you may qualify for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help with your costs of living and care needs in Arlington. Disabled veterans particularly benefit from the generous Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit can be added to an existing VA pension to cover anything that improves an eligible senior’s quality of life — which could include rent or services at independent living communities in Arlington.
Eligibility and applying for VA benefits is complex, so it’s best practice to reach out to a local veterans service organization (VSO) for benefit advice before applying. These organizations are nonprofits, vetted by the VA to help veterans find their most suitable benefit options. Such organizations can help veterans successfully file a benefit claim, appeal a denied claim, and provide veterans advocacy in the benefit application process.
Arlington residents are in luck because almost all of the city’s veterans service organizations (VSOs) are run from one office — Tarrant County Veterans Service Office. At this office, a veteran service officer can connect senior veterans to local, regional, and national services offered by VSOs like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), and others.
You can contact the Tarrant County Veterans Services Office to receive benefits assistance in Arlington with the contact and website information provided below. You’ll also find a link to find VFW posts in your area, as well as some useful online guides to learn more about veterans benefits for seniors.
Resources for Arlington veterans
Tarrant County Veteran Services Office
1200 Circle Drive, Suite 300
Fort Worth, TX 76119
Phone: 817-531-5645
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Neither Medicaid nor Medicare can be used to pay for rent, as they are health insurance programs. They can instead be used to help cover some long-term care costs, like in-home health care services, should you need them at an independent living community. You’ll learn more about accessing Medicaid and Medicare as a senior in Texas below.
Texas’ Medicaid program for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities is called STAR+PLUS. It’s operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). It covers some long-term health care and medically necessary in-home health care services within a patient’s residence of choice.
As of 2023, seniors 65+ must not exceed the following monthly income limits to qualify for STAR+PLUS:[03]
STAR+PLUS offers a home and community based services (HCBS) waiver program to help seniors remain in the residential setting of their choice while receiving care. This program helps seniors avoid institutional settings, like hospitals or nursing homes, by providing medically necessary in-home health care services through Medicaid-verified agencies or caregivers. The services can be provided in an independent living community, if that’s what the senior already calls home. However, you should check with your prospective community’s policies beforehand, as they may have a policy on their residents’ ability to care for themselves.
Care costs that may be covered by Medicaid’s HCBS program can include the following:
As of 2023, seniors 65+ must meet the following requirements to qualify for the HCBS waiver program:[04]
In Texas, seniors can access Medicaid services using several means. With the resources section we provide below, you can contact a Medicaid benefits office near you, apply online, or read online guides to learn more.
No, but you can use Medicare to pay for health care services. Seniors who are 65+ and/or have a disability may qualify for Medicare in Texas. Even though Medicare doesn’t cover costs of living at an independent living facility, it can help cover several medical care services. Medicare-covered medical services can include the following:
As of 2023, seniors must not exceed the following income requirements to qualify for Texas Medicare:[03]
Resources include all of your assets, like your savings accounts, properties, investments, etc.
To further save on Medicare Parts A and B premiums, deductibles, copayments, and/or coinsurance, seniors can apply for the Texas Medicare Savings Program. As of 2023, seniors mustn’t exceed the following monthly income limits to qualify for the Texas Medicare Savings Program:[03]
Medicare-eligible seniors in Arlington can find assistance with their Medicare benefits, legal advice, and referrals by utilizing the resources section below. You can also visit the federal Medicare website or dial 2-1-1 for more information.
If you’re an Arlington resident who meets qualifications for both Medicare and Medicaid, you may qualify for dual coverage. Texas offers a joint Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project for six counties — with Tarrant County being one of them. This project is commonly referred to as “the Demonstration,” and it aims to provide the following:
To qualify, a senior must meet these eligibility requirements:
Qualifying seniors should automatically be enrolled in the Demonstration and receive a notifying enrollment letter in the mail. If you’d like to opt out, you can follow the instructions provided in the letter. For additional information on the program, you can email managed_care_initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
In Arlington, Texas, there are several local programs and organizations to help you navigate Medicaid and Medicare. Below, you’ll find Medicaid and Medicare applications, local organizations that can assist you with your applications, and other resources to help you better understand your options.
