Senior Living Apartments in Denver, CO
Whether you’re looking for an amenity-rich, maintenance-free environment or just downsizing to a more manageable space, a Denver senior apartment can offer you an independent lifestyle with all the benefits of community living.
A Place for Mom has five senior apartment partner communities within 10 miles of downtown Denver. And you’ll find even more options in the outlying suburbs, which some seniors prefer for the slower pace and quiet atmosphere. In this guide, we showcase top-rated senior apartments and let you know what to expect in terms of costs, how to pay, and current regulations. Plus, we outline helpful senior-specific resources, information on getting around the city, and popular local attractions.
Senior apartments are very similar to traditional apartments, but with a few notable differences:
- Senior apartments have age requirements — some requiring residents to be 55+, while for others, the minimum age is 62.
- Senior apartments often have senior-friendly amenities like laundry services or housekeeping.
- Senior apartments sometimes offer all-inclusive rent that includes utilities and other services.
Keep in mind, senior apartments are largely for more independent seniors who do not need assistance with their activities of daily living (ADLs). If you’re searching for a loved one who has ongoing care needs, you may have more luck with assisted living in Denver or with an in-home caregiver who can offer help and support inside your loved one’s home.
Active seniors who don’t need daily care but prefer more included amenities, services, and social opportunities may want to consider a Denver independent living community, although independent living does come with a higher price tag than a senior apartment.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Denver, CO
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Denver community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Denver 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 senior apartments in the Denver area
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Denver
- How people pay for senior apartments in Denver
- Colorado laws and regulations for senior apartments
- What to expect from senior apartments in Denver
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Denver? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Denver area
The average cost of a senior apartment in Denver is around $1,301 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022 proprietary data.[01] This figure factors in any fees or additional costs that may occur, such as parking, wireless internet, access to a fitness center or pool, or use of common rooms. However, costs will vary depending on the size of the apartment and any included amenities and services.
You’ll notice this average cost is significantly lower than assisted living communities in Denver, which average $4,894 per month, including care and fees.[01] This is due to the fact that senior apartments do not offer daily assistance and care like assisted living communities do.
The below chart shows the average starting costs for Denver-area senior apartments. These figures don’t include fees or extras.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Denver, CO vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Denver, CO vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Denver vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Denver, CO by room type
What families are saying about senior apartments in Denver
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Denver
Westhaven Apartment Homes in Lakewood, CO
Concordia on the Lake in Littleton, CO
Pinewood Lodge in Aurora, CO
How people pay for senior apartments in Denver
Paying for a senior apartment in Denver is much the same as paying for any other apartment, meaning the primary way to pay is with private funds like income or pensions. Some apartments may offer special discounts, like move-in specials or included utilities, which help defray some of the costs.
You’ll likely pay for your Denver senior apartment with private funds. This includes any income sources such as pensions, investment returns, savings accounts, and Social Security benefits. Note that long-term care insurance and Health Savings Accounts (also known as HSAs) can’t be used to pay for senior apartments. Review more ways seniors typically pay for their senior living costs below.
For those who receive a veterans pension, this may be used to pay for a senior apartment in Denver. Some veterans and their spouses may also be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits or the Housebound allowance. Both are additional monthly benefits added to a pension, but Aid and Attendance is for veterans who have qualifying health conditions, while the Housebound allowance is for seniors that require care at home due to a permanent disability.
A senior may qualify for Aid and Attendance if they are a veteran enrolled in VA health care and meets one of the following criteria:
- The veteran needs assistance with some activities of daily living (ADLs).
- The veteran spends a majority of their time in bed due to illness.
- The veteran has a qualifying disability.
- The veteran has a qualifying visual impairment.
Veterans who spend most of their time at home due to a permanent disability may be able to receive the Housebound allowance. This stipend is specifically for in-home care services administered in the senior’s home. Note that a veteran cannot receive both the Aid and Attendance benefit and Housebound allowance at the same time. You can apply for either one by filling out VA form 21-2680.
