Indianapolis — also known as Indy — is a bustling Midwest magnet that draws in seniors with its affordable living costs and bustling attractions. Indianapolis is a haven for sports fans and home to one of the largest annual sporting events — the Indy 500. It also boasts several historic sites, museums, and an emerging food scene. The sprawling metro is immaculate and full of green parks, golf courses, and ample trails for biking and walking.
Seniors getting started on their retirement journey often seek the maintenance-free lifestyle that senior apartment communities have to offer. A Place for Mom partners with several senior apartment communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Indianapolis. Senior apartment communities feature all of the conveniences of apartment-style living with the added bonus of living among others in the same stage of life. This convenient guide covers the ins and outs of senior apartments in Indianapolis, like costs, ways seniors pay, and common apartment amenities and features. We also outline several local senior resources in Indianapolis across each section.
We still love it here and the staff are wonderful. Again the staff is exceptional. It is kept clean, and our neighbors respect each other. Did I mention there are all types of activities.
My mother has lived here for 11 years. She has been through many changes and is happier than ever. She is excited for the updates to the apartments, dog park addition and new security lighting outside. She...
Overall the staff are very nice and accommodating to the residents. The most trouble my loved one has is the meals and dining. The community is able to clean my loved one's room the way they like it, and...
I've settled in here pretty much and I'm feeling like I made a good decision. The staff is really great, they are expanding with a wellness center and doing some health things and they have a pool for water...
My Mom has been living at One Penrose Place for about 3 months, and she really likes it. The apartment manager, Susan, is wonderful to work with - she was so helpful to me when I was looking for an...
I am very happy with this community. The staff is caring and helpful. It is very clean and taken care of. They have alot of great activities to help stay active. I would highly recommend for others seeking...
Crestwood West is a five star community! The friendly staff are so welcoming it makes your day - you feel special and just like family. The affordable price for all of the amenities makes this place an...
Loved the facility and the staff. Older community, very well kept and clean. Spoke with many residents as we toured who were visiting in the lobby and spoke very positive about their apartment and all the...
My experience has been great. It's a very nice place to live. People are friendly. My apartment is large. There are activities to do. Not much more to ask for
Throughout the process of moving my mother, the people at Crestwood Village have been very friendly and helpful every step of the way. The common room is beautifully designed and comfortable. There are...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Indianapolis 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
On average, rent our in-network senior apartments within 25 miles of downtown Indianapolis averages around $1,600 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022 proprietary data. This amount can be higher or lower based on factors such as location, add-on services or fees, and the floor plan. We include the average starting prices of different floor plans at our in-network senior apartment communities below:
Many Indianapolis senior apartments come equipped with layouts that include the following:
While some communities may include utilities in the monthly rent, the starting costs generally don’t factor in all expenses you could run into. Some additional fees might include the following:[01]
The following costs represent the baseline costs of all Indianapolis senior apartments and don’t include additional fees. These figures are helpful to compare baseline costs across the Indianapolis area.
Most people put their personal funds towards the monthly rental costs since public programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance aren’t available for this type of senior housing. These health insurance programs may help pay for senior care in a nursing home, memory care, or assisted living facility if a senior needs more support down the road. However, they can be used to pay for in-home care in a senior apartment if a medical need arises for such services.
While insurance won’t cover rent in a senior apartment, other housing resources may be available to help low-income seniors with rental costs. Veterans may also qualify for benefits that can help pay for their monthly rental costs. In this section, we highlight several commonly used private pay methods as well as some public assistance benefits that may be available to help pay for a senior apartment.
Private payment methods are usually the go-to option for most residents, since senior apartments are much like regular apartments. Simply put, private pay is using available assets, income, and financial resources to pay for expenses out of pocket.
This can look like savings, pensions, and retirement income, as well as any incoming earnings from a job for seniors still in the workforce. Some seniors may also be able to use the following methods to help pay for their senior apartment:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has various benefits that can be used to help disabled veterans or their surviving spouses cover costs of living, like rent and services at an Indianapolis senior apartment. The Aid and Attendance benefit is one of the most generous benefits, particularly since it can be used for anything that improves a veteran’s quality of life.
