With its scenic lakefronts, bustling social scene, and engaging cultural attractions, Madison, Wisconsin, is a wonderful destination for retirees. Madison has several senior apartment options for older residents who still value their independence and want to live in a community of active people.
Senior apartments are a good option for active seniors over 55. They provide well-maintained common areas for residents to congregate with like-minded peers in an accessible living environment. Although senior apartments don’t provide on-site care, residents are free to seek out assistance through home care agencies.
We have compiled all the information seniors might want when it comes to senior apartment hunting in Madison. Review pricing, payment options, local health care, community regulations, and transportation options for seniors. Plus, discover attractions Madison’s retirees can enjoy.
How do we rank Madison senior apartments?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality apartments that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
Just to clarify its my Mother in law living there, but she seems to really like it and is very happy with her apartment and the people she's met.
I've been a resident at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge since the Grasslands independent living apartments were completed in July 2019. My wife and I couldn't be happier. We have a spacious apartment,...
I moved into Westminster in June 2020. I must say it was the best move I made after selling my house. My sister [name removed] lived at Westminster for 9 years before she passed away in 2016. She absolutely...
Whitcomb Square Apartments are a nice 55 plus community. The grounds are beautiful and they are quick to clean them up when needed. They do not have a meal plan and the only person on site is a maintenance...
My wife and I live at this senior apartments and we are happy with it. The grounds and public area are clean. We have all the amenities to prepare our own meals. Everything is quiet nice too. The community...
The Resident Manager made my move so easy. She worked overtime to get my papers completed and lease signed so I could move in on the day I wanted. Went above and beyond to help me -- much appreciated.
My mom really like it here, she had to leave when my father got sick and wanted to come right back. She had created friendships and she was comfortable there, it wasn't always perfect but she had developed...
I'm hoping to make more friends here at Cannery Row Senior Apartments. My children thought this was the best place for me when they decided where I should live. There are a lot of people are older in their...
I am doing just fine in my new community. They have a calendar that offers stuff to do here like book club. People come into the place and provide blood testing. I do Meals on Wheels, it has been helpful...
I've already recommended them to a few people. I like the life lease. You sort of buy the place as if it were a condo, but you don't really buy it. Instead, you've bought the ability to live there as long...
My Mother Carmen Hernandez's last home was at Monona Meadows. More than once either myself or brother's/sister's had called the Manager Whitney (since some of us live far away from the City of Madison) in...
Would be nice to have resident manager on site for 49 hours per week. Apartments are in pretty good condition. Bathroom stalls could be updated so they are higher to accommodate handicap. Staff is helpful...
My mother lived at Greentree and loved it. She unfortunately passed away during her first year. Judi, the resident manager, was the BEST manager I have ever dealt with. She made my mother feel at home and...
Rosewood has a wonderful staff and many fun activities. Improvements? 1. Seniors are VERY sensitive to chemicals - please do not use on extensive lawns or garden areas...organic is better and safer. 2....
I really like that the community is kept clean and organized. The manager and landlord are lovely people. My room is very spacious i love that. I really hope that the maintenance people can get stuff fixed...
It's going fantastic! I don't have any concerns, or anything I would like to see improved or done better. They are doing a great job.
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Madison 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 monthly cost of a senior apartment in Madison is $1,430, according to A Place for Mom’s internal data. This number includes rent and all additional fees to reflect the actual average cost seniors paid for their senior apartment in Madison. Some apartments may cost more or less than this fee.[01]
The overall cost figure we use on this page reflects the actual average cost paid for by seniors in the last 12 months at partnering senior apartments in Madison. This cost includes all of the additional fees required by most senior apartments in Madison, including the following:
The figures in the chart below reflect the average baseline costs for Madison senior apartments and the surrounding area, meaning it only reflects the price of rent and not rent plus additional fees. This chart is an excellent way to compare the cost of senior apartments in Madison with nearby communities.
In general, senior apartments are the most affordable type of senior living because they don’t offer meals, housekeeping, or care services. This is no different in Madison, where independent living costs twice as much as senior apartments at $3,640 on average a month.
