Senior Living Apartments in St Louis, MO
Known as the Gateway City, St. Louis is home to the iconic Gateway Arch, major league baseball at Busch Stadium, and a variety of museums and parks, including the St. Louis City Museum and Forest Park. St. Louis is a diverse community with plenty of things to see and do – making it an excellent choice for active retirees. Whether you want a luxury senior apartment with all the bells and whistles or a no-frills option, St. Louis has it all. A Place For Mom’s partner senior apartments are all within a 10-mile radius of downtown and are great options for seniors who value their independence and don’t need the personal care assistance that is provided in assisted living communities.
In this guide, you can expect to find communities that prioritize senior independence while taking the stress out of renting, with built-in amenities like home maintenance, security, and utilities all covered within rent costs.
As you continue on, you’ll find everything there is to know about the average cost of senior apartments in St. Louis as well as payment options. You’ll also learn about the laws and regulations protecting your rights, the different health care options available, transportation services in the city, and a plethora of things to do in St. Louis.
Senior Apartments Facilities near St Louis, MO
My Mom is very happy staying there. She likes the staff, the other people living there, the social gathering for activities, the gym and the cafeteria area. Her apartment is just the right size for her....
Lobby area clean but halls in living areas need cleaning. Staff very friendly. We have a fellowship Hall every week activities. A library, Game room, Laundry room on each floor. Outside Venders come once a...
I haven't eaten the meals, so it would not be fair to critique what I haven't experienced. Overall, things have been great for my loved one at this facility. I would recommend the facility to family and...
Overall, I have been pleased with this facility and so has my loved one. The nursing staff, caregivers, and chefs are phenomenal. As far as cleanliness, they empty the waste baskets and wash the resident's...
So far everything is working out pretty well for my friend. I know he is in a good community. We are pleased with all they have done for us. This is a nice, safe community.
My brother is doing well here at these senior apartments. He really likes it here. They keep the grounds of the apartments very well maintained. The staff is kind and friendly. Overall everything has worked...
My father has been here for 2 years. I am glad I never read reviews because they are not our experience. The building has gone through a few management companies and I think that led to the issues in the...
It's a good facility. the apt sizes were good and they offered different size apts. I would definitely recommend this community to others
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I'm really digging the facility so far. I like the amenities and everything.
Our methodology
How we rank order the St Louis community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders St Louis 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 St. Louis area
- What families are saying about senior apartments in St Louis
- How people pay for senior apartments in St. Louis
- Understand Missouri laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
- What to expect from senior apartments in St. Louis
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with St. Louis? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the St. Louis area
Factors like location, floor plan, and size will all impact the cost of a senior apartment, but the cost averages around $2,000 with apartments ranging anywhere from $586 to $3800 per month.[01]
The following costs represent average baseline costs in the area and don’t include add-on fees for services and amenities.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in St Louis, MO vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in St Louis, MO vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in St Louis vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in St Louis, MO by room type
What families are saying about senior apartments in St Louis
Recent reviews for senior apartments in St Louis
Regency Manor in O'Fallon, IL
Knollwood Retirement Community in Caseyville, IL
How people pay for senior apartments in St. Louis
There are multiple ways to pay for a senior apartment in St. Louis. Even though the costs of senior apartments aren’t covered by long-term care insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, these programs can be used in other ways to offset the costs of in-home care and medically necessary services.
Whether you’re considering retirement savings, social security benefits, or housing benefits to cover the cost of senior apartments, many people choose to combine several financial sources.
In this section, you’ll learn how private payment methods, Medicaid, Medicare, VA benefits, and public assistance can all be used to fund a move into a senior apartment community.
Many seniors start with private income sources to fund the rent cost of their senior apartment, which commonly includes savings, Social Security benefits, investment returns, and pensions. These sources are often used in combination with the following private income sources:
Number of veterans who live in St. Louis
About 56% of St. Louis veterans are 65+
Several VA benefits are available to seniors who need assistance with the cost of senior apartments — whether that be direct funds for housing or indirect funds for health-related costs.
