10 Best Independent Living Communities in Lexington, KY
With its rich history, variety of attractions, and reputation for being the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington is a great choice for anyone who loves a pleasant community and plenty of outdoor activities. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about our seven independent living partner facilities, all within a 10-mile radius of downtown Lexington.
Lexington’s independent living options make the area even more appealing to seniors. Independent living facilities are designed with seniors in mind, so it gives them the chance to live independently but offers a wide variety of senior-friendly amenities. All of our partner communities are pet-friendly, offer complimentary transportation, and include a fitness center. This means independent living communities in Lexington allow seniors to bring the parts of home they love — like pets — but not have to worry about things like transportation.
In this guide, you will find plenty of details about independent living communities in Lexington including how to pay for them, what the access to health care is like, Medicaid and Medicare resources, and more about what makes Lexington a great place for seniors.
Lexington Independent Living Facilities | 601 Reviews
We chose Richmond Place because we liked the looks of the facility. Staff is like all others, some good and reliable, some not so much. Mom has had money and jewelry stolen from room.
I think the community had a lot of positives, but I was worried about dad's safety. With only one elevator going up and down and most of the people on the second floor not able to get out during a fire....
They have staffing problems. [name removed] tries to respond..in a good way. However, based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families.
Dad is very happy there! Everyone seems to be on the same wavelength on resident care. They are friendly and very helpful. When we looked at other places, Cedarhurst was far above the others!
Beautiful, modern facility with a good amount of activities. Staff and residents are very friendly. Highly recommend Preston Greens to others looking.
The staff are so friendly and ready to help when they can. The size of the apartment has been a game changer from the previous place. Living space 14'6"x 17'7" bedroom 15' x 11'10". My mother says this is...
I moved my mom to Liberty Ridge and it was the best decision I could have made for her, they were wonderful. It was a life saver for her and me. I can't begin to tell you how good they were with my Mom. The...
It was the best fit for my mother, the physical layout, the activities available, the friendly and caring people, easy communication access, it is close to my home, within our budget. I would recommend to...
5 for all of them. Mom has been happy at Meadowthorpe and they have all been very helpful. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend Meaowthorpe Assisted Living and Memory Care to other...
Great people, flexible food options, feels good that my loved one is in a place where he can get care. They offered two large bedroooms and a garage.
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I like the care from the community for my father. They staff have improvment alot. This is a clean community and he enjoys the grounds. The menu is very good and alot of choices. They have a nice variety of...
One of the floors has college students on it. The community is kept neat and clean and I would recommend this community to others based on my experience.
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The most excellent place ever!! Great staff, great food, Great facility. The food variety was really nice and you could request them to make something else if you did like what they were serving I...
I love this place and so does my mother!!! They keep moms mind working on the lantern. There has been some staffing change in the past year but has not been an issue from us. My mom is higher functioning and...
This facility made the best out of a bad situation, The were so caring, compationate, and took good care of my loved one. The communication was good they kept us well informed. I would recommend this...
I would recommend the community. The best part of the community is they take care of my loved one, this allows us to be family. There is nothing at this time that I would change about the community.
Great food, wonderful compassionate staff in a southern hospitality atmosphere! I can’t express how great our experience was at Tanbark. I would highly recommend to any family looking for a place for their...
Legacy Reserve provides different levels of care for its residents. I am currently in the “independent” level whereas I don’t need personal care; it’s like living at home. I occupy a studio apartment with a...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Lexington community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Lexington 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 Lexington area
- What families are saying about independent living in Lexington
- How people pay for independent living in Lexington
- Understand Kentucky laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Lexington
- Lexington independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Lexington? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Lexington area
Independent living communities in Lexington offer competitive pricing. According to proprietary data from A Place for Mom, the average cost for independent living in Lexington is $4,105 which includes any associated fees and service fee add-ons.[01]
Independent living offers a relaxed lifestyle choice for people who want to live independently without worrying about the inconveniences of home ownership. In most independent living communities, dining services, recreation areas, social activities, and provided transportation are all par for the course. In addition, maintenance and repairs are available whenever needed.