Because navigating veterans benefits can be challenging, the Denver Veteran Services office employs Veteran Services Officers (VSOs) to help elderly veterans file for VA benefits. If you need help figuring out which benefits you qualify for, a VSO can provide one-on-one case management to help you determine your eligibility and apply. VSOs are valuable resources for finding veteran housing, public benefits, and other services for Denver veterans.
Approximately 25,900 veterans live in Denver, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
About 47% of those veterans are over the age of 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for Denver veterans
Denver Veteran Services
Visit the Denver Veteran Services website.
Volunteers of America Bill Daniels Veteran Services Center
1247 Santa Fe Drive
Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 720-944-3500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Denver Regional Office
Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Denver Regional Office webpage.
155 Van Gordon St.
Lakewood, CO 80228
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Denver Chapters
DAV Denver Chapter 7
DAV Denver Chapter 11
DAV Denver Chapter 21
8720 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80220
Phone: 303-914-5570
Volunteers of America
Denver Veterans’ Services Center
Veterans Affairs (VA)
VA Eastern Colorado Geriatrics and Extended Care program
Phone: 720-723-6373
Medicaid and Medicare don’t cover rent in senior apartments. However, they can be helpful in defraying medical costs, especially if a senior expects to receive ongoing care or medical assistance in their home.
Denver Medicaid
Colorado’s Medicaid program is called Health First Colorado (or HFC) and provides health and dental coverage for lower-income adults in Denver. HFC offers an Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Waiver for people who have specific health needs due to age, disability, or visual impairment.
For seniors who may need assistance at home, Denver has its Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) — a joint effort between Medicare and Health First Colorado (HFC) to help aging adults get the care they need to stay in their homes.
Denver Medicare
Medicare is a federally funded program that provides health care coverage to adults aged 65 or older. Medicare has four parts that each cover different health care needs, from hospital or doctor visits to medications and medical equipment for the home.
Lower-income seniors who need assistance paying their Medicare coinsurance and deductible costs can enroll in Colorado’s Medicare Savings Programs. Colorado also has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which offers counseling and assistance in navigating the often-complex landscape of Medicare enrollment and benefits.
Get more information on what Denver Medicare will cover by dialing 2-1-1 or by visiting the federal Medicare website. Your local Social Security Administration office can also provide answers to your Medicare questions.
Denver resident Medicaid and Medicare resources
Health First Colorado office
Learn more about Health First Colorado.
1570 Grant St.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 800-221-3943
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Get answers to your Denver Medicaid questions
View Denver Medicaid FAQs.
Denver Medicaid Application
Apply for Denver Medicaid.
Social Security Administration
Visit the Social Security Administration website.
Apply for Medicare
Online Medicare application
Get answers to your questions about Medicare Savings Programs
Medicare Programs FAQs
Colorado SHIP contact information
Phone: 888-696-7213
Denver — Area Agency on Aging
Visit the Denver Area Agency on Aging website.
1001 17th St., Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: 303-455-1000
Find your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office
SSA office lookup tool
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides help to low-income individuals who need housing through its Section 8 program (also known as Housing Choice Vouchers). These vouchers cover some of the costs of rent for individuals who meet certain income requirements.
To receive a Denver Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, you’ll need to apply through the Denver Housing Authority. Your name will then be added to their lottery system. If you are eligible and selected to receive a Housing Choice Voucher, you can use it to help pay rent in your senior apartment. Not all communities accept these vouchers, so be sure to check with your prospective apartment manager to see if they accept Section 8.
Some seniors may be eligible to receive extra money each month through Social Security in Retirement (SSR), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Eligibility and the amount you may receive are based mainly on your work history and/or disability status. You can check your eligibility and get more answers about Social Security benefits through the Social Security Administration, or you can check out the resources below.
Seniors may find additional resources through Colorado PEAK, an online portal where low-income individuals can apply for various types of financial assistance through the state of Colorado. Qualifying seniors may receive discounted transportation fare, utility assistance, cash assistance, community support services, and more.
More Denver resources for seniors
Learn more about HUD
HUD handbooks and resources
More information on Social Security benefits
Get answers to your questions about Social Security benefits.