VA benefits can provide a pretty sizeable amount of financial support to veterans or their spouses who qualify. However, the extensive eligibility requirements and the VA benefits system itself is very complicated, making claims difficult to file successfully. You can make the process easier and have better chances of approval if you first reach out to one of your local Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) for benefit counseling and advocacy.
VSOs are essential to maneuvering through VA benefits and making sure you don’t miss out on any that you qualify for. Several local VA-vetted VSOs are located at the Indianapolis VA Regional Office and include the following groups:
Some of these groups’ websites are included in the resources below.
Number of veterans who live in Indianapolis
About 72 percent of Indianapolis veterans are age 55 and older.
Resources for Indianapolis veterans
The American Legion
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 325
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3605
AMVETS-VA regional Indianapolis office
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 314
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3613
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 324
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3615
The Military Order of the Purple Heart
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 312
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3623
Paralyzed Veterans of America
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 313
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3626
Department of Indiana Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 319
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3629
Indiana Medicaid doesn’t pay for rent at a senior apartment community. However, some medically necessary care services may be covered in the home under Medicaid. Such programs are for people who would rather remain in their residence than enter a nursing home. These in-home health care services may be available to seniors through one of Medicaid’s home and community based services (or HCBS) programs.
HCBS programs are designed to help people live safely in their homes while enjoying as much independence as possible. There are several different HCBS programs operated through different Indiana Medicaid divisions.
The Division of Aging oversees two HCBS programs designed to benefit elderly adults and disabled individuals. One of these HCBS programs is the Aged and Disabled (A&D) waiver, which helps seniors — along with blind and disabled individuals — access the health care services they need from home. We break down this specific waiver program below.
The Aged and Disabled (A&D) waiver helps eligible seniors avoid nursing home placement by providing certain services within their homes. Some of these approved services include the following:[03]
Individuals need to meet eligibility requirements for both HCBS waivers and Medicaid, as well as the following prerequisites:[03]
Individuals need to demonstrate they meet a nursing home level of care through an evaluation done by the Area Agency on Agency. This initial assessment is done when a person applies for Medicaid, and a case manager conducts a level of care evaluation for waiver services at least annually thereafter. A person needs to meet at least one of the following criteria to demonstrate a nursing facility level of care:[03]
Many find the Medicaid process to be quite confusing with its various waiver programs and their different eligibility requirements. You can look up certified health care navigators in your county online for help with the Medicaid application or with any questions you have.
Indianapolis Medicaid resources
Medically essential in-home health care services may be covered by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors and disabled individuals. Medicare can’t be used to pay rental costs at a senior apartment, but you can receive some short-term home health care services if you have a medical need for them. Some of these approved services include the following:[04]
Seniors may be able to get help with prescription drug costs and medical expenses that aren’t covered by Medicare. Extra Help — also known as the low-income subsidy — is a Medicare program that helps low-income individuals pay for their prescription drug costs. To qualify, individuals must have limited assets and resources below the state’s limits, which change yearly.
Indiana has a variety of prescription drug plans to choose from, which helps reduce costs for Medicare recipients. Medicare prescription drug plans help Medicare beneficiaries pay for premiums, deductibles, copays, and coverage gaps. Hoosier Rx is the state’s pharmaceutical assistance program, and it can pay up to $70 per month of a Medicare Part D premium. To qualify, individuals must meet the following requirements:
The Administration for Community Living and the Indiana Department of Insurance offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling through their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (also known as SHIP). SHIP counselors are trained to provide the most current Medicare advice and help seniors make the most out of their Medicare health insurance. Some of the services SHIP counselors provide may include the following:
You can also reach out to your local area agency on aging (or AAA) for help with Medicare or questions about enrollment. CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions is the Marion County Area Agency on Aging and can help guide seniors to appropriate resources for help with Medicare.