Medicaid and Medicare resources for Arlington residents
Find a local SSA office for Medicare assistance
2010 N. State Highway 360
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Texas Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Phone: 800-252-9240
The Legal Hotline for Texans
Phone: 800-622-2520, ext. 3
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County website
201 N. Rupert St., Suite 107
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Tiffany McLennan, managing local ombudsman
Phone: 817-258-8102
Email: tiffany.mclennan@unitedwaytarrant.org
Arlington independent senior living communities are not regulated by a state agency, unless they share a building or campus with an assisted living care facility. Stand-alone independent living communities — those without shared assisted living spaces — have the same regulations as general apartment complexes. This means they must comply with general Texas housing and rental standards, such as the Texas Property Code and Fair Housing Act.
Housing laws and regulations like these help ensure that residents of any rental community are not discriminated against and are provided with safe, well-maintained housing. Additionally, most Texas independent living communities have a minimum age requirement of 55, with some raising it to 62.
If an independent living community shares its building or campus with an assisted living unit, the area designated for assisted living and any shared areas must follow assisted living facility regulations. Assisted living regulations are set by Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) to help ensure a suitable environment for aging seniors. If you’d like to learn more about Texas’ assisted living regulations, visit the laws and regulations section on our Arlington assisted living page.
In Texas, stand-alone independent living communities are only required to comply with the state’s housing and apartment regulations for landlords and tenants. This means landlords must grant tenants some specific rights, provide disability accommodations, and maintain all facilities. Below, you’ll learn about your rights as a resident in an independent living rental community.
Knowing your tenants’ rights will help you find a safe and satisfactory living situation while you rent. Here’s a brief overview of some important tenants’ rights in Texas:[05]
Before attempting to terminate a lease or hiring an external contractor, it’s strongly recommended that tenants reach out to an attorney or a local tenants association for advice. Consulting a housing expert will prevent you from breaching any lease agreements, and will ultimately lead you to the end result you desire. It’s also recommended that tenants provide multiple written notices to their landlord and keep a copy of each notice as proof.[05]
If you’re seeking more information on your rights as a senior apartment tenant, be sure to read the Texas Tenants’ Rights Handbook.
In Texas, federal nondiscrimination laws — such as the Fair Housing Act, Section 504, and Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA) — protect tenants from being discriminated against due to their disability. These laws also require housing providers to provide reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing, programs, and activities for individuals with disabilities.
If you’re a senior with a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations and modifications within your independent living community. Reasonable accommodations are defined as changes to facility policies and could include the following:[06]
Modifications are structural changes to common areas and individual units. Some examples of reasonable modifications in line with the ADA include the following:[06]
These nondiscrimination laws apply to all rental communities in Arlington. Property owners are required to pay for such modifications unless providing them would pose an undue financial or administrative burden. If you’d like more information, see this detailed infographic on reasonable accommodations and modifications for Texas renters.
For general concerns, Arlington offers an overview of tenant rights on its city website. If you have further questions regarding a lease or contract, the city recommends that renters reach out to the following agencies:
You can also find rental inspection scores for apartments in the greater Arlington area on the Arlington and Fort Worth city websites. You can search for your prospective rental community by name or address to find its most recent inspection date and score. Keep in mind the different ways of scoring properties between Arlington and Fort Worth:
Due to the overall decline in COVID-19 infections, Arlington doesn’t have any COVID-19 regulations in place for stand-alone independent living facilities. Nonetheless, Arlington residents can visit the coronavirus informational page on the city’s official website to get the latest news regarding local outbreaks, vaccinations, COVID-19 testing, and more.
On the other hand, an independent living community that shares spaces with an assisted living facility must comply with assisted living facility-specific standards. The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) requires assisted living facilities to set their own infection prevention and control measures for common infections, including COVID-19. These measures may include a community’s hygiene practices, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfection and sterilization techniques, safe injection methods, and physical distancing requirements.
