For independent and active older adults looking for housing in and around Kansas City, Missouri, senior apartments in Kansas City can be incredibly affordable. In addition, the Missouri Department of Revenue offers a Property Tax Credit for up to $1,100 to seniors that qualify based on the amount of rent paid and total household income.
A Place for Mom partners with six senior apartments within a 10-mile radius of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. While some seniors want to live near the heart of the downtown Power & Light District, others want options that provide a quick commute to Arrowhead Stadium. The metro area straddles a state line, so part of the 10-mile radius includes Kansas City, Kansas and Johnson County suburbs in Kansas as well as suburbs in Missouri, such as Independence.
A Kansas City senior apartment can offer a variety of amenities and services that are tailored to the needs of older adults while also assuring that they keep their independence, such as:
Keep in mind that senior apartments are generally for independent seniors who do not need much assistance. If you are looking for personal care services in addition to housing, assisted living in Kansas City might be a better choice. In this guide, we provide in-depth information about Kansas City senior apartments, costs and ways to pay, laws and regulations, health care availability, transportation, and activities around the city.
I really enjoy being able to live, travel, and know my neighbors, without being fearful of my home being in any trouble or lack of security.
It's fine for what it is. The management changes a lot, at least 4 directors in the last 2 years. There was a godawful smell in the halls for the past 3 months that was so bad I vomited upon entry but it...
They've done a great job with everything here, so far so good! Getting her signed up and moved in was easy and pleasant, and the place itself is really nice. She's got a good sized apartment, and was able to...
The office staff are very friendly and personable along with the crew and [name removed] is knowledgeable of the property as well and helps me with getting familiar with the place I like it so far and glad...
mom moved here in august and has settled in nicely. we chose manor place for her because it felt like a family home atmosphere.
we have only lived at englewood vista for eight months. we find that most everyone is very friendly and recently my husband and i both were down he is disabled and i was in the hospital twice within a 1...
What they do have for activities they have a lot and seem to be great. The apartments at Liberty are spacious and well appointed. Based on the experience we have had so far with Liberty At Shoal Creek, we...
They are very professional, and very friendly. The expertise that they bring is outstanding. It is evident that they truly care about their clients, and they are very available to help out in any way they...
After our move in craziness my mother has adjusted well and seems to be enjoying herself here at The Gardens. The community is clean and nice looking, no concerns there. The staff has been helpful and kind...
While I was online I got to see a bunch of communities but I chose this one because I saw a bunch of good reviews. The staff is really nice. They’re friendly and personable. The staff makes sure my mom gets...
This is not a nursing facility. This is senior independent living. Quality of care again this is senior, independent living we're responsible for ourselves. Meals and dining one Thursday a month we have...
The manager is really good and if she can do anything to help she will do it. They also have a social worker in the building who is also very helpful and accommodating. They seem to really care about the...
The staff at this community are very helpful. When my aunt first moved in she was not able to stay in her apartment so they found her another one. They also helped her move so she would not have to pay...
Excellent, Excellent care here! My husband was at another Rehab and he was not doing well. This rehab is so beautiful. The surrounding is humble and uplifting. Especially for my husband as he is demanding....
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Kansas City community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Kansas City senior apartment costs vary based on floor plan, amenities, location, and additional services. Including rent and various fees, Kansas City senior apartments in our network of partners average about $1,116 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01]
The average cost for a senior apartment in Kansas City is significantly lower than assisted living communities in Kansas City, which average $4,530 a month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] For seniors who don’t need assistance, senior apartments are an affordable option.
The following figures represent baseline averages in Kansas City, Missouri, and surrounding areas.
Most seniors use their own income to rent senior apartments in Kansas City, but Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance can help cover medically necessary in-home care services. Here, you’ll find some useful resources regarding private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicare/Medicaid resources.
People pay for senior apartments through a number of personal income sources. These might include Social Security benefits, pensions, investment returns, or savings accounts. The costs of senior apartments in Kansas City can also be covered by the following means:
More than 24,000 veterans call Kansas City home, making it one of the largest populations of veterans in Missouri. People who qualify for VA pension or disability benefits might be able to use those funds to support their time in senior apartments.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Aid and Attendance program provides qualifying candidates and spouses who can no longer manage care independently with a monthly payment to help with the costs associated with long-term senior care.
To understand the benefits you might be eligible for, it is important to connect with an expert in this area. For veterans in Kansas, the Commission on Veterans Affairs offers representatives to help you explore benefits and file claims. In addition to the field office, you can meet with these representatives at various American Legion posts, the National Guard Armory, and the Workforce Center.
For Missouri vets, the Missouri Veterans Commission has two veterans service officers for Jackson County. You can also find help from representatives from numerous Veterans Service Organizations, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and American Veterans.