The added cost of independent living accounts for meal plans, housekeeping, and scheduled activities and classes — none of which are offered in Madison’s senior apartments.[01] Madison’s assisted living and memory care facilities are more expensive, as they include personal and specialized care services.
Seniors in Madison pay around 3% more than the national average for their lifestyle. The cost of living in Madison is about 5% higher than Wisconsin as a whole. Wisconsin’s income tax varies from 3.50% to 7.65%, and the state does tax retirement income. However, Social Security income is tax-exempt in Wisconsin, as of 2023. You can learn more about the cost of senior living in Wisconsin on A Place for Mom’s Assisted Living in Wisconsin page.
Residents of senior apartments in Madison have multiple avenues available for financing their housing, including private payment options, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and public housing assistance. Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance don’t cover senior apartment costs.
However, Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance may cover the cost of some in-home care services. Here, we lay out ways to secure the funding you need to help finance a senior apartment in Madison.
Senior apartment residents can finance their apartments out of pocket or with the help of other alternative income sources, although most seniors use their private funds to pay for their senior apartment. Anyone researching senior apartment payment options should start by considering their personal savings. Additionally, tenants already collecting Social Security or pensions can allocate those funds toward monthly rent. The same goes for those with passive earnings from real estate or stock market investments.
The following items can also help finance a senior apartment in Madison:
Approximately 9,689 veterans live in Madison, as of 2021.
About 50% of Madison veterans are over the age of 65, as of 2021.
With nearly 10,000 veterans in the Madison area, the city supplies several resources designed to support this group specifically. Veterans seeking senior apartments can consider the following options to make financing their senior apartment a little simpler.[02]
While there are many different benefits offered through the VA, one of the best for veterans in senior apartments is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. Eligible Aid and Attendance recipients receive monthly payments in addition to an existing VA pension. They can then use these payments to help cover the costs of anything that improves their quality of life, including rent or other fees for a senior apartment.
Wisconsin-based veterans can also capitalize on tax exemptions that can help stave off some of those senior apartment costs. The Military Retirement Benefits Exemption, for instance, notes that military-related benefits are exempt from the state’s taxes.
One of the best resources for getting help when applying for veterans benefits is your local veterans services organization (VSOs). These individuals and organizations are typically vetted by the VA and can help you understand the many options at your disposal. They can either provide guidance themselves or connect you with a counselor who can put you on the right path. Some VSOs may be able to help you appeal denied claims.
The Dane County Veterans Service Office is an excellent resource for additional information. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Wisconsin, Veterans of Foreign Wars Day Post 7591, and the American Legion are also helpful resources.
Resources for Madison Veterans
Dane County Veterans Service Office
1709 Aberg Ave., Suite 2
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-266-4158
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Wisconsin
4622 Dutch Mill Road
Madison, WI 53716
Phone: 608-221-2576
Veterans of Foreign Wars Day Post 7591
301 Cottage Grove Road
Madison, WI 53716
Phone: 608-221-9326
Severson-Cairns American Legion Post 501
105 Dempsey Road
Madison, WI 53614
Phone: 608-244-7716
Medicaid is a state-run insurance program for low-income individuals. Wisconsin Medicaid is the blanket program that houses all of the state’s individual Medicaid options. Because senior apartments aren’t considered care facilities, you can’t pay for your senior apartment using Medicaid. Medicaid may cover some in-home care services, but won’t cover any other costs related to senior apartments.
You’re eligible for Medicaid if you make under $19,329 a year as a single person, have a disability, or are over 65 years of age. Income limits are updated yearly. Wisconsin’s Medicaid members are eligible for certain waivers, reimbursements for eligible medical equipment, and long-term care support for chronic illnesses or disabilities. Seniors 65 years of age and older can also enroll in Wisconsin’s SeniorCare. This program is just $30 a year for enrollees, and it assists them with prescription payments based on current income.
Besides this, Wisconsin’s Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program helps advocate for seniors applying for Medicaid and can answer aging-related questions. In addition, the Job Center under the Wisconsin Department of Health Services assists people who are eligible for Medicaid. Seniors can also apply for PACE and the Family Care Program through the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County.
