Senior Living Apartments in Tampa, FL
Tampa, Florida, has been a senior living hub for decades. With an attractive mix of temperate weather, an authentically diverse culture, and no state income tax, Tampa makes a good case as a top senior living destination. Because much of Tampa’s appeal comes from its white sand beaches and accessible activities, many seniors retire to Tampa well before they need assisted living. Seniors looking for active retirement, full of possibilities, often sell their homes and downsize into a senior apartment near the sunshiny beaches of Tampa Bay. Tampa’s senior apartments offer plenty of opportunities for seniors of all stripes to find their community.
Senior apartments in Tampa differ from independent living communities by offering fewer amenities with a lower price tag. In this guide, we provide an overview of what an active retirement in Tampa looks like and introduce you to some senior apartments in Tampa with top ratings from real residents. These apartments are rated on features like best amenities, cleanliness, and more. We also review how much Tampa senior apartments cost and common ways seniors tend to pay for their new senior living lifestyle.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Tampa, FL
Facility/Staff - Professional, Very Friendly and concerned about resident's needs. Family members are kept very well informed.
I have not had any interaction with the staff. As far as food, I know my mom has gone to when they do the soup night. And you bring your own mug or bowl. I do know that they have a food pantry to help with...
Very helpful and caring staff. Very welcoming towards visitors. Picked because size of available apartment and because it offers a guarantee of lifetime care.
Going to be starting my third year here soon and could not be happier the staff here starting with [name removed] Who makes sure everything is done and maintained correctly then you have [name removed] at...
I have lived here 5 years. I am not even tempted to leave this sweet little community. Of course it's not perfect! However, I still think it rates 5 stars. I am very pleased with all it has to offer,...
Management has really stepped up. Plenty of activities for my Senior mother. Residents and staff are friendly. Apartments are clean and spacious. Since I have to make it 200 characters, that's all I got to...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
Our methodology
How we rank order the Tampa community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Tampa 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 Tampa
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Tampa
- How people pay for senior apartments in Tampa
- Understand Tampa laws and regulations for senior apartments
- Tampa’s diversity is a boon for senior living
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Tampa, Florida? Check out these highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in Tampa
Senior apartments in Tampa reflect the cost of all apartments in the area. The figures in the chart below reflect the starting costs for senior apartments in Tampa, without any additional fees like parking costs and pet rent.
Despite rising housing costs in the Tampa Bay area, the cost for Tampa senior apartments is still below other top senior living markets, like Houston and Atlanta.
Senior apartments in Tampa are also the cheapest senior living option because they offer the fewest amenities and services of all senior living types. Despite this, Tampa residents can expect to find a range of senior apartments, from subsidized to luxury, with most options in Tampa being somewhere in the middle.
Cost of subsidized or low-income senior apartments in Tampa
The cost of Tampa’s subsidized senior apartments varies based on how much an individual makes in monthly income. Based on figures from the Tampa Housing Authority, the most a single senior would pay in rent in a subsidized apartment is $1,150 a month, including utilities.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Tampa, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Tampa, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Tampa vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Tampa, FL by room type
What families are saying about senior apartments in Tampa
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Tampa
Trinity Place Assisted Living in New Port Richey, FL
Westminster Manor, a CCRC in Bradenton, FL
Retreat at Trinity
How people pay for senior apartments in Tampa
Because senior apartments do not include services like meals or personal care, they are considered general housing and not senior care communities. This means that long-term health care insurance does not help to pay rent on senior apartments like it might for an assisted living or memory care community.
Most residents of senior apartments in Tampa use personal funds to pay for their abode, though some housing assistance programs, as well as veterans and disability benefits, can help offset the costs of living for low-income seniors. If the senior ever requires medically necessary in-home health care services within their apartment, care may be paid for through Medicaid, Medicare, veterans benefits, or other long-term care insurance programs.
The following resources explain the various ways seniors typically fund their senior living lifestyle.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives funds directly to the Tampa Housing Authority, which offers Section 8 vouchers through its Housing Choice Voucher program. This program assists low-income seniors in Tampa with their rent. Eligible seniors pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent, with the rest covered by the HUD Section 8 vouchers. Eligibility is determined by the Tampa Housing Authority.
