10 Best Independent Living Communities in Richmond, VA
Independent living provides the opportunity for seniors to remain connected to their home cities while living in a community with their 55-and-over peers. At A Place for Mom, we partner with 12 independent living facilities in the area that provide older adults with a wide variety of potential residential setups and, in some cases, access to third-party care services. Six of these are stand-alone independent living facilities; one is both an independent living and assisted living facility; and five are combination independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities.
The facilities listed here are all within 10 miles of downtown Richmond, providing easy connections to any social activities and sightseeing residents might want to do.
According to A Place for Mom data, most of these facilities are pet-friendly; provide complimentary transportation; and have recreational spaces such as game rooms, movie theaters, and fitness centers . This makes Richmond a great city for seniors who may need support while enjoying the perks of retirement.
In this guide, we’ll cover information on independent living facilities, financing options, residential laws and regulations, care types, and more to help simplify your housing search.
Richmond Independent Living Facilities | 1524 Reviews
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Its a really small facility which I love. The staff gives each person individual attention which is what they need. I am overall happy and my aunt is too.
Lakewood Manor is a warm, friendly place that has the comfort and care of the residents first and foremost. Those we have talked with that have been here 17 plus years have nothing but positive comments...
This is a good community. Housekeeping comes in once a week and they also keep the common areas clean. I do feel they are understaffed at this time, however the staff they do have is very nice and helpful....
I found [name removed], the director, and his staff to be exceptionally helpful, kind, and professional. It did not take long for me to realize that my cousin was in a facility that offered kind, attentive,...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Richmond community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Richmond 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 Richmond
- What families are saying about independent living in Richmond
- What to know about paying for independent living in Richmond
- Understand Virginia’s laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Richmond
- Richmond independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Richmond? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in Richmond
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, residents at our network communities paid an average of $3,294 per month for independent living in 2022. This figure includes service fees or other add-ons.
In addition to monthly rent, the costs provide residents access to on-site activities, parking, and chef-cooked meals for them and their guests. Seniors who select an independent living community with assisted living or memory care facilities on campus have access to senior care as they need it, such as memory care, diabetes care and medication management
The following chart presents Richmond’s baseline independent living fees, not including add-ons.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Richmond, VA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Richmond, VA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Richmond vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Richmond, VA by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Richmond over time
What families are saying about independent living in Richmond
Recent reviews for independent living in Richmond
Brookdale Midlothian
Shalom Parkside Senior Living in Richmond, VA
Legacy at Imperial Village in Richmond, VA
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
What to know about paying for independent living in Richmond
Because independent living facilities aren’t classified as senior-care communities, seniors can’t pay for their stay via Medicaid, Medicare, or a long-term insurance carrier. Public pay methods are an option for seniors to pay for any in-home care options they bring to their independent living facilities.
Here, we’ll detail how seniors can use private funding and VA benefits to finance their independent living stays.
Independent living residents can pay for lodging through any number of private payment methods. Personal savings, investment returns, pensions, and Social Security benefits are just a few accepted ways seniors can finance their stays.
Veterans have multiple options for using benefits to finance their independent living stays in Richmond. Veterans who served during a wartime can apply for a VA Pension or seek VA Aid and Attendance to pay for independent living. To qualify for Aid and Attendance, a veteran must be on pension and have a service-connected ailment.
Veteran service organizations (VSOs) can help veterans navigate the complexities of VA benefits. Before beginning an application, contact vetted and recognized VSOs to access the best experts available in this area.
There are approximately 10,011 veterans who live in Richmond, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Percentage of veterans in Richmond that are over 55 years old, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Richmond veterans
Virginia Department of Veteran Services
101 N. 14th St., Floor 17
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-786-0286
Office Hours: Visits are by appointment only
The American Legion Department of Virginia
1708 Commonwealth Ave.
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-6606
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6364
6502 Dickens Place
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-288-9597
Office Hours: Call for current hours
Richmond VA Medical Center
1201 Broad Rock Blvd.
Richmond, VA 23249-4915
Phone: 804-675-5000
Mental Health Care: 804-675-5411
Office Hours: 24/7
Henrico County VA Clinic
7702 E. Parham Road, Parham Doctors Hospital, MOB III, Suite 201
Richmond, VA 23294-4372
Phone: 804-675-5000
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicaid is available to Virginia residents through Cardinal Care. It does not cover a senior’s independent living costs, but it can apply to any necessary in-home care services via Home and Community-Based Services Waivers.
Virginia Medicaid accepts applications for health coverage year-round. You can choose from three different ways to apply:
- Apply online here.
- Call the Cover Virginia Call Center at 833-522-5582 (TDD: 888-221-1590) to apply on the phone.
