A music-lovers paradise, Memphis is also a dream for anyone who appreciates a mild climate and outdoor activities. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about our 10 independent living partner facilities within a 25-mile radius of downtown Memphis.
Independent living is a more relaxed way of living. Offering the logistic and social benefits of living in a senior community while still being able to live as you choose, exploring your interests, connecting with friends and family, and spending time in the wider community.
This guide will highlight the costs associated with independent living, ways you can pay for independent living, regulations that guide independent living communities, health care options for seniors, and activities to enjoy in Memphis.
How do we rank Memphis independent living communities?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality independent living facilities that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
Facility is 1st class; clean and safe. Food is very good, serve too much on each plate(a lot wasted). Management staff(office, nursing) is responsive to issues. [name removed] (activities director) is...
the Summit was head and shoulders above the other 9 places I researched. They are under new mgt and are offering several incentives to move in. These incentives may disappear when they attract more residents
They are doing updates but still needs repairs to plumbing and flooring. Can seem to get rid of roaches in the building. Elevators are pretty bad condition. New management company took charge over year ago....
Both staff and residents are so welcoming that one truly does feel that they are home. Meal service is exceptional in that all meals are provided in either in dining room or the bistro, and always various...
I liked that it had a at home feel, clean, I loved the staff, they cared about my dad, made sure his diapers were changed and got his medicine and sometimes fed his meal. My brother and I were lucky they...
Heritage was so warm and inviting just upon entering. The staff there are very personable with southern charm. They were very attentive to our needs every step of the way! This is definitely home for my...
I like that they make my father feel very comfortable. He's a very sociable, active 87 year old. They make sure he's entertained, they make sure he is ready for all outside appointments and engagement. They...
The 3-11 pm shift is very good and do their best to care for my mom. I sense they are short staffed. It is a very difficult job. I don’t know the morning crew, except [name removed], and she is...
Meals are often lackluster and recently I have noticed a reduction In staff which is distressing. Our cna's are terrific....they just need more!!
I had just moved here from NY, and the only other one was too expensive. I love here and the manager [name removed] is a jewel. I have no complaints. So far I am happy.
Residents are friendly and engaging with fellow residents without being intrusive. A true sense of community. Staff keeps us well informed of the status of Mom. She is thriving and likes being there.
Everything was great. The staff was always pleasant & always answered any questions right away or found out the answers to the questions that they did not know. What stood out about Pinnacle was their...
I love the excellent care the staff give to my sister, and she loves living at the Belmont Village Memphis community, Based on the experience so far, I would recommend this community to other families
I like the care that my father is getting at this community from the excellent staff. The menu is very good and he seems to be happy with the variety of meals. I am happy that the community is clean and he...
Happy with my choice. Great location, friendly neighbors, cooperative office staff. The space is right sized for me, it has all the amenities I needed. Management is making changes to the building I wasn't...
I really need to give [Name removed] at hats off because , this is the best apartment complex in my life, I have live in and I been here going on 6 years and don't have any plans on moving period. I have...
They're great. I love the staff. I love the way they take care of my mother. The nurses are just the best. My mother is on the second floor in the Terrace assisted living section. And they are so...
We have been pleased with The Parkview studio apartment. Perfect size for my brother, and because he lives there a free membership to the zoo is included (within walking distance). Two daily meals and...
They are new so there are a few kinks to work out. But the apartments are lovely, and they plan so many fun activities for the residents. My mom loves the food. And the caregivers are sincere, kind and...
My mother has settled into this community very well, she loves it here ! It is a nice clean community, they do a good job with keeping the grounds, and community well maintained. The staff is very nice, they...
I don't have a lot of hands on experience with the place, but from what I have seen and what I have heard from my loved one they do a fine job here! It's a nice looking place, and the people all seem very...
Laurel Glen at Memphis was head and shoulders above other places we toured. It is very updated and nice. With any facility like this, there is a period of time where you really have to follow up and make...
No one greeted us when we moved in.They weren't even expecting us to move in.She's supposed to wear a watch but they don't check if She loves the food there. They emphasis they have a lot of activities but...
My loved one was very ill, and they assisited with everything she needed in every way. And they made her last days as good as they could possibly be.
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Memphis 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
Independent living communities in Memphis offer competitive pricing when compared to the national average. The average monthly cost for Memphis independent living is $2,656, which is about $500 less per month than the national average. This cost includes associated fees and add-ons. Pricing information comes from A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data on its partner communities in Memphis.[01]
Independent living offers a relaxed lifestyle choice for people who want to live independently without worrying about the inconveniences of home ownership. Below is a list of on-site amenities and services typically included in monthly rent at our partner independent living communities in Memphis, Tennessee:
The following are average baseline costs for independent living in Memphis before any add-on fees.
Unlike assisted living, independent living is not classified as a senior care community by insurance providers, so programs like Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance don’t cover rent costs associated with independent living. These programs can, however, help with medically necessary in-home care costs, should care needs arise.