According to the HUD, as of 2022, a single senior living in Tampa can make no more than $46,000 annually to be considered low-income. This means a senior would pay no more than $1,150 a month for their subsidized apartment. The senior must make sure their prospective apartment complex will accept Section 8 housing vouchers.
A list of subsidized units reserved specifically for seniors and applications can be found on the Tampa Housing Authority website. But be aware that the waitlist for the Housing Choice Voucher program is not always open and that A Place for Mom does not usually partner with government-funded facilities.
Resources for housing assistance
5301 W. Cypress St.
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 813-341-9109
5301 W. Cypress St.
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 813-341-9109
Florida has the third-highest percentage of veterans in the United States, and many of these veterans choose to retire in Tampa. Almost 60% of Tampa veterans are 55+.
Veterans pension can be used to help pay for rent at a senior apartment. Veterans are eligible for a pension if they meet all of the following criteria:
- They were not dishonorably discharged.
- They had at least 90 days of service, with at least one day during wartime.
- They are low-income, 65+, or disabled.
The Aid and Attendance benefit or Housebound allowance
The Aid and Attendance benefit and Housebound allowance are two possible benefit additions to the VA pension. Veterans need to first be eligible for the pension to get either benefit, and veterans cannot receive both benefits at the same time. While the Aid and Attendance benefit can be used to pay for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, the Housebound allowance is specifically meant to pay for in-home care services.
To be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, the veteran must receive a VA pension, be enrolled in VA health care, and meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Needs help with at least one activity of daily living
- Has limited eyesight
- Is bedridden due to untreated illness
- Currently lives in a nursing facility
The Housebound allowance is for permanently disabled, housebound veterans who require in-home care services.
Veterans benefits counseling in Tampa
The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, or the FDVA, is the best place for Tampa veterans to get information about benefits counseling. The FDVA has recently made virtual benefits counseling available with the goal to make veterans benefits more easily accessible to Tampa veterans and their surviving spouses.
Number of veterans living in Tampa, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of Tampa veterans who are 55+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Tampa veterans
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., #214
St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Phone: 727-319-7440
Email: VSO@fsva.state.fl.us
Website: Floridavets.org
Request a “virtual” video conference appointment through the following contacts:
Phone: 727-319-7408
Email: VSO@fdva.state.fl.us
3602 US Highway 301 N
Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: 813-272-5002
Email: stromf@hcflgov.net
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Para obtener información y ayuda sobre beneficios de veteranos,
contactar Dennys Massanet.
Teléfono: 407-205-5773
Email: Massanetd@fdva.state.fl.us
Florida’s Medicaid program is called Florida Medicaid and is run by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).
Because senior apartments don’t provide care, they cannot be paid for with Medicaid. While Medicaid can be used to fund some health care services provided in a senior’s home, it will never pay rent at a senior living facility. Florida Medicaid will reimburse eligible seniors for in-home health care services provided by Medicaid-participating, in-home health care agencies.
There isn’t a senior-specific Medicaid plan in Florida, so seniors can choose a Medicaid plan that best suits their needs. The Long-Term Care Plan option is for seniors who live in assisted living, memory care, or nursing home facilities. Most Tampa seniors living in senior apartments choose a comprehensive health plan. These plans are all very similar and cover the services listed below.
You can find a comprehensive list of covered services on the Florida Medicaid website. Florida Medicaid will typically pay for the following services:
- In-home health care services
- Emergency care
- Hospital care
- Prescription drugs
- Visual aids
- Immunizations
- Medical supplies, prostheses, and equipment
- Regular doctor’s visits
Seniors can apply for Florida Medicaid through the AHCA website during open enrollment, which is from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 for Tampa residents. Any changes to a resident’s plan must be confirmed before the end of the open enrollment period.
To be eligible for Florida Medicaid, seniors must be 65 years or older, be in need of medical insurance, and be considered low-income. For a single senior living in Tampa, the maximum annual pre-tax income to be eligible for Florida Medicaid is $18,075. For a couple, it’s $24,353.