- Mail or drop off a paper application (available in English and Spanish) to the Richmond Department of Social Services. Mailing may take longer than other methods of applying.
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services agency can help Medicaid recipients with submitting state-sponsored health insurance applications and renewals.
Richmond resident Medicaid resources
Cardinal Care
600 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 833-522-5582
TDD: 888-221-1590
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. – noon
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
600 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-786-7933
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Office for Aging Services
1610 Forest Ave., Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9333
Toll Free: 800-552-3402
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Virginia Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: 804-565-1600
Toll Free: 800-552-5019
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Like Medicaid, Medicare does not cover independent living costs. However, seniors can use it to cover medical needs (e.g., doctor visits, drugs, and hospital stays). Medicare applicants are eligible if they’re at least 65 years old, under 65 living with certain disabilities, or diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. The enrollment period is three months before your birthday, during the month of your birthday, and three months after your birthday. Applying outside of this time could result in penalties [04].
Here are some programs and services that can help you offset Medicare costs:
- Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program (VICAP). VICAP counselors are trained to help veterans apply for medical benefits, find low-income subsidies, and log health care appeals and grievances. They also work with you to close out medical issues and clear up any complicated billing issues.
- Extra Help Program. This federal program lowers enrollees’ prescription drug costs through Medicare Part D. If a Medicare beneficiary also has Medicaid, a Medicare secondary payer, or supplemental security income, they qualify. If assistance doesn’t come automatically, eligible recipients can go through the Social Security Administration.
- Medicare Savings Program. Patients who qualify for this program receive coverage on some Medicare premiums, fees, and deductibles. Virginia residents can use savings to pay for Part B premiums, some Part A premiums, and cost-sharing for parts A and B.
- Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap). This form of private health insurance can cover out-of-pocket patient costs that don’t fall under the original Medicare. Private insurers allow applicants to compare Medigap options and enroll within them. Those interested in signing up can do so online or at a local Social Security office.
Richmond resident Medicare resources
Richmond Social Security Administration Office
1834 W. Cary St.
Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: 800-772-1213
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Office for Aging Services
1610 Forest Ave., Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9333
Toll Free: 800-552-3402
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging
24 E. Cary St., Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-644-2804
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging
1300 Semmes Ave.
Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: 804-343-3000
Toll Free: 800-989-2286
Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Understand Virginia’s laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living facilities in Virginia do not have to be licensed or inspected. However, Virginia does license and maintain standards for assisted living facilities that provide residential living care (i.e., minimal assistance) or assisted living care (i.e., at least moderate assistance).
To be eligible for independent living in Richmond, applicants will have to be the facility’s agreed-upon age, be able to pay for their service, and be capable of independently managing care needs without involving community staff. Under the Fair Housing Act, independent living communities cannot inquire about a senior’s disability status when determining admission.
COVID-19 regulations for Richmond’s independent living communities
Richmond has its own COVID-19 guidelines, compiled by the state of Virginia. When it comes to independent living communities, the state encourages two factors:
Vaccinations. Employees and residents are encouraged to get vaccinations.
Facility cleanliness. Routine cleaning and handwashing are promoted.
Types of independent living in Richmond
A Place for Mom works with seniors and seniors’ families to find ideal independent living situations. From houses to condos, we work with people to get them what they want. Most of our partners fall in the mid-priced range, but do partner with a couple of budget-friendly communities. The majority of our Richmond communities feature apartment-style living.
Five of A Place For Mom’s independent living community partners also support assisted living and memory care. Within these communities, residents can expect in-house memory, incontinence, and diabetic care. These facilities also have staffing and ancillary services and can assist with managing medications.
If you or a loved one has a dog or a cat, then you’ll appreciate our 11 pet-friendly independent living communities.
Some communities have on-site bars, bistros, and cafes as well as chefs who can provide restaurant-style meals with little-to-no sodium or sugar for guests and their families.
Housekeeping, laundry, and dry cleaning are typically available on-site. Many apartment options also have high-speed internet, cable, and a kitchenette or full kitchen. Some units are handicap accessible with wheelchair-accessible showers, are available on the ground floor, or have respite or short-term availability.
There is often complimentary transportation available. However, there are other transit options and access to public buses and trains. Residents who drive may look into designated parking spaces.
Many of our partner communities offer recreational spaces and activities, including outdoor and indoor common areas, barber shops, beauticians, craft rooms, game rooms, movie theaters, and gyms. Generally, there are also rooms for residents to host larger groups for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, devotional activities, and more.
