Senior Living Apartments in Columbus, OH
Located along the Scioto River in the heart of “the Buckeye State,” Columbus is the second-most populous Midwestern city, behind only Chicago. Ohio’s capital city and home to Ohio State University features a range of senior living options to meet the various needs and preferences of its older residents. In the Columbus area, A Place for Mom partners with seven senior apartment communities, which are designed for adults 55+ seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle at an affordable rate.
We’ve created this guide to Columbus senior apartment communities based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Columbus seniors below.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Columbus, OH
Meals seam to be sent in from someplace else. Some of moms complain is low staffing. Don't know if this is common or low pay rate. Really like being able to come and go into building with out being a staffer...
I would recommend this facility to others. My father is very happy there. When he has an issue, he can go to the office and they always treat him with respect.
I love living here. I have a lot of new friends and I couldn't be happier. I picked this place because it was all I could afford. I recommend this to others.
My father was well cared for in the Covid unit at Whetstone and the family was treated with kindness and respect. We were kept updated on his condition and he was kept as comfortable as possible. We were...
This is a very nice community for my mom's care.The staff are nice and respectful to her needs. She is happy with being active with the activites. The meals are appealing to her needs. We would recommend the...
It was a bit confusing when I first moved in. The manager I spoke with left and a new company took over. I was not to pay for August, but ended up having too. Other than the changes in mgmt, and the rent...
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Columbus community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Columbus 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 Columbus area
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Columbus
- How people pay for senior apartments in Columbus
- Understand Ohio laws and regulations for senior apartments
- What to expect from senior apartments in Columbus
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Columbus? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Columbus area
Columbus senior apartments cost an average of $3,276 per month, according to A Place For Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure represents the amount paid by real individuals referred to our partnered Columbus senior apartment communities. This cost includes rent as well as the costs of optional add-ons. These add-ons may include the following:
- Parking fees
- Pet fees
- Room amenities
The rates outlined below represent a baseline of Columbus-area senior apartment costs before add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Columbus, OH vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Columbus, OH vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Columbus vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Columbus, OH by room type
What families are saying about senior apartments in Columbus
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Columbus
Gates Junction in Columbus, OH
Abbotsgate Lofts in Powell, OH
Wellington Village in Hilliard, OH
How people pay for senior apartments in Columbus
Columbus residents can combine several private and public assistance options to help pay for senior living. An assessment of your own unique financial situation will help to determine the best way for you to pay for a senior apartment and any additional personal services you may need through in-home care.
Medicaid and Medicare won’t cover rent in a senior apartment, but they may help you offset costs in other areas. If you have a disability, chronic health condition, or another need for personal care services, public assistance may help cover the cost of these care services in your apartment.
Private pay methods can include any income sources. If you’re retired and no longer receive a paycheck, your income could be made up of your savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, investment returns, and any of the following:
Qualified Ohio senior veterans may be able to receive assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for cost of living and long-term care. Veterans pension benefits, such as Aid and Attendance, can help senior veterans and their surviving spouses improve their quality of life with supplemental income.
Veterans Service Officers
The application process for veterans benefits can be difficult. Even if you are eligible, you might be denied due to a mistake in the application process, so successfully applying usually requires assistance or advocacy. You can receive assistance and referrals from Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) in your area by visiting one of the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs field offices. As fellow veterans who are trained and certified in benefits offerings, VSOs are available to help Ohio senior veterans get the most out of their eligibility.
Additional assistance with VA benefits
You can visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services webpage or contact the local VA office for assistance with finding veterans benefits. The Ohio Attorney General website offers information on additional community resources for veterans, including the following:
- Financial support
- Legal advocacy
- Housing assistance
- Rehabilitation
The VA oversees Veterans Service Organizations in each state, including specialized departments for aiding veterans with disabilities and veterans of foreign wars. Find information on Columbus Veteran Service Organizations below.