Resources for Florida Medicaid
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
2727 Mahan Drive
Mail Stop #8
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-412-4000
13601 N. 22nd St., #2
Tampa, FL 33613
Phone: 813-307-8000
Fran Lima, Field Office Manager
15500 Lightwave Drive, Suite 100
Clearwater, Florida 33760
Phone: 727-552-2000
Medicare will not cover monthly rent for senior apartments. Like Medicaid, it covers medical costs, but it does so specifically for people who are over 65 and have paid or are married to someone who has paid Medicare taxes. Medicare covers short-term and necessary medical care, like joint replacement surgery or short-term hospital stays. Medicare will pay for stays in rehabilitation but will only cover 100% of the costs for the first 20 days. From day 21-100, Medicare will cover $200 a day, and past the 100th day, it will cover nothing.
For seniors needing rehabilitation care after a procedure, Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) covers all medically necessary in-patient rehabilitation therapies. Patients covered under Medicare Part A will pay a $1,600 deductible for the first 60 days of residence in the rehabilitation facility and $400 every day until the 90th day.
Dial 2-1-1 or visit the Medicare website to find out more about Medicare eligibility and how to access this benefit. You can also call your Tampa Social Security office for more information.
Tampa, Florida, Medicare resources
3415 E. Frontage Road, Suite A
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 800-772-1213
3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 49
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-2118
Understand Tampa laws and regulations for senior apartments
Most senior apartments are regulated much in the same way as apartments without age restrictions. While assisted living, memory care, and nursing home communities are regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration, senior apartments do not go through the same licensing because they don’t provide the same personal or health care services.
To qualify as a senior apartment complex, there must be a certain percentage of residents over 55 or 65 years of age. According to the Fair Housing Act, 55+ communities must have at least 80% of their units with a resident who is over 55, which means some people under 55 can technically live in some senior apartments. Most senior apartments, however, are more exclusive and only allow residents over 55.
Because senior apartments are essentially regular apartments with age restrictions, residents and their landlords follow the same regulations as other apartment complexes. Florida requires all landlords do the following:
- Follow all housing and health codes.
- Keep the apartment in a livable condition.
- Provide extermination services.
- Provide locks and keys to the tenant.
- Arrange for trash removal.
- Provide all maintenance and repairs.
- Ask for the tenant’s consent before entering.
- Supply running water and hot water.
- Supply heat during the winter.
- Return the security deposit within 15 days of the tenant vacating the premises or provide a written explanation of how much is kept and why within 30 days.
Tenants are expected to do the following:
- Keep the apartment in good condition.
- Do not alter the apartment without permission from the landlord.
- Follow community guidelines, such as respecting quiet hours and picking up after your pet.
- Pay rent and utilities on the agreed upon day each month.
If a landlord of a senior apartment doesn’t meet these standards, a tenant can inform the landlord of their noncompliance and break the lease if the issues are not fixed within seven days. On the other hand, if a tenant doesn’t follow the lease agreement, they should be given seven days to resolve the issue. If they don’t, the landlord can begin the eviction process. Landlord and tenant disputes can go through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This department also provides a comprehensive explanation of Florida’s landlord and tenant laws and expectations.
COVID-19 regulations for Tampa senior apartments
Tampa senior apartments mirror other apartment complexes in that there are not any special regulations regarding COVID-19. Most apartments in Tampa follow the guidelines from Florida’s COVID-19 Response. The response team provides data on COVID-19 cases from across the state about every two weeks. They also provides maps where Tampa residents can find the closest place to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, tests, and treatment centers.
The Florida COVID-19 Response recommends the following actions:
Vaccinations. Vaccination sites are public and accessible.
Masking. Sick residents are encouraged to mask.
Tampa’s diversity is a boon for senior living
Retirees look to Tampa for many reasons, but one reason stands out above the rest: Tampa is one of the rare cities with a real claim to diversity. Laid-back beach hounds enjoy the proximity to St. Petersburg, and snowbirds flock to the Sunshine State in the winter for its eponymous sunshine and warmth. While known as a retiree’s hot spot, the largest demographic in Tampa is people between the ages of 25 and 39.[03] Tampa also has a high percentage of Spanish speakers. Pair these diversities with Tampa’s LGBTQA+ friendliness, strong Catholic presence, and lack of state income tax, and you get a city where anyone can find their crowd.
