About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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Senior Living Apartments in Portland, OR

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Who are you searching for?

In recent years, Portland, Oregon, has experienced a surge in population due to its magnetic quirkiness and fabulous atmosphere. Creativity and uniqueness thrive here, and residents strive to keep it that way with their famous mantra: Keep Portland weird. Local governance has made a conscious effort to make the city enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds with outstanding public transportation infrastructure and environmentally friendly measures for long-term sustainability.

In the shorter-term, the senior population of Portland grows each year, as does the housing demand. Senior apartments in Portland are appearing more and more often, providing a lovely lifestyle option for seniors who don’t need extra care support and are looking to enjoy Portland from the comfort of an independent space.

In this guide, you’ll learn what it’s like to live in Portland senior apartments, along with what it costs and how people pay. You’ll learn about benefits for veterans and public assistance to help cover the cost of senior living, along with what regulations dictate senior apartment standards. Listings used to create this guide were pulled from a 10-mile radius from downtown Portland, which includes parts of Vancouver, Washington. Learn more about life in Portland senior apartments below.

Senior Apartments Facilities near Portland, OR

Showing 12 communities
Last Updated: 12/20/24
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Photo of The Canyons PDX
1414 Photos available
8.5
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1 review
8.5
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1 review
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Well, The Canyons is really just an apartment building with community activities, more than a senior facility. That's great if, like me, that's what you need. The senior residents love that there are people...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
The Canyons introduces an entirely new way to live. It’s an entirely accessible, urban and modern apartment community in the heart of North Portland, Oregon — with a concierge and COVID-19 safety features designed right into the building. Perfect for active adults, anyone with limited mobility...
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Photo of Better Living Residential Care
77 Photos available
8.0
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1 review
8.0
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1 review
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Better Living Residential Care was really good about communicating the needs of my loved one to me. They had a Thanksgiving dinner for the entire community there and the residents were able to invite their...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
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Photo of Hazelwood Community Apartments
2020 Photos available
8.0
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32 reviews
8.0
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32 reviews
5 star
47%
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28%
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It's a great place. I would recommend to others. We picked this community because of the price, and it was the only one available.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Are you looking to become part of an Affordable thriving, active community full of opportunities to bring new meaning to your lifestyle? Income Restrictions ApplyThe Hazelwood Community Apartments is a vibrant community in NE Portland that offers independent living for people with disabilities...
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Photo of Holladay Park Plaza
1.0
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Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Homes, Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Vintage at Vancouver
1.0
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6 reviews
1.0
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6 reviews
5 star
17%
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33%
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The care at this community is good. The staff are outstanding. I am happy having a clean community to live in. I know that I have recommended other families to this community for a great place to live.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
We invite you to visit The Vintage at Vancouver to truly appreciate our professionally decorated retirement facilities. Our Social Room is designed for large screen television viewing, playing bingo and cards, hosting potlucks and events and visiting with family, friends and residents....
Photo of Hamilton West
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Marshall Union Manor
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Bridge Meadows
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Summer Run Apartments
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Photo of Kellyville
77 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
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Photo of Columbia Terrace Retirement
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.

Our methodology

How we rank order the Portland community options above

We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Portland 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

Read our full methodology

Costs of senior apartments in the Portland, Oregon, area

Portland has a relatively high cost of living compared to the national average. But among the senior living options available, senior apartments are some of the most affordable in the city. Explore local senior apartment costs and Portland tax and affordability information below.

How much do senior apartments cost in Portland?

According to internal research, one-bedroom apartments in Portland cost an average of $1,645 per month in early 2023. Studio apartments fell around $1,284 a month, while a two-bedroom senior apartment averaged at a monthly rate of $2,089.

Listed below are some common features or services included with these apartments:

  • Balconies
  • Small appliances, such as microwaves
  • Large appliances, such as dishwashers, washers, and dryers, that are often energy efficient
  • Online portals and payment options

Many senior apartment buildings welcome pets, though pets will likely be subject to size restrictions and will cost extra in pet rent.

Other additional fees you might run into at senior apartments in the Portland area include the following:

  • Reserved parking
  • Additional storage
  • Housekeeping

Is Portland an affordable place to live?