Medicare resources
Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Find a SHIP location near you
Central office phone: 800-452-4800
CICOA — Marion County Area Agency on Aging
Online request form
4755 Kingsway Drive, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46205-1560
Phone: 317-254-5465
The Indianapolis Housing Agency (also known as IHA) is Indianapolis’ leading housing authority and has several affordable housing options for low-income seniors. IHA also works with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (or HUD) to provide affordable, subsidized housing to low-income seniors and families throughout Indianapolis. You can read more about public assistance resources for Indianapolis senior apartments below.
Some apartment communities participate in HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program — formerly known as Section 8. These types of communities use subsidies from federal and state resources to offer reduced rent for low-income individuals. Under these programs, rent is usually no more than 30% of a household’s monthly income. The remaining rent is paid by the HCV to the apartment community, usually directly to a landlord from the housing authority.
Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA) has several communities that participate in the HCV program, which helps thousands of locals access safe and affordable housing throughout Marion County. IHA is in charge of reviewing applications, issuing vouchers, and making housing assistance payments to the landlords that participate. You can contact IHA for more information about their local HCV program and for application assistance.
Seniors may qualify for certain Social Security benefits that can be used to cover part or all of their living expenses. Some of these benefits have different eligibility requirements that may or may not apply to your current situation. We outline those benefits below to help you see if any might be a fit for you.
For help with affordable senior housing, housing choice vouchers, and rental assistance in Indianapolis, you can contact the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), as well as the HUD Indianapolis field office. For more information about your eligible Social Security benefits, you can use their online office locator to find the closest location to you.
Public assistance resources
HUD — Indianapolis field office
HUD Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher fact sheet
Minton Capehart Federal Building
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 655
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-226-6303
While some senior apartment communities in Indianapolis may outline distinct rules for tenants and landlords in a lease, there are general rights and responsibilities that apply to all renters and landlords in Indiana. We outline some of those key rights and responsibilities in Indiana, as well as specific guidance for fair housing laws below.
Landlords in Indiana are responsible for keeping a property in a safe condition and complying with health and Indiana housing codes. We give a rundown of some specific landlord requirements below:[05]
Indiana also outlines the responsibilities that renters are expected to follow when leasing a property. Renters in Indiana must comply with health and housing codes, which include the following:[05]
As a renter in Indiana, here are some key rights you have that you should remain aware of:[05]
Note: If a landlord failed to address an issue with your rental unit in a reasonable amount of time, it’s recommended you speak with an attorney before moving forward and document all correspondence with your landlord.
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that bans housing discrimination when it comes to selling, renting, or financing a property. Under the law, a person can’t be denied or turned away from a property because of the following:[05]
You can file a complaint of discrimination on the Indiana Civil Rights Commission’s website. Complaints for housing discriminatory practices, specifically, must be filed within a year of the incident.
Property managers in Indiana are required to make reasonable accommodations for renters with disabilities, as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These are generally made in a community’s policies, like having assigned parking for tenants with mobility issues or making exceptions for residents who need service animals.
Apartments must also have specific accessibility features installed, if built after March 1991. Some of these features include the following:
The law also lets tenants with disabilities make modifications to their own units, which a landlord can require the tenants to pay for and return to their original condition after moving out. Some examples of these modifications can be lowering countertops, installing ramps, and removing carpets.
Note: This section is intended to be for informative purposes and shouldn’t be taken as legal advice. You should always seek counsel from a professional attorney or housing authority before pursuing any type of legal action.
Since senior apartments aren’t health care facilities, they’re likely to have fewer precautions for COVID-19 than you’d likely find at an assisted living or other senior care facility. You can expect most senior apartments to follow guidance from local and state authorities, though some may have stricter rules when it comes to masking indoors or social distancing. It’s always best to inquire with a prospective community beforehand to understand their specific guidelines.
The Indiana Department of Health (DOH) has public updates and recommendations available on its website. We detail some of these statewide guidelines and recommendations in place, as of April 2023, below.
Vaccinations. Eligible Indiana residents are recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine and stay up to date on boosters.