The following graphic shows the average baseline costs for independent living. Please note these costs do not include add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Lexington, KY vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Lexington, KY vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Lexington vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Lexington, KY by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Lexington over time
What families are saying about independent living in Lexington
Recent reviews for independent living in Lexington
The Homeplace at Midway
Elk River Senior in Georgetown, KY
Morning Pointe of Lexington-East
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
How people pay for independent living in Lexington
While independent living communities are created with seniors in mind, the rent costs of independent living are not covered by long-term care insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. This means seniors must pay for their own independent living rent fees. Fortunately, there are several public assistance programs that can help cover the costs of medical or other needs. Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance can be used to help with medical costs in an independent living facility, should a senior require in-home medical care.
Here you will learn more about resources available to help you navigate private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Many seniors will use private funds to pay for their independent living stay. Sources of income can include savings, investments, pensions, and Social Security benefits, as well as the following:
Number of veterans who live in Lexington
About 47% of Lexington veterans are 65+
For veterans planning to move to an independent living community in Lexington, VA benefits can help cover costs. The following information includes which benefits could be available to you and where to go for help if you have questions.
The U.S. The Department of Veterans Affairs (or the VA) will not cover the cost of an independent living stay but veterans can use their VA Pension toward housing and health-related costs. The Aid and Attendance benefit is an additional option for veteran seniors who need help with activities of daily living, are in a nursing home or bedfast, or have poor eyesight.
Veterans must first make sure they are eligible for certain benefits and determining if they qualify can be complicated. For help navigating the process, veteran seniors should speak to a veterans services officer who can help explain the benefits and explore eligibility. You may be eligible for more benefits than you think, so it is worth reaching out to a veterans services officer to learn more. You can find these accredited representatives at veterans services organizations (VSOs) or the nearest VA office.
Resources for Lexington veterans
VA Regional Office
321 W. Main St., No. 390
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: 800- 827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
1111B Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-9203
Veterans of Foreign Wars Bluegrass Post 680
1494 Leestown Road
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: 859-254-8277
National Association for Black Veterans
3022 Tuscaloosa Lane
Lexington, KY 40515
Phone: 859-421-5851
Medicaid will not cover the cost of an independent living stay. However, if a senior medically requires in-home health care at an independent living facility, Medicaid could cover it through the Home and Community Based (HCB) waiver. The purpose of the HCB waiver is to help individuals with physical disabilities live on their own, so it can help with home-delivered meals, minor home adaptation, and adult day health care.
Seniors with an intellectual or developmental disability may be eligible for the Supports for Community Living Waiver (SCL), which provides a number of services, including residential support and vehicle adaptation, to help individuals live independently.
Seniors must qualify for Medicaid before they are eligible for a waiver. You can apply for Medicaid online at Kentucky’s benefits portal, Kynect Benefits, by calling the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) office, or by visiting the office in person.
Applying for Medicaid benefits can be difficult but there are resources in Lexington that can help, such as a Kynector, a local representative who can offer guidance on benefits. Another option is to appoint an authorized representative who can apply for Medicaid benefits on your behalf. This representative could be a family member, friend, or attorney.
Another resource is the Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review (OOAR), which is part of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Located in Frankfurt, representatives at the OOAR can provide guidance on applying for benefits. You can also contact the Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living for advice. Explore the Medicaid resources below for helpful links and local contact info.
Lexington resident Medicaid resources
The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS)
455 Park Place
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: 855-306-8959
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living
699 Perimeter Drive
Lexington, KY 40517
Phone: 866-665-7921
Email: ADRC@bgadd.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bluegrass District Ombudsman (Alice Salyers)
Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, Inc.
3138 Custer Drive, Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40517
Phone: 859-277-9215 or 877-787-0077
Email: alice@ombuddy.org
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people at least age 65. Similar to Medicaid, Medicare cannot be used to pay for an independent living stay but it can help with costs for seniors who require in-home, short-term medical care.
If you are hoping to use Medicare to help offset medical costs, there are several options and resources in Kentucky. One option is the Medicare Savings Program, a Medicare initiative through state-run Medicaid offices. The program will help cover the costs of two parts of Medicare, Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). For help with finding prescription drug savings, the Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program (KPAP) is available to connect people to resources.
Seniors and people with disabilities can also use the Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), a free service that offers advice to individuals to ensure they know their rights to Medicare and what benefits they are eligible for.
Another resource is the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a program to help seniors live independently in their own homes. PACE provides a number of services such as preventative care, dentistry, and medication management. If you qualify, all services can be covered by Medicaid and Medicare.