Number of veterans who live in Columbus
About 62% of Columbus veterans are 55+
Resources for Columbus veterans
Franklin County Veterans Service Commission
280 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-525-2500
Veterans Services Coordinator
Zane Jones
77 N. Front St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Email: zdjones@columbus.gov
ODVS Office
Verne Riff State Office Tower
77 S. High St., #7
Columbus, OH 43215
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — Ohio
Phone: 614-224-1838
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV — Ohio
35 E. Chestnut St., Suite 503
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-221-3582
Columbus VA Clinic
Chalmers P. Wylie Veterans Outpatient Clinic
420 N. James Road
Columbus, OH 43219
Phone: 614-388-7650
Mental health line: 614-257-5631
Medicaid is federal- and state-funded medical insurance for Americans with disabilities or low incomes. While each state’s Medicaid program varies, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines. Medicaid in Ohio is simply referred to as Ohio Medicaid. To receive Medicaid benefits, you must be enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO), and the agency providing the care services must be contracted with that MCO.
Medicaid programs will not cover the cost of rent in a senior living community. However, Ohio residents in senior apartments may be able to receive financial support with care services through Home and Community Based Services waivers.
Ohio has one Home and Community Based Services waiver that may be used for seniors’ long-term care within their own home, known as the PASSPORT waiver. This waiver is designed to cover care for people who need a “nursing facility level of care” but choose to live in the community instead of in a skilled nursing or assisted living facility.
Ohio Medicaid PASSPORT waiver
The PASSPORT waiver is for Ohio residents age 60 and over. Eligible seniors can use this waiver to cover the cost of care in their own home, senior apartment, or other senior living facility instead of moving into a skilled nursing facility.
The PASSPORT waiver can cover costs of care needs such as the following:
- Personal care, such as assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping, and meal preparation
- Nutritional guidance and meal delivery
- Adult day services
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Medical equipment
PASSPORT waivers also include basic Medicaid coverage and may cover costs such as prescription medications, physician visits, and hospital stays.[04]
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid offers coverage for seniors and individuals with qualifying disabilities. To qualify for ABD Medicaid, Ohio residents must meet Medicaid’s basic eligibility requirements and meet one of the following criteria:
- Be aged 65 or older
- Be legally blind
- Have a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration
ABD Medicaid can be used to cover medical care, as well as some long-term care services.[05]
Ohio residents can manage their care through the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline Member Portal. The Ohio Department of Aging has several Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) where Ohio residents can receive additional support with Medicare, Medicaid, and other services. You can also reach out to a long-term care ombudsman for advice and advocacy on your rights as a resident in senior living.
Columbus resident Medicaid resources
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline
Ohio Medicaid Member Portal
Phone: 800-324-8680
Ohio Benefits Access
Ohio Department of Health Benefits
Ohio Department of Medicaid
50 W. Town St., Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
3776 S. High St.
Columbus, OH 43207
Phone: 800-589-7277
Ohio Department of Aging
Seek an Ombudsman.
Medicare is a federally funded program designed to extend health coverage to Americans 65 or older with qualifying disabilities. Medicare has multiple parts that cover different aspects of health care, such as the following:
- Inpatient hospital stays or skilled nursing care
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
Medicare health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of senior apartments. Medicare can be used to cover in-home care, provided that it is medically necessary, as well as care for short-term medical conditions. You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website or by reaching out to one of your local Ohio Social Security Administration offices. Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
The U.S. Social Security Administration can help seniors receive access to Medicare support. You may be able to dual enroll in Medicare and Medicaid, which will enable you to pay Medicare premiums using Medicaid benefits. A local long-term care ombudsman can help your loved one access the benefits they qualify for and advocate for their rights. A long-term care ombudsman can also investigate complaints of residents of long-term care and help ensure that seniors receive the quality of care they deserve. Find links to these resources below.
Columbus resident Medicare resources
Lower-income residents can apply for assistance from the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, including the Housing Choice (Section 8) Voucher. The Housing Choice Voucher is designed to make quality housing available to lower-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Be sure to check with the community you have in mind, as not all senior apartments accept Section 8.
