10 Best Independent Living Communities in Virginia Beach, VA
With its stunning ocean scenery, Virginia Beach provides seniors looking for independent living options with a tranquil East Coast setting. Virginia Beach is a popular year-round destination where seniors can enjoy a three-mile oceanfront boardwalk. It’s known for its thriving dining scene, arts and entertainment, maritime history, and family-friendly attractions. The city, the largest in Virginia, also has its own distinct districts that offer experiences everyone can enjoy.
Independent living in Virginia Beach includes various features and activities that support a relaxing, social lifestyle for seniors searching for this type of housing — and these communities provide upkeep, security, and emergency third-party medical services. We’ll help you locate your ideal residence with this comprehensive guide covering everything Virginia Beach has to offer, from exclusive independent living communities to highly affordable options.
How do we rank Virginia Beach 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:
- Recent, high-quality reviews. We take into account reviews from the past two years. Then, we look for independent living options that people prefer. Communities that have mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities that have low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours and how you rate communities based on subcategories like meals and dining, staff, and cleanliness.
- Facility transparency. Communities that have robust information are prioritized over facilities that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
- Location. Independent living options vary based on proximity to your desired location.
Virginia Beach Independent Living Facilities | 413 Reviews
Bay Lake is a very nice assisted living. The staff are like family to us. I feel safe and well cared for. I'm proud to call Bay Lake my home.
Moms Healthcare needs are being taken care of she is in the best health I have seen in years the staff is so accommodating always friendly and make you feel right at home here. Mom is very happy here, we...
It was a smaller community that made it much easier for the resident to get around. They had great activities. Staff is very caring and helpful. They have great patience.
What is most important to me is the care services that the staff provide. Everything is going great with my Mom. The agency that is working with her is doing a great job.
All categories rate a score of 5. It's been a great relationship for sure with my Mom ultimately being the greatest benefactor. We would recommend this community to other families based on the experience we...
So far it’s been pretty good. There’s a few people there that could change their disposition.. I wish there was friendlier people there not so much the staff, but the residents. you can say hi and they...
Chesapeake Place was great for my dad. He did well there. He was treated with kindness and respect by all staff members. I would highly recommend them to anyone. The price is a little steep but then...
I had a pretty great experience moving my elderly friend here from his apartment for safety reasons. The administration was helpful with a smooth transition. He has made friends and likes the nursing staff....
The communication is excellent, they call frequently to give updates and let us know anything we need to. The room sizes are wonderful, and the food is very good. I would recommend this facility to...
We moved Mom out about a year ago. I'm not in the loop any longer. We were in the independent side so I would say the Activities team was great. Apartments were a nice size. We had a studio but it was...
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The staff are very wonderful. They are patient with newcomers, friendly, and cooperative. They have lots of activities like a continental breakfast, or monthly birthday celebrations to name a few. ...
The community has been in the area for a very long time. The aesthetics don't have the newer decorations like new communities, and it is a little bit on the older side for decor. I believe they should have...
I love living here and with the comment below , if you don't like then leave. No one is holding here. We are grateful for everything The Russell House does for us. The staff here are grate. They do anything...
Staff was really friendly and helpful. It's a great place to live. Home environment based, safe and secure establishment. We are happy with the choice we made.
They are great! We are very happy with them. They are clean and friendly. And they do a good job taking care of my loved one. I can breathe easy at night knowing that he is well cared for.
Our methodology
How we rank order the Virginia Beach community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Virginia Beach 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
- Costs of independent living in the Virginia Beach area
- What families are saying about independent living in Virginia Beach
- How people pay for independent living in Virginia Beach
- Understand Virginia laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Virginia Beach
- Types of independent living in Virginia Beach
- Virginia Beach independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Virginia Beach? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Virginia Beach area
The cost of living in Virginia Beach is relatively above average. According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the national average cost of independent living is $3,170 monthly, while independent living in Virginia Beach costs an average of $4,234 monthly.[01] This number covers amenities and service fee add-ons, but may not cover additional costs like pet rents or parking fees.
