Senior Living Apartments in Fresno, CA
Comprised of a diverse community that resides in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, Fresno offers farm-to-fork dining, expansive fruit orchards, and the nearby beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Fresno senior apartments are similar to traditional apartments, except they’re reserved for seniors over the age of 55 and offer senior-specific amenities. However, they don’t usually offer senior care services. So, if you or a loved one require care services in addition to senior housing, you may want to check out our page dedicated to Fresno’s assisted living communities instead.
In Fresno, you’ll find a range of senior apartment layouts for budgets that fit your lifestyle, from a downtown studio or high-rise apartment to a cozy single-level community. Let this all-inclusive guide to local listings within a 10-mile radius of north-central Fresno help you get the full picture. This guide provides detailed information on Fresno senior apartment costs, payment tips, local resources for seniors, and how seniors typically experience retirement in Fresno.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Fresno, CA
My mom used to live here. The apartments were nice for just a general senior apartment complex. They did have some community activities. They had bingo and crafts and other activities like that so for...
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How we rank order the Fresno community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Fresno 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
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- Costs of senior apartments in the Fresno area
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Fresno
- How people pay for senior apartments in Fresno
- Understand California laws and regulations for senior apartments
- What to expect from senior apartments in Fresno
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Fresno? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Fresno area
According to A Place for Mom’s internal research, the average starting rent for senior apartments in Fresno is $1,728 per month. Note that this number doesn’t include community fees or add-ons, like parking spaces, pet rent, or other elective extras. In general, you can expect monthly senior apartment rent to vary based on the floor plan, location, and add-ons.
Breakdown of Fresno senior apartment costs
The monthly cost of your senior apartment in Fresno may include the following:
- Rent for your specific unit
- On-site amenities, like fitness centers, swimming pools, and resident clubhouses
- Community activities (if any)
- Features like full kitchens, washers and dryers, and storage
- Maintenance and landscaping
Monthly rent may be affected by the following:
- Floor plan, such as a studio versus a three-bedroom apartment
- Private patios or balconies
- Housekeeping services
- Utilities
- Pet rent
- Parking
Below are the average starting costs for Fresno-area senior apartments. These figures can help you compare local baseline costs. Please note that starting costs don’t reflect add-ons, upgraded amenities, utilities, or pet rent.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Fresno, CA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Fresno, CA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Fresno vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Fresno, CA by room type
How people pay for senior apartments in Fresno
Let us guide you through your senior apartment payment options. First, we provide an overview of personal payment options, which some seniors are able to combine with other benefits. We cover Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Social Security. This section of the guide can help you understand which benefits might apply to you. You can also access applications and get in touch with local agencies and senior services. The goal is to help you combine your personal income with benefits in a way that works best for you.
Similar to rent in other apartments, you can use personal income sources, like savings accounts, pensions, Social Security benefits, and investment returns to pay for your Fresno senior apartment. The following options might also be available to you, depending on your current resources:
Approximate number of veterans who live in Fresno
Approximately 56% of veterans in Fresno are 55+.
Fresno senior veterans or their surviving spouses may qualify for certain Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits that can be used to cover senior apartment costs.
Typically, the most generous and helpful benefit for qualifying seniors — who are disabled and enrolled in VA health care — is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. Through this benefit, senior veterans or their surviving spouses can receive monthly payments on top of their VA Pension. This income can be used to cover costs of living that improve quality of life, like rent in a senior apartment.
Even if you think you won’t qualify for VA benefits, we recommend contacting a local veterans service organization (VSO) to see if you do. You can also check the VA’s list of service-connected disabilities to see what might apply to you. However, the list is not exhaustive. This is one reason why the VA benefit application process can be difficult and overwhelming.
Find help through your local VSOs
Let a local, VA-vetted veterans service organization (VSO) guide you through the application process to make sure you get the most out of potential benefits. Local VSOs can help you apply successfully and may even help you appeal denied claims. The process is well worth it if you qualify. The following local resources can help Fresno veterans begin the process of attaining their eligible benefits:
- The Fresno County Veterans Service Office can guide you through every step of VA benefit attainment.
