Located halfway between Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., Fredericksburg is a hub for history and culture, making it a popular place for retirees. Fredericksburg is home to famous sites from colonial and Civil War history, including George Washington’s Ferry Farm and four Civil War battlefields. With the city’s lively bar and restaurant scene and an assortment of shops and boutiques, Fredericksburg has plenty for seniors to experience.
For seniors thinking about retiring in Fredericksburg, one option for housing is a senior apartment. Senior apartments in Fredericksburg are designed for active seniors (typically ages 55 and up) who want to live independently without the responsibilities that come with homeownership, such as maintenance and landscaping. Senior apartments often come with a number of amenities, such as pools, fitness centers, and more. Units are also often designed with senior-friendly features for accessibility, such as elevators and wide doorways.
This guide will provide what you need to know about looking for a senior apartment within a 10-mile radius of downtown Fredericksburg. Here, you’ll find information about how to pay for a senior apartment, what regulations govern senior apartments, where you can find health care and transportation in the area, and what it’s like to live in Fredericksburg.
I moved my father into Fredericksburg assisted living about 1 month ago. This is by far the best facility he has ever been in. [name removed], the Administrator is great, as is her staff. They are all...
The level of care has been superb and the staff is very friendly and caring. That's important because quality of care and Dad having a general feeling of SAFETY were a concern at the prior community [name...
My father lives here. The staff is courteous and helpful, the cost is affordable and it is very conveniently located. The apartments are well kept.
I'am satisfied with my move to this community. So far everything has worked out very well for me since my move here. It is a nice community, and they do a great job with keeping the grounds, and the...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg is $1,379, and tenants can expect to pay anywhere from $1,071 to $1,934 at our partner communities.[01] The costs in the graphic below are average baseline costs, so please note that they do not include add-on fees for things like having a pet or opting for covered parking.
Even though they are designed for seniors, senior apartments are considered general housing because they do not offer care services like assisted living facilities do. Therefore, Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance do not cover the costs of senior apartments in Fredericksburg. However, there are some benefits that help offset costs for housing or in-home medical care.
Here, you will find information about different ways to pay for senior apartment living, including private pay options, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicare and Medicaid resources.
Most seniors in Fredericksburg will look to their own income sources to cover the rent of a senior apartment. These could include savings accounts, investment returns, Social Security benefits, pensions, or the following:
Number of veterans who live in Fredericksburg
About 30% of Fredericksburg veterans are 65+
For eligible veterans in Fredericksburg, one way to help cover the cost of living in a senior apartment is VA benefits. Veterans can use their VA Pension payments to pay for anything that improves their quality of life, such as housing and health-related costs.
Another benefit is the Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit, a monthly amount added to the VA Pension for veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities, are bedridden due to illness or in a nursing home, or have limited eyesight.
Veterans must first qualify for any VA benefits. Determining eligibility can be tricky, but there are local resources to help you. Even if you don’t think you are eligible, it’s important to reach out to these resources — some veterans qualify for more benefits than they think.
One place to start is the Fredericksburg office for the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, which offers free consultations on benefits, as well as other resources to help veterans access their benefits. Another helpful resource is the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3103, where there is a claims representative every Friday from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. It also has a VFW department service officer based in Hopewell, Virginia, who can provide assistance remotely. Veterans services organizations (VSOs), such as the Fredericksburg area American Legion Post can also be a helpful resource when navigating benefits. In addition, Virginia has a resource guide designed to assist veterans.