Independent living is typically more expensive than senior apartments. However, in many cases, independent living can be more cost effective than a senior apartment because the monthly fee covers considerably more. Independent living communities tend to roll their fees into one monthly fee, which typically includes rent, utilities, maintenance, housekeeping, meals, and access to certain services and amenities.
Many of Virginia Beach’s independent living communities offer amenities such as complimentary transportation, wheelchair-accessible showers, salons, housekeeping services, and more.[01]The numbers shown below are average baseline costs only and do not include any additional fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Virginia Beach, VA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Virginia Beach, VA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Virginia Beach vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Virginia Beach, VA by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Virginia Beach over time
What families are saying about independent living in Virginia Beach
Recent reviews for independent living in Virginia Beach
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How people pay for independent living in Virginia Beach
For those looking for independent living options in Virginia Beach, there are a variety of ways to afford it. These include private funding, public assistance, and veteran-specific benefits.
Some independent living communities are part of larger campuses with multiple care types that may be covered by certain health benefits and programs. Most independent living communities, though, are not technically health care communities, so they aren’t covered by programs like Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance. However, these programs may help seniors in paying for medically necessary in-home care services at their places of residence, such as their independent living apartment.
Information about various private payment methods, public housing assistance, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and Medicare or Medicaid resources for seniors can all be found in this section.
Those looking to fund independent living in Virginia Beach can do so privately. Seniors can consider their personal savings; pensions; Social Security benefits; or even investment returns from real estate, the stock market, or something similar.
Any of the following privately funded options can also be used to cover costs of independent living:
Number of veterans who live in Virginia Beach.
About 14% of Virginia Beach veterans are 75+.
There are benefits and resources available in Virginia Beach to assist senior veterans with housing support. The following veterans benefits can be used to pay for independent living costs.
- VA Aid and Attendance benefits. Eligible veterans who served during wartime and require assistance with daily living activities can take advantage of Aid and Attendance, which is an additional payment on top of the VA Pension. The Aid and Attendance and VA Pension benefits are some of the most generous and can help pay for anything that improves a veteran’s quality of life.
- Local Veteran Services Organizations (VSOs) can help seniors in Virginia Beach understand and apply for VA benefits.
The application process for veterans benefits can sometimes feel nuanced and confusing. Check out the resources section below for help in determining the right benefits for your situation.
Resources for Virginia Beach veterans
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Virginia Beach – Oceana Benefits Office
1232 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 202
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: 757-689-3729
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Veterans will be seen 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Walk-in hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Appointments: Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services (Regional Office)
James Monroe Building
101 N. 14th St., 17th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-786-0286
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
4896 Kempsville Greens Parkway
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Phone: 757-519-9931
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
American Legion, Princess Anne Post 113
Phone: 757-635-1552
Virginia’s Medicaid program is known as Cardinal Care, and it can pay for some or all of the health care costs for low-income seniors. The program doesn’t cover costs related to independent living facility room and board, but it may cover medically necessary in-home health care services via the Home and Community-Based Services waiver program, as well as certain behavioral health services and dental services.
Virginia Medicaid’s monthly income limits by program are as follows:
- Adults age 19-64: $1,677
- Adults age 65+ or who are aged, blind, and disabled (ABD): $972
- Medicaid Works: $1,677
Cardinal Care eligibility may depend on the type of care you need and your income. You can check your eligibility, find a list of benefits, and apply for all benefit programs available on the Virginia Medicaid website.
You can easily apply for the Virginia Medicaid program using these three methods:
- Apply online at commonhelp.virginia.gov.
- Call 1-833-5CALLVA (TDD: 1-888-221-1590) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Send an English or Spanish paper application to the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services.
Besides this, Virginia Beach’s local Area Agency on Aging, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, can help you access long-term care services offered by the state and city of Virginia Beach. There is also an ombudsman on staff to help.