- The Fresno Vet Center provides confidential assistance such as counseling and connecting you to other local resources.
- Your local Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) chapter and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter provide advocacy and can help you with the benefit application process.
Resources for Fresno veterans
Fresno County Veterans Service Office
1320 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 105
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-600-5463
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fresno Vet Center
1320 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 125
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-487-5660
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): E.G. Henry Gutierrez VFW Post 8900
3585 N. Blythe Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
Phone: 559-275-4061
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Homer Blevins Chapter 1
3508 N. First St.
Fresno, CA 93726
Phone: 559-241-6418
Meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month
California’s Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal, won’t cover rent at a senior apartment. But you may be able to use Medi-Cal to pay for necessary health care services, such as in-home health care in your senior apartment. If you’re eligible for Medi-Cal, you may also be able to access California’s In-Home Support Services program, which may cover some of the costs of in-home care if you meet all requirements.
Seniors of low-income status find California’s health care portal, Covered California, to be a helpful tool to easily apply for Medi-Cal. Covered California is a health care portal that helps you access Medi-Cal in addition to low-cost, full-coverage health care plans. The Covered California application is the same as the Medi-Cal application. Once you’re approved for Medi-Cal, you’ll be offered additional low-cost, full-coverage plans to help you fill your coverage gaps. You can then choose to enroll in additional coverage or stick with your baseline Medi-Cal plan.
Though enrolling in Medi-Cal is fairly simple, you can check out the following resources to get more information on the Medi-Cal application process:
- California’s Medi-Cal Rx Member Helpline and the Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging can help you get started in the application process.
- The local long-term care ombudsman program can assist seniors with the application process and provide advocacy for accessing programs after enrollment.
- My Medi-Cal, a comprehensive guide, is another helpful resource to review.
Fresno resident Medi-Cal resources
Medi-Cal Rx Member Helpline
Phone: 800-977-2273
Hours: 24/7, including holidays
Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging
2037 West Bullard Ave., Suite 512
Fresno, CA 93711
Phone: 559-214-0299
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Valley Caregiver Resource Center: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
5363 N. Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-224-9177, ext. 401
Apply through Covered California
2631 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone: 800-650-0922
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that typically covers certain medical costs, such as hospital care and medically necessary in-home health care. Medicare won’t cover the cost of rent in a senior apartment or other costs of living. Review the components of Medicare below to see what may be covered under this health care program:[02]
- Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, some home health care, and hospice care.
- Medicare Part B covers some doctors’ appointments, preventive services, outpatient care, and medical supplies.
- Medicare Part D covers some prescription medications and vaccines.
You can save money on your premiums and prescriptions costs through Medicare Savings Programs. These programs are available to seniors in California who are enrolled in Medicare and meet low-income requirements. You can apply for Medicare Savings Programs online through BenefitsCal and see which of California’s four Medicare Savings Programs applies to you. Each of the savings programs may cover portions of Medicare Part A, B, D, or a combination of parts.
Browse the following resources to receive additional assistance with your Medicare application process:
- We recommend first reaching out to the local Security Administration Office.
- Contact the local long-term care ombudsman program or enroll in the Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) to apply for and fully understand your benefits.
- Use the county’s 2-1-1 helpline or the Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging to learn more about local senior care services and programs.
Fresno resident Medicare resources
Fresno Office — Social Security Administration
845 Fulton St.
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Valley Caregiver Resource Center: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
5363 N. Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-224-9177, ext. 401
Valley Caregiver Resource Center: Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
5363 N. Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-224-9117, ext. 304
Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging
2037 W. Bullard Ave., Suite 512
Fresno, CA 93711
Phone: 559-214-0299
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
We recommend getting in touch with your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (or HUD) office to see if you qualify for rental assistance. The HUD works with some local senior apartments so you can rent an apartment at lower monthly rates.
Fresno County participates in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), formerly known as Section 8. Housing vouchers can help you find affordable apartments that adhere to certain safety and health standards. Once you’re certain that the senior apartment you’d like to rent accepts HUD housing choice vouchers, contact a local public housing agency (or PHA) to apply for a housing choice voucher.