Get more Colorado benefits
Apply for benefits through Colorado PEAK.
Colorado laws and regulations for senior apartments
Senior apartments in Denver must observe all the regulations in place for traditional apartment buildings. Landlords are required to follow these regulations:
- They must uphold standards of safety and cleanliness on all properties.
- They cannot disconnect utilities.
- They must ensure installation and maintenance of appliances and equipment.
- They must perform regular pest control.
- They must maintain proper lighting, ventilation, and heating.[03]
Tenants have a long list of rights under Colorado law, which protects them against potentially unsafe or unfair conditions. In Colorado, this means the following:
- Landlords are prohibited from raising rent more than once a year.
- Late fees must be capped to keep residents from falling behind on payments.
- Landlords must keep their buildings up to code.
- Landlords cannot unfairly withhold security deposits.
- Tenants cannot be discriminated against based on their age, race, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or immigration status.
Review your rights as a Denver tenant before moving into a senior apartment, so you know how to spot and report potential abuses. You can dial 3-1-1 to inform the Department of Health and Environment of any issues.
As of Jan. 1, 2023, all Denver multi-family rental properties require a residential rental license, which needs to be renewed every four years. The city is also mandating regular third-party inspections to be performed in order for buildings to obtain and keep their licenses.[04] You can review whether a rental property has a license on the city of Denver website. In the top menu, click on business licenses, then type the address of the property into the search bar. This will show whether the apartment has an up-to-date license.
Besides these general apartment regulations, senior apartments in particular may also have age requirements for tenants. For example, some senior apartments allow seniors age 55 and up, while others start at age 62. Most senior apartments list these details on their websites, or you can always check with a property manager.
COVID-19 regulations for Denver senior apartment communities
There are no specific regulations currently in place for senior apartments in Denver, although some communities may choose to implement prevention protocols at the manager’s discretion. Current CDC suggestions for COVID-19 prevention in apartment complexes are as follows:
Masking. Masks are encouraged in public spaces.
Facility cleanliness. Building managers should expand on current cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Social distancing. Residents are encouraged to social distance, and management should create more open spaces where possible.
What to expect from senior apartments in Denver
As if the prime location wasn’t enough, Denver senior apartments offer a wide variety of options to fit your preferences. From independent apartment units to thriving common spaces; luxury urban living to quiet, laidback suburbs — whatever your style, Denver has a senior apartment for you.
Go at your own pace
For city-loving seniors, the heart of downtown Denver may be your ideal spot. Senior apartments in the downtown area tend to be on the more expensive side, but they offer ample access to public transportation, thriving restaurant districts, and all the events and excitement you expect from city life.
On the other hand, suburbs like Aurora and Lakewood are perfect for seniors who prefer a more relaxed pace. Senior apartments in these areas are often more affordable and less congested, making it easy to get to and from appointments, shopping districts, or other obligations.
Take the hassle out of your golden years
One thing you’ll find in almost every Denver senior apartment community is an emphasis on convenience. Whether this means all-inclusive rent that covers utilities and other fees, ample parking, or close proximity to shopping and dining, Denver senior apartments do their best to make living simple for their residents.
A number of senior apartments in Denver also offer helpful amenities like meal services, housekeeping, free Wi-Fi, and fitness centers on-site, so you can spend less time worrying about day-to-day stressors and more time staying healthy and happy.
Apartments with real community
Denver senior apartments aren’t just homes — they’re communities. And apartment staff work hard to keep their communities active and vibrant. Most Denver senior apartment communities have common areas like gardens, patios, pools, recreation centers, and other spots for residents to meet and relax together.
Many communities also offer regular activities, so residents never have to worry about being bored. When you’re not exploring the sights and sounds of Denver, you can often find activities at your community, from birthday parties to wellness classes to group outings and more.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Denver? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Denver, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Denver population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual income for Denver seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Health care for seniors in Denver
While there are a number of outstanding health care providers in Denver, two hospitals in particular rate highly on a national scale and even offer specialty senior care offerings.