Navigating Medicare benefits can be tricky so don’t be afraid to ask for help. The Lexington Social Security Administration office is the best place to go to learn about applying for Medicare. The local ombudsman and The Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living (BGAAAIL) can also provide advice and help you determine what benefits you’re eligible for.
Read through the resources below for links and local contact information.
Lexington resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
2241 Buena Vista Road, Suite 110
Lexington, KY 40505
Phone: 866-530-7754
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Office of the Ombudsman and Administrative Review
275 E. Main St., 2E-O
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-5497
The Bluegrass Area Agency on Aging & Independent Living
699 Perimeter Drive
Lexington, KY 40517
Phone: 866-665-7921
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
275 E. Main St., 3E-E
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-6930
2409 Members Way
Lexington, KY 40504
Phone: 855-492-0812
Understand Kentucky laws and regulations for independent living communities
In Lexington, standalone independent living communities are treated like regular housing and are therefore subject to standard housing laws and regulations. However, this changes if an independent living facility is combined with a care facility, such as assisted living or memory care.
In Lexington, nearly 75% of our partner independent living options are part of wider assisted living and/or memory care facilities, which means they need to be licensed and regularly inspected.
Independent living facilities that include assisted living and/or memory care must be certified or licensed. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services certifies assisted living communities, which do not provide health care. The Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living’s Office of Inspector General licenses personal care homes as long-term care facilities, and they do provide health care. Facilities are regularly inspected by the Division of Health Care. You can view inspection reports for long-term care facilities on the Division of Health Care’s website here.
For independent living communities that are not combined with care facilities, they must follow regular housing laws and regulations. The main laws to be aware of are:
- Fair Housing Act (FHA) – When finding tenants for any rental, landlords cannot discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, nationality, etc.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – All apartments and homes must be ADA compliant, which means certain areas, like lobbies and a number of units, must be accessible for people with disabilities.
- Assistance animals – The FHA and ADA also dictate that tenants must be able to have an assistance animal if their disabilities require it.
In Lexington, all houses and apartments must also be compliant with the International Property Maintenance Code and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Code of Ordinance to ensure homes are safe. The Division of Code Enforcement carries out rental inspections which can be found through the Citizen Portal.
Properties that participate in the Section 8 housing program are subject to additional regulations, such as meeting specific eligibility requirements, using approved lease agreements, and taking part in regular inspections. Potential tenants can read more about their rights and responsibilities in this Kentucky rental guide.
Kentucky Department of Health contact information
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
275 E. Main St.
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-3970
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Lexington independent living communities
While there are no COVID-19 mandates in place in Lexington, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department encourages all high-risk residents to take precautions against COVID-19. High risk applies to individuals over 60 and residents with chronic health conditions.
See COVID-19 information below from the Kentucky Department of Health (KDPH). Some independent living communities have their own COVID-19 guidelines so seniors should check with their complex for more information.
Vaccinations.
All Kentucky residents are encouraged to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters.
Masking.
There is no mask mandate but masks are recommended for high-risk individuals or following an exposure.
Quarantining.
Because they are over 60 and therefore high-risk, seniors are encouraged to stay home when they can, especially if they are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Social distancing.
Avoiding crowds and close contact is recommended for high-risk individuals.
Types of independent living in Lexington
Lexington offers a variety of options for independent living, from standalone independent living facilities to modern combinations with assisted living and memory care all in one. Here you’ll find some of the reasons to consider an independent living community in Lexington.
The majority of independent living options offer additional care options.
One of the best features of independent living in Lexington is the number of our partner communities combined with assisted living and memory care. Five of the seven independent living communities we partner with are also assisted living and memory care communities. The offering gives seniors the independence and community they want but also provides peace of mind should they need additional care in the future.
There are also standalone independent living options in Lexington if preferred, so whatever facility you’re looking for, Lexington can meet your needs.
All you need in one place
All of our partner independent living options in Lexington offer a fitness center and beauty salon, and the majority of them offer a bar, billiards lounge, and/or a cafe right on site. For seniors who need to run errands off-site but can’t drive or don’t have their own transportation, all of our partner facilities also offer complimentary transportation so seniors don’t have to worry about the stress of maintaining a car or driving.
A real sense of community
Finding a place with a strong sense of community is always popular with seniors and Lexington has plenty to offer. Read reviews and you’ll see seniors love the feeling of family in our partner independent living facilities, thanks to a caring staff and on-site activities that bring seniors together.