You may also qualify for Social Security benefits to offset your senior apartment costs. These benefits are income sources that can be used to cover rent in a senior apartment. Review the different Social Security benefits below to see if they apply to you:
- Social Security in retirement, also known as the Social Security Retirement benefit (or SSR), is a source of monthly income you can receive if you have work credits and are either no longer working or are working fewer hours.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI) provides financial benefits to you if you have work credits and a disability that meets the program’s requirements.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) pays you once a month if you have a disability, and it does not require work credits.
- Social Security survivors pension provides benefits to widows and widowers of someone with work credits, and it does not require that person has a disability.
HUD, the Community Housing Council (CHC) of Fresno, and Fresno Housing can assist you with your public housing applications and help you understand potential benefits. To begin the application process for Social Security benefits, follow the links in the Social Security benefit section below.
Fresno resident public assistance resources
Community Housing Council (CHC) of Fresno
2560 W. Shaw Lane, #101
Fresno, CA 93711
Phone: 833-658-1904
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fresno Housing
1331 Fulton St.
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: 559-443-8400
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; closed every other Friday
Understand California laws and regulations for senior apartments
Taking the time to understand the laws that govern Fresno senior apartments can help you make a confident choice as a renter. In this section, you’ll find local renters’ rights, apartment quality standards, and the lawful types of accommodations and modifications that should be made for seniors with disabilities.
We also recommend looking at the California Tenants Guide from the California State Department of Real Estate (DRE), which is a complete guide to all of the California rental laws.
Renters and their rights
Just like in standard apartments, local and federal laws apply to landlords and Fresno senior apartment renters. However, senior apartments differ in that at least one person living in the unit must be at least 55 years old.
As a renter, here are just a few important rights that apply to you:[04]
- You have the right to maintenance services, landscaping, garbage removal, and fully functioning utilities.
- You have the right to at least 30 days’ notice before your landlord increases your rent.
- In California, there is a rent-cap law. This law says landlords can increase your rent up to twice a year, though this increase must remain below a certain threshold. Note that low-income housing, corporate-owned housing, and others may be exempt from California’s rent cap law.
Apartment quality and inspections
Every Fresno rental property, including senior apartments, must be registered with the City of Fresno Rental Housing Health and Safety department. Apartments must comply with rental inspections and meet the following types of requirements:[05]
- Have functioning hot and cold running water
- Maintain clean and safe common areas
- Have functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Prevent and address pest infestation and mold
- Have proper weather protection on the exterior of the building
Accommodations and modifications for seniors with disabilities
Seniors with disabilities who rent senior apartments have additional rights. These protections under the law include but are not limited to the following rights:[06,07]
- In California, it’s illegal for a landlord to refuse to rent to someone due to a disability.
- Apartments are required to follow building requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA), which has standards in place to make public spaces accessible to people with different abilities.
- Landlords must also agree to reasonable in-unit accommodations and modifications, which must be paid for by the renter.
The ability for tenants to have a service or therapy animal is included as a reasonable apartment accommodation. Service and therapy animals are trained to help people in a variety of ways, which can include physical and emotional support. The following information may help seniors who plan to live with a service or therapy animal in their senior apartment:[06]
- Seniors can have service animals even if the apartment has a no-pet policy.
- The landlord can’t ask questions other than if the animal is needed due to the senior’s disability and what the animal has been trained to do.
- Service animals don’t have to be certified to live in an apartment.
- The animal must not be a threat to the rental property or other residents.
COVID-19 regulations for Fresno senior apartments
Fresno follows the state’s department of public health COVID-19 exposure guidelines for its residents who test positive for or are exposed to the virus. However, there are no local mandates for public spaces at this time. If there’s a specific senior apartment complex you’re interested in, we recommend contacting them to learn about their individual guidelines.
What to expect from senior apartments in Fresno
Create your ideal California retirement in a Fresno senior apartment. This area offers a wide range of apartment layouts and levels of affordability. You can find what works for you, whether you want to rent a high-rise apartment in the heart of downtown Fresno or a quiet studio in a single-level complex. And, you can rest assured that many senior apartments are reserved for people either 55+ or 62+ years of age, enabling you to enjoy an exclusive community with senior-specific amenities.
