Austin is a hotspot for active, retired seniors. The city is filled with cultural, recreational, and unique activities. Plus, the city’s robust health care and senior living options make it especially attractive to seniors. Seniors who prefer to spend their time out and about may benefit from the convenience of senior apartments. Senior apartments offer an affordable option that provides additional security and useful amenities on-site. They also typically have 55+ age restrictions, enabling seniors to live alongside one another and develop new friendships.
In Austin, Texas, senior apartments aren’t as common as other senior living options, so many seniors turn to independent living communities. Much like senior apartments, these communities enable seniors to start a new chapter in their lives alongside individuals in the same age group. A lively environment filled with senior-friendly activities and unique amenities is an added bonus.
In this guide to Austin senior apartments, we share our 20+ years of senior living knowledge to help you find an ideal senior apartment. We provide information on senior apartment costs, demographics, features, and amenities from our local proprietary data. We also include reviews and feedback from residents, payment tips, statewide apartment regulations, and senior-specific resources to help you understand your local options.
Nice clean, new building. One bedroom but looks larger. Maintenance comes within a day or two. Grab bars and higher toilet accommodate seniors. They paid for mine. Arborview is for persons who don’t...
This is a really nice place to live and it feels very homey. you still have all of your independence and options for activities. I really enjoy being here at this community. They have a lot of different...
Great place for active seniors! Residents are encouraged to start special interest groups that are then added to the monthly calendar. They also have a weekly Wednesday night social hosted by the community,...
At Isle at Cedar Ridge, every day is a new opportunity for happiness and health. The range of activities, the focus on wellness, and the constant companionship make this place more than a residence—it's a...
Mother loves the care and attention she gets on a daily basis. It is a small facility with a fantastic staff to resident ratio. Everyone in the facility is very kind and compassionate. She went from being...
I came here looking for a new purpose. An insurance issue closed the wood shop.i talked mgmt in letting me clean it up. I converted it to an art studio.everyone is invited to create their own masterpiece....
[name removed] the sales representative here is just a gem, she truly is a germ and is always upbeat and never steps out of line. I do wish they had some kind of a welcoming packet or even a welcoming...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Austin 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
Within a 25-mile radius of downtown Austin, the median cost of rent is $1,475, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data on senior apartments.[01] This figure is based on what residents actually pay at our in-network partner communities. It’s reflective of the city’s average apartment rental costs, which makes senior apartments an affordable option.
Senior apartments offer all the amenities of an ordinary apartment complex with some added benefits. These benefits include getting to age alongside other seniors, residing in an aging-friendly environment, and engaging in senior-specific apartment activities.
The following are some amenities and services you can expect to find at Austin’s senior apartments:
Austin senior apartment residents may have to pay additional fees for the following:
The following costs represent average baseline costs and don’t account for add-on fees for extra amenities or services. Though they are not as exact as our figure above, these figures make for a good baseline cost comparison of the Austin area.
Seniors typically pay for a senior apartment the same way they’d pay rent at any ordinary apartment — using a combination of their personal income resources. Senior veterans or their spouses may also qualify for some veterans benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which can help pay rent at a senior apartment.
Senior apartments aren’t covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance. However, these programs may be able to cover in-home care services within a senior apartment. They may also be used to pay for a senior care facility, should the need arise.
Below you’ll find useful information on private payment methods, veterans benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and housing assistance. You’ll also learn about how these payment methods may apply to potential care needs in the future.
Seniors most commonly use private payment methods to pay rent at Austin senior apartments. These methods might include income sources like your savings accounts, retirement pensions, investment returns, and/or Social Security benefits. And, depending on your current situation, the following may also apply.
If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible to receive additional funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Senior veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible for VA pension benefits, which can be used to pay rent at a senior apartment. The Aid and Attendance benefit is another benefit which may be paid in addition to a pension. However, seniors must meet specific qualifications to qualify.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility for VA benefits, be sure to reach out to a local veteran service organization (VSO) or other support service. They can help you find options you may not know about and help you to successfully file a claim. Some organizations can even help you appeal a denied claim.
