Omaha, Nebraska, combines urban and suburban vibes with its big-city culture in a small town package. Omaha’s moderate environment is an ideal place for seniors to call home. Senior apartments are ideal communities for independent seniors aged 55 and older. Some senior apartment communities even raise that age limit to 62. These communities help prevent social isolation by promoting an interactive environment for similarly aged people. They also provide a secure and peaceful place to retire.
A Place for Mom has researched senior apartments within a 20-mile radius of Omaha City Hall. This radius includes surrounding suburbs and part of Iowa, including Council Bluffs. Whether you’re in need of affordable housing or luxury amenities, senior apartments in the Omaha area offer a wide range of lifestyles.
This guide provides comprehensive information on senior apartments in Omaha and Council Bluffs. You’ll also find information on senior apartment costs, payment methods, and tenants’ rights and apartment regulations. Additionally, the guide provides an overview of local senior resources and benefits, as well as senior demographics and activities Omaha has to offer.
My wife and I have found Westgate to be a fabulous experience. The staff is hard working & friendly. We knew that this is where she wanted to be as soon as we visited. Would recommend Westgate to anyone...
Great people. Very independent but they have a lot of gatherings all the time. They have activities for the renters almost every day. And they have daily workout. You are truly independent but still have the...
I think this community is pretty good, I'm still getting used to it but so far so good. My apartment has a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and den. The VA helps me with housekeeping. They have quite a few...
Staff is useful and friendly, although not always available or there when my mother needs them. You can ring the front desk but sometimes it can take some time to get assistance. Other than that great...
My Mom loves Keystone Villas. She said the people are beautiful. She really enjoying the meals and being able to socialize with people her age. Thank for giving us peace of mind!
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Omaha 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
The average cost for a senior apartment in the Omaha area is a little over $1k, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This cost is an average of exact costs our referred residents paid and includes any fees, updated amenities, and add-on services of their choice. This cost can vary depending on the location, floor plan, size, and amenities. A Place for Mom’s research found that rental fees for senior apartments in Omaha can be as low as ~$600 and as high as ~$3,800. Additionally, some senior apartments may have admission fees or homeowners association dues.
Senior apartment rent in the Omaha area typically includes the following:
Some senior apartments in the Omaha area go beyond the typical standards by adding these options to their layouts:
Depending on the apartment building, some senior apartments may include these additional services:
If you are in need of additional services, but want to maintain a level of independence, consider independent living in Omaha.
The following charts show average baseline costs for senior apartments in the Omaha area, without any add-on fees for extra services or updated amenities. These figures are helpful to compare local area costs.
Most seniors pay for senior apartments using private pay methods, since these communities are basically residential apartments and not care communities. Here, you’ll learn more about your private pay options for senior apartments. We also provide local public pay options available to seniors, including housing assistance and VA benefits, as well as options for in-home health care services through Medicare or Medicaid.
Many seniors pay for senior apartment rental fees through private pay methods like savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. However, there are other private pay methods that may help to cover your senior living costs:
Selling a house: If you are looking at a permanent move to a senior apartment, consider selling your family home to help pay for rental costs.
Reverse mortgage: If you prefer not to sell your family home, consider a reverse mortgage. This helps you borrow money from your home’s equity, which can be used towards paying for rental costs.
Life insurance: Consult with a policy provider to see what your options are to sell or borrow money from your policy to help pay for a senior apartment.
A VA pension is a monthly payment that can be used toward rental fees and in-home care costs. You may qualify for the VA pension if you are a wartime veteran and at least one of the following statements is true:
Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits are additional payments to a pension for disabled veterans with additional qualifications. This income can be used toward anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, like rent in a senior living community. To qualify for these benefits you must receive a VA pension, be enrolled in VA health care, and meet one of the following requirements:
If you have a permanent disability caused by natural aging, the Housebound allowance is another benefit option that can help cover in-home health care costs. To qualify, you must receive a VA pension and have a disability that causes you to be housebound majority of the day. You cannot receive both the Housebound allowance and the Aid and Attendance benefit at the same time.