In this section, you will learn about some of the ways people typically pay for independent living. Resources include private pay options, VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and public assistance.
Private pay options are a great way to supplement independent living costs where possible. Private pay can include things like Social Security benefits, investment returns, pensions, and savings accounts. Depending on your current financial circumstances, the following private pay options may also apply:
Number of veterans who live in Memphis
43% of Memphis veterans are 65+
Several VA benefits are available to support the medical and home costs of qualified veterans in Memphis. One of the most common benefits is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be added to an existing VA Pension to pay for anything that improves a senior’s quality of life — which may include rent at an independent living community.
To be eligible, a veteran must have a service-related disability. This can encompass a lot of things, so it’s worth looking into even if you’re not sure whether your condition qualifies.
Because the benefit approval process is long and complicated, we recommend utilizing the supportive services of local veteran service organizations (VSO). Most of the VSOs that serve the Memphis area operate out of the Shelby County Veteran Services office. This office can connect senior veterans to local, regional, and national services offered by VSOs like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion.
Resources for Memphis veterans
Shelby County Veteran Services
1060 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 901-222-4237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Appointment only
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
Memphis Field Office
VA Medical Center
1030 Jefferson Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Neither Medicare nor Medicaid can be used to pay for independent living housing costs, but they can be used to cover qualified medical and in-home care services.
Medicaid for senior care services
Medicaid provides health care coverage for people with lower incomes and disabilities. Medicaid is funded by the federal government and administered by individual states. This allows states the freedom to create their own health care programming. Tennessee’s Medicaid program is called TennCare and provides benefit packages for eligible individuals, with services that may include:
In-home care can be accessed through the TennCare CHOICES program. Designed for seniors and adults with disabilities, the program provides long-term care services for qualified applicants to help them remain in their community. Services may include personal care, home-delivered meals, and minor home modifications.[04]
Medicare for senior care services
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors 65+. There are three parts of Medicare, sometimes referred to as Original Medicare, that cover specific services:
Some seniors may choose Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage. This coverage is offered through Medicare-approved private insurance companies and is required to provide the same services as original Medicare.[06]
Locally, there are several resources that can support you in the claims process and, in some cases, provide funding for Medicare deductibles:
Some seniors may also qualify for specific programs aimed to support long-term care for seniors. One example is the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) which provides access to certain in-home care benefits that allow them to continue living in their community as long as possible.[07]
Support and advocacy are also available through the Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which aims to safeguard seniors. Be sure to contact any of the listed resources below with questions or for help.
Memphis resident Medicaid and Medicare resources
TennCare
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Social Security Administration
3602 Austin Peay Highway
Memphis, TN 38128
Phone: 800-772-1213
Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP)
1104 England Drive
Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: 877-801-0044
Tennessee Medicare Savings Program
Tennessee Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP)
1104 England Drive
Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: 877-801-0044
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 866-836-6678
Aging Commission of the Mid-South
160 N. Main St., 3rd Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-222-4111
Zev Samuels
Phone: 901-529-4565
Email: zsamuels@mifa.org
Carlos Royston
Phone: 901-529-4562
Email: croyston@mifa.org
In Tennessee, independent living communities don’t need to be licensed or require regular inspections, because they’re not considered care facilities. However, a license is required if an independent living community shares facilities with an assisted living senior care community. To learn how regulations apply to assisted living facilities, check out the laws and regulations section of our Memphis assisted living page.
Independent living communities in Memphis typically have a minimum age requirement of 55. All rental complexes are required to follow general housing standards under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under these laws, seniors with disabilities have a right to accessibility standards in rental communities like independent living facilities.
Additionally, independent living communities need to comply with state and city housing laws. Tennessee’s Landlord Tenant Act and local housing codes ensure accommodations are safe and habitable by complying with building and housing codes.
Tennessee Department of Health contact information
Tennessee Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Independent living facilities don’t have to adhere to specific COVID-19 regulations. However, around half of the independent living communities in Memphis are combined with assisted living facilities, so you may find COVID-19 guidelines in practice in communal areas.
Tennessee doesn’t have any state mandates and instead follows Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) visitation guidance.[08]
Masking. When transmission rates are high, everyone must wear a mask. In addition, staff must wear a well-fitted face mask per CDC guidelines. And, while not required, visitors and residents are encouraged to wear masks.
Facility cleanliness. High-touch areas should be disinfected and cleaned regularly, while staff must clean designated visiting areas after each visit.
Staff safety. Staff should use personal protective equipment when needed.
Social distancing. During peak visiting times or parties, social distancing is encouraged.
Independent living is the best of both worlds for active seniors who enjoy the social perks of community living but want to avoid the stress of home ownership. Independent living communities boast a variety of amenities and features that make living in Memphis unique and comfortable.