Virginia Beach resident Medicaid and Medicare resources
600 East Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 833-522-5582
TDD: 888-221-1590
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia (Local Area Agency on Aging)
2551 Eltham Ave., Suite Q
Norfolk, VA 23513
Phone: 757-461-9481
Fax: 757-461-1068
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors 65+ and people with certain considerations who are younger. Covered costs might include hospital stays, doctor visits, and medical equipment, but Medicare doesn’t pay for custodial costs, such as rent or room and board, in independent living communities. However, Medicare does cover medically necessary and short-term health care expenses and can assist with medical-specific services that could be useful for seniors in independent living.
Seniors in Virginia may find independent living coverage through the following Medicare programs:
- Medicare Savings Programs can assist with funding for independent living stays and can be applied for through this application form or the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services.
- The Virginia Medication Assistance Program also helps with specific medications for low-income people.
- The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is another potential option for getting medical care. The program is for seniors who qualify for a skilled nursing facility but want to remain more independent. You can apply for PACE here.
- Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) in the form of the state’s Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP). This program provides free counseling and assistance to help you determine eligibility and answer questions. To obtain this service, you can visit their website, contact VICAP directly at 1-800-552-3402, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or visit a nearby Social Security office.
Virginia Beach’s local ombudsman is a senior advocate who can help address any concerns between you and your provider, investigate and resolve your complaints, advocate for your rights as a senior living resident, and explore other long-term care options. You’ll find the contact information for your ombudsman and other local resources below.
Virginia Beach resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
2875 Sabre St., Suite 100
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia
Ombudsman: Willie Alston
2551 Eltham Ave., Suite Q
Norfolk, Virginia 23513
Phone: 757-222-4542
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m
Email: walston@ssseva.org
Offices for Aging Services (VICAP)
1610 Forest Ave., Suite 100
Henrico, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9333
Sentara Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
5900 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 260
Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: 757-252-7800
Fax: 757-390-4375
Virginia Medication Assistance Program
Virginia Department of Public Health
4452 Corporation Lane
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Phone: 757-518-2700
Understand Virginia laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living communities follow all federal and state safety and health codes. These regulations protect the safety and welfare of residents. The Virginia Department of Social Services’ general procedures cover training for staff, minimum qualifications for staff, and administration requirements. Emergency preparedness, adherence to medication management requirements, and infection control procedures are also covered.
Standalone independent living communities in Virginia are unregulated because they do not provide any care. However, some independent living communities are also combined with assisted living or memory care. These portions of the community must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services and follow certain standards and procedures. The Virginia Department of Health allows you to search facilities on their website to ensure they are in compliance.
Virginia Department of Health’s contact information
109 Governor St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 800-533-4148
COVID-19 regulations for Virginia Beach independent living communities
The Virginia Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend keeping updated with vaccinations to prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone older than six months. View the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Response for updated recommendations local to Virginia Beach.
Masking. The CDC recommends wearing a mask for 10 days if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
CDC guidelines. For the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations, you can view and the CDC’s list of general guidelines.
Get to know independent living in Virginia Beach
Number of people we’ve referred in Virginia Beach.
Average of residents we’ve referred in Virginia Beach.
Gender split: 65% female.
Types of independent living in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach boasts a resort lifestyle, although its atmosphere veers more suburban. With warm and breezy weather most days of the year, a thriving dining and entertainment scene, and a range of family-friendly activities, it’s no wonder Virginia Beach is a favorite among local seniors. From bayside birdwatching at First Landing State Park to profound performances at Sandler Center, anyone can find their niche in Virginia Beach.