Cost of living in Portland is 24% higher than the national average. While there’s no sales tax in Oregon, housing in Portland is 62% higher than the national average.[01]

Neither Oregon nor Washington tax Social Security benefits; a plus for senior renters on both sides of the state line. Even so, many seniors choose to live in the Portland suburb of Vancouver, Washington, which has some better tax benefits for retirees and where the overall cost of living is only 4% higher than the national average. In fact, in Vancouver, housing is 2% lower than the national average housing cost.[02]

Here are a couple differences between senior taxes in Oregon and Washington:

  • Withdrawals from retirement accounts. Oregon does tax withdrawals from retirement accounts, while Washington does not tax withdrawals from retirement accounts.
  • Public and private pension income. Pension incomes are partially taxed in Oregon. However, pension incomes are not taxed in Washington.[03,04]

The following numbers indicate average baseline costs in Portland senior apartments. Please note that average add-on expenses aren’t included in the numbers below.

Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Portland, OR vs. nearby cities

Portland, OR
$2,117/mo

Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Portland, OR vs. the state and national average

Portland, OR
$2,117/mo
$1,092/mo
U.S. national average
$1,310/mo

Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Portland vs. other types of senior living

$5,119/mo
Senior Apartments
$2,117/mo

Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Portland, OR by room type

Studio
$4,072/mo
1 Bedroom
$1,529/mo
2 Bedroom
$1,974/mo

What families are saying about senior apartments in Portland

Recent reviews for senior apartments in Portland

Hazelwood Community Apartments in Portland, OR

4.2
I am currently a resident at Hazelwood Community Apartments and overall it has been a good experience. I didn't sign up for meals or housekeeping, so I can't comment on those. All of which has since gone away. Shortly after I got settled in with my move to Hazelwood Community, we received an ...
Read more

Vintage at Vancouver

5.0
We're very pleased with how things have gone at the Vintage. It's a very nice looking community, and the staff have all been very friendly. They really take the time to speak with their residents and get their input on how to make The Vintage a great place.

Affinity at Vancouver

5.0
The people here are nice and so are the apartments. The apartments are nice size. They have activities for the residents to choose from to participate in. The maintenance is willing to help and do things for you.

How people pay for senior apartments in Portland, Oregon

Most seniors pay for senior apartments the same as conventional apartments; that is, private funds are the primary sources of payments for rent. Some apartment complexes for seniors may include certain utilities or even social events in the monthly rent. For seniors needing extra help, in-home care is a common add-on option when you don’t want to move into assisted living.

Private pay methods in Portland

Private pay methods that Portland seniors may use to cover the cost of apartments include income sources like savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns, as well as any of the following:

VA benefits for senior apartments in Portland
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits

A VA pension is a monthly payment that can be used toward your rental fees and in-home care costs as a veteran senior in Portland. The Aid and Attendance benefit is among the most generous of pension additions you may be eligible for as a disabled veteran and can be used toward anything that improves your quality of life, such as rent in a senior living community.

Finding help navigating veterans benefits

Applying for veterans benefits can be a long and difficult process, so many local Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) have veteran service officers available to help you understand what you qualify for and how to get the benefits you are entitled to. Note that offices may not have walk-in services available due to COVID-19; many are offering phone appointments instead.

In addition to these offices, nonprofit organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion have service officers to help you understand veterans benefits and claims. Other organizations with local branches, such as the National Association for Black Veterans and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), also offer veteran service officers to advocate for Black or disabled veterans trying to access their benefits.

Portland also offers numerous veterans helplines you can call for quick, helpful information. Below, you’ll find a number of resources meant to connect you to local veterans services officers, veterans services by county, benefits guides, and more.

26312

Number of veterans who live in Portland

Percentage of Portland veterans who are 55+

Resources for Portland veterans

Veterans service officers in Portland by county

Multnomah County Veterans Services
Schedule a phone appointment: 503-988-8387
Aging, Disability, and Veteran Services Helpline: 503-988-3646
Email: veteran.services@multco.us

Clackamas County
Phone: 503-650-5631

Clark County
Phone: 360-693-7030

Washington County
Phone: 503-846-3060

Federal and state VA offices

Portland Regional Office
1505 NE 122nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97230
Phone: 503-688-5361

Other local veterans assistance
Portland veterans helplines

Transition Projects’ veterans hotline
Phone: 855-425-5544

Veterans crisis line
Phone: 800-273-8255

Portland Medicaid coverage for senior care services

Medicaid is offered in Oregon through the Oregon Health Plan and in Washington through Apple Health. While Medicaid does not cover the cost of senior apartments in either state, both Medicaid programs can help cover in-home health care services if medically necessary.

Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

Through OHP, you may be eligible for the following services:

  • Home health care provided by a registered nurse or health aide
  • Therapies, including physical, occupational, or speech-language pathology
  • Respite care for caregivers
  • Necessary medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or oxygen equipment[06]

Navigating Medicaid and eligibility can be a bit confusing. Oregon has Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) that work with OHP as an all-in-one resource for your health care questions, appointments, and guidance through the health care systems in Oregon. Additionally, an OHP ombudsman can help secure Medicaid benefits and advocate for health care.

Oregon also has the following fantastic services to help guide you through the process:

  • The Community Services and Supports Unit (CSSU) is Oregon’s Area Agency on Aging. They help connect you to the most applicable services by location.
  • The Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC) offers free services, such as OHP navigation, and resources for seniors and people with disabilities.
Apple Health

Washington seniors may be eligible for the following Apple Health services:[07]

  • In-home care
  • Help paying Medicare premiums, medical expenses, and health care costs
  • Prescription medications
  • Lab services
  • Transportation to and from medical appointments, when necessary

There may also be additional waivers available to you as a Washington resident. For instance, the Community Protection Waiver helps Washington residents stay in their home of choice rather than in an institutional setting in the event of needing 24-hour care, skilled nursing, assistive technology, specialized equipment and supplies, therapies, and more.

For questions about Apple Health and other health waivers, there are numerous ways to get answers:

Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers for seniors

Oregon residents with a disability or over the age of 65 may also have access to HCBS waivers to receive health care in their residence through the Oregon Department of Human Services. For more information, contact the department by email.

Seniors in Washington may be eligible for Home and Community Service (HCS) waivers through Washington’s Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA). For more information, learn who to contact by age and location on the ALTSA website.

Portland resident Medicaid resources

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) — Medicaid for Oregon residents

Oregon OHP Ombudsman Program
500 Summer St. NE, E20
Salem, OR 97301
Phone message line: 877-642-0450
Email: oha.ombudsoffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov

Apple Health — Medicaid for Washington residents
Washington Area Agency on Aging

Clark County Area Agency on Aging for Washington residents
201 NE 73rd St., Suite 201
Vancouver, WA, 98665
Phone: 360-735-5720

Medicare coverage for senior care in Portland

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that may cover some medical costs, such as medically necessary in-home care. Seniors with HIV or AIDS may be eligible for pharmaceutical drug assistance through either Oregon’s CareAssist program or Washington’s Early Intervention program.

  • Medicare Parts A and B or Original Medicare. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and lab tests. Part B covers home health care and doctors’ office visits.
  • Medicare Advantage or Part C. Medicare Advantage, or Part C, plans are offered through private insurance companies. Fewer providers may take these plans, but in addition to everything Original Medicare covers, these plans also typically cover prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Part D. This offers additional prescription drug coverage and is often added to Original Medicare.
  • Medigap. A supplemental insurance plan offering extra coverage for those with Medicare A and B. Medigap plans provide assistance with things like copays and overseas medical coverage.

Medicare will not cover the cost of rent in a senior apartment. Medicare Savings Programs are available to Oregon seniors with Medicare Part A whose income falls within a certain limit. These programs may cover part of a senior’s Medicare premium.

You can apply for Medicare Savings Programs online and see which of Oregon’s three Medicare programs best fit your needs.[08] Oregon and Washington also both offer Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) services. PACE is a Medicare program with a Medicaid service option that bridges some of the gaps in Medicare Parts A-D; you can explore details on the state websites in the resources below. PACE coverage might include the following:

  • Primary care
  • Prescription drugs
  • Transportation to appointments
  • Therapies

To apply for Medicare online, visit the Social Security Administration application website. For assistance with Medicare benefits and Medicare Savings Programs, you can contact Portland’s Social Security Administration office or connect with your county’s long-term care ombudsman. In addition to concerns with Medicare benefits, ombudsman programs help residents understand their rights and serve as a source of advocacy for seniors.

In the state of Oregon, seniors have access to Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA). Washington residents also have access to Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (also called SHIBA), serving in the same capacity. In both states, SHIBA is a network of trained volunteers dedicated to educate and advocate for Oregonians and Washingtonians who have or who need Medicare.

Portland resident Medicare resources

Medicare and Social Security

Social Security Administration

Portland Social Security Office
1538 SW Yamhill St.
Portland, OR, 97205
Phone: 888-632-6990
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Health insurance benefits assistance
Public assistance for seniors in Portland

Oregon and Washington both offer a variety of public assistance options to help Portland seniors pay for in-home care or senior apartment rental expenses.