The Aid and Attendance benefit serves those who need help performing daily activities, have to stay in bed due to an illness, or have limited eyesight. This benefit is received as an additional monthly payment to a VA Pension. You can apply for this benefit online or apply in person at a regional VA office near you. This benefit could help offset the cost of paying for a senior apartment.
VA Disability Compensation is a good option for those with a service-related disability. If you’re not sure if your disability is related to your service, it is worth looking into. This monthly, tax-free payment helps with any housing or health care services a veteran may need. You can check to see your eligibility online or connect with a local veterans services officer in your area.
Veterans services officers in St. Louis are part of the Missouri Veterans Commission and are vetted and recognized individuals who are trained to guide veterans through the process of applying for benefits. St. Louis veterans services officers are great resources if you need assistance or have any questions about VA benefits.
St. Louis also has a few local organizations to support veterans with benefits. The St. Louis County Veterans Program offers case management, advocacy, and referral services to help guide veterans’ access to social services and VA benefits. St. Louis also has five Veterans of Foreign Wars and 17 American Legion posts, some of which are included in the resource list below.
Additionally, Operation Second Chance is a national program that offers financial aid and scholarships to help veterans cover rent, utilities, housing and airfare. To see if you qualify, apply on their website.
Resources for St. Louis veterans
St. Louis County Veterans Program
St. Louis County Government Center NW
715 NW Plaza Drive
St. Ann, MO 63074
Phone: 314-615-7400
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
St. Louis Veterans Services Officers
Virgina Mack
Missouri Veterans Home
10600 Lewis & Clark Blvd., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO, 63136
Phone: 314-421-8637
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Christy Allison
Missouri Veterans Home
10600 Lewis & Clark Blvd.
St. Louis, MO, 63136
Phone: 314-421-8654
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Derrick Russell
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO, 63132
Phone: 314-421-8676
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nathan Ruhnow
Prevedel Federal Building/Missouri Veterans Commission
9700 Page Ave., Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO, 63132
Phone: 314-421-8673
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Malinda Graves-Sampson
Prevedel Federal Building / Missouri Veterans Commission
9700 Page Ave.
Rm # R1-109
St. Louis, MO, 63132
Phone: 314-421-8674
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts
Post 3480 Capt. Horace G. Burke Post
5020 State St.
East St. Louis, IL 62205
Phone: 618-271-7004
Post 6137 Newport Heights Memorial Post
5468 Gravois Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Phone: 314-352-6137
Post 8112 Gruhala-Gmeiner Memorial Post
4310 S. 38th St.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Phone: 314-351-8890
Quentin Roosevelt Post 1
St. Louis Altenheim
5408 S. Broadway Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63111
Griesedieck-Fournier Post 3
4617 Dahlia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
Fred W. Stockham Post 4
405 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63102
While Medicaid does not cover rent for senior apartments, it can be used for medically necessary in-home health care services. In Missouri, the Medicaid program is referred to as MO HealthNet, which is run through the Missouri Department of Social Services.
One of the most common ways to fund in-home health care is through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program which covers things like:
- Help with personal care like dressing or bathing
- In-home services like housekeeping, shopping, and meal preparation
- Nursing services like blood draws
- Meal deliveries
To be eligible for these waivers, seniors must be at least 63 years old, meet the income requirements, and be approved by the Department of Health and Senior Services. When you apply for MO HealthNet, your application will be sent automatically to the HCBS program to see if you qualify for any available waivers.
For further assistance, Aging Ahead, St. Louis’ local Area Agency on Aging, can help seniors understand eligibility and apply for benefits, and the St. Louis County ombudsman is a helpful resource to reach out to for advocacy and support.
St. Louis resident Medicaid resources
Missouri Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division
615 Howerton Court
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-3425
Aging Ahead
14535 Manchester Road
Manchester, MO 63011
Phone: 800-243-6060
Email: info@agingahead.org
St. Louis County Ombudsman
8050 Watson Road, Suite 155
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-91-8222
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people over 65. Like Medicaid, Medicare doesn’t cover rent for senior apartments. It can, however, be used for short-term medically necessary health care and health expenses, including in-home care.
