San Antonio, Texas, has risen to the top ranks of retirement destinations in the U.S. in recent years. Its year-round warm weather, walkable downtown, health care options, veteran opportunities, and relatively low cost of living naturally attract active and retired seniors. Seniors have a range of senior living options to choose from in San Antonio — including 10 independent living facilities that partner with A Place for Mom within a 10-mile radius of the city’s downtown alone.
In this guide to independent living for seniors in San Antonio, you’ll find a wealth of information on local costs, how seniors pay, local independent living features, senior demographics, and senior-specific resources and activities. With this hyperlocal data and information, we intend to help you find the most suitable independent living options in San Antonio.
We lived in a very large home for many years and were ready to downsize to a smaller home with fewer responsibilities. We knew about Adante because my parents lived in the Assisted Living portion of the...
I would recommend. It's really a nice, clean & friendly home!!It was close to family. Other places I checked didn't have vacanties at this time. Meals could be better & more servings time. It's a little...
The dining has been frustrating for my mom as they seem to be having difficulty keeping wait staff. I was frustrated when the elevator broke down for a month and nothing was done to teach us a new way to...
Overall we've had a great experience with The Gardens of Castle Hills. All of the staff are very caring except for one of the PCAs. Once I told the director about it though, she was much nicer.
The biggest difference is the intellectual/worldly/experience level of the residents. Very fascinating people who share a lot of common interest with my mom! I would recommend highly!
It appears that the Forum Independent Living is having a facility staffing issue as they have a large sign in front of the facility noting a hiring need.
Very welcoming, clean, and friendly. The staff are very helpful and friendly. Seems to have a lot of things for residents to do. Alot of options for dining
Yes, I would definitely recommend the facility. I was not able to visit since I live out of town. But my sisters in law got to know the staff who took care of Mom. They thought everyone loved what they did...
I picked this community because, It is closer, overall, to my old house, my sister's assisted living community, and my son's home. I could see, immediately, that the residents of this community are, mostly,...
Was a beautiful place. We had to move to where father in law would receive more care, no fault of Waterford. His condition deteriorated. Very pleased with Waterford while we were there. Based on the...
The meals and dining and activities are hard to judge since my dad wasn't able to eat much or take part in activities. I don't remember the monthly rate, but it was cheaper than comparable home care. I...
Having to put your Mom or Dad in a place to be cared for is always a difficult situation. We have been in a few facilities before Aventine at The Etta and I have to say this place is far above our past...
A loving and warm atmosphere is the most important thing that we looked for when we’re were making such a difficult decision to place our loved one. After our visit and conversation with the administration...
We are very impressed having a well educated and licensed nurse in the home. Mom’s always busy doing something that she likes: dominos, crochet, painting, singing, and getting all prettied up for onsite...
The facility was very clean and the staff was amazingly pleasant not to mention helpful and professional. Very wonderful place for a loved one needing some level of assistance. I would recommend to others.
My mom is actually moving out. My only complaint is that they keep upping the prices on everything and she can't afford it anymore. I think the entire staff are extremely nice and very helpful. My mom...
I would say the community is well run and well maintained. The food is excellent. The staff genuinely care and are knowledgable. We chose this community over others because it was so clean. And we also...
What our family likes the most about the Franklin Park TPC community are the staff members that work there as well as the meals that are prepared for the residents. Our loved one had a problem with large...
We're no longer in the community. My FIL passed away in February. We liked the piano/library room, spacious rooms, and the flexibility of bus runs to doctor appointments Based on the experience we did have,...
What has made Independence Hill such a great experience so far for our family is the staff. They are very friendly, the community is affordable and the meals they serve to the residents are good. Based on...
Brookdale Medical Center overall has been okay for our loved one. Our loved one really likes the different activities they have going on there and the community is very close for our family. We would...
The staff is very friendly and informative. Housekeeping is average, often requiring requests for certain services like vacuuming or mopping floor of the apartment. Communication with the family is good,...
My loved one was previously a resident at Brookdale Hollywood Park and it was a great experience for her there. They were outstanding for the treatment that my loved one received there. Without a doubt, I...
My mom's overall experience at New Forest Haven Assisted Living has been good. [Name removed] is an outstanding and caring Director. The CNAs and other staff are good to great. I have found the Assisted...