Approximately 24,129 veterans live in Kansas City, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
About 53% of those veterans are over the age of 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for Kansas City veterans
VA Heartland Network (KC)
1201 Walnut St., Suite 800
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-701-3002
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Missouri Veterans Commission
615 E. 13th
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-889-2015
Email: movets@mvc.dps.mo.gov
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Paralyzed Veterans of America
4801 Linwood Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64128
Phone: 816-922-2882
Vietnam Veterans of America
3027 Walnut St.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-561-8387
Veterans of Foreign Wars
406 W. 34th St., Suite 320
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816-756-3390
American Veterans
4801 Linwood Ave., #1427
Kansas City, MO 64128
Phone: 816-922-2887
Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Field Office
10107 W. 105th St.. Suite B
Overland Park, KS 66212
Phone: 913-371-5968
Hours: Appointment Only
Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs
Jayhawk Tower
700 SW Jackson, Suite 1004
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: 785-296-3976
In Missouri, the Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, provides health care coverage to eligible low-income seniors. Although Medicaid benefits do not cover senior apartments, they can help pay for medically necessary in-home healthcare services. If you require this type of in-home care in their apartment, Medicaid waivers might cover it through the Home and Community Based Services waiver program, which provides in-home care and support services to seniors who have a physical disability and would otherwise require institutional care, such as nursing homes.
Seniors interested in applying for Medicaid through MO HealthNet can start the process online. Eligibility requirements must be met, and if you need help determining eligibility, you can reach out to the Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman for region seven.
The Kansas Medicaid program is called KanCare. The state of Kansas has its own Home and Community Based Services waiver program, though the benefits and eligibility requirements are the same as Missouri’s. You can apply for KanCare here. If you need help or run into issues, contact the KanCare ombudsman for assistance. The Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP) can also help answer questions about eligibility through the KanCare Clearinghouse.
Kansas City resident Medicaid resources
MO HealthNet
Missouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division
615 East 13th St., Suite 102
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 855-373-4636
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Mid-America Regional Council
600 Broadway, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: 816-474-4240
Email: LTCOmbudsman@health.mo.gov
Contact: Angela Barnes, Scott Rowe
Kansas Department for Children and Families
402 State Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-279-7000
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Kansas Medical Assistance Program
Phone: 1-800-766-9012
KanCare Ombudsman Office
Phone: 1-855-643-8180
Contact: Kerrie Bacon
Email: KanCare.Ombudsman@ks.gov
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Tuesday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicare is a federally funded program that provides health care to adults 65 or older, no matter their income. Medicare has four parts that each cover different health care needs, from hospital or doctor visits to medications and medical equipment for the home.
While Medicare does not cover rent for senior apartments in Kansas City, it can help pay for necessary in-home care for short-term medical needs. Medicare Advantage plans in Missouri make up the bulk of the Medicare coverage chosen by Kansas City Medicare beneficiaries. There are more than 40 Medicare Advantage options to choose from in Kansas City.[03]
Missouri Medigap, offered through private insurance companies, helps fill in any financial holes Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medicare Savings Programs help people with lower incomes fill those gaps, while MORx, Missouri’s Pharmacy Assistance Program can help qualified seniors cover medication costs.
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), also called CLAIM, offers free, unbiased counseling and education to Missouri Medicaid beneficiaries. Your local Social Security Administration office can also provide answers to Medicare questions, and is also where you can apply in person.
In Kansas, there are three Medicare Savings Programs that help pay or lower Part A, B, and D premiums, deductibles, and copays. Kansas also has a specific Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for people in need of HIV/AIDS medications.
There are a number of resources to help Kansas residents navigate Medicare coverage, such as Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (or SHICK), a free program that provides answers to people’s questions about Medicare and other insurance issues. The Kansas Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (or PACE) helps seniors get access to health services. Seniors can also contact the long-term care ombudsman and the local Social Security Administration office for help applying or understanding benefits.
Anyone in Kansas City can reach out for additional support from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services’ regional branch in Kansas City. The regional office supports both Missouri and Kansas residents.
Kansas City resident Medicare resources
Kansas City, MO Social Security Administration
2021 Independence Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64124
Phone: 888-221-3612
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Social Security Administration in Kansas
850 Nebraska Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kansas City Regional Office of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
821 Admiral Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-426-5861
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
CLAIM (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
Phone: 800-390-3330
Medicare Savings Programs and MORxMissouri Department of Social Services, Family Support Division
615 East 13th St., Suite 102
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 855-373-4636
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Mid-America Regional Council600 Broadway, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64105
Phone: 816-474-4240
Email: LTCOmbudsman@health.mo.gov
Contact: Angela Barnes, Scott Rowe
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)
503 S Kansas Ave.
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: 800-860-5260
Kansas Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
503 S Kansas Ave.
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: 785-296-8288
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Contact: Christine Mozingo
Phone: 913-236-9385
Email: chris.mozingo@ks.gov
In some situations, seniors can use a housing voucher from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to pay for senior apartments in Kansas City. As part of HUD’s Section 202 program, these vouchers are intended to help cover affordable housing costs for elderly adults. The Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO and the Housing Authority of Kansas City, KS provide seniors with housing vouchers for safe and affordable housing once their application is accepted. To qualify for these vouchers, family income must not exceed 50% of the median income of $47,721 for the county or metropolitan area in which the family lives. Since the need for housing goes beyond availability, the waiting list may be long, but depending on local preferences established by Public Housing Agencies (PHA), an applicant may move up on the waiting list.