Medicaid resources for Madison residents
Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Job Center
1819 Aberg Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 888-794-5556
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
1402 Pankratz St., Suite 111
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 800-815-0015
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County
2865 N. Sherman Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-240-7400
Like Medicaid, Medicare is a health insurance program, but unlike Medicaid, Medicare covers health costs for anyone over 65, regardless of their income. Wisconsin residents aged 65 and over are eligible for Medicare, but you can’t apply those benefits to the cost of a senior apartment. Instead, recipients can use Medicare to offset certain short-term and acute medical needs (such as hospital stays, doctor’s visits, or medical equipment). Medicare may cover some in-home care needs from your senior apartment, such as rehabilitation after a procedure, but won’t cover rent at your apartment.
The following Medicare resources may be beneficial:
My Choice Wisconsin offers five statewide programs dedicated to long-term care and health services designed to help recipients improve their quality of life. Those programs are:
Resources for Madison Medicare recipients
Madison Social Security Administration Office
6011 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
Phone: 866-770-2262
Fax: 833-950-3737
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County
2865 N Sherman Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-240-7400
Fax: 608-240-7401
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Board on Aging and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
1402 Pankratz St., Suite 111
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 800-815-0015
Senior apartment residents in Madison have public assistance options at their disposal to assist with rent, fair housing, and other living arrangements. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can also assist seniors with subsidizing their monthly rent or finding affordable apartment options.
The Madison Community Development Authority (CDA) pays a portion of the rent for about 1,600 households through the Housing Choice Vouchers program, which is also known as Section 8. More than 500 landlords in Madison currently accept the vouchers.
The voucher program provides rental assistance for low-income families. Participants can take the Housing Choice Voucher and use it to rent properties in the private market within the Madison city limits. Eligibility requirements vary for seniors needing to supplement income to make ends meet.
Social Security can supplement income in several ways, including the following:
Social Security in retirement is meant to supplement income for people who’ve reduced their work hours or stopped working. This program requires work credits.
Social Security Disability Insurance is a program for people meeting certain disability requirements. Applicants must verify that they’re living with a disability to qualify.
Supplemental Security Income is a program for people with no work credits. To register, they must log a disability.
Social Security Survivors Benefits is dedicated to widows and widowers of workers who have work credits. Recipients don’t need to be living with disabilities.
There are a number of helpful resources and not-for-profit organizations that can assist seniors who need financial help, such as the City of Madison Housing Authority, the Madison Social Security Office, and the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County. Groups such as the North/Eastside Senior Coalition, the Community Action Coalition, and Project Home are also invaluable resources for area seniors with helpful programs for those eligible.
Public assistance resources for Madison residents
City of Madison Housing Authority
215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Suite 161
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-266-4675
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dane County
2865 N Sherman Ave.
Madison WI 53704
Phone: 608-240-7400
Fax: 608-240-7401
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Madison Social Security Administration Office
6011 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
Phone: 866-770-2262
Fax: 833-950-3737
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
North/Eastside Senior Coalition
1625 Northport Drive, Suite 125
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-243-5252
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Community Action Coalition
4101 E Towne Blvd.
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-237-1255
Email: cac@cacscw.org
Project Home
3841 Kipp St.
Madison, WI 53718
Phone: 608-246-3737
Email: info@projecthomewi.org
Senior apartments aren’t licensed care facilities, and thus aren’t regulated by the Department of Health. However, because they’re rental properties, they’re still subject to all federal, city, and county housing laws, such as the following:
Tenants and landlords enter a standard rental relationship that keeps both parties aware of their responsibilities. In addition, Madison has specific tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, such as:
The Tenant Resource Center is a valuable website for apartment safety tips in Madison, as well as information on fair housing laws, discrimination, and more.
Senior apartments in Madison are not subject to routine inspections, but you can send an email to request any inspection reports they may already have filed on an address to binspections@cityofmadison.com.
Some senior apartments have informal age restrictions. For example, a senior apartment complex may require that over 70% of the tenants are over the age of 55. These age restrictions vary by complex, so be sure to ask if you plan on having someone younger reside in your apartment.
1 W. Wilson St.
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: 608-266-1865
The city of Madison doesn’t have stringent rules regarding COVID-19. However, it does provide COVID isolation guidelines. It also subscribes to guidelines approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and asks people to exercise caution. Always check with the specific facilities you are exploring for more information.