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program/Section 8

Through Housing Choice vouchers (HCV), formerly known as Section 8 vouchers, Portland seniors can have access to subsidized housing or rental assistance through the federal government. Subsidized rent varies by county, but generally tenant rent is set between 28% and 30% of a tenant’s gross income.[09] Applicants must meet certain income restrictions to apply for HCV, and some communities accepting HCV may additionally have age restrictions.

To apply for HCV or subsidized housing, connect with the local Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office or the Portland Housing Authority. Note that there may be a waitlist in effect to apply for subsidies or government benefits. Portland residents can find additional agencies and informational offices below for the following public assistance resources by state:

  • Oregon seniors. Oregonians have access to the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), housing and community services, long-term care services and information, utility bills assistance, and the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance program (ERA) in order to help make ends meet.
  • Washington seniors. Public assistance resources for Washington residents include housing authorities and low-income housing assistance by location.

Explore the resources section below for contact and other information regarding these public assistance services.

Social Security benefits

Social Security benefits can provide income to help you pay for your costs of living. Your eligibility may depend on the benefits requirements, like your current financial situation and your work history.

  • Social Security Retirement provides monthly checks to seniors aged 62 and older who no longer work or have recently reduced their hours. You must have established work credits where Social Security taxes were paid over the last 10 or more years to qualify.
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI) is for adults with a disability who have worked recently or who have work credits. Applicants must have had this disability for at least a year or must expect it to be fatal. The amount granted is determined by yearly wages and income. This could also roll over into Social Security Retirement benefits.
  • Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is for those with limited income and little to no work credits. Applicants must be either aged 65 and older or have a disability.
  • Social Security survivors’ pension is for a widow or widower whose deceased partner had work credits. This pension is typically a one-time payment, but seniors aged 60 and older may qualify to receive monthly payments.

For assistance with Social Security benefits, contact your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.

Portland resident public assistance resources

HUD office for Portland residents

Portland Field Office
Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Office Building
1220 SW Third Ave., Suite 400
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: 971-222-2600

Public assistance resources for seniors in Washington

Understand Oregon and Washington laws and regulations for senior apartment communities

Landlords in Portland and Vancouver cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, color, national origin, disability, familial status, or sex, according to the federal Fair Housing Law and the Fair Housing Act.

In Oregon, landlords cannot consider a tenant’s past eviction cases — whether the tenant won or lost — between April 1, 2020 and March 1, 2022.[10] Communities qualify as senior apartment buildings when they restrict residency to families with at least one person who has a disability or who is 55+.[11]

Additionally, apartment buildings must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Reasonable accommodations are designed to help provide equitable opportunities for people with disabilities. Listed below are some reasonable accommodations:[12]

  • Landlords must provide adequate numbers of accessible parking spaces.
  • Landlords must allow tenants to pay their rent according to their income assistance schedule.
  • Landlords must allow tenants to keep service animals even if the community does not allow pets.

Reasonable modifications are design changes to a facility that make the building and living unit easily accessible. Most of the time, landlords aren’t required to pay for changes, with exceptions in common areas and in some subsidized housing situations. Reasonable modifications may include installing features like the following in the common areas or in a tenant’s unit:[13]

  • Wheelchair ramps
  • Grab bars
  • Widened entryways

While senior apartments do not have specific regulations in Portland, standard apartments do need to conform to regulations the landlords and tenants must follow. For advocacy help in situations of disability law in senior apartments, you can contact Fair Housing Center of Washington in Clark County or the Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) in Multnomah County.

Standard apartment regulations in Oregon and Washington

Landlords in the Portland metro must maintain a safe and healthy living environment by meeting the following requirements and making repairs when needed.[10,14]

  • Homes should be fully waterproof and weatherproof.
  • Homes should be free of pests.
  • Homes should have hot and cold water that’s safe to drink.
  • Homes should be equipped with heat sources adequate to heating the whole unit.
  • Homes should have properly-installed electrical equipment.
  • Home appliances should be in good working order.
  • Homes should have properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

While landlords must provide habitable living accommodations, tenants must follow their own set of rules. Some of general rules expected of Portland tenants include the following:[14]

  • Tenants should maintain a clean and safe apartment.
  • Tenants should properly dispose of trash and other waste in appropriate receptacles and should keep apartment sanitary.
  • Tenants should not use facilities and appliances unreasonably.
  • Tenants should not disturb the neighbors.
  • Tenants should not deliberately damage the apartment.