Resources for Fredericksburg veterans
Virginia Department of Veterans Services – Fredericksburg Office
10300 Spotsylvania Ave.
Lee Hill Building 1, Suite 290
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Phone: 540-376-7298
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
VFW Post 3103
2701 Princess Anne St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: 540-373-3110
Hours: Friday, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. (for claims assistance)
VFW Post 3103 – Department Service Officer
1400 Lynchburg St.
Hopewell, VA 23860
Phone: 804-452-1347
Email: serviceofficer@VFWVA.org
American Legion Post 55
461 Woodford St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Cardinal Care is Virginia’s Medicaid program, administered by the Department of Medical Assistance Services. Because senior apartments don’t provide any care services, Medicaid does not cover rent costs. However, Medicaid can help with medically necessary in-home services through the home and community based services waiver program (also known as an HCBS waiver). The waivers are designed to help people who need long-term care but would prefer to receive it in their homes.
The Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Waiver (CCC Plus) helps individuals who would otherwise need care in a nursing facility or other specialized care facility. Services covered include private duty nursing, adult day health care, respite, and personal care. There are also developmental disability support waivers, such as the Family and Individual Support Waiver, Community Living Waiver, and Building Independence Waiver. The Building Independence Waiver could be especially helpful for senior apartment residents, as it is available for adults who can live independently in the community and control their own living arrangements.
To receive any Medicaid benefits in Virginia, you must first apply for Cardinal Care. There are multiple ways to do so, as well as information on how to apply:
If you need help applying for Medicaid or determining what you’re eligible for, there are local resources available to offer guidance. One option is the Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging (formerly known as the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging), which offers a number of resources and support services to help seniors navigate their Medicaid benefits. Healthy Generations has a long-term care ombudsman on staff who serves as an advocate for older people. There is also an Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in Virginia that provides advocacy, information, and more to Virginia seniors.
For more information about Medicaid in Virginia, visit the state’s Medical Assistance Handbook.
Fredericksburg resident Medicaid resources
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
600 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Fredericksburg Department of Social Services
608 Jackson St., Suite 100
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: 540-372-1032
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging
460 Lendall Lane
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Phone: 540-371-3375
Contact: Kim Merritt, long-term care ombudsman
Phone: 540-371-3375, ext. 113
Email: kmerritt@healthygenerations.org
Virginia Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Henrico, Virginia 23229
Phone: 804-565-1600
Most seniors will be aware of Medicare, a federal health insurance program for those at least 65. Because no care is offered in senior apartments, Medicare cannot be used toward rent. However, it can be used to help with in-home medical care if needed in the short term. Applying for Medicare is as easy as filling out an application online or in person at a Social Security Administration office.
If you are looking for cost savings, the Medicare Savings Programs might be able to help. They are for low-income individuals to help cover their Medicare premiums and possibly deductibles and copays.
Virginians must apply for Medicare through Social Security, so the best place to go for assistance is the Fredericksburg Social Security office. Please note the initial enrollment period is three months before you turn 65.
If you need help navigating Medicare, there are a number of resources in the Fredericksburg area. The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) offers free, confidential counseling about Medicare. Counselors will help you understand what benefits you are eligible for and how to file for them and also ensure you know your rights.
The Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging has counselors and ombudsmen who can support you during the Medicare application process. The state long-term care ombudsman can provide guidance as well.
Fredericksburg resident Medicare resources
Fredericksburg Social Security Administration Office
9915 Patriot Highway
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging
460 Lendall Lane
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Phone: 540-371-3375
Contact: Kim Merritt, long-term care ombudsman
Phone: 540-371-3375, ext. 113
Email: kmerritt@healthygenerations.org
Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program
1610 Forest Ave., Suite 100
Henrico, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9333
Virginia Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Henrico, Virginia 23229
Phone: 804-565-1600
For low-income seniors concerned about the cost of rent for a senior apartment, housing assistance, and Social Security benefits can help.
One option is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher program, a federal program to help low-income citizens find affordable, safe, and clean housing. The program is run through Virginia Housing, an organization that works with agencies across the state to administer the program in local communities.
Seniors can apply for the voucher program when there is an open waitlist. You can visit the waiting list portal for more information or email HCVWaitList@virginiahousing.com. You can also see a list of local Housing Choice Voucher administrators online. The Hanover Community Services Board in Ashland is the closest administrator to Fredericksburg.