Clearly, there’s no shortage of what independent living in Virginia Beach can offer you. These facilities commonly offer the following services and amenities:
- Wheelchair-accessible showers
- Housekeeping
- Complimentary transportation
- Pet-friendly living spaces
- An arts and craft center
- Movie or theater rooms
- Raised garden beds
- A fitness center
- A beauty salon or barber shop[01]
Within a 10-mile market radius of downtown Virginia Beach, 33% of A Place for Mom-partnered facilities classified as independent living are self-contained independent living facility, and 66% combine assisted living, memory care, and independent living offerings.[01]
When the search is broadened 25 miles beyond downtown Virginia Beach, seniors can find a total of seven independent living facilities, and four of those offer a combination of assisted living, memory care, and independent living offerings.[01]
Virginia Beach independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Virginia Beach independent living
Availability of select dining options in Virginia Beach independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Virginia Beach independent living
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Virginia Beach? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Virginia Beach
14% of seniors are 65 and older within the Virginia Beach population
The median annual income for Virginia Beach seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach has easy access to high-quality medical care that promotes a healthy environment and aims to prevent diseases. You’ll find everything you need from specialty hospitals and clinics to home health care options in order to live a healthy and happy life.
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital offers general medical and surgical services. It’s also highly rated for eight adult procedures and conditions.
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, located in Chesapeake, Virginia, is a general medical and surgical facility. It has a high rating across seven adult procedures and conditions.
Transportation for seniors in Virginia Beach
With 80% of its households owning a car, Virginia Beach residents rely on their own vehicles for getting around town. However, the city also provides public transportation via the Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) service. This includes buses and light rail service that connects Virginia Beach and nearby Norfolk.
Seniors and residents with disabilities in Virginia Beach can use HRT’s paratransit services for door-to-door transportation as well as a low-cost shuttle service through the region’s senior services transportation program. The shuttle service requires preregistration and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
The for Virginia Beach are rated out of 100 and are determined by the city’s density, walking routes, public transportation options, biking trails, and other factors. While not highly walkable in all areas, there are certain neighborhoods that are as well as the resort area of Virginia Beach.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Virginia Beach
Despite Virginia Beach’s suburban setting, it’s a resort town at heart. There are a variety of exciting and senior-friendly things to do, including free activities.
Relax and enjoy nature
Beautiful nature trails and wheelchair-accessible scenic overlooks are available at First Landing State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Even the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is fully accessible and has stunning ocean views. You can people- and nature-watch while strolling, eating, or enjoying a beverage.
Additionally, garden sights and smells can be therapeutic and calming for seniors. With accessible walking paths, flower displays, and special events, the Norfolk Botanical Garden is a lovely destination.
Go the educational route
For those looking for a more immersive experience, The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center features marine animal exhibits, touch tanks, and educational programs. It’s completely accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
Seniors interested in learning about aviation history can also visit the Military Aviation Museum.
Seek out arts, culture, and more
The Cultural Affairs Department of Virginia Beach offers seniors a variety of cultural activities such as concerts, theater performances, and art exhibits. Most of the events are free or of low-cost at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts or the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
Here, seniors can also engage in other creative activities such as taking cooking classes, attending outdoor music concerts, attending festivals (such as the Neptune Festival and the American Music Festival), or spending a day on a fishing trip. For a more relaxing and accessible setting, wineries — such as the Mermaid — in Virginia Beach offer free tastings as well.
Meet your peers
Apart from the city’s sights and scenery, senior centers and programs such as the Forever Young Senior Centers, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Senior Programs, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, and Primeplus Norfolk Senior Center offer to improve the lives of seniors through advocacy, education, and comprehensive services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bay Lake Community, Acclaim at East Beach and Holiday Lighthouse Pointe are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Virginia Beach, VA. 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 Virginia Beach is $3,849 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 Virginia Beach is $3,849 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101): [Virginia Beach, Virginia]. [75 years and over]. American Community Survey.
Department of Medical Assistance Services. (2023). Our Programs. Cover Virginia.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 yeas and over in the United States (S0103): [Virginia Beach, Virginia]. [65 years and over]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2022.) Quick Facts: Virginia Beach city, Virginia.
U.S. News. (2023). U.S. News Best Hospitals. U.S. News & World Report L.P.
WalkScore. Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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