Masking. Masks should be worn around other people for at least 10 days after exposure to COVID-19.
Facility cleanliness. The Indiana DOH recommends frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces using soap, water, and disinfectants.
CDC guidelines. You should follow the most isolation guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
As you explore senior apartments for rent in Indianapolis, it’s important to have an idea of what to expect before getting started. With thoughtfully designed living spaces and impressive community features, it’s easy to make yourself at home in one of our 55+ partner senior apartment communities in Indianapolis. Explore some of the highlights of these in-network Indianapolis senior apartments below.
Indianapolis senior apartment communities come in a variety of floor plans, with one- and two-bedroom options available. You can expect most senior apartment communities to provide a full-sized kitchen complete with all the works. Some communities even feature lavish kitchen details like spacious islands, stainless steel appliances, and quartz countertops.
Many of our partner Indianapolis senior apartments offer the convenience of in-unit laundry, as most communities either provide full-sized washers and dryers or have connections available to install your own. Walk-in closets, individual heating and air conditioning systems, and private patios or balconies are a few other features you can expect to find at these communities.
Having access to nearby conveniences is essential to maintaining one’s independence. Several of our in-network senior apartment communities are located within miles of popular shopping centers, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Even better, most of our partner communities are near at least one of the local golf courses. You’ll find some communities are even within walking distance of post offices, tasty restaurants, and local entertainment hot spots.
Residents with pets will be especially pleased to find that many of our in-network communities are close to local pet supply stores and parks. And, most of our partner senior apartment communities offer easy access to the airport, with several located within 30 minutes or less of the Indianapolis International Airport.
A lot of Indianapolis senior apartments have community amenities available for residents to delight in. Indoor common areas serve as spaces for residents to enjoy gathering with friends, stay active, and even indulge in self-care. Several communities have on-site fitness centers, theater rooms, and even beauty salons.
Walking paths, serene courtyards, and raised garden beds are typical at our partner communities for all residents to enjoy. Residents can also gather with friends and lounge in outdoor seating areas, grill up barbecue at the outdoor grills, and even sit poolside at several communities. Residents with pets will be especially pleased with the pet-friendly amenities, like dog parks and sometimes even dog wash stations, available at many senior apartment communities.
Most of our in-market senior apartment communities coordinate on-site activities, and about half of our partner communities coordinate day trips and outings for residents.[01] It’s easy to enjoy an active retirement with some communities even providing exercise programs like stretching classes, tai chi, or yoga. Some communities plan social gatherings like happy hours, karaoke, and wine tastings.
It’s easy to get involved with the activities you love most, as many communities host resident-led interest groups, like book clubs, walking clubs, and gardening clubs. Several Indianapolis senior apartments also schedule celebrations that range from birthday and holiday parties to barbecues and picnics. You may also find an opportunity to learn some new skills or talents, as it’s not uncommon to find art and cooking classes on-site.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Indianapolis
Percentage of Indianapolis seniors age 65+
Average household earnings for Indianapolis seniors age 65 and older
When it comes to medical care, retirees in Indianapolis have access to some of the top hospitals in the Midwest. Take a look at some of the area’s ranking hospitals below.
Kindred Hospital Indianapolis provides wide-ranging care for a variety of complex medical needs from cardiac care and major surgery recovery to stroke care. As a long-term acute care hospital, Kindred Hospital Indianapolis has specially designed services to provide optimal care for patients with unique medical needs or who need serious care following a serious injury or chronic condition.
IU Health Methodist Hospital is a Magnet-designated hospital and is highly acclaimed for its first-rate nursing services and clinical outcomes for patients. The renowned hospital offers comprehensive medical services that include laboratory services, heart and vascular care, and cancer care. IU Health partners with the Indiana University School of Medicine to provide patients with access to clinical trials not available at every hospital.
Ascension St. Vincent Hospital offers a spectrum of care services that span from illnesses to life-threatening injuries. This full-service hospital has round-the-clock emergency care and a Level 1 trauma center. Additionally, St. Vincent’s Indianapolis campus also boasts access to rehabilitative services, minimally invasive procedures, as well as lab tests and imaging.