If you need help determining which benefits apply to you, Central Virginia Housing is a HUD-certified counseling service with an office in Fredericksburg that can advise Virginia residents on affordable housing. The Richmond HUD Office can also provide help and answer questions.
Another local benefit that can help low-income seniors offset housing costs is the Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Households must qualify based on their monthly income and heating or cooling needs. If interested, seniors can apply at the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services.
Social Security benefits can also help offset the costs of living. Possible Social Security benefits include:
Fredericksburg resident public assistance resources
Fredericksburg Department of Social Services
608 Jackson St., Suite 100
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: 540-372-1032
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fredericksburg Social Security Administration Office
9915 Patriot Highway
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Central Virginia Housing – Fredericksburg Office
2300 Charles St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: 540-604-9943
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch between noon – 1 p.m.); Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Virginia Housing
601 S. Belvidere St.
Richmond, VA 23220
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Toll-free phone: 877-843-2123
Local phone: 804-782-1986
HUD Office – Richmond
600 E. Broad St., 3rd Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 800-842-2610
Email: va_webmanager@hud.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Hanover Community Services Board
12300 Washington Highway
Ashland, VA 23005
Phone: 804-365-6643
Senior apartments in Virginia do not need to be licensed because they do not offer care and are therefore similar to any other apartment or home. However, they are subject to the same rental and housing laws as all other accommodations.
Key laws and regulations to be aware of include:
For more information about laws and regulations around rentals, you can review Fredericksburg’s latest renter’s guide. The City of Fredericksburg also runs a Rental Property Inspection Program through the Building and Development Services Department, where rented or leased properties must be registered. You can look at property records through the city’s online portal. If you ever have an allegation of housing discrimination, please contact the Virginia Fair Housing Office, which manages and investigates accepted complaints.
Senior apartments in Virginia often have age restrictions, though it depends on the specific location, so it’s important to double-check this when looking for a new apartment.
Virginia Department of Health Fredericksburg office
608 Jackson St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
540-899-4142
There are no COVID-19 mandates in place for Fredericksburg, but Virginia residents are encouraged to follow the latest guidance from the CDC. The following information includes recommendations on vaccinations, testing, and masking.
Vaccinations. Residents are encouraged to stay up to date on vaccinations and booster shots.
Masking. Masks are recommended for high-risk individuals or those who have recently been exposed to or infected with COVID-19.
Quarantining. If you test positive for COVID-19, you should follow the latest CDC guidelines on isolation, which recommend isolating for five days after infection.
Though there might be limited senior apartment options in Fredericksburg, the available choices receive great reviews and offer popular amenities, making it a great choice for seniors looking to find a place to spend the next chapter of their lives.
Senior apartments in Fredericksburg offer the amenities you’d expect to see, such as being wheelchair accessible. However, seniors can also find apartments with exciting amenities, such as indoor and outdoor pools, on-site beauticians and spas, community clubhouses, and activities directors — with activities like cocktail hours, holiday parties, yoga classes, and more. Some apartments in the area even offer concierge services and resort-like environments.
A number of senior apartments in Fredericksburg are pet friendly, and some have dog parks on the property so residents can socialize with their pets. Most senior apartments come with one- or two-bedroom floorplans, as well as full kitchens and washer/dryer hookups. More luxury-style apartments have quartz or granite countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms to give the space an elegant look. Various locations also have garages for parking or other on-site parking options, such as uncovered lots.
Fredericksburg is a city with plenty of attractions, so there’s always something to do for a day out or a visit with family. The city was integral in the formation of the original colonies as well as the Civil War, so there are a variety of historic homes and battle sites to tour. Fans of the arts will want to visit the Fredericksburg Symphony or the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. For free activities, Fredericksburg is home to beautiful parks as well as a senior center that offers membership and various classes free of charge.