Tampa’s senior apartments are centrally located, with fewer services available to tenants than independent living communities, but easier access to the city’s activities.
Tampa’s senior apartments offer amenities
Tampa senior apartment floor plans tend to mirror other apartments without age restrictions, though each senior apartment offers slightly different amenities and on-site services. Most have some form of recreational areas, like fitness rooms, outdoor spaces with pools, and indoor social lounges with computer access. Apartments offer a variety of floor plans, from one-bedrooms to three-bedrooms. And some layouts even offer private decks and patios. About half our partner senior apartments also include some form of complementary or at-cost transportation services. So residents without vehicles can always have a safe and dependable ride to their appointments and social activities.
Senior apartments in Tampa promote social activities
Senior apartments in Tampa have the entire city at their doorstep. While most senior apartments don’t have an on-staff activities coordinator, many communities are encouraged to utilize common areas with a grassroots social calendar. It’s pretty common to see residents throwing happy hours and pool parties or organizing trips together to nearby beaches, zoos, and theme parks.
The Hillsborough River runs through the heart of Tampa and is the closest body of water to most of our partner senior apartments. Some of these senior apartments even have private fishing docks directly over the water. Tampa’s popular zoo and aquarium are also close to all of our partnering senior apartments, making for an easy day trip activity for residents. And the white sand beaches of Clearwater and St. Petersburg are only an hour’s drive from most apartment complexes.
Senior apartments in Tampa remain affordable
Although the cost of living is rising, Tampa senior apartments remain cheaper than most of the other top senior living markets in the United States, beating out Dallas and Las Vegas. And senior apartments continue to be the most affordable senior living option in Tampa. With no state income tax and no tax on retirement income or Social Security, it’s easy to see why Tampa remains an affordable and attractive retirement destination.
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 Tampa, Florida? Check out these highlights for seniors
Percentage of Tampa residents who are over 65
Percentage of Tampa residents who are Hispanic or Latino
Average high temperature in January
Health care for seniors in Tampa, Florida
Tampa has an excellent health care system, with many highly ranked hospitals, particularly for geriatrics and cancer research.
Tampa General Hospital
The Tampa General Hospital is a general medical and teaching hospital. It’s highly ranked across a variety of specialties. It’s No. 16 in the nation for ear, nose, and throat care; No. 27 in the nation for diabetes and endocrinology; No. 33 in the nation for orthopedics; No. 34 in the nation for gastroenterology and GI surgery; and is a high-performing hospital for geriatrics.
1 Tampa General Circle
Tampa, FL 33606-3571
Phone: 813-844-7000
H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute
According to U.S. News and World Report, the H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute is ranked 25th in the nation for cancer treatment and is also ranked nationally for geriatrics, gastroenterology and GI Surgery, and urology.
12902 USF Magnolia Drive
Tampa, FL 33612-9497
Phone: 813-592-3894
Morton Plant Hospital
The Morton Plant Hospital, located in Clearwater, Florida, is ranked No. 7 for care across all hospitals in Florida. It is particularly high-performing with cardiac procedures.
300 Pinellas St.
Clearwater, FL 33756-3804
Phone: 727-462-7000
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Tampa
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Tampa is a regionally ranked general hospital and surgery center in Tampa, Florida. It performs highly for lung and colon cancer procedures.
3001 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33607-6387
Phone: 813-870-4000
Transportation for seniors in Tampa, Florida
Most Tampa residents tend to drive instead of using public transportation, walking, or biking, as traffic can be challenging, especially at peak hours. This is why half of our partner senior apartments in Tampa offer complimentary or at-cost transportation services to their residents.
For active seniors without transportation, the local bus system is run by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART). It’s very affordable to ride and known to be somewhat reliable. Tampa’s city government also runs door-to-door transportation options for the elderly or disabled, called The Sunshine Line. Seniors can enroll by calling the enrollment phone number: 813-272-7272.