To help senior residents get around the city and maintain their independence, all of our partner senior apartment communities offer transportation services to residents. Indianapolis is also full of public transportation services for seniors with visiting friends or relatives:[01]
As a whole, Indianapolis is primarily a car-reliant city, though some neighborhoods offer more walkability like Downtown, Broad Ripple, and Fountain Square. Take a look at how the Indianapolis metro ranks for its walkability, bike lane availability, and public transit below.[09]
Indianapolis — also called Indy or Hoosier City by many — is a hidden Midwestern gem with an affordable cost of living, an active sports scene, and exciting family attractions for active seniors and visiting friends or family. We unveil some of Indianapolis’ most popular hot spots, activities, and attractions for seniors below.
Indy’s food scene was deemed highly underrated by Condé Nast Traveler. That’s because this Midwestern city has an array of delectable American cuisine varieties you won’t want to miss out on. Dive into some of the city’s most treasured eats, from deep-fried pork tenderloins and shrimp cocktails to Reuben sandwiches. Indy is also home to egg-ceptional brunch spots to catch up with friends and enjoy classic and unique dishes alike. Find all this and much more at Indy’s favored local restaurants.
As the annual host of one of the largest racing events — the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway — it should come as no surprise that sports are at the heart and soul of Indianapolis. Indy has several professional sports teams you can enjoy watching throughout the year from Colts football and Pacers basketball to Indy Fuel hockey. The home of the NCAA Headquarters and NCAA Hall of Champions, Indianapolis is a big town for college basketball and has held several Final Four and Big 10 championships for basketball and football.
Indianapolis is a shopping hub that has something available for every taste and budget. Circle Centre is a massive shopping center with an impressive food court, and it’s conveniently connected to various downtown hotels and the Indiana Convention Center. You can discover unique local finds and charming trinkets at Indy’s trendy boutiques. You can also peruse rows of locally grown produce at one of the local farmers markets that set up shop throughout the year:
Take a day trip to explore some of the local vineyards and wineries in and around Indianapolis. Stop in for a tour or tasting and sample flights of award-winning wines and maybe some perfectly paired food bites. Many local wineries also host events and festivals during the warmer months that feature live music, trivia contests, and more.
There are several dog-friendly places in Indianapolis you and your four-legged pals can embark on. Several restaurants and breweries even have pet-friendly patio seating for you to enjoy craft brews and local eats while your pup sunbathes. Indy also has ample parks and outdoor destinations, like Broad Ripple Dog Park, Holliday Park, and Eagle Creek Park, to keep your dog amused and exercised.
Senior community programs in Indianapolis provide an opportunity for older adults to stay active and socialize with their peers. These communities typically offer a range of activities to engage all interests and abilities, which can range from exercise programs and horticultural therapy to arts and crafts. Some senior programs even coordinate weekly outings to local restaurants, parks, and museums.
Encore Perry Crossing, Encore 55+ Boutique Apartments and NeighborCare of Chapel Hill are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Indianapolis, IN. 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 Indianapolis is $1,179 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Indianapolis. [Data set]. American community survey.
Indiana Medicaid. Aged and disabled waiver.
Medicare. Home health services.
Indiana Civil Rights Commission. Indiana civil rights commission fact sheet on tenant rights in Indiana.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). ACS demographic and housing estimates (DP05): Indianapolis. [Data set]. American community survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Indianapolis. [Data set]. American community survey.
IndyGo. (2022, September). About us: Fixed route service.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in Indianapolis.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Indianapolis. [Data set]. American community survey.
Indiana Medicaid. Aged and disabled waiver.
Medicare. Home health services.
Indiana Civil Rights Commission. Indiana civil rights commission fact sheet on tenant rights in Indiana.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). ACS demographic and housing estimates (DP05): Indianapolis. [Data set]. American community survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Indianapolis. [Data set]. American community survey.
IndyGo. (2022, September). About us: Fixed route service.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in Indianapolis.