Austin has several programs and resources for its veterans. Below, you’ll find a few veteran centers and offices dedicated to helping you apply for and obtain your benefits. The Travis County Veteran Services Department and Texas Veterans Commission are locally recognized veteran service organizations that assist with filing claims and appeals, and provide health care advocacy. The regional veteran resources are local branches of nationally recognized veteran organizations, and they aim to enhance the lives of veterans through advocacy and local community services.
Number of veterans who live in Austin
About 39% of Austin veterans are 65+
Resources for Austin veterans
Travis County Veterans Services Department
5325 Airport Blvd.
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512-854-9340
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (By appointment only)
Virtual contact: Veterans services contact form
Texas Veterans Commission (TVC)
1700 N. Congress Ave., Suite 800
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-475-2395
Regional Disabled American Veterans (DAV) office
VA Regional Office — One Veterans Plaza
701 Clay Ave.
Waco, TX 76799
Phone: 254-299-9932
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Medicaid is a public health insurance program jointly funded by the Texas and federal governments. It cannot be used to pay rent at a senior apartment, but it can be used to cover long-term health care services and medically necessary in-home care services received within a senior apartment.
Most Texas seniors who receive Medicaid receive their coverage through STAR+PLUS, the state’s managed care program run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC). This program is specifically for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities. To qualify for the Medicaid program, seniors mustn’t exceed a monthly income of $2,742 as an individual or $5,484 as a couple.[03]
If you or a senior loved one are looking to plan for care needs that may arise in the future, be sure to learn about STAR+PLUS’ Home and Community Based Services waiver program. It can be used to cover the cost of some personal care services, health care services, and medical supplies within a senior’s apartment or at their senior living facility.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program, and anyone who is 65+ and/or disabled qualifies for it within the state of Texas. It cannot be used to cover rent or living costs at a senior apartment, but it can help cover many medical services. Some services include hospital stays, hospice care, certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services.
Austin seniors who are eligible for Medicare can receive assistance with their Medicare benefits, legal advice, and referrals by utilizing the resources listed below. Legal attorneys may direct financially eligible, low-income seniors to the Texas Medicare Savings Program — which aids seniors with their Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and/or copayments.
If you’re an Austin resident who qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, you might qualify for dual coverage. The state of Texas offers a joint Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project, commonly referred to as “the Demonstration.”
With the Demonstration, Texas strives towards the following:
To qualify for the Demonstration, a senior must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Qualifying seniors should automatically be enrolled in the Demonstration. You may choose to opt out of the Demonstration once you’ve received a notifying letter of enrollment in the mail. If you’d like additional information on the program, you can email Managed_Care_Initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
It can be difficult to navigate Medicaid and Medicare on your own, so Austin and Texas offer several programs and organizations to help you better understand and apply for your benefits. Below, you’ll be able to find Medicaid and Medicare applications, local organizations that can assist you with your application, and resources to help you better understand your senior living options and benefits.
Austin resident Medicare and Medicaid resources
Long-term care ombudsman
Clement “Pete” Moreno, Managing Local Ombudsman at the AAA of the Capital Area
6800 Burleson Road, Building 310, Suite 165
Austin, TX 78744
Phone: 512-916-6054
Email: cpmoreno@capcog.org
Phone: 2-1-1
If you’re looking for additional financial assistance, you can turn to public resources in Austin and Texas. You can look into local housing assistance programs, senior assistance programs, and Social Security benefits to help cover general living expenses and rent at a senior apartment. Learn more about your options in this section.
Some senior apartments accept housing vouchers from the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) for low-income individuals. The most commonly used housing assistance program is the Housing Choice Voucher (or HCV), formerly known as Section 8. The HACA receives federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to manage the voucher program. The HACA also reserves a percentage of its Housing Choice Vouchers for the city’s veterans struggling to find housing.
To qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher program in Austin, residents mustn’t exceed the following income limits:
Note: The Housing Choice Voucher program often has a long waitlist and has a random selection process. The program also typically only accepts applications during specified time periods. Be sure to inquire with the HACA about upcoming application periods. Additionally, if you’re not selected during the random lottery, you might be eligible for other HACA voucher programs which you’ll find in our resources section below.