The city of Madison also provides a respiratory illness dashboard, where you can see the rate of spread for the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccinations are not required but are recommended.
Masking. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends wearing masks in certain situations, like health care settings and for 10 days after being exposed to COVID-19.
Quarantining. Residents are encouraged to stay home if they have COVID-19, symptoms associated with the illness, or have been exposed to it.
Senior apartments in the capital city of Wisconsin afford residents the flexibility to lead full and active lives while surrounded by people with similar aspirations. Most of our listings are within 10 miles of downtown Madison. Senior apartments tend to function like any apartment but with age requirements, offering only a living space and some amenities.
Independent living is more common than senior apartments in Madison, but there are still apartment options for people over 55 years of age. Independent living offers similar benefits as senior apartments, with the addition of more community-centered events and activities, meal plans, and housekeeping.
Madison is a great location for those looking for senior apartment living. Many apartments offer on-site parking and transportation. And, if you have a dog or a cat, you’ll find several pet-friendly options. High-speed internet is offered at many listings, and several apartments offer accessibility features.[01]
The average senior apartment in Madison provides standard setups complete with full kitchens, bathrooms, common areas, on-site parking, in-unit washer and dryer hookups, and convenient proximity to public transportation. A number of listings have additional amenities, such as pools, fitness centers, and sports courts. Select apartments even offer access to beauty salons, libraries, and meeting rooms. In addition, certain locations have wheelchair-accessible showers for residents and allow pets (for additional fees). All senior apartments in Madison allow tenants to modify their apartment for accessibility features.
Luxury apartments have more high-end spaces complete with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, large windows, and in-unit washers and dryers. In addition, some have private balconies with amazing views of downtown Madison and the Capitol. A number of luxury offerings in the city have private entry apartments and townhomes. Some even have rooftop pools, movie theater rooms, pet spas, and on-site restaurants for residents to enjoy. These apartments may have additional fees to account for the added amenities.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Madison in 2021
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Madison population in 2021
Percentage of seniors 65 and older who are not working as of 2021
Madison is anchored by two major health care systems and VA hospital:
University Hospital in Madison
This university hospital is a teaching facility and a top 40 hospital nationwide in terms of geriatric care. The facility is also renowned nationally for its specialties in four specific adult procedures, cancer surgeries, and heart procedures.
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison
This is the state’s sixth-best hospital and it’s known as a quality surgery provider for lung cancer patients. SSM is also notable for excelling in cardiology, heart surgery, stroke care, and back surgery.
Madison’s city setup empowers senior residents to bike, walk, and take public transportation as they see fit. It’s also a very drivable city, with many residents choosing to get around by car. All of Madison’s senior apartments offer on-site parking.[01]
You can find the following transportation options in Madison:
The city is somewhat walkable, and errands can be run from some home addresses. It also has biking infrastructure complete with sufficient trails, lanes, and connected roads. The below scores are calculated by WalkScore on a scale of 1 to 100, with a higher score meaning a greater ease of walking. Scores are calculated based on WalkScore’s analysis of walking routes to a variety of amenities.[07]
As a city known for its history and active tourist scene, Madison is teeming with activities that appeal to senior apartment residents’ sense of adventure.
We’ve compiled a list of exciting and senior-friendly attractions in Madison:
The Madison Senior Center and Sharing Active Independent Lives both offer visitors multiple options when it comes to activities, entertainment, and clubs. Event calendars and descriptions can be found on their respective sites.
Park Glen Apartments, The Heights at Evansville Manor and Atwood Courtyard are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Madison, WI. 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 Madison is $3,566 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). Population Estimates 2021: Madison, Wisconsin [Data set].
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2023, May 3). COVID-19: Staying up to date with your vaccines. Dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 11). Use and care of masks.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 11). Understanding risk.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Madison, WI.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Madison.
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). Population Estimates 2021: Madison, Wisconsin [Data set].
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2023, May 3). COVID-19: Staying up to date with your vaccines. Dhs.wisconsin.gov.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 11). Use and care of masks.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 11). Understanding risk.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Madison, WI.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Madison.