Communities for a variety of preferences
Choose among Fresno’s range of senior apartment communities to find the floor plan, community design, and price that works best for you. You can usually find the following options available among Fresno senior apartments:
- Studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom units
- Single-level communities
- Multilevel communities that may have elevators
- High-rise apartments
- Pet-friendly policies and accommodations, like dog parks
- Apartments in the Clovis area reserved for seniors of low-income status
Services and activities
Some Fresno senior apartments offer senior-specific services and activities right on-site, to make your experience as a renter more engaging and convenient. Here are some examples of what some senior apartments might offer on-site:
- Transportation services
- Courtesy security patrol
- Emergency call systems
- Church services
- Resident councils and interest groups
- Celebrations and parties
- Local group outings
- Planned social activities, like movie nights, bible studies, and ceramics
Apartment features
Your Fresno senior apartment may offer a wide variety of convenient features to enjoy as you release the hassle of homeownership. Here are some common features among local senior apartments:
- Private patios or balconies
- Gated or controlled access
- Walk-in closets
- Washer and dryer hookups or community laundry rooms
- Full kitchens
- Skylights
- Granite countertops
Resort-style amenities
The following is a list of desirable senior-specific amenities that might be found at your Fresno senior apartment complex:
- Swimming pools
- Poolside cabanas
- Areas for picnics and barbeques
- Courtyards and fountains
- Areas for gardening
- Putting greens
- Fitness centers
- Beauty salons
- Libraries
- Computer rooms
- Clubhouses and game rooms
- Crafts rooms
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Unfamiliar with Fresno? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 55 currently living in Fresno
Health care for seniors in Fresno
Fresno seniors have a variety of local health care options. Whether you want a veteran-specific clinic or a cardiology specialist, you can find a medical center that works for you.
Community Regional Medical Center
Community Regional Medical Center is a general medical and surgical hospital. It’s also a teaching hospital that ranks highly for adult needs such as heart failure, stroke, and uterine cancer surgery.
Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital
Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital is a heart facility in the Community Regional Medical Center network. They have dozens of private suites for patients and are located across the street from an advanced diagnostic laboratory.
Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center
Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center is a general medical and surgical hospital. It ranks highly for adult needs such as heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, and pneumonia.
Fresno Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Fresno Veterans Affairs Medical Center is a general medical and surgical hospital. Veterans can access care 24/7 each day of the week, including psychiatric and specialty health care.
Transportation for seniors in Fresno
Fresno is a car-dependent city with a few walkable areas and bike-friendly routes. Many senior apartments in Fresno offer convenient and safe access to on-site transportation services. This makes it simple for active seniors to explore the city.[09] If your senior apartment doesn’t offer on-site ride accommodations and you’re without a vehicle, you can check out Fresno’s public transportation options below. Many options offer accommodations for seniors and people with disabilities.
Fresno Area Express (FAX)
The Fresno Area Express (or FAX) is the local public transportation service. It has bus routes throughout the city, and every bus can accommodate seniors and people with physical disabilities. There’s also a paratransit service, called Handy Ride, that can help seniors who need more assistance than FAX provides. The following FAX offerings can be found on all buses to help you and your visitors navigate Fresno:
- Priority seating for seniors
- Space to transport mobility devices
- Bike racks
- Ramps and lifts
- Bus drivers who can provide assistance with mobility devices, getting on, and getting off
Taxis, Uber, or Lyft
In the event that you’d like to use a taxi, Uber, or Lyft shared ride service, seniors can apply for the local Senior Scrip Program through the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC). This program is reserved for seniors 70+ years of age and provides a 75% discount on rides for the services mentioned above. Local Uber services are especially common in Fresno, and they even allow you to schedule rides in advance. The following are the Senior-Scrip participating taxi services:
- Alpha Cab
- Fresno EOC Taxi
- Checker Cab
- Fresno Cab
- Sierra Vista Cab
- American Eagle Taxi
- Green Point Taxi
- Taxi Rosa
Walk Score — Fresno’s transportation ratings
Below are Walk Score’s transit rankings for Fresno. These numbers can help you get an idea of the local environment and how accessible your preferred modes of transportation are. Walk Score ranks cities from zero to 100 based on how easy it is for you and your visitors to use and access each mode of transportation. A high score indicates a particularly accessible Fresno transportation option.[09]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Fresno
Fresno is nestled in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. It’s only a 40-minute drive to the magical Sierra National Forest and Yosemite, and a 3-hour drive away from Los Angeles or Santa Cruz — broadening your Californian playground. The abundance of nearby outdoor experiences and local points of interest ensure you won’t run out of opportunities. And Fresno itself has plenty of attractions that call it home, like farm-to-fork dining experiences and pristine parks and gardens.