As a senior and/or former worker, you may qualify for some Social Security benefits that can help offset some senior apartment costs and living expenses. The Social Security Administration (or SSA) offers many benefits. The benefits available to you will depend on your work history and current situation. Learn more about each Social Security benefit below.
For additional information on public assistance programs, visit the websites below. You’ll find local offices, phone numbers, applications, and portals to help you understand public assistance programs and apply for them.
Austin resident public assistance resources
Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA)
1124 S. Interstate Highway 35 Frontage Road
Austin, TX 78704
Phone: 512-477-4488
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Senior apartments in Texas are not regulated by a state agency; they’re regulated the same as any standard apartment complex. And, just like any rental property, senior apartments are required to comply with general Texas housing laws, such as the Texas Property Code and Fair Housing Act. These laws help ensure that senior apartment residents in Texas are not discriminated against and that they’re provided with safe, well-maintained housing. Furthermore, most Texas senior apartments have a minimum age requirement of 55, with some apartments raising it to 62.
Below, you’ll find a summary of some of the rights you have as a tenant at a senior apartment. You’ll also find a breakdown of how senior apartments must accommodate seniors with a disability.
Senior apartment communities are required to comply with the state’s housing and apartment regulations for landlords and tenants. It’s useful to learn about your rights as a tenant, as it’ll help you find a safe and satisfactory living situation while you rent.
Here’s a brief overview of tenants’ rights in Texas:
Before attempting to terminate a lease or hiring an external contractor, it’s strongly recommended that you reach out to an attorney or a tenants association. Consulting a housing expert will prevent you from breaching any lease agreements, and it’ll hopefully lead you to the end result you desire. It’s also recommended that tenants provide written notices to their landlord and keep a copy of each notice as proof.[06]
If you’re seeking more information on your rights as a senior apartment tenant, be sure to read the Texas Tenants’ Rights Handbook.
In Texas, federal nondiscrimination laws — such as the Fair Housing Act, Section 504, and Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA) — protect tenants from being discriminated against due to their disability. This prohibits senior apartments from refusing housing due to a senior’s disability. Furthermore, these laws require housing providers to provide reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing, programs, and activities for individuals with disabilities.
If you’re a senior with a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations and modifications within the senior apartment community. Reasonable accommodations are defined as changes to facility policies. Some examples of reasonable accommodations include the following:
Modifications are structural changes to common areas and individual units. Some examples of reasonable modifications in line with ADA include the following:
These nondiscrimination laws apply to all Austin senior apartments. Senior apartment landlords are required to pay for such modifications unless providing them would pose an undue financial or administrative burden. If you’d like more information, see this detailed infographic on reasonable accommodations and modifications.
The city of Austin doesn’t have any COVID-19 regulations specific to senior apartments. However, the city does provide a COVID-19 in Austin page on its city website to provide residents with regular updates regarding risk levels, testing, vaccinations, and more.
Due to robust health care options, warm weather, and an increase in senior living options, Austin’s senior population is growing at a rapid rate. The city takes many initiatives to support the aging population. In fact, the Austin City Council voted to enact an action plan called Age-Friendly Austin. This initiative aims to make Austin a friendly and supportive place for current and future seniors.
Age-Friendly Austin addresses eight areas that influence the health and quality of life for seniors, including the following:
In Austin, independent living communities tend to dominate over senior apartments. However, there are still a few great options for seniors seeking senior apartments. Check out some features unique to Austin senior apartments below.
Austin senior apartments offer many convenient and luxurious amenities on site to help residents lead their best lives without having to leave the premises. Common area amenities enable seniors to maintain their health and encourage them to pursue their cherished pastimes and socialize with fellow residents.
Here’s a list of the most common senior apartment amenities in Austin:
Many seniors who choose senior apartments are looking to make new friends by surrounding themselves with individuals in the same age group. It’s precisely why many senior apartments will host engaging activities in common areas, like a clubhouse, pool, or picnic area. These types of events are especially important to seniors who’ve lost loved ones and/or live far from their families. Some complexes also allow senior residents to rent out the clubhouse to host their own events or parties.