Another way for seniors to offset the cost of rent may be to use these Social Security benefits:
- Social Security in retirement (also known as Social Security Retirement benefit/SSR) is intended to replace a portion of your income when you retire.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI) is an assistance program for individuals who have a work history but who, due to a disability, are unable to continue working.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is an assistance program for individuals who do not have a work history and are 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
- Social Security survivors pension assists the dependents (such as a spouse or children) of a deceased person who qualified for social security benefits.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have eligibility for SSI as well as work history credits as defined by the Social Security’s specific parameters. These may help cover rent in a senior apartment depending on your eligibility and the community itself.
Columbus resident public assistance resources
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Apply for Housing Choice Voucher.
Local Housing and Urban Development Office
Columbus Field Office
Bricker Federal Building
200 N. High St., 7th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-469-5737
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Understand Ohio laws and regulations for senior apartments
Ohio senior apartments typically have an age minimum of 55, 62, or 65, depending on the individual apartment community. Age minimums generally don’t apply to every tenant; rather, one person in each apartment household must meet the age requirement.
Senior apartments are subject to the same regulations as any other Ohio apartment, with tenants and landlords each having their own obligations and rights.
Ohio apartment regulations
Landlords of apartments in Ohio are required to maintain standards of maintenance, safety, and cleanliness for their tenants. Landlords are required to do the following:
- Ensure that all electrical, plumbing, sanitation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, elevators, and other facilities are in good and safe working order
- Organize waste removal services (if the landlord is overseeing four or more dwelling spaces within one building)
- Supply running water and heat
- Make necessary repairs to keep the building safe and usable
- Maintain compliance with building codes for health and safety purposes
- Keep shared/common areas clean, sanitary, and safe[06]
Tenants are required to do the following:
- Avoid disturbing other residents with excessive noise
- Keep the premises clean and safe
- Use plumbing and electrical equipment appropriately
- Dispose of waste properly
- Comply with state and municipal drug laws on the premises
- Comply with health and safety codes for housing[07]
ADA compliance
Senior apartment communities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by making reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities. Owners of housing facilities are prohibited by federal law from denying residency to individuals who have disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations are defined as adjustments to rules or policies so that residents with disabilities are able to access the same activities and benefits offered to the rest of the tenants. Some examples of accommodations may be the following:
- Provide convenient parking
- Provide equal access to the complex’s shared spaces or activities for those with disabilities
- Adjust rent payment due date to correspond with tenant’s disability payments
Modifications can mean making construction changes to the apartment complex and unit in order to make the space more accessible to individuals with disabilities. This could mean adding a wheelchair ramp, a hands-free entrance, or handrails in bathrooms. The costs of these modifications are the responsibility of the property owner, rather than of the tenant with the disability.[08] You can find more information on related Ohio tenant-landlord laws below:
- View the Ohio Tenant and Landlord Guide
- View the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Housing Guide for Seniors and Individuals Who Have a Disability
Ohio Department of Health contact information
Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-466-3543
COVID-19 regulations for Columbus senior apartment communities
As most COVID-19 restrictions in Ohio have been lifted, there are no COVID-19 regulations in place for Ohio senior apartments at this time.
What to expect from senior apartments in Columbus
Residents of Columbus senior apartments can enjoy worry-free retirement, where they can shed the responsibilities of home ownership like lawn care and maintenance. Senior apartments’ amenities are often more basic than those of an independent living or assisted living communities, in order to offer convenience while keeping costs comparatively low.
Columbus senior apartment private amenities
Amenities of individual senior apartment units in Columbus generally include the following:
- Private balcony or patio
- High-speed internet
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Fully equipped kitchens
Columbus senior apartment community-wide amenities
Our partnered Columbus senior apartment communities generally feature communal leisure areas and on-site conveniences like the following:
- Planned social activities
- Storage units
- Maintenance
- Management staff
- Community swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Recreational areas
- On-site salon services
Social opportunities in and around Columbus senior apartments
This type of senior living also provides many social opportunities, as residents live among other retirees. Many Columbus senior apartments are centrally located in the downtown area, giving residents access to the city’s best dining and entertainment. Downtown Columbus is easy to traverse on foot or through public transportation. Dubbed “everybody’s neighborhood” for its inclusivity and its variety, downtown Columbus offers events at the Columbus Commons, beautiful views at popular rooftop restaurants, and lovely riverside parks on the Scioto Mile.