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital tops the chart of health care providers in Denver, ranking No. 1 out of all hospitals in the city with national recognition in several cancer and heart specialties, according to U.S. News and World Report.
SCL Health St. Joseph Hospital
SCL Health St. Joseph Hospital is another notable hospital system in Denver, with high ratings in geriatric specialties. According to U.S. News and World Report, this hospital ranks No. 2 out of all hospitals in Denver and No. 3 across the state of Colorado.
Transportation for seniors in Denver
Senior apartments typically don’t offer transportation services, but there are plenty of other options for navigating Denver.
Denver is mostly a driving city since the sprawling suburbs make the city expansive. However, for seniors who don’t have cars or prefer not to drive, there are a number of other transportation options from which to choose. However, public transportation options are largely central to the downtown Denver area.
- Notably, Denver’s Regional Transit District (or RTD) light rail system consists of 12 rail lines running 113 miles throughout the city, including some suburbs and the airport. Seniors age 65 and up can receive discounted fares, and there are additional RTD accessibility services for seniors with mobility issues.
- Denver also has a free hybrid shuttle bus that runs the length of 16th Street, called the 16th Street Mall Ride. This convenient service is especially useful in the heart of downtown while you’re shopping, dining, or otherwise experiencing the sights and sounds of the city.
- Designated senior transportation and other support services are also provided by the local nonprofit Seniors’ Resource Center. This nonprofit offers transportations services to Denver seniors with disabilities as well as their families and caregivers.
The following ratings are presented by Walk Score, and they give an idea of the ease and accessibility of various types of transportation in Denver. Each number is scored out of 100, where 100 is the highest and best possible score.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Denver
Although it’s known for its fantastic mountain views and natural beauty, Denver is also a bustling urban hub full of exciting activities, nationally ranked restaurants, and several landmarks. Denver is the perfect place for the senior who wants it all — the action of the city balanced with scenic day trips to “get away from it all” — without going too far from home.
- The Denver Mountain Parks Foundation maintains over a dozen natural spaces and conservation areas where seniors of all abilities can enjoy the great outdoors. You’ll find walking trails, picnic areas, fishing sites, and even music venues like the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Most of Denver Mountain Parks also have handicap-accessible areas and trails, so seniors who require mobility assistance can take part in these natural wonders.
- The Denver food scene is home to several prestigious food and beverage awards and more breweries than any other U.S. city. From formal dining to casual diners, downtown Denver is home to every conceivable type of cuisine: Armenian pastries, Swedish potato pancakes, Vietnamese banh mi, and so much more. Seniors can kick back at a classic Mexican taqueria, American diner, or Detroit-style pizzeria, or they can enjoy happy hour with a cocktail at one of Denver’s stylish bars or speakeasies.
- For entertaining family and friends, Denver has exciting activities for every interest. Consider outings like a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, a ball game at Coors Field, or a trip to one of the dozen-plus casinos in nearby Black Hawk, Colorado.
- For seniors with a love of learning, the Denver Art Museum and Denver Museum of Nature and Science are excellent places to expand the mind. The Denver Central Library is also a great outing for the intellectual senior, as it houses over 2 million items and regularly hosts free community events.
- For active seniors, the city of Denver offers Active Older Adult (or AOA) programs for 50+ seniors, with calendars full of activities to support overall wellness — like art and fitness classes, indoor and outdoor leisure activities, luncheons, and more. On top of these programs, the city also provides a free membership for their resident seniors 60+ to My Denver PRIME, which gives seniors free access to all of the city’s 30 recreation centers and pools as well as over 200 fitness classes and clubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bella Vita, Residences at University Hills, Senior Residences for those 55+ and V-Esprit are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Denver, CO. 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 Denver is $1,433 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Revised Municipal Code of the City and County of Denver, Colorado: Housing, Denver Code of Ordinances § 27 (1973 & rev. 2022).
Boyanton, Megan Ulu-Lani. (2022, November 13). Denver’s rental licensing program for apartments to come up 24K short at its Jan. 1 deadline. What happens next? The Denver Post.
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