Both Nebraska and Iowa have similar local benefit options, including but not limited to the following:
Applying for veterans benefits can be a long and difficult process, which is why local veteran service offices have veteran service officers (VSOs) available to help you understand what you qualify for and how to apply. In addition to these offices, nonprofit organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) have service officers to help you understand veterans benefits and claims. Just a few minutes away in Lincoln, Nebraska, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) also offer veteran service officers to advocate for disabled veterans trying to access their benefits. Both the VFW and DAV can help veterans with disabilities understand exactly how to apply and may even help you appeal denied claims.
Number of veterans who live in Omaha, per the U.S. Census Bureau
About 43% of Omaha veterans are 65+, per the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for Omaha veterans
Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA)
P.O. Box 95083
301 Centennial Mall South, 4th Floor
Lincoln, NE 68509-5083
Phone: 402-471-2458
Fax: 402-742-1142
Email: ndva@nebraska.gov
Veterans’ Affairs State Service Office
3800 Village Drive
Lincoln, NE 68516-4737
Phone: 402-420-4021
Fax: 402-471-7070
Email: ndva.sso@nebraska.gov
Pottawattamie County Veteran Affairs office
623 6th Ave.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Phone: 712-328-5726
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
7105 NW 70th Ave.
Camp Dodge – Building 3465
Johnston, IA 50131-1824
Phone: 515-252-4698
While Nebraska Medicaid and Iowa Medicaid do not cover rental fees for senior apartments, they can help cover medically necessary in-home health care services.
Nebraska Medicaid and Iowa Medicaid are state- and federally-funded health insurance programs for residents of either state. Eligibility varies depending on the state, but typically includes these qualifications:
Nebraska Medicaid will only cover home health care in the following circumstances:
Nebraska Medicaid helps cover in-home health care services provided by Medicaid-contracted home health care agencies. These services and equipment may be covered:
However, some services may have limitations, so contact your local Medicaid office for further information.
Iowa Medicaid has a Home Health Services (HHS) program that helps cover in-home medical services. These must be provided by a Medicare-contracted home health care agency when it cannot be done by a family caregiver. To qualify for the program, a physician must certify home health care as medically necessary and approve a plan of care every 60 days. The following are some home health care services covered by the program:
Nebraska Medicaid and Iowa Medicaid offer home and community based services (HCBS) that help people receive Medicaid-covered care services within their home or community of choice. Both states also have a Program of All-Inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE) for seniors aged 55 and older who need nursing home-level care within their home or community.
Depending on the waiver program, seniors can receive a variety of in-home care services, such as the following:
Each state has additional waivers that differ from each other. For example, Iowa has the Elderly Waiver specifically for Iowa residents who are aged 65 and older and require nursing home-level care, while Nebraska has the Aged and Disabled program for seniors 65+ with disabilities who need nursing home-level care.
Additionally, Nebraska’s home and community based services offer access to Personal Assistance Services, which help those with disabilities or chronic conditions on Medicaid receive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) in their home. The Eastern Nebraska Areas on Aging also has a Care Management Program, which helps seniors aged 60+ find community resources, create a personalized care plan, and establish services.
Omaha resident Medicaid resources
Apply for Nebraska Medicaid.
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: 402-471-3121
Medicaid assistance: 855-632-7633
P.O. Box 95026
Lincoln, NE 68509-5026
Phone: 402-471-2307
Email: DHHS.Aging@nebraska.gov
4780 S. 131st St.
Omaha, NE 68137
Phone: 402-444-6536
Phone: 800-338-8366
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Council Bluffs Office
231 S. Main St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: 712-328-2540
800-432-9209
Seniors aged 65 and older or people with permanent disabilities or certain diseases may qualify for Medicare, the federal health insurance program. While Medicare does not cover senior apartment rental fees, it can be used for certain short-term in-home health care services if such needs arise. These needs must be deemed medically necessary and may include these services:
In addition to the federal health insurance program, Nebraska and Iowa have financial assistance programs for low-income seniors.