Public assistance for senior apartments in Kansas City can also come through monthly Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Other Social Security programs available are:
Each program has different eligibility requirements, such as disability status or work history. If you’d like more information on other Missouri housing programs, or Kansas-specific information, take a look at these housing resources for seniors in Kansas City.
Kansas City resident public assistance resources
The Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO
3822 Summit St.
Kansas City, Missouri 64111
Phone: 816-968-4100
TTY/V 800-735-2966 or 711
Email: hakc@hakc.org
Kansas City, MO Social Security Administration
Address: 2021 Independence Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64124
Phone: 888-221-3612
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kansas City/Western Missouri HUD Field Office
400 State Ave., Room 200
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-551-5462
Email: KS_Webmanager@hud.gov
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kansas City, Kansas Housing Authority
1124 N 9th St.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-281-3300
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kansas City, KS Social Security Administration
850 Nebraska Ave.
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Senior apartments in Kansas City must follow all the guidelines laid out for traditional apartment buildings in Kansas City. All residential rental property units must meet minimum health and safety standards of basic utilities and facilities, ventilation and heating, safety from fire, and maintenance. Rental property units must also maintain working amenities, including but not limited to water heating facilities, heating facilities, water and sewer lines, plumbing and electrical fixtures, lighted common halls and stairways, and, if provided, cooking equipment.
In addition, senior apartments must be in compliance with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, disability, age, and more. So, seniors cannot be denied housing on the basis of age, and apartments must make reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities. Similarly, senior apartments in Kansas City must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to Missouri’s Landlord-Tenant Law, landlords must adhere to these regulations:
Tenants are expected to adhere to the following:
If a senior needs to file a complaint, Kansas City, Missouri has an Office of the Tenant Advocate that is designed to ensure the rights of the resident are being protected under the Tenant Bill of Rights.
The Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs the relationship between landlords and tenants in residential rental properties in Kansas. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
The following link also has information on local codes and ordinances for Wyandotte County, where Kansas City, Kansas, is located. For Johnson County, renters can see the full list of rules landlords must abide by here. Senior apartments in the area could be subject to inspections by local housing authorities, but it varies depending on the housing complex, applicable regulations, and other factors. Kansas does not have a statewide renters’ guide, but some helpful resources can be found on the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation website.
In general, senior apartments sometimes have specific age, income, health, background check, and pet policies. Qualifications for senior housing vary depending on the type of housing, with low-income housing options (e.g., subsidized housing, public housing, co-op housing, and Section 8 housing) available for seniors on Social Security or a fixed budget. There are also requirements for age in senior housing communities, with 55+ communities requiring at least one member of the household to be 55 or older. Senior communities that aren’t 55+ typically require all members of a household to be at least 62 years old.
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-6400
Fax: 573-751-6010
Email: info@health.mo.gov
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1000 SW Jackson Street
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: 785-296-1500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
There are no specific COVID-19 regulations in place for Kansas City senior apartment communities. Kansas City, Missouri follows CDC guidance and provides a wealth of general information and COVID-19 guidelines, including details on community spread, vaccinations, and requirements. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment also has a comprehensive website with helpful information.
About 2.2 million people reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area, with plenty of seniors opting to spend their golden years in the Heart of America.[04] There are numerous senior apartment options available within a 10-mile radius of the downtown area, with plenty of floor plans and amenities to suit the needs of just about anyone.
Kansas City senior apartments can accommodate the living preferences of the region’s diverse population due to numerous available floor plans. Whether seniors opt for a cozy studio apartment or a more spacious unit with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, there is a place for everyone. There are six standalone senior apartment facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown. Most senior apartments in Kansas City include a full kitchen and in-unit washers and dryers. Some senior apartments also include dens, balconies, and walk-in closets.
For seniors who like to stay active, quite a few apartments in Kansas City boast community centers where they can mingle with neighbors during birthday parties, Bible study groups, or live music performances. In fact, 67% of senior apartments in the area have indoor common areas, and half have outdoor common areas. Many apartments also offer on-site amenities such as libraries, fitness centers, theaters, and even pools that residents can use at their leisure. More than half are dog and cat friendly for those who want to bring along their furry companion.