Curate your ideal Fresno retirement with some favored local highlights below. You can also review the helpful Fresno County Visitors Guide.
Outdoor opportunities
From golf courses to unique scenery, you have many peaceful outdoor opportunities in Fresno:
- Blossom Trail is a popular scenic driving and biking route through orchards, where you can find a variety of springtime blossoms.
- San Joaquin River Trail enables hikers to explore and experience grand views.
- Clovis Botanical Garden is a collection of themed displays, including a Mediterranean garden and a calming sensory garden.
- Woodward Park is the city’s largest park. It’s known for its dog park, walking trails, and a Japanese garden.
- Riverside Golf Course offers tournaments, events, and golfing lessons.
- Airways Golf Course offers small greens and brief courses that can accommodate a range of ages and abilities.
Lively entertainment
Whether you prefer casinos, sporting events, or live performances, Fresno has much to offer:
- Club One Casino boasts an open air dining venue, a 24-hour restaurant, and over 50 table games.
- 500 Club Casino is open 24/7 and offers blackjack, baccarat, and poker games.
- Table Mountain Casino has thousands of slot machines and dozens of table games.
- Chukchansi Park is where you can enjoy the excitement of live events and the local minor league baseball team, the Fresno Grizzlies.
- Bulldog Stadium hosts a range of sports, including soccer, football, basketball, and more.
- Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center is where you can find live events such as concerts, competitions, and musicals.
- Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts musicians, comedians, and more.
A vibrant senior community in Fresno
Connect with your peers and get a feel for the diversity of Fresno at these popular locations:
- Clovis Senior Activity Center is a place for seniors to build community and participate in activities such as exercise classes and craft projects.
- Fresno County Public Library enables you to keep up with your favorite authors and get lost in an engaging read. There are dozens of local branches to choose from.
- Fresno Art Museum paints a picture of the community’s diversity. It includes a range of exhibits, including visual and cultural art.
- Farmers markets boast local produce, food trucks, handmade gifts, music, and more.
- Fresno’s farm-to-table restaurants allow you to dine on dishes crafted with the best local ingredients.
Must-sees for newcomers and visitors
Explore Fresno’s iconic attractions, including the local zoo, Old Town, and fascinating gardens:
- Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers more than wildlife exhibits. From local brewery tastings to private events, you can create your own experience at this popular spot.
- Tower District is a popular walkable area full of coffee shops, storefronts, and eateries.
- Old Town Clovis is known for its Vintage and Antiques District, historic streets, and lively evening scene.
- Kearney Mansion Museum paints a picture of the area’s agricultural history and offers walkable public grounds and guided tours.
- Forestiere Underground Gardens lies under the city and boasts courtyards, stone walls, and tunnels that lead you to pristine gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Harmony Bay, Arbor Faire Apartments and Westwood Bluffs are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Fresno, CA. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Fresno is $818 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Fresno city profile. American Community Survey.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. What’s Medicare? Medicare.gov.
Intergenerational Housing for Senior Citizens, California Civil Code § 51.3.5 (1988 & rev. 2017).
Tenant Protection Act of 2019, A.B. 1482, Chapter 597 (2019).
City of Fresno. Rental Housing Health and Safety checklist.
California Department of Justice. (2003, November). Legal rights of persons with disabilities, 4th edition.
ADA Solutions. (2022). California ADA requirements. SureWerx.
U.S. World and News Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Fresno, California.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Fresno.
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