When it comes to the friendliness of the staff I gave them a 5 (my opinion - my Mom's opinion differs, but she has some paranoia as part of her dementia). For the meals and dining (my Mom's opinion, not...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders San Antonio 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 median cost of rent at a partner independent living facility in San Antonio averages $3,000 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data. This cost is higher than the average rent for San Antonio apartments; however, the cost of rent typically includes senior-friendly amenities and activities. Costs may include on-site services and amenities like the following:
The following costs represent average baseline costs and give a good cost comparison locally, though these costs don’t account for any additional fees, like our proprietary costs above.
Seniors typically use a combination of private income resources to pay for independent living in San Antonio, Texas. And, seniors anticipating future care needs might also use public pay methods to cover home care or assisted living costs.
Below, you’ll find private pay tips, information on veterans benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and public assistance resources that can help you cover independent living and senior care costs.
Private pay methods include all of your income resources — savings accounts, Social Security benefits, retirement pensions, and/or investment returns. These can all be used to cover costs at an independent senior living facility in San Antonio. Also note, Texas doesn’t have personal income tax, saving seniors from paying taxes on their Social Security benefits and/or retirement pensions.[02,03] Depending on your resources, you may also use a combination of the following payment methods:
San Antonio has one of the largest veteran populations in the U.S., and it’s the Texas city with the most veterans. The city is home to many military bases, naturally making it veteran-friendly. Veterans can find many job opportunities and resources within San Antonio, leading them to retire within the city.
Qualifying veterans can apply for VA pension benefits. They can then use those funds to cover their independent living costs. In addition to their VA pension, qualifying veterans may also apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit to receive additional funds. These funds can be used for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, like senior living.
The approval process for VA benefits can be long and difficult, so it is a good idea to seek out benefit counseling and advocacy to file successfully. San Antonio and the state of Texas offer several veterans services and centers to assist veterans with the process:
To continually enhance the quality of life for veterans, San Antonio offers over 200 veteran resources and support services. With so many resources, it can become difficult to find the most suitable for you. That’s precisely why the Texas Veterans Network — San Antonio (also known as TVN), employs staff members who can evaluate your current situation and needs to recommend relevant support services. After their recommendations, they’ll make sure to follow up with veteran organizations to confirm solutions work for you.
Approximate number of veterans currently living in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 42% of San Antonio veterans are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for San Antonio veterans
Military and Veteran Affairs Department home page
100 W. Houston St., Suite 1008
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-207-3995
North West San Antonio VA Clinic
9939 State Highway 151
San Antonio, TX 78251
Phone: 210-706-7800
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Military and Veterans Services Center (MVSC) home page
1422 E. Grayson St., 4th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78208
Phone: 210-335-6775
Email: vets@bexar.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Alamo Area Council on Governments (AACOG) veteran servicesPhone: 888-724-8387
Email: txveteransnetwork@aacog.com
Medicaid programs don’t cover independent living costs; however, they can help offset some health care costs. A majority of Texas seniors enrolled in Medicaid receive their coverage through STAR+PLUS — the state’s Medicaid-managed care program run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC). This program is specifically for adults 65+ and adults with disabilities and can be used to cover the cost of some long-term health care services.
If you or a senior loved one are planning for care needs that may arise in the future, it’s important that you learn about STAR+PLUS’ Home and Community Based Services waiver program. It can be used to cover the cost of some personal care services and medical supplies within a senior’s home or at their senior living facility.
The HHSC also has several programs that help seniors with Medicaid through their local Area Agency on Aging (also known as AAA) for seniors 60+, as well as other long-term care programs and disability programs. Below, you’ll find a Medicaid application and resources to help you find a local benefits office and understand your Medicaid benefits.
San Antonio resident Medicaid resources
Medicare is a federal health insurance program and anyone who is 65+ or disabled qualifies for it within the state of Texas. It cannot be used to cover rent or living costs within an independent living facility, but it can help cover many medical services — hospital stays, hospice care, certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Seniors who are eligible for Medicare in San Antonio can receive assistance with their Medicare benefits, legal advice, and referrals by utilizing the resources listed below. Legal attorneys or advisors may direct financially eligible seniors to the Texas Medicare Savings Program, which aids seniors with their Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and/or copayments.
For assistance with your eligible benefits and for advice on local senior living options, contact your local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman. They’ll help you understand your payment options and navigate your senior living options. The Alamo Area Council of Governments (or AACOG) also helps San Antonio seniors access the long-term care they need. It provides benefits counseling, care coordination, caregiver support, and more to aging San Antonio residents. Find applications, local offices, and more below.