Because communities are allowed to set their own standards, it’s best to check with your prospective community directly to see how they’re handling COVID-19.
Arlington is perfect for seniors seeking small-town vibes within a metropolitan area. This suburban city offers stunning parks, captivating museums, appetizing restaurants, and a range of senior-friendly activities. The city even hosts an annual Aging Well Expo to help seniors get the most out of their lives in Arlington. At the expos, seniors receive free health screenings, fitness demonstrations, and entertainment. They also receive free tips and information to help them thrive within the city.
Seniors also have a great selection of senior living communities in Arlington. From senior apartments and independent living to assisted living and memory care, seniors are sure to find a community that checks all of their boxes. For active, independent seniors, independent living communities seem to be the most popular choice in Arlington. Learn about what our independent senior living partners have to offer in Arlington below.
Seniors from all walks of life will find unique amenities and services catered to their lifestyles in Arlington independent living communities. Our partner communities typically handle the cooking, cleaning, and driving for residents, unless it’s something the resident wishes to do. Residents can also expect concierge services, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, landscaping, and scheduled transportation for medical appointments, grocery runs, and other daily errands. Spanish-speaking residents are also in luck, as more than half of our partners employ Spanish-speaking staff to translate when needed.
Residents don’t have to travel off-site for daily needs and wants. For example, seniors with pets can access on-site dog parks or grooming services at the on-site pet salon. Residents can also enjoy unwinding in on-site salons and spas as they get a haircut or, in some cases, a massage. Residents don’t even have to leave the community to enjoy a mouthwatering meal — many of our partner communities employ professional chefs who prepare savory dishes on a daily basis. And, most partners offer restaurant-style dining rooms and room service, so residents are free to enjoy their meals however and wherever they’d like. Plus, half of our partners offer an on-site café, where residents can grab a snack or drink at their leisure.
Many of our Arlington partners offer a world of on-site activities and amenities to help residents thrive. Residents can break a sweat by working out in the fitness center, enjoy long strolls on the community walking paths, or take care of business in the business center. Some communities even offer on-site tennis, pickleball, or shuffleboard courts to get residents active.
Senior residents who prefer calming activities can participate in arts and crafts in on-site craft rooms, tend to a few favored plants in raised gardening beds, relax in the enchanting courtyards, or indulge in some friendly competition in on-site game rooms. Residents can also cuddle up with their favorite movie or book in the on-site theaters and libraries.
A select few communities also offer on-site swimming pools, small putting greens, and on-site cafes, minimizing trips for these favored activities.
Our Arlington independent living partners offer a rotating calendar of activities to help residents stay physically, mentally, and socially healthy. Most partners decide on activities based on residents’ interests and suggestions. These communities are always looking for new ways to help residents get active, relax, and socialize.
Active seniors can join fellow residents in riveting on-site fitness classes including tai chi, chair yoga, and strength training. Those with a passion for the arts enjoy on-site art classes, musical lessons, karaoke nights, and live performances. Residents can also attend residential happy hours, holiday parties, game nights, and devotional services. Most of our partnering communities also organize regular outings for residents. Outings typically include trips to local shopping centers, museums, parks, restaurants, and local events.
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Number of seniors 65+ living in Arlington as of 2021
Average annual retirement income for Arlington seniors 65 and older[02]
As a suburb of Dallas, Arlington doesn’t have many regionally or nationally recognized hospitals, because Dallas tends to house the bulk of them. Nevertheless, seniors still have a variety of high-quality options for hospitals within Arlington. Learn about Arlington’s top health care facilities below.
Medical City Arlington opened its doors in 1976. It offers 433 beds and employs 1,500 medical professionals. It’s known for its high performance in six specialties, including treatment of heart failure, diabetes, kidney failure, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to U.S. News and World Report.
USMD Hospital at Arlington is known for providing exceptional surgical care in North Texas. It’s high performing for the treatment of prostate cancer and pneumonia, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital is a Level IV trauma center, Cycle II chest pain center, and primary stroke center. It’s known for its high performance in treating kidney failure, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to U.S. News and World Report.