Some senior apartments in the area are close to these attractions or public transportation, making it easy to explore the city. Some apartments have activities directors who host off-site excursions to various places throughout the city.
One of the best things about Fredericksburg is its location. Washington, D.C., is 50 miles north and can be reached by train for those who don’t want to drive into the city. Richmond, Virginia, is 60 miles south — also reachable by train — so Fredericksburg residents can enjoy life in a smaller city while also taking advantage of larger city amenities, like multiple airports. This makes it easy for seniors in Fredericksburg to travel throughout the U.S. and internationally, a popular hobby in retirement. It also makes it easy for out-of-town friends and family to visit.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Fredericksburg
Median annual income for Fredericksburg seniors 65 and older
Part of the wider Mary Washington health care system, Mary Washington Hospital has 471 beds, a Level II trauma center, and a primary stroke center. Nine of its adult procedures and conditions are rated high-performing.
Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is a community hospital that specializes in a variety of services, including a 24-hour emergency room, heart and vascular care, advanced imaging, and more. The 133-bed hospital is part of a large health care network, HCA Virginia Health System.
The car is the preferred mode of travel in Fredericksburg. According to Walk Score, which measures the walkability of cities, Fredericksburg has a walk score of 46 out of 100, which means most errands require a car.[06] Scores are out of 100 and are determined by the city’s density, transportation system, walking routes, and biking infrastructure.
For seniors who cannot drive or prefer not to, there are a few other options for getting around:
Seniors enjoy Fredericksburg because there’s always something to do, whether it’s visiting a Civil War battle site or playing pickleball at the senior center.
Like many cities in Virginia, Fredericksburg is steeped in history. The city was an important place in the life of George Washington, so popular historic sites include Ferry Farm, where George Washington lived as a child; the Mary Washington House, which George Washington purchased for his mother in 1772; and Historic Kenmore, a mansion built by George Washington’s sister, Betty Washington Lewis.
The city is also known for its Civil War history, so visitors can tour battlegrounds and other Civil War sites. The city’s website, fxbg.com, has a comprehensive list of historic attractions.
If you prefer arts over history, attend a concert at the Fredericksburg Symphony or see a musical at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts.
For those who like to enjoy food and drink with friends and family, Fredericksburg is home to Eden Try Winery, as well as many other wineries in the surrounding areas, and A. Smith Bowman Distillery, which offers complimentary tours and bourbon tastings. And whether you enjoy fine dining or the relaxed atmosphere of a coffee shop, the city has a dining location to suit your preferences. Downtown Fredericksburg is a popular destination for eating, shopping, and more.
For those who love to spend time outside, Fredericksburg has multiple parks. One is Alum Spring Park, which includes a beautiful footbridge and playground — perfect for entertaining grandchildren. Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area is another popular spot for hiking, biking, and picnics.
In addition, the Virginia Outdoor Center in Downtown Fredericksburg offers trips down the Rappahannock River by canoe, paddleboard, kayak, or tube.
Seniors in Fredericksburg love the Spotsylvania Senior Center. Located at the Marshall Center in nearby Spotsylvania, Virginia, the senior center is free to join and hosts a variety of free activities, such as line dancing, pickleball, and bingo. Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation also hosts free adult classes, like tai chi, tennis lessons, and drawing classes.
Senior Cafes, organized by the Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging, are also great spots for seniors to meet new people. The cafes include social and physical activities created specifically for seniors around the Fredericksburg area. You can review a calendar of upcoming Senior Cafe events online.
Fredericksburg Assisted Living, Cambridge Gardens and Enoch George Manor Senior 55+ are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Fredericksburg, VA. 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 Fredericksburg is $1,804 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.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia. (n.d.). Service & Emotional Support Animals.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.) Mary Washington Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Fredericksburg.
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.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia. (n.d.). Service & Emotional Support Animals.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.) Mary Washington Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Fredericksburg.