San Antonio resident Medicare resources
Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Phone: 1-800-252-9240
The Legal Hotline for TexansPhone: 1-800-622-2520, ext. 3
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Long-term care ombudsman
Cindy Boyum, Managing Local Ombudsman at AAA of Bexar County2700 NE. Loop 410, Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: 210-362-5236
Email: cboyum@aacog.com
Aging Services for Bexar County and Alamo Area
Phone: 210-477-3275
Email: info@askasc.org
Phone: 2-1-1
Because Medicaid and Medicare don’t cover independent living costs, some seniors turn to housing assistance programs and/or Social Security benefits to offset living costs at an independent living facility. Learn more about both below.
Some independent living communities accept housing vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (or HUD). The Housing Choice Voucher (or HCV), formerly known as Section 8, is the most commonly used housing assistance program. San Antonio also offers its own Housing Assistance Program (or HAP) for renters below certain income limits. Low-income seniors or individuals with disabilities may qualify for the HCV or HAP programs and receive rent assistance in a San Antonio independent living community. Be sure to inquire about these housing assistance programs when looking for a prospective community as owners must first agree to rent under the HUD programs.
Seniors can also use their Social Security benefits to defray independent living expenses. There are several types of benefits available through the Social Security Administration; however, the ones available to you will depend on your work history and current situation. Here’s a brief overview of all the different Social Security benefits:
If you’d like more information on public assistance, you’ll find more resources for housing assistance and Social Security below.
San Antonio resident public assistance resources
San Antonio independent living facilities are not regulated by a state agency. They’re still required to comply with Texas’ general housing and apartment standards, though, such as the Texas Property Code and Fair Housing Act. But, if an independent living facility shares a campus or building with an assisted living facility (or ALF), they must comply with assisted living licensing and regulation requirements set forth by Texas Health and Human Services, also known as HHS.
Independent living facilities that share a campus with an assisted living facility are required to regulate the following in order to pass inspections and stay licensed:
Stand-alone independent living facilities don’t have strict inspection requirements, but they are required to comply with the state’s housing and apartment regulations for landlords and tenants. You’ll find it useful to learn about tenant rights, as it’ll help you find a safe and satisfactory living environment for you as you rent. Here’s a brief summary of tenants’ rights in Texas:
Before you move forward with terminating a lease or hiring an external contractor, it’s strongly recommended that you reach out to an attorney or a tenants association. Consulting a housing expert will help ensure that you don’t breach any lease agreements, and it’ll ultimately help you get the end result you desire. It’s also recommended for tenants to provide written notices to their landlord and to keep a copy of each notice as proof.[07]
For more information on your rights as a tenant in an independent living facility, 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. This prohibits independent living facilities from refusing housing due to an individual’s disability. Furthermore, these laws require housing providers to provide disabled individuals with reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing, programs, and activities.
If you’re a senior with a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations and modifications within the independent living facility. Reasonable accommodations are defined as changes to facility policies and could include the following:
Modifications are structural changes to common areas and individual units and could include the following:
These nondiscrimination laws apply to all independent living facilities in San Antonio. Independent living facility owners are required to pay for such modifications unless providing them would pose an undue financial or administrative burden. For more information, see this detailed infographic on reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Neither San Antonio nor Texas have any specific COVID-19 regulations in place for independent living facilities. However, independent living facilities with an assisted living facility (or ALF) on-site, must comply with ALF standards set forth by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC). Assisted living facilities are required to develop their own infection prevention and control measures regarding masks, physical distancing, and additional protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) during an active infection or outbreak.[09]
San Antonio aspires to support its increasing aging population through the implementation of a Senior Services Strategic Plan. It was created to evolve senior support services throughout the city, including plans to enhance programming in city senior centers, expand medical services, and generally support local seniors as they age. Likewise, you’ll see that the San Antonio independent senior living scene tries to support aging seniors by expanding services, amenities, and floor plan options to keep up with unique needs.
Here’s an overview of some of the most unique features of San Antonio independent living facilities:
Some of the most popular independent living communities in San Antonio promote aging in place by offering tiered levels of care. Most of our partnering communities typically have an assisted living unit on-site, while some also offer memory care, respite care, and/or skilled nursing wings. The multiple care options enable seniors to age gracefully and with peace of mind, as increased care needs won’t warrant a move.