The first place to go to apply for Medicare coverage is your local Social Security Administration office.
If you are looking for local help navigating the complexities of Medicare, St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA) has trained and licensed staff on hand to provide free assistance for those applying for Medicare; they may even refer you to Missouri CLAIM. This non-profit organization is Missouri’s official State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and provides free financial counseling to Medicare beneficiaries.
SLAAA also offers funding through the Medicare Savings Program for those needing financial assistance and covers Part A and Part B premiums, copays, and deductibles. MORx, Missouri’s State Pharmacy Assistance Program, can be used to pay for prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D.
Other local advocacy and counseling programs can be found through Circle of Care Counseling, which is an organization that offers free and unbiased services.
To navigate grievances and claims, or for those in need of advocacy, consider reaching out to an ombudsman. Ombudsmen are trained advocates that support seniors and their loved ones.
St. Louis resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
717 N. 16th St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 800-772-1213
St. Louis Area Agency on Aging (SLAAA)
1520 Market Road
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-612-5918
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Circle of Care Counseling
423 Chez Paree
Hazelwood, MO 63042
Phone: 314-873-3501
State Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Phone: 800-309-3282
St. Louis Ombudsman
8050 Watson Road, Suite 155
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-918-8222
SLAAA Medicare Savings Program
City Hall
1200 Market St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-622-4800
MORx, Missouri State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program
Phone: 800-375-1406
CLAIM: State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Phone: 800-390-3330
For seniors on a fixed low income, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), formerly known as Section 8, offers assistance finding housing and paying monthly rent costs. The HVC can be used in any accommodation if it meets program requirements. It is always good to check with your specific apartment to see if they will accept your voucher before you apply.
In St. Louis, the HCV program is run by the Housing Authority of St. Louis County and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Applications are only accepted online. Current eligibility requirements state that total family income must not exceed 50% of the median income in the county the person lives in.[02]
Seniors can use Social Security benefits to help with living costs, including rent. The following Social Security benefits are commonly used to assist with housing, though they all have different eligibility requirements.
- Social Security Retirement Benefit (SSR) replaces part of your income when you stop working or reduce your hours. This benefit doesn’t require disability, but it does require work credits.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits those who have worked for specific amounts of time within a recent time frame and have paid Social Security taxes on earnings. This benefit requires disability and work credits.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) assists those with a limited income and a qualified disability. This benefit is specifically designed for seniors with no work credit.
- Social Security survivors’ pension assists widows and widowers of eligible workers. This benefit does not require disability or work credit of the person applying.
There are plenty of local offices that work on behalf of seniors to ensure they get the benefits that apply to their specific situation. Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services (Mo P&A) is part of the National Disability Rights Network and will defend and protect the rights of those with physical and mental disabilities in areas including, but not limited to, housing, health care, and education. The Missouri Senior Resource Line is also a great resource as they will be able to connect you to legal assistance paid for by your local Area Agency on Aging and other support services.
St. Louis resident public assistance resources
Housing of Urban Development
122 Spruce St., Suite 3.203
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-418-5400
Housing Authority of St. Louis
8865 Natural Bridge Road
St. Louis, MO 63121
Phone: 314-428-3200
Social Security Administration Office
717 N. 16th St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 800-772-1213
Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services (Mo P&A)
Phone: 1-800-392-8667
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Missouri Resource Line
Phone: 1-800-235-5503
Understand Missouri laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
Generally speaking, senior apartments have a minimum age requirement of 55 years old.[03] However, this mainly depends on the community itself, some of which require seniors to be 60 or up.
From a regulatory perspective, senior apartments aren’t licensed because they’re rental properties. However, there are city, county, state, and federal laws that protect renters and ensure safe and equitable housing.
- The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination due to familial status, race, nationality, religion, sex, and disability. Within this act is the Housing for Older Persons exemption which ensures people over 55 can only rent approved housing.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities and requires senior apartments to have adequate accessibility, including in common areas.