Based on public data about Tampa’s city infrastructure, WalkScore has given Tampa the following scores out of 100:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Tampa, Florida
Tampa’s diversity is reflected in its myriad activities available to seniors in the area. From senior-friendly outdoor attractions to organized groups, classes, clubs, and social events, Tampa has no shortage of accessible events. The Visit Tampa Bay website provides information on favored local events and mobility-friendly attractions. Learn about “The Tampa Bay Effect” — an environment filled with “the perfect blend of exhilaration and relaxation.” Read on for more Tampa senior-specific highlights.
Organized senior events through Tampa Parks and Recreation
Tampa’s seniors asked for activities, and the Tampa Parks and Recreation department delivered. Their strikingly well-organized senior activities program includes weekly events, from water aerobics to quilting and bridge clubs — all at no cost to attendees. They also host formal dinners and dances for Tampa seniors. For example, their Silver Night Out Dance rolls out the red carpet for seniors to enjoy hits from their glory days, with dancing and fine dining. To attend their senior-specific events, simply sign up on their website.
Outdoor activities
It’s easy to escape to nature from Tampa’s city center. And, Florida State Parks offer senior camping discounts for seniors over 65. In many state parks in Florida, overnight senior guests can get a 50% discount on tent camping or cabin rentals. RV and boat camping are the only types that are not eligible for the senior discount.
Visitors will likely spy an alligator and plenty of birds in the popular Lettuce Lake Regional Park and Eureka Springs Park. While Tampa has plenty of self-led birders, the Tampa Audubon Society is a good place to find your flock. Their birding expeditions are open to the public with advance registration on their website. Most Audubon Society outings list the length and difficulty of their trails. Some of their birding trails, like the Circle B Bar Reserve, are even wheelchair accessible.
Beaches
Beaches are an obvious choice in Tampa for good reason. White sand, warm water, beautiful sunsets, and the occasional dolphin help Tampa Bay’s beaches live up to the hype. The Ben T. Davis Beach is the biggest beach in Tampa, and it has plenty of space and palm trees to please any beach head. It can be a little noisy on weekends because the parking lot is very close to the beach, but its lifeguards and close proximity to Tampa makes it one of the safest and easiest to access beaches in the area.
About 40-minutes away from Tampa is Caladesi State Park. Home to clear, aquamarine water, miles of sand, and a considerably quieter atmosphere, this island near Clearwater is an absolute haven. Boat camping is available on the island, although it’s not eligible for a senior discount. The island even has toilets, grills, and a general store. It can only be accessed by a short boat ride, but it’s worth it for the pristine experience.
Urban exploration for the whole family
For family fun, Tampa has its fair share of theme parks. But for a more low-key outing, Tampa’s historical side delivers. The Ybor City neighborhood, the only Southern designated Historic Landmark District, is an excellent spot to stroll amongst the Spanish Cuban architecture. You can also learn how Ybor made Tampa the cigar capital of the nation.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is an excellent day trip for people of all ages. As a conservation-centered nonprofit, kids and seniors alike can explore nautical ecosystems and marvel at a diverse range of sea creatures. The aquarium also coordinates wild dolphin sightseeing tours. Their entire campus is wheelchair accessible, and they even provide wheelchair and stroller rentals for a daily fee. Admission fees vary by day, and seniors get a small discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trinity Place Assisted Living, The Landings of St Andrew and Retreat at Trinity are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Tampa, FL. 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 Tampa is $2,108 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): Tampa City [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Tampa City [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population estimates (V2021): Tampa city [Data set]. QuickFacts.
WalkScore. 2022. Living in Tampa.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- Valrico, Florida
- Odessa, Florida
- Palm Harbor, Florida
- South Tampa, Florida
- Land O' Lakes, Florida
- New Port Richey, Florida
- Oldsmar, Florida
- Lutz, Florida
- Zephyrhills North, Florida
- Pasadena Hills, Florida
- Gibsonton, Florida
- Kenneth City, Florida
- Bardmoor, Florida
- Tarpon Springs, Florida
- Egypt Lake-Leto, Florida
- Riverview, Florida
- Plant City, Florida
- Edison, Florida
- Dover, Florida
- Wimauma, Florida