Common activities and events hosted by Austin senior apartments include the following:
Many seniors move into senior apartments looking to downsize and eliminate the stresses of home ownership, like maintenance. Senior apartments are designed to accommodate the unique living needs of aging yet independent individuals. They often have a wider range of floor plans and apartment amenities available than their senior living community counterparts.
Most senior apartments in Austin offer studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom options, with some even offering three-bedroom floor plans. These spacious floorplans enable seniors to live alongside their partner or a roommate and ensures that they can store all their beloved items.
Each Austin senior apartment typically features the following amenities:
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Austin
Average annual retirement income for Austin seniors 65 and older[08]
Austin has several medical centers throughout the city, many recognized in numerous specialties. The multiple health campuses offer an additional safety net to seniors looking to retire in Austin. Check out some of the city’s top medical centers below.
St. David’s Medical Center is the No. 1 hospital in Austin, according to U.S. News and World Report. It nationally ranks 37 in rehabilitation and it offers 426 beds for acute care and 64 beds for rehabilitation. It houses the internationally renowned Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute and St. David’s Neuroscience and Spine Institute.
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin is the No. 2 hospital in Austin, according to U.S. News and World Report. It houses a comprehensive Level I stroke center and Level IV trauma center. The medical center offers multiple locations in Austin and Round Rock.
St. David’s South Austin Medical Center is the No. 3 hospital in Austin, according to U.S. News and World Report. This medical center is a 368-bed acute care facility, and it’s nationally accredited for its oncology program. It also offers a Level II trauma center to treat patients in critical condition.
Austin is a widespread city, resulting in many residents owning a vehicle to drive around themselves. However, the city’s downtown area is known for being easy to walk or bike. A few Austin senior apartments even offer transportation services.
Most senior apartments offer convenient access to public transit options provided by CapMetro — the citywide public transportation system offering buses, rail lines, shuttles, and more. CapMetro offers a $3 Reduced Fare ID (RFID) Card for seniors 65+, Medicare card holders, and individuals with disabilities, which offers half-priced fares for all transportation services. Seniors must renew the card every two years.
The city’s parks and recreation department also operates a Senior Transportation Program to offer rides to seniors 60+ in the Austin area. This transportation service is funded by the City of Austin and Capital Area of Council of Governments (CAPCOG) to enhance the quality of life for seniors and to promote independence among the population. Seniors must apply for the service. After approval, seniors can receive free rides for medical appointments and select routes. To reserve a ride for errands, riders must pay a $3 fee per destination.
To get a better understanding of Austin’s sprawl, check out the following scores from WalkScore.[09] They’re each out of 100 and are based on downtown Austin’s public density, walking routes, public transportation options, biking routes, and infrastructure:
Austin lives up to its infamous slogan, “Keep Austin Weird,” by offering a range of unique activities you won’t find elsewhere. The city’s seniors find themselves endlessly entertained with attractions at every turn. Furthermore, many of these places offer accommodations for seniors with disabilities — just be sure to ask.
Here’s a list of some senior-favored activities and places in Austin:
Amberlin Pflugerville, The Isle at Cedar Ridge and Arborview Circle C Ranch are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Austin, TX. 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 Austin is $2,129 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Appendix VIII, monthly income/resource limits. In STAR+PLUS Handbook.
Housing Authority of Travis County. (2020, April 1). Income limits for program eligibility.
Social Security Administration. (2019). The faces and facts of disability: Facts.
Texas Young Lawyers Association & State Bar of Texas. (2019). Tenants’ Rights Handbook.
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) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in downtown Austin.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023). Appendix VIII, monthly income/resource limits. In STAR+PLUS Handbook.
Housing Authority of Travis County. (2020, April 1). Income limits for program eligibility.
Social Security Administration. (2019). The faces and facts of disability: Facts.
Texas Young Lawyers Association & State Bar of Texas. (2019). Tenants’ Rights Handbook.
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) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in downtown Austin.