- Under Missouri’s Landlord-Tenant Law, renters are protected from code violations and neglectful tenants by being able to deduct half of a month’s rent, or $300 (whichever is greater).
Rental properties participating in HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program also require an initial inspection before being rented out; these inspections are valid for two years[04] and have to be in line with the following criteria. A special inspection can be done if a complaint is filed. Reach out to the Housing Authority of St. Louis County to inquire about inspection reports.
COVID-19 regulations for St. Louis senior apartments communities
There are no COVID-19 regulations for senior apartment complexes, though the city of St. Louis does have some general best practices based on recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.
The Department of Health also encourages the avoidance of people with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and isolating if you have COVID-19.
Vaccinations.
In terms of vaccinations in the St. Louis area, they are encouraged but not required.
Masking.
No mask mandate exists, but the Department of Health encourages mask-wearing in public settings, especially if transmission rates are high.
Social distancing.
The Department of Health also encourages the avoidance of people with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Quarantining.
The Department of Health recommends isolating if you have COVID-19, but specific quarantining requirements exist.
What to expect from senior apartments in St. Louis
With an abundance of art museums, quirky shops, beautiful gardens, and a significant number of community groups, St. Louis is a great spot for those who want to maintain their independence while developing a sense of community with others. Expect a senior apartment that takes the pressure off, with senior apartment fees often including utilities, security, landscaping, and home maintenance.
Senior apartments are ideal for an active lifestyle
Because senior apartments are typically for people over the age of 55, these communities can provide amenities and activities tailored specifically to people in the same stage of life. Many focus on giving people the opportunity to continue enjoying a bustling lifestyle. Golf, swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness centers are just some of the amenities offered.
Residents can expect amenities that emphasize community
For those who want to make friends and maintain friendships, many senior apartments offer amenities that bring people together. Whether it’s a scheduled daily event, a trip to the on-site beauty salon, or holiday parties and celebrations, you can expect to see many ways to enjoy life with the people you love.
Senior apartments that are close to everything St. Louis has to offer
Whether you want to spend the day shopping, indulge in any dining option you could imagine, or take a trip to the famous Gateway Arch, senior apartments in St. Louis are close to several attractions. There’s plenty to do for locals and visitors to the area.
Senior apartments in the surrounding St. Louis suburbs
For those looking for senior apartment living a little further out, there are options all the way from standalone facilities to combo facilities that offer independent and/or assisted living within a 25-mile radius of St. Louis’ center.
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Unfamiliar with St. Louis? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in St. Louis
Median annual income for St. Louis seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in St. Louis
Barnes-Jewish Hospital is ranked No. 11 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll. It is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report in 11 adult specialties and rated high performing in 20 procedures and conditions.
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
Missouri Baptist Medical Center, a general medical and surgical facility, is rated high performing in 3 adult specialties and 15 procedures and conditions by U.S. News and World Report.
Mercy Hospital is a general medical and surgical facility and is rated high performing in 3 adult specialties and 13 procedures and conditions according to the U.S. News and World Report.
St. Luke’s Hospital – Chesterfield
St. Luke’s Hospital-Chesterfield is rated high performing in 13 adult procedures and conditions and is particularly well known for treating heart conditions by the U.S. News and World Report.
Christian Hospital is a regionally ranked medical and surgical facility that’s well-regarded for lung cancer surgery and the treatment of COPD according to the U.S. News and World Report.
Designed to meet the needs of local veterans, this facility provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, treatment for spinal cord injury, extended care and rehabilitation, recreation therapy, and more.
Transportation for seniors in St. Louis
St. Louis is a city where people primarily use cars to get around, though, with a walk score of 66 out of 100, some neighborhoods are walkable.[10] A walk score measures the walkability of cities.
There are several public transportation options through the Metro system, and all are accessible to people who need assistance. The MetroBus is equipped with lifts or ramps, has kneelers for those who need help with stairs, and has priority seating options. MetroLink has similar accommodations, alongside floor-level entry and exit platforms, with all stations also having ramps or elevators.[11] Amtrak offers accessible seating, but reservations must be made in advance.[12]
Metro also offers the Call-A-Ride program, which provides curb-to-curb para-transport services for those with physical or cognitive disabilities. For more information, Metro’s accessibility page outlines all the accessibility features St. Louis public transport has.