Between the application process and understanding all the benefits attached, Medicare can be a long and confusing process, which is why contacting your local resources can help you understand the benefits you qualify for. Resources like your local Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Volunteers Assisting Seniors (or VAS) can help you understand and apply for your eligible Medicare benefits.
Additionally, Nebraska and Iowa have Long-Term Care Ombudsmen offices who help advocate for seniors’ rights and health insurance claims.
Omaha resident Medicare resources
Omaha: Beth Nodes
Phone: 402-444-6536
Phone: 402-561-2239
Email: beth.nodes@enoa.org
Iowa: Julie Pollock
Phone: 712-249-7424
Volunteers Assisting Seniors (VAS)
1941 S. 42nd St., Suite 312
Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: 402-444-6617
Nebraska and Iowa both offer a variety of public assistance options to help seniors pay for senior apartment rental costs or in-home care services.
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also known as Section 8, is a program that helps low-income seniors aged 62 and older and adults with disabilities pay rental fees. Both Omaha and Council Bluffs offer this program, thanks to federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) oversees the program in Omaha, while Municipal Housing Agency administers the program in Council Bluffs.[08,09]
To qualify, you must meet income requirements. The Omaha HCV program has the following income requirements:
For the Council Bluffs HCV program, you cannot have an income of more than 80% of the area’s median income.[09] Current median income information can be found through the HUD Office of Policy Development Research website.
Social Security benefits can provide income to help you pay for your costs of living. However, eligibility may depend on the benefits requirements, like your work history and current situation.
For assistance with Social Security benefits, contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
Omaha resident public assistance resources
Edward Zorinsky Federal Building
1616 Capitol Ave., Suite 329
Omaha, NE 68102-4908
Landlords in Omaha and Council Bluffs cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, color, national origin, disability, familial status, or sex, thanks to the federal Fair Housing Law and the Fair Housing Act. Senior apartment buildings must follow these kinds of regulations:
Additionally, apartment buildings must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Reasonable accommodations are changes to a rule or service that help provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may include situations like the following:
Reasonable modifications are design changes to the facility to make the building and living unit easily accessible. Reasonable modifications may include installation of features like the following to common areas or in a tenant’s unit:
While senior apartments do not have specific regulations in the Omaha area, standard apartments have regulations the landlords and tenants must follow.
Landlords in Nebraska and Iowa must maintain a safe and healthy living environment by meeting the following requirements:
While landlords must provide habitable living accommodations, tenants must follow their own set of rules. Some of those general rules expected of tenants include the following:
Read or download Nebraska’s Landlord and Tenant Handbook.
Read or download Landlord and Tenant Law Legislative Guide.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
Find local public assistance office.
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: 402-471-3121
Many states, including Nebraska and Iowa, have followed the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and relaxed COVID-19 regulations. While apartment buildings do not have specific COVID-19 guidelines, Nebraska and Iowa have general public recommendations.
Quarantining. After testing positive for COVID-19 infection, isolate for five days in Nebraska. However, Iowa recommends up to 10 days for isolation.
Vaccinations. Nebraska has an official vaccination campaign called Finish Strong Nebraska. This encourages those eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Masking. After the five day isolation, on the sixth day Nebraska residents can end isolation if they are free of symptoms and haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours. After ending isolation, continue to wear a mask for five days. Masking is no longer necessary after testing negative on a COVID-19 antigen test or after 11 days symptom free.
CDC Guidelines. Learn more about CDC COVID-19 Guidelines.
Senior apartments in Omaha offer three different types of apartment communities to meet every senior’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a homelike standard senior apartment or a luxurious home with additional amenities, Omaha has an option for you.
You can feel at home with modest apartment building options that meet the standards set for senior apartments. These types of facilities in Omaha embody more of a warm homelike vibe by providing these standard amenities and features:
However, a majority of senior apartments in the Omaha area add onto these standards with additional on-site amenities.