Review tenant and landlord resources in Washington
Review tenant’s rights, laws, and protections in Oregon

Oregon Department of Health contact information

North Mall Office Building
725 Summer St. NE, Suite B
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-986-2000
Email: hcs_housing.info@hcs.oregon.gov

Washington Department of Health contact information

Find an office near you
Phone: 360-236-4501

COVID-19 regulations for Portland senior apartments communities

Oregon and Washington don’t have COVID-19 restrictions in place at this time. Recommendations are as follows.

Oregon COVID-19 website
Washington COVID-19 website

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Vaccinations. Portland residents are encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted to fight infection and serious illness.

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Masking. Masks may be required in some settings, including most health care facilities. Some senior apartments may have additional requirements; check with specific apartment management.

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Social distancing. In Washington, residents can enable WA Notify on their phones to receive alerts if they’ve been exposed to COVID-19.

What to expect from senior apartments in Portland, Oregon

Portland, like much of the rest of the country, is expecting significant growth in their senior population in the coming years. As such, many new-construction senior living solutions are popping up all over the Portland metropolitan area.

New construction

Common amenities in these new builds include emphasis on convenience and practicality. Senior apartments in Portland are being built close to shopping and leisure, with easy access to public transportation. Even so, many new construction communities feature abundant or easy parking with secure, controlled access. Additionally, many communities are going above and beyond Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance standards with practical inclusions, such as wider doorways and grab rails in showers, to make senior apartments easily accessible and navigable for all.

Emphasis on sustainability

Portland consistently ranks highly on the national scene for sustainability. From strategic sustainable measures by Portland governance to greener choices in everyday life, the cultural emphasis on environmental responsibility plays a big role in the Portland lifestyle.

Eco-friendly measures in senior apartments commonly include the following:

  • Electric vehicle charging stations
  • On-site recycling
  • ENERGY STAR-certified appliances in unit
  • High efficiency windows

Celebrating Portland’s natural beauty

Portland is technically in a geological rainforest. While the city is known for its rainy days, one cannot deny the resulting beauty in Portland’s scenery. The city neighbors several stunning national parks with towering mountains and tumbling waterfalls, and you can find Portland natives out hiking and enjoying the fresh air most weekends.

This affinity for their locale translates into a desire to be outside more — or to bring a sense of the outdoors inside. In several senior apartment buildings, there’s a sense of breezy, natural beauty. Renters enjoy tasteful design elements such as exposed wood, elevated ceilings, and open-air hallways in their apartment buildings. Layouts in the apartments themselves can be quite spacious, boasting glorious views of the city’s beautiful scenery. And for the days when indoor activities just aren’t enough, most senior apartment complexes are located near bike lanes and paths for easy cycling access and fresh air.

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Unfamiliar with Portland? Highlights for seniors

398000

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Portland

13%

Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Portland population

67000

Mean annual income for Portland seniors 65 and older

Health care for seniors in Portland

Portland residents benefit from a wealth of excellent health care options. Explore some of the top-rated hospital systems in the Portland metro area below.

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Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU) Hospital

Ranked No. 1 in Portland, OHSU hospital is nationally ranked in six specialties. The hospital is particularly high-performing in senior health procedures such as heart conditions, orthopedics, and pulmonology.

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Providence St. Vincent Medical Center

Ranked No. 2 in Portland, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is high-performing in neurology and cancer procedures.

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Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center

The No. 3 hospital in Portland, Kaiser Permanente has excellent rankings in gastroenterology and diabetes-related procedures.

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Transportation for seniors in Portland

Portland is a beacon of accessible, plentiful, and affordable public transportation. Review some of the many transportation options available to you as a Portland resident below.

  • Light rail system. The Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail can be accessed through TriMet, the city’s primary public transportation hub. The MAX boasts 60 miles of track and nearly 100 stops to help Portland residents navigate the city. They also offer reduced fares for seniors 65+, as well as robust accessibility measures. You can review their accessibility features on their website.
  • Bus transportation. This is a great way to get from Portland to cities in the surrounding Pacific Northwest area, including stops in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. Portland has 80+ bus lines servicing the metro area via the TriMet bus system.
  • Streetcar. Portland famously built the United States’ first modern streetcar in 2001. Today, the Portland streetcar is still offering affordable transportation to the city’s most popular destinations throughout the famous Pearl District.
  • Bicycles. Considered one of the most bike-friendly cities on the planet, Portland offers residents extensive bike lanes and bike rental options. Adaptive Biketown offers biking options for people with disabilities to help increase access to cycling.