Kindred Hospital Tarrant County — Arlington is one of the smaller hospitals in Arlington. It offers 68 beds for long-term acute care, six beds for ICU, and two negative pressure rooms. Seniors can receive advanced wound care, cardiac care, and other specialized services at this hospital.
Many independent seniors drive in the Arlington area due to its easygoing traffic and lack of mass public transit options. However, seniors at all of our partner independent living communities in Arlington have access to complimentary transportation services right on-site. So, if you don’t feel like driving that day, just ask the concierge to schedule a ride!
For folks that like exploring the city through public transportation, Arlington doesn’t have its own public transit system, though the city still offers an option for seniors in the area. The city provides Handitran to seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities. To apply for this transportation service, seniors need to provide proof of age. And anyone under 65 with a disability must have their physician certify their application. Upon application, seniors must pay $10. Afterward, seniors only pay $2 per one-way trip or $55 per month for unlimited rides.
For a better understanding of the city’s sprawl and infrastructure, you might want to check out the following scores from WalkScore. They’re each out of 100 and based on Arlington’s walking trails, biking routes, public transportation options, and public density:[08]
Arlington offers many activities for seniors of all mobility levels. With activities ranging from delicious restaurants and alluring shops to outstanding museums and exciting sporting events, Arlington seniors never find themselves bored. We’ve highlighted some senior-favored activities below. You can also check out the Visit Arlington page for more local highlights.
The city offers several spots to enjoy nature, like the astounding, 1,300-acre River Legacy Nature Center. The nature center provides access to hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, pavilions, river overlooks, aquariums, terrariums, and lots more.
Arlington is also great for golf lovers in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. The suburban city offers lots of space — in fact, there are four golf courses in Arlington for those who want to pay less and play more. Avid golfers can also get a membership at the luxurious Shady Valley Country Club to hit on their luxurious 4,000-acre course and attend exclusive events.
Seniors with a taste for art can roam the enchanting exhibits at the Arlington Museum of Art. View works of art that fully immerse you in timeless beauty, with both modern and historic pieces. Plus, the museum offers discounts to seniors and veterans. Arlington seniors with a love for performing arts can also attend their favorite concerts, plays, and symphonies at one of Downtown Arlington’s performing arts theaters.
Professional sports are a big draw in Arlington. Many seniors in the area are lifelong fans of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and MLB’s Texas Rangers. Families can easily spend an afternoon or evening watching their favorite teams compete in the national leagues. Friends can also gather at one of Arlington’s local sports bars and pubs to enjoy games while eating and drinking. Golf lovers can even drive to Fort Worth to attend the annual Charles Schwab Challenge on the PGA tour at the Colonial Country Club.
The local community centers host a range of activities catered to seniors. Seniors who want to mingle with the greater community can attend day trips, myriad classes and events, and many social activities at these centers. Senior Recreation Center New York and Eunice Activity Center are especially popular with Arlington seniors who want to step out of their comfort zone to form new friendships. The Arlington Public Library also offers a calendar of senior activities. You can attend lifelong learning lectures, boot camps, crafts classes, reading groups, tech support sessions, and much more.
Sunrise of Fort Worth, Five Star Premier Residences of Dallas and Watermere at Flower Mound are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Arlington, TX. 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 Arlington is $3,852 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.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Arlington city; Texas.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, March 1). Appendix XXXI, Monthly income/resource limits. In STAR+PLUS Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, home and community-based services waiver programs. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Young Lawyers Association & State Bar of Texas. (2019). Tenants’ Rights Handbook.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Arlington, TX.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Arlington.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Arlington city; Texas.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, March 1). Appendix XXXI, Monthly income/resource limits. In STAR+PLUS Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, home and community-based services waiver programs. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Young Lawyers Association & State Bar of Texas. (2019). Tenants’ Rights Handbook.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Arlington, TX.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Arlington.