Between apartments with charming vibes and buildings with modern touches, there is something for everyone in Omaha. Many senior apartments in the area add on to the ambiance by offering a variety of amenities. At least one of A Place for Mom’s senior apartment partners go beyond the standard apartment options by adding these on-site features:
In addition to these amenities, some senior apartments in the Omaha area add luxury amenities, such as these:
Additionally, many pet-friendly apartments include a dog park or a dog walking area.
Both Omaha and Council Bluffs offer affordable senior housing options.
Omaha Housing Authority (OHA) offers four types of senior apartment buildings for older adults aged 50 and older, depending on the requirements. These buildings have a resident association, as well as access to an elderly services coordinator. These senior apartment buildings are more affordable with rent as low as approximately $470 and as high as roughly $790. Monthly rent varies based on the size of the unit. However, you can choose between paying these flat rent prices or income-based rent. Regardless of how you decide to pay for an apartment, rental fees include all utilities, as well the following amenities:
Additionally, OHA has affordable housing options for low- to moderate-income adults. To qualify for either of these apartment buildings you must meet income requirements.
Council Bluffs has two affordable public housing options through the Municipal Housing Agency. These subsidized apartment options are not specifically reserved for seniors. They are available to low-income families, seniors, and adults with disabilities. Both public housing options base rent off your income; however, there is a minimum of at least $50 per month.
In addition to these options, the Connection to Resources for Older Iowans has one senior apartment building in Council Bluffs. You may qualify for this option if you are aged 62 or older and meet income requirements. This rent is also based off your income, meaning about 30% of your income will be your monthly rent.
While Omaha is the main area for senior apartments, there are still a significant number of seniors gravitating toward suburban areas. Among the 293 people we referred to senior apartments in the Omaha area, approximately 62% were referred directly to the city of Omaha. A Place for Mom has referred 12% of seniors in the Omaha region to Council Bluffs, Iowa, making it the second most referred city in the area. The remaining 26% were interested in other suburbs, including but not limited to the following:
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Number of seniors over the age of 55 currently living in Omaha, per the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 55 and older within the Omaha population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Average annual income for Omaha seniors 65 and older, per the U.S. Census Bureau
The Omaha area offers access to high performing hospitals — with geriatric programs and clinics available for seniors in the area. Below you’ll find respectable hospitals that are highly ranked in the Omaha region.
Nebraska Medicine-Nebraska Medical Center is ranked No. 1 in the region, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital system also highly performs for four adult specialties, including Cancer, Gastroenterology and GI Surgery, Orthopedics, and Pulmonology and Lung surgery. The hospital is home to Home Instead Center for Successful Aging — a geriatric clinic where seniors can receive services for geriatric medicine, geriatric psychiatry, clinical research, and more.
Nebraska Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 2 in Omaha and No. 3 in Nebraska, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital has a Geriatric Assessment Clinic and Acute Care for Elders Unit. Additionally, the hospital system has four different geriatric programs that benefit seniors. These programs help seniors orient to their hospital stay by offering educational information on geriatric medicine and care provided by specially trained nurses.
Chi Health Immanuel is located in North Omaha. The hospital goes beyond typical hospital services by having a cancer center, rehabilitation center, and specialty spine hospital. Additionally, the hospital system offers CHI Health at Home, which offers home health care services.
While many large urban cities have an abundance of transportation options, Omaha does not have a lot of transportation available. However, the city still has a variety of options to get around the area. Omaha Metro has three different bus options, including the local daily service, the Orbt rapid bus transit, and the Moby ADA/paratransit bus option. Some of these offer discounts on transportation fare for seniors aged 62 and older, as well as adults with disabilities. Additionally, some of our senior apartment partners have a complimentary shuttle service to help you run errands and explore the city.[01]
The following scores are out of 100 and consider transportation accessibility, overall walkability, and ease of biking in the Omaha metro area, which includes Council Bluffs, per Walk Score.