The Lexington Senior Center also offers a variety of classes, day trips, and drop-in activities, so seniors in Lexington always have a place to go and meet new people or spend time with old friends.
Lexington independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Lexington independent living
Availability of select dining options in Lexington independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Lexington independent living
Explore senior care with confidence
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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 Lexington? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Lexington
Median annual income for Lexington seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Lexington
University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital
As the No. 1 ranked hospital in Kentucky, the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington has many nationally-ranked specialties. The teaching hospital is also home to the only Level I trauma center in central and eastern Kentucky.
Baptist Health Hospital
In addition to being a 434-bed hospital, Baptist Health Hospital in Lexington is a medical research and education hub and is home to the Clinical Research Center. Baptist Health Hospital is part of Baptist Health, the first U.S. health system to earn Magnet or Pathway to Excellence designation by the American Nursing Credentialing Center for all of its hospitals.
St. Joseph Hospital-Lexington
St. Joseph Hospital-Lexington is part of a wider system, CHI Saint Joseph Health, that manages 135 locations in central and eastern Kentucky. Most known for its cardiology, stroke and orthopedics services, the hospital is rated “high performing” in five adult procedures and conditions: colon cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and stroke.
Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center is the Bluegrass region’s center for veteran health care. The VA has both primary care and specialty care services, including geriatrics.
Transportation for seniors in Lexington
For seniors in our partner independent living facilities, complimentary transportation is available for everyone. There are a few other options for seniors who are unable to drive or prefer not to. One option is Independent Transportation Network (called iTNBluegrass), a nonprofit transportation system designed specifically for the aging population and the visually impaired. Membership is required and riders can book journeys using a prepaid account, similar to a taxi or ride-sharing service.
Another option is Lextran, the city’s public transit system. With buses running every 30 minutes, Lextran offers a discounted fare of 50 cents for veterans, Medicare cardholders, people with disabilities, and people 62 or older. Seniors with disabilities can also use Wheels, a partnership between Lextran and the Bluegrass Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. The service is specifically for people with disabilities so an application is required to ensure all riders meet eligibility.
Walk Score, a service that rates the walkability of cities, gives Lexington a walk score of 34 out of 100, which means residents need a car to do most errands.[08] It is also important to leave some extra time for heavy traffic during peak times.
One section of Lexington that’s very walkable, however, is the city’s downtown. On a nice day, you can walk across the whole downtown in less than 30 minutes. The area is home to restaurants, shops, and art galleries so there’s always something to do if you want to take a break.[08]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Lexington
Lexington is the “Horse Capital of the World,” but even if you aren’t interested in Lexington’s vibrant Horse Country, the city has a wealth of other activities and sights to offer thanks to its rich history, thriving culture, and active senior community.
For horse lovers, the wider Bluegrass region is home to more than 400 horse farms which are popular for tours. Seniors can book a private tour or go by bus to learn about different horse breeds and even meet Kentucky Derby winners.[09] Horse racing is also a big part of Lexington. The Keeneland Race Course is a must-see and it hosts races and events during the year.
For sports fans, Lexington is the home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats. The men’s basketball team is considered one of the most successful Division I teams in U.S. history.
In a state synonymous with bourbon, Lexington is also a great destination for bourbon enthusiasts. The city has its own Distillery District where visitors can tour and have a sip at working distilleries, including the Barrel House Distillery and the James E. Pepper Distillery.
For those who want some history with their bourbon, Lexington is also popular with history buffs. Two of the most popular attractions are the Mary Todd Lincoln House, where the famous First Lady grew up, and Ashland, the former estate of Henry Clay.
In addition to visiting popular attractions around Lexington, the city has plenty of activities for seniors to keep them busy throughout the year. The Lexington Senior Center is a gathering place for seniors and offers a variety of trips, events, and classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Richmond Place, Holiday Hartland Hills and Cedarhurst of Nicholasville are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Lexington, KY. 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 Lexington is $3,081 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). [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101). [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
University of Kentucky HealthCare. (n.d.). General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). St. Joseph Hospital-Lexington.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Locations | VA Lexington Health Care | Veterans Affairs.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Lexington-Fayette.
Lexington Kentucky Visitors Guide. (2023). Horse Farm Tours in the Horse Capital of the World: Lexington, Kentucky.
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