These communities also aim to minimize daily stressors for residents by providing convenient services and security. In most of our partnering communities, residents don’t have to worry about cleaning, cooking, or driving, unless it’s something they want to do. Staff members offer housekeeping and laundry services, daily meals, and complimentary transportation. Furthermore, some communities aim to ensure resident safety by employing 24-hour staff, using robust security systems, and providing emergency call systems throughout the community.
San Antonio independent living facilities pride themselves in offering a range of activities and amenities that actively engage residents of all interests. Some of the most common amenities include the following:
As far as activities go, the possibilities are endless. Many San Antonio communities cater to residents’ interests and adjust resident programming accordingly. Communities often host the following activities and events:
Resident comfort is one of the top priorities in all of our partner San Antonio independent living facilities. That’s precisely why communities offer multiple floor plans to help ensure their residents find a home suitable to their desires. From cozy studio units to spacious three-bedroom homes, residents will find something that checks all their boxes. Most units feature a kitchenette, a dining and living area, and at least one spacious closet. Additionally, all in-network communities are pet-friendly, enabling pet friends to come live with their beloved owners.
A few communities even offer a little more privacy and room with individual cottage layouts. While higher in price, these cottages typically have a full kitchen, an individual climate control, a garage, and private patios. Some even offer multiple walk-in closets, a den, or an atrium. Plus, residents don’t have to worry about landscaping as community staff will handle it.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of San Antonio seniors 65+ that are retired from the workforce, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual retirement income for San Antonio seniors 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
San Antonio has a wealth of health care options for seniors and veterans. Here’s some information on the city’s top-rated medical care facilities:
Methodist Hospital is No. 1 in San Antonio and No. 13 in Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is high performing in 11 procedures and conditions, including diabetic care, kidney failure, and post-stroke care.
Baptist Medical Center is No. 2 in San Antonio. It’s high performing in nine procedures and conditions, including some cancer surgeries, heart failure, and diabetes.
Brooke Army Medical Center is the largest and most robust military health care organization in the U.S. It serves military service members, veterans, their families, and civilian emergency patients. It’s known for its exceptional, patient-centered care and for treating combat causalities and trauma.
Seniors can utilize many means of transportation in San Antonio — drive their own car, use public transportation, and depending on the neighborhood, even walk or bike. Our partner independent living facilities in San Antonio also offer on-site transportation services to residents. This provides convenience and aims to minimize any safety risks for residents looking to get from place to place. In fact, 100% of our San Antonio partner independent living communities offer complimentary transportation. Depending on the community, rides may be limited to errands and appointments.
If a senior is more active and independent, or if you’re a family member looking to visit and take them around downtown, you may want to look into VIA Metropolitan Transit options, including buses, ride share, and paratransit services throughout the city. Seniors 62+ can ride for only a quarter Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and receive free rides on Saturday and Sunday. Seniors must obtain a VIA Reduced Fare ID to receive their senior discounts.
These scores from WalkScore might also help you get a better feel for the San Antonio downtown area. Keep in mind that this data reflects downtown, not the entire city. Each score is out of 100 and is based on downtown’s public density, transportation system, walking and biking routes, and other city information:[13]
San Antonio is a hub for unique senior activities. Seniors can find something for all of their interests — explore niche museums and expansive parks in the city or travel two hours to stroll sunny beaches and enchanting woodlands. In San Antonio, seniors and loved ones will find themselves surrounded by a world of activities and various landscapes. Here are some activities favored by seniors in San Antonio:
These attractions are great for history buffs:
Arts and culture lovers will enjoy these attractions:
Nature enthusiasts will feel right at home in these attractions:
Keep in mind that some independent living facilities will plan day trips and outings to similar attractions. Also, remember to ask for senior discounts or accommodations for disabilities when planning visits.
Gemstone at Bulverde, Serenity Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care and Adante Independent Living are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near San Antonio, 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 San Antonio is $3,900 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.
TurboTax. (2022, December 1). States with the lowest taxes and the highest taxes.
Fritts, J. (2020, August 9). Does your state tax social security benefits? Tax Foundation.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Social Security Administration. (2019). The faces and facts of disability: Facts.
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
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.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, January 11). HHSC retires ALF COVID-19 response plan and COVID-19 FAQs.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Downtown San Antonio.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
TurboTax. (2022, December 1). States with the lowest taxes and the highest taxes.
Fritts, J. (2020, August 9). Does your state tax social security benefits? Tax Foundation.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Social Security Administration. (2019). The faces and facts of disability: Facts.
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
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.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, January 11). HHSC retires ALF COVID-19 response plan and COVID-19 FAQs.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Downtown San Antonio.