For those unable to use public transport or a car, there are several transport options for seniors:
- The City of St. Louis offers free transportation for non-emergency errands and senior centers sponsored by the St. Louis Area on Aging.
- City Seniors offers medical and banking transportation for people over the age of 60, as well as offering pre-planned group trips to shopping centers and luncheons.
- Seniors on the Fly provides personal assistance and transportation within the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
Mercy Hospital also has a helpful list of transportation options and resources for people on a low income.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in St. Louis
Can you say you’ve visited St. Louis if you haven’t visited St. Louis Arch? The arch is the tallest monument in the U.S. and the St. Louis Arch Grounds and Museum is a fun way to see the city and learn more about the Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers that shaped U.S. history. Stay on solid ground or take a tram that will lift you 630 feet in the air for the city’s best views. If you are worried about wheelchair accessibility, the arch includes wheelchair-accessible ramps and elevators.
St. Louis has a strong museum presence, all with different specialties. The St. Louis Art Museum hosts some of the greats – from Monet to Ming Dynasty textiles – while the Missouri History Museum and Soldiers Memorial have short- and long-term exhibitions on the history of St. Louis; both are wheelchair accessible.
Music lovers can take in the National Blues Museum to learn about the genre’s history through exhibits and theatre, which includes a senior discount. Or, if live music is more your thing, you can check out the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra or Sheldon Concert Hall. Led by Stéphane Denève, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra regularly hosts other artists and free community events. The Sheldon Concert Hall is known for its regular jazz, classical, and folk performances and regularly hosts a Coffee Concert for Seniors event.
For those who love spending time outside, consider taking a stroll through Tower Grove Park. This park and its surrounding neighborhood have plenty to see, from the park itself, studded with vibrant flowers in spring, to the cafes and boutique stores surrounding it.
Just 10 minutes from Tower Grove Park, you’ll find the St. Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. St. Louis Zoo is one of the few free zoos left in the country and is home to 12,000 animals across 500 species. Not far away, St. Louis Aquarium lets visitors come face to face with a range of aquatic wildlife. The aquarium is wheelchair accessible and offers free entry to medically necessary paid care attendants traveling with a guest.
Traveling Downtown, sports fans can spend an afternoon or evening at a Cardinals game. Housed in Busch Stadium, accessible seating is available, and you’ll get a great view of the St. Louis skyline while enjoying the game.
Founded in 1852, Anheuser-Busch has been an iconic part of the St. Louis landscape, and there’s no better way to learn about the history of this brewery than visiting the Budweiser brewery. You’ll learn about beer brewing traditions and take in three National Historic Landmarks while you’re at it.
Lovers of Broadway may want to visit one of St. Louis’ esteemed theaters, The Fabulous Fox or The Muny. Both have diverse show offerings and offer accessible seating, communication aids, and listening devices.
For people interested in staying active in the community and making new friends, the following senior centers have various programming and supportive services:
- St. Louis Activity Center
- St. Louis Jewish Community Center
- Five Star Senior Center
- City Seniors Inc.
- Urban League PATCH Center
- Macklind International Senior
- Northside Senior Center
- Southside Wellness Center
- Wesley House Senior Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Regency Manor, Cedarhurst of Godfrey and The Atrium of Belleville are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near St Louis, 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 St Louis is $1,788 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Housing Authority of St. Louis County. (n.d.). Housing Choice Voucher Frequently Asked Questions.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). The Fair Housing Act: Housing for Older Persons | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
City of Buckner, MO. (2018). Chapter 645. Rental Inspection Program.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Missouri Baptist Medical Center.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). St. Luke’s Hospital-Chesterfield.
U.S News & World Report. (2023). Christian Hospital.
Metro St. Louis. (n.d.). Accessibility.
Amtrak. (n.d.). Accessible Travel Services | Amtrak
Walk Score. (2023). Living in St. Louis.
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