Amenities
Beautiful outdoor areas and spacious, pet-friendly living spaces punctuate the independent living experience in Memphis. Additionally, these welcoming communities offer a range of other amenities, including:
A community hub
Socializing with friends and neighbors is built into the daily routine at Memphis independent living communities. Not only will you live nearby but community events and activities bring residents together to share hobbies and interests. Meet up at happy hour for laughs and conversation in an on-site lounge or pub. Get your hands dirty in a community garden. Learn to paint like the masters in an art class, or join a book club to discuss the trials and tribulations of characters from your favorite novel.
If you don’t have a car, Memphis can be a tricky place to get around. Most independent living communities have complimentary transportation and are located close to public transportation options. If you do have a car, communities offer on-site parking.
If specific services or amenities are important to you, a Senior Living Advisor can help you find an independent living community that fits your needs.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Memphis
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Memphis population
Average annual retirement income for Memphis seniors 65 and older
Memphis has several hospitals for a range of health care needs. From geriatric care and specialists to mental health services and palliative care, seniors are sure to find care options suitable for them. Check out Memphis’ top-rated hospitals below.
In East Memphis sits Baptist Memorial, a teaching hospital and surgical facility which is highly ranked in a dozen adult procedures and conditions. Currently, this hospital is ranked the number one regional hospital in Memphis, according to U.S. News and World Report. It specializes in heart conditions and hip and knee replacement surgeries.
With five locations across Memphis, this network of hospitals is ranked as the second-best regional hospital in Memphis, according to U.S. News and World Report. It specializes in several forms of cancer care.
For the veteran community of Memphis, the VA Medical Center provides extensive primary care and hospital services. It also offers treatment for addiction, mental health, women’s health, and palliative care.
Memphis is a sprawling large city with limited walking and biking lanes. For that reason, many people rely on cars to get around. All independent living communities in the area offer parking to residents. But if you don’t have a car and want to live in a walkable neighborhood, neighborhoods like East Midtown, Idlewild-East End Historic, and Barry F. Homes could be a great fit.
For people who don’t want to drive, the city offers fixed-route bus lines and trolleys operated by Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). MATA’s bus service has 26 lines across the city and operates fairly frequently. The trolleys offer a unique way to see the city but are only available downtown.
There are also a number of organizations that offer transportation to seniors or people with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-bus routes MATA offers.
While some walkable neighborhoods exist, Memphis’ Walk Score is only 35, which is relatively low. Walk Score rates the walkability of cities on a scale of 0-100 based on public density and availability of public transport, walk lanes, and bike lanes.
Whether you enjoy being among the crowds or someone who likes to make their own adventure, Memphis has something for everyone. With its pleasant climate, it’s no wonder Memphians love to spend time out by the Mississippi River.
Memphis River Parks offer beautiful views of the river and regularly host outdoor concerts, walking tours, and other activities specifically for seniors. If you want to spend time on the water, a dinner cruise on an authentic riverboat is a popular way to spend time with friends and family. Just across the river, in West Memphis, you’ll find the Southland Casino Hotel for anyone who loves to take in the excitement of a casino floor.
Most people know Memphis as the home of Elvis Presley, and music is a huge part of downtown nightlife. On any given night, you’ll find soul, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n roll playing downtown in the bars and restaurants on lively Beale Street. Of course, you can also spend the day at Elvis Presley’s Graceland. The sprawling estate gives fans of the king a peek into his home, planes, vintage cars, and music memorabilia.
Sports fans should be sure to check out a home game of the Grizzlies NBA team. They play in an accessible stadium, the FedExForum in downtown Memphis, and regularly offer senior discounts for games.
There are also plenty of ways to spend time outside. Set on 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is an accessible park that offers many experiences, including hiking, bike rental, and fishing.
For seniors wanting to connect with others to socialize and make new friends, the Memphis area has several senior centers offering senior-specific activities and programs, including:
Many of these locations can accommodate seniors who require accessibility assistance. If you have questions regarding your needs, call or email the specific business prior to your visit.
StoryPoint Collierville, HarborChase of Germantown and HarborChase of Cordova are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Memphis, TN. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Memphis is $3,614 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Test answer:
The average cost of Independent Living in Memphis is $3,614 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 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Memphis. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
TnCare. (2023, March 30). TennCare benefit packages. tn.gov.
TnCare. CHOICES. tn.gov.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021, December 12). Medicare program: general information. Medicare.gov.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, August 3). What is Medicare part C? HHS.gov.
TnCare. (2023, July 12). Program of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE). tn.gov
Tennessee Department of Health. (2021, March 1). Letter to Long Term Care Providers. Letter to Long Term Care Providers.
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 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Memphis. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
TnCare. (2023, March 30). TennCare benefit packages. tn.gov.
TnCare. CHOICES. tn.gov.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021, December 12). Medicare program: general information. Medicare.gov.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, August 3). What is Medicare part C? HHS.gov.
TnCare. (2023, July 12). Program of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE). tn.gov
Tennessee Department of Health. (2021, March 1). Letter to Long Term Care Providers. Letter to Long Term Care Providers.