Many senior apartment facilities provide resident parking, free transportation, and services for laundry or groceries. Some even boast raised garden beds, on-site beauticians, and golf courses or putting greens.
While many of the senior apartments within a 10-mile radius of downtown Kansas City have a city feel, there are apartments available in suburban areas such as Independence, Missouri, and Johnson County in Kansas. Independence is very community-oriented and features the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.[05] Johnson County is home to over 15 parks with activities ranging from fishing, boating, archery and geocaching.[06] Johnson County Parks and Recreation district also has a 50-plus program that hosts art and enrichment classes, pickleball tournaments, day trips, wellness programs and more.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Kansas City, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Kansas City population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual income for Kansas City seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
The Kansas City metropolitan area provides numerous great options for seniors seeking healthcare. Several major hospitals call Kansas City home, including:
Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City is nationally ranked in one adult specialty and rated a high-performing facility for five adult specialties and 13 procedures and conditions. It is a general medical and surgical facility as well as a teaching hospital.
The Kansas City VA Medical Center offers a variety of care options for veterans and helps veterans access quality and affordable care.
Ranked nationally in eight adult specialties, the University of Kansas Hospital is a teaching hospital and general medical and surgical facility. It is also the top hospital in Kansas.
When it comes to navigating the Kansas City area, most people get around by car. While there is some level of walkability and public transit in the region, options are somewhat limited, according to Walk Score, which ranks cities on a scale of 1 to 100.
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) does offer bus routes throughout the metro area, and RideKC Freedom offers both ADA paratransit as well as non-ADA on-demand response. Note that anyone hoping to use these programs must first navigate an eligibility process. The eligibility process requires an application to be filled out and sent via email with proof of age and a color photo. Once the KCATA receives an application, they will schedule a phone interview with one of their mobility specialists to gather more information. After review, they will notify the applicant of their eligibility by letter within 21 days of their interview. To access the full application, click here.
Ride KC Max is the rapid transit option, but it is only available in certain densely populated and commercial areas. The Kansas City streetcar also runs in the downtown area. Residents of Kansas City are also able to traverse the city via Uber, Lyft, and taxis.
Kansas City offers a wide range of activities for seniors, including everything from physical fitness classes to cultural events. One popular destination is the Kansas City Zoo, which offers discounted admission to seniors 55 and older. The zoo is home to more than 1,700 animals spread across 200 acres, offering an incredibly affordable way to get out of your apartment for a day of fun.
The Kauffman Center is home to the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, The Kansas City Symphony and more. The Kauffman Center is a great option for seniors looking to unwind and enjoy a performance or show. Perks of visiting the Kauffman Center include accessibility everywhere — from programs to parking to transactions and events) as well as military and senior group discounts. The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is a popular location to take in a special exhibit or even an art class. If you’re a history buff, The National WWI Museum and Memorial is another great KC spot to visit along with the Arabia Steamboat Museum. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is a fun stop boasting the world’s largest collection.
For those interested in shopping and food, Kansas City is home to the Country Club Plaza. The Plaza includes over 45 locally-owned shops and restaurants, among others. The Plaza also hosts many events throughout the year, some of which have included KC Restaurant Week, The Plaza Art Fair, and the Kansas City Film Fest International. The Kansas City Power & Light District is another fun place to hang out, eat, or catch an event.
Sports fans are in luck! Kansas City is home to the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and the MLB’s Kansas City Royals. Professional soccer fans can catch a Kansas City Sporting game, and hockey fans can check out the KC Mavericks. Kansas City is also home to the Kansas Speedway where you can take in some NASCAR action. If you want to check out a piece of sports history, drop by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Connect55 Plus Kansas City, Connect55 Plus Shawnee and Connect55 Plus Olathe are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Kansas City, MO. 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 Kansas City is $1,173 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population estimates (V2017-2021): Kansas City, Missouri; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Malzone, L. (2023, January 16). Best Kansas City Medicare Plans for 2023. Medigap.com.
U.S. News. (2023). U.S. News Best Hospitals. U.S. News & World Report L.P.
Independence Kansas. (2023). Community. IndependenceKC.gov
Johnson County Parks and Recreation District. (2023). Park Listing. jcprd.com
Census Reporter. (2021). Census profile: Kansas City MO-KS metro area [Data set].
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population estimates (V2017-2021): Kansas City, Missouri; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Malzone, L. (2023, January 16). Best Kansas City Medicare Plans for 2023. Medigap.com.
U.S. News. (2023). U.S. News Best Hospitals. U.S. News & World Report L.P.
Independence Kansas. (2023). Community. IndependenceKC.gov
Johnson County Parks and Recreation District. (2023). Park Listing. jcprd.com
Census Reporter. (2021). Census profile: Kansas City MO-KS metro area [Data set].