Richmond independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Richmond independent living
Availability of select dining options in Richmond independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Richmond independent living
Explore senior care with confidence
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Unfamiliar with Richmond? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Richmond
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Richmond population
Median annual income for Richmond seniors 65 and older
Available health care options for seniors in Richmond
VCU Health
This health care network has several facilities in town, including its VCU Medical Center and Division of Geriatric Medicine. An academic medical facility and Richmond’s top-rated hospital, VCU Medical Center is a renowned research and innovation center and provides several care options, such as senior-focused care and cancer treatments.
HCA Virginia Health System
This medical provider network includes Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, Richmond’s second-best hospital and a high-performing general medicine and surgical provider, and Chippenham Hospital, which specializes in senior mental and behavioral health to make patients’ later years safe and enjoyable.
Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center
As the city’s fourth-ranked hospital , Bon Secours is a dedicated senior-care facility. Its Geriatric Assessment Center is a specialized center that provides seniors assessments, care planning, urgent care, and follow-up services.
Richmond VA Medical Center
Also known as Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, it is Richmond’s lone veterans’ hospital.
Transportation for seniors in Richmond
Richmond is a town rich in history and space to explore. There are a variety of individual neighborhoods, including Carytown, Monroe Ward, and Jackson Ward. The city has dedicated cycling lanes throughout Downtown Richmond and the Virginia Capital Trail.
The city is large, so seniors looking to get somewhere fast can explore Richmond’s GRTC Transit System. This system includes buses and cutaway vans, 150 transit vehicles, and specialized transportation options, such as CARE, CARE Plus, and CARE On-Demand.
The following two ratings, presented by Walk Score, showcase the ease and accessibility of walking and biking in Richmond. Currently, there is no transit rating available. The highest possible score is 100.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Richmond’s senior activities
Richmond has a multitude of activities and attractions for seniors, including outdoor excursions and indoor cultural expeditions.
Richmond offers seniors opportunities to stay active and move their bodies around. Seniors may enjoy hiking the James River Park trails or biking the Virginia Capital Trail.
Living independently in Richmond means you’ve got the Virginia State Capitol building in your own backyard. The building was designed by Thomas Jefferson over 230 years ago and is teeming with history. It’s open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Though famed poet Edgar Allan Poe is one of Baltimore, Maryland’s most famous residents, The Poe Museum in Richmond is chock-full of recreational activities for senior residents. With a calendar full of events and troves of Poe’s work on display, visitors will be tapping and rapping at the museum’s door. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Richmond also has several other prominent museums:
- The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts features free admission and a variety of different galleries and limited-time exhibits.
- Seniors can experience history at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture for $10, or $8 if they are 65 and older.
- The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, which costs $8 for seniors, showcases stories and artifacts from 1863 to 1968.
- The American Civil War Museum is made up of three separate museums, and tickets for all three will cost seniors $34.
- Lastly, the Virginia Holocaust Museum, which features free admission and a recommended $6 donation, aims to honor the memories of Holocaust victims and celebrate the stories of survivors.
Interested in outdoor excursions? The 100-acre Maymont estate and park makes a great visit. Maymont features lovely gardens, an arboretum, native wildlife habitats, a nature center, a historic mansion, and more. Check out the website for operating times and more details. There’s also the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, which was ranked America’s fourth-best public garden by USA Today. The botanical garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is only $14 for seniors and veterans.
Seniors can check out the Linwood Robinson Senior Center, a historical facility that offers fellowship and recreation activities to individuals who are 60 and older. The center provides a variety of programs, including arts and crafts, day trips, educational and cultural lessons, table games, piano lessons, community service opportunities, and more. You can call 804-646-3115 for operating times and days.
The Belmont Recreation Center has several senior-specific activities and is raring for more members. The Belmont Games Club invites participants ages 50 and over for card and board games, bridge, and pinochle. There’s also a bowling league at Shrader Lanes for seniors over 55, a golf club for seniors over 50, and two tennis clubs (Net Set and Racketeers) for seniors over 55.
Deep Run Recreation Center also offers a variety of drop-in games, such as bridge, canasta, cribbage, mahjong, and pinochle. There are also free fitness classes seniors can register for and open gym time where seniors can play pickleball. In order to participate in a gym activity, visitors just need to apply for a free access pass.
Looking for more entertainment? Rosie’s Gaming Emporium and Colonial Downs features casino games, betting, concerts, tastings, magic shows, and more. Check out the events page often for new events and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunrise of Richmond, Sunrise at Bon Air and Aspire at West End are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Richmond, VA. 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 Richmond is $4,025 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population estimates (V2017-2021): Richmond, Virginia; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101): Richmond, Virginia; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Office for Aging Services of the Division for Community Living. (2023). Medicare & Medicaid.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News. (2023). Best Hospitals in Richmond, VA.
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