Overall, Portland has a reputation for excellent transportation as well as walk-friendly and bike-friendly infrastructure. The below scores are ranked from zero to 100, painting Portland as one of the West Coast’s most accessible cities.

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67

Walk Score

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49

Transit Score

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83

Bike Score

Senior activities in Portland

Trendy Portland prides itself on its quirkiness and charm. With its plentiful national parks and its endless offerings for rainy day activities in the city, there’s always something to do close to home.

Shopping small in the big city

From local vendors to national brands, Portland offers an excellent shopping experience. Local scenes such as Hawthorne Boulevard or the Pearl District take shoppers from boutiques to excellent food and beyond. You can also browse the famed Portland Saturday Market, a nationally recognized open-air arts and crafts market celebrating small businesses and handmade art. Avid readers are sure to love Powell’s, a nationally-recognized bookstore, celebrated for its dizzying selection of new, used, and rare books.

Cultural delights for the artist at heart

Portland is a naturally vibrant place, filled with art, color, and creativity. For those looking to enjoy an afternoon of art and history, the Portland Art Museum features world treasures spanning centuries. Seniors more interested in the dramatic arts can enjoy inspiring performances at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall or at Roseland Theater.

Things to do with the family

For ideas of what to do when family and friends come to visit, Portland has plenty of attractions to delight all ages. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a continual favorite among visitors. The museum regularly features events and shows to spark curiosity and educate the public on the scientific wonders of our world. Additionally, animal lovers are sure to delight in the nearby Oregon Zoo. The zoo features numerous exhibits, from aquatic and arctic environments to family farms and botanical gardens.

Natural getaways near downtown

Portland rests between a number of striking national parks and ecological wonders. Residents of all ages often spend their weekends hiking in one of the neighboring parks, which include the following:

To stay closer to home, you can’t go wrong with an afternoon spent in the Portland Japanese Garden. The gardens and art displays therein offer a serene and stunning getaway for when you need a moment of peace and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Canyons PDX, Better Living Residential Care and Miracle Heights are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Portland, OR. 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 Portland is $2,117 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

References

  1. Payscale. (2023). Cost of Living in Portland, Oregon.

  2. Payscale. (2023). Cost of Living in Vancouver, Washington.

  3. SmartAsset. (2023). Oregon retirement tax friendliness.

  4. SmartAsset. (2023). Washington retirement tax friendliness.

  5. United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population estimates: Portland city, Oregon (V2021). [Data set]. QuickFacts.

  6. Oregon Health Authority. (2023). Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Benefits.

  7. Washington State Health Care Authority. (2023). What are my basic covered services?

  8. Oregon Department of Human Services. (2023). Medicare Savings Programs.

  9. Multnomah County Department of County Human Services. (2023). Affordable/Subsidized Housing Resources.

  10. Oregon State Bar. (2023). Rights and Duties of Landlords.

  11. City of Portland. (2023). 33.229 Elderly and Disabled High Density Housing.

  12. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2023). Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications.

  13. Oregon State Bar. (2023). Illegal Housing Discrimination.

  14. Oregon State Bar. (2023). Habitability.

  15. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  16. United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population 65 years and over in the United States: Portland-Vancouver-Hillboro, OR-WA Metro Area. [Data set]. American Community Survey.

  17. U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Oregon.

  18. WalkScore. (2023). Portland.

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5.

United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population estimates: Portland city, Oregon (V2021). [Data set]. QuickFacts.

6.

Oregon Health Authority. (2023). Oregon Health Plan (OHP) Benefits.

7.

Washington State Health Care Authority. (2023). What are my basic covered services?

8.

Oregon Department of Human Services. (2023). Medicare Savings Programs.

9.

Multnomah County Department of County Human Services. (2023). Affordable/Subsidized Housing Resources.

10.

Oregon State Bar. (2023). Rights and Duties of Landlords.

11.
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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2023). Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications.

13.

Oregon State Bar. (2023). Illegal Housing Discrimination.

14.

Oregon State Bar. (2023). Habitability.

15.

A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

16.

United States Census Bureau. (2023). Population 65 years and over in the United States: Portland-Vancouver-Hillboro, OR-WA Metro Area. [Data set]. American Community Survey.

17.

U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Oregon.

18.

WalkScore. (2023). Portland.