With a large hometown vibe, the Omaha area combines the comfort of home with a variety of activities available within the city. Whether you’re looking for entertainment or a relaxing day at the park, Omaha and Council Bluffs have an array of activities for seniors to enjoy. Many Omaha residents recommend visiting the Old Market, which is full of arts and entertainment, restaurants, and shopping. Some of the activities listed below are located in the Old Market, as well. Additionally, many senior-friendly activities can be found across the Iowa-Nebraska border in Council Bluffs.
The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging has senior centers in Omaha and surrounding areas in Nebraska. These senior centers have dietician-approved meals served daily and some offer Tai Chi classes. Additionally, Omaha has multiple senior activity centers where seniors can participate in activities and, if reserved within a 24-hour time period, receive a meal. Additionally, the City of Omaha Parks have activities scheduled specifically for seniors, including the following:
The YMCA Healthy Living Center in Council Bluffs is designated for active seniors. Seniors aged 62 and older receive a discounted membership price while enjoying multiple features, such as the following:
The Omaha region has a handful of casinos in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Seniors can gamble and game at any of the following casinos on the Iowa side of the Omaha region:
Omaha also has a large arts and music scene, thanks to places like Omaha Performing Arts — which hosts Broadway shows, live music, comedy shows, and dance performances. The performing arts center has three venues:
Common areas to visit in any city are museums, and in the Omaha area, there are multiple options, including the following:
While there are many options for indoor activities, Omaha does not lack outdoor areas — with multiple lakes, a well-known zoo, and over 250 parks. Parks in Omaha may include a variety of community amenities, like tennis courts, swimming pools, community centers, and picnic areas. In addition to these parks, Omaha is home to multiple lakes where locals like to swim or fish. Besides these outdoor areas, you can visit the famous Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which spreads across 160-acres. Additionally, the zoo and aquarium offers a slightly lower rate for seniors aged 65 and older.
Westgate Assisted Living, Connect55 Plus La Vista and Tregaron Senior Residences are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Omaha, NE. 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 Omaha is $1,130 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Medicaid Services.
State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Home Health Services
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (March 2022). Medicaid HCBS Waivers for Eligible Nebraskans.
Iowa Department of Human Services. (2022, June 24). Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Manual.
Medicare. What Medicare health plans cover.
Omaha Housing Authority. Housing Vouchers Eligibility Requirements.
Muncipal Housing Agency. Housing Choice Voucher Program.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Fair Housing Act: Housing for Older Persons.
Nebraska Legislature. (2021, May 21). Nebraska Revised Statue 20-322.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Nebraska Legislature. (2001). Nebraska Revised Statue 76-1419.
Legislative Services Agency. (Dec. 2014). Landlord-Tenant Law.
Nebraska Legislature. (1974). Nebraska Revised Statue 76-1421.
State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Emerging Health Issues – Novel Coronavirus.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Steps to take after testing positive or exposure to COVID-19.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age of Householder by Household Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2021 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) (B19037) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023, January 13). Hospital Search.
Walk Score. Living in Omaha.
Bird, S. (2023, Feb. 13). Personal communication [Zoom interview].
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Medicaid Services.
State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Home Health Services
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. (March 2022). Medicaid HCBS Waivers for Eligible Nebraskans.
Iowa Department of Human Services. (2022, June 24). Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Manual.
Medicare. What Medicare health plans cover.
Omaha Housing Authority. Housing Vouchers Eligibility Requirements.
Muncipal Housing Agency. Housing Choice Voucher Program.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Fair Housing Act: Housing for Older Persons.
Nebraska Legislature. (2021, May 21). Nebraska Revised Statue 20-322.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Nebraska Legislature. (2001). Nebraska Revised Statue 76-1419.
Legislative Services Agency. (Dec. 2014). Landlord-Tenant Law.
Nebraska Legislature. (1974). Nebraska Revised Statue 76-1421.
State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Emerging Health Issues – Novel Coronavirus.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Steps to take after testing positive or exposure to COVID-19.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age of Householder by Household Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2021 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) (B19037) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023, January 13). Hospital Search.
Walk Score. Living in Omaha.
Bird, S. (2023, Feb. 13). Personal communication [Zoom interview].