Explore senior care with confidence
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Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Columbus? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Columbus
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Columbus population
Median annual income for Columbus seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Columbus
Columbus is home to two state-of-the-art teaching and general medical hospitals.
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
A general medical facility and teaching hospital, Wexner Medical Center is ranked No. 1 in Columbus and No. 2 in the state of Ohio, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s nationally ranked in nine adult specialties, including cardiology and cancer treatment.
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 2 in Columbus, according to U.S. News and World Report. Riverside is OhioHealth’s largest hospital and is outstanding in neuroscience, cardiovascular care, and cancer treatment.
Transportation for seniors in Columbus
Of A Place for Mom’s partnered senior apartments, 42% offer at-cost or complimentary transportation for residents. For residents in communities without transportation, Columbus is highly walkable and bikeable, and it has great public transportation options.
Columbus features an award-winning public transportation system. The Central Ohio Transit Authority, or COTA, received the American Public Transportation Association’s Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award in 2018 and 2020. With buses serving an area of over 1.2 million people, COTA has innovative trip planning tools, multiple services like Bike and Ride or Park and Ride, and a free Emergency Ride Home system to make sure Columbus residents don’t get stranded.
The Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) also has a comprehensive transportation guide where you can find information on free and low-cost transportation specifically for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Most errands in the downtown Columbus area can be accomplished on foot. The city has a bike share system called CoGo in addition to other public transportation options. Further outside of downtown, however, Columbus residents are more likely to need a car to get around easily.
Downtown Columbus has been ranked as “very walkable” by Walkscore.com, which gives it the following transportation ratings out of 100:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Columbus
Columbus boasts a wealth of events for its residents and its growing senior population. Below, find highlights of area attractions, family-friendly fun, continued education opportunities for seniors, and more.
Columbus dining
Columbus has eateries to suit any taste, whether you’re a meat lover, an herbivore, or seeking the comfort foods of the Midwest or the exotic delicacies of Spain, Italy, or Germany. Find distilleries, breweries, bistros, coffee shops, delicatessens, and food truck gatherings, all in the Experience Columbus restaurant guide.
Columbus attractions
Columbus offers unique experiences for all ages, both educational and entertaining. Family favorites include the following:
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Franklin Park Conservatory
- Columbus Museum of Art
Columbus also has an ongoing calendar of events, concerts, festivals, comedy shows, and more. The Ohio Capitol Square complex, which includes the Ohio Statehouse, Senate Building, and Atrium, also offers fascinating guided tours at no cost. For the budget-conscious, the city also has many free activities to check out.
Columbus 55+
Columbus Parks and Recreation offers social opportunities for residents age 55 and over, including fitness programs, arts, and special interest classes. Grandparents and grandkids aged 8-12 can create some lasting memories at Gram and Gramp Camp, where all can participate in structured activities and enjoy quality time together.
The city features multiple community centers where residents can participate in various activities and enjoy numerous membership benefits, such as priority registration for classes, activities, vacations, and educational trips. Members also get a Leisure Card, which gives them access to community centers and swimming pools.
Senior artisans can sell their handcrafted wares at Golden Hobby Gift Shop, an arts and consignment shop that sells quilts, pottery, paintings, and other one-of-a-kind goods made by Columbus seniors. The Golden Hobby Gift Shop is itself a Columbus older resident, with over 50 years of selling members’ handmade products.
Ohio State University Program 60
Ohio State University’s Program 60 offers tuition-free educational opportunities for Ohio residents aged 60 and over. For the empty nester who is eager to continue learning, you can enroll in university credit courses. Seniors are welcome to attend classes on a part-time or full-time basis, paying only for their textbooks and any applicable lab fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carroll Place, Homestead Village and Wellington Village are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Columbus, OH. 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 Columbus is $1,329 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): Columbus [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Ohio Department of Aging. PASSPORT.
Ohio Department of Medicaid. Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid.
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04 (2012).
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.05 (2012).
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 Years and Over in the United States (S0103): Columbus. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Columbus.
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