What Are Over 55 Apartments?

Over 55 apartments, also known as age-restricted or senior living communities, are residential properties exclusively designed for adults aged 55 and older. These communities operate under the Housing for Older Persons Act, which allows them to specifically cater to seniors while being exempt from certain fair housing requirements.

These communities differ from traditional apartments by offering features specifically designed for aging adults, including single-level floor plans, accessible bathrooms with grab bars, emergency call systems, and wider doorways. Many senior apartments in Arlington balance independence with community, providing residents with their own private living spaces while offering shared amenities that encourage socialization and active lifestyles.

Benefits of Age-Restricted Living

Choosing an over 55 apartment community offers numerous advantages for seniors. The most significant benefit is living among peers in similar life stages, which fosters natural socialization opportunities and the formation of new friendships. Many residents report higher satisfaction levels when surrounded by neighbors in the same age group who share similar interests and experiences.

Maintenance-free living is another major advantage. Most communities handle exterior maintenance, landscaping, and sometimes even interior repairs. This removes the burden of home upkeep, allowing residents to focus on enjoying their retirement. Additionally, many Arlington senior communities offer scheduled transportation services, eliminating the need to drive to appointments, shopping centers, or social events.

Security is also enhanced in these communities, with many featuring gated entrances, security personnel, and emergency response systems—providing peace of mind for both residents and their families.

Arlington Senior Living Community Comparison

Arlington offers several quality options for seniors seeking age-restricted apartments. Arlington Commons provides modern apartment homes with luxury amenities including fitness centers, community lounges, and scheduled activities specifically designed for active seniors.

Holiday Senior Living operates several properties in the Arlington area, focusing on all-inclusive pricing models that bundle rent, utilities, and services into one monthly fee. Their communities typically include three daily meals and weekly housekeeping.

Sunrise Senior Living offers options ranging from independent living to assisted living within the same campus, allowing residents to age in place without relocating if their care needs change over time.

Here's how these communities compare on key features:

  • Arlington Commons - Independent living focus, modern amenities, fitness programs, starting around $1,500/month
  • Holiday Senior Living - All-inclusive pricing, meal services, transportation included, starting around $2,200/month
  • Sunrise Senior Living - Continuum of care options, medical staff on premises, starting around $2,800/month for independent living

Amenities and Services to Consider

When evaluating over 55 apartments in Arlington, consider which amenities and services matter most to your lifestyle. Most quality communities offer social programming with regular events, classes, and outings that help prevent isolation and encourage active living. Greystar, which manages several senior properties in Arlington, is known for their robust activity calendars.

Fitness and wellness offerings vary significantly between communities. Some provide fully equipped fitness centers with senior-appropriate equipment and classes like chair yoga, water aerobics, and tai chi. Erickson Living communities are particularly noted for their comprehensive wellness programs.

Dining options are another important consideration. While some communities like Brookdale offer full meal plans with restaurant-style dining rooms, others may provide kitchens in each apartment for independent meal preparation. Some offer flexible meal plans allowing residents to choose how many meals they want included.

Transportation services, housekeeping frequency, pet policies, and guest accommodation options should also factor into your decision-making process when selecting the right community for your needs.

Financial Considerations for Senior Apartments

Understanding the financial structure of over 55 communities is essential before making a commitment. Most Arlington senior apartments operate on monthly rental agreements rather than buy-in models, making them more accessible than continuing care retirement communities that require large upfront payments.

Monthly costs typically range from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on apartment size, location, and included services. Be sure to clarify exactly what's included in the base rent versus what costs extra. Some communities managed by Capital Senior Living offer transparent pricing structures with clearly defined additional costs.

Many seniors use a combination of retirement income, Social Security benefits, and savings to cover housing costs. Some communities accept long-term care insurance for certain services, and veterans may qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit to help cover costs. SeniorHousing.net provides resources to help navigate financial options.

When touring communities, ask about rate increase histories, as annual increases are common. Also inquire about security deposits, application fees, and any community fees that might be charged upon move-in.

Conclusion

Finding the right over 55 apartment in Arlington requires careful consideration of your current and future needs. Take time to tour multiple communities, speak with current residents, and understand the complete financial picture before making your decision. The ideal community should balance independence with available support, provide amenities that match your lifestyle interests, and create opportunities for meaningful social connections. With proper research, you can find a senior living community that enhances your quality of life while providing the peace of mind that comes with age-appropriate housing.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.