With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is celebrated for its temperate climate, scenic mountain ranges, cultural diversity, delicious Southwestern cuisine, and the famed hot air balloons that dot the sky in the warmer seasons. Albuquerque has a number of senior living options available to match your needs and preferences. Senior apartments are designed for adults 55+ who are ready to live a low-maintenance lifestyle with other seniors in their same stage of life, all at an affordable rate. For more resort-style senior living, visit our Albuquerque guide to independent living.
We’ve created this guide to Albuquerque senior apartment communities based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Albuquerque seniors below.
My parents resided at Morada Quintessence for several years. They were always well cared for, and both made lots of friends. After dad passed away, the staff made sure that mom stayed active. The care team...
The day after my brother began his stay at Ravenna they went into pandemic CDC status. Just unbelieveably difficult for all of us. When we got to the release of rules by the state I was able to visit him....
We think this is the perfect place for our loved one even during the pandemic. They have small special events that take place, they have some activities going on right now like happy hour, door decorating,...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Albuquerque 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
Senior apartments are typically a more cost-effective senior housing option than independent living and are ideal for the senior who does not require personal care services. Albuquerque senior apartments average around $1,020 per month.[01]
Albuquerque residents can choose from several private and public assistance options to help pay for senior living. Assessing your own unique financial situation will help to determine the best way for you to pay for a senior apartment and any personal care services you may require through in-home care.
While public assistance options will not cover the cost of rent at a senior apartment, they may help you offset costs in other areas. For instance, if you ever need personal care services or have a disability or other chronic health condition, public assistance may help cover care services in your apartment.
Eligible Albuquerque senior veterans may be able to receive assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for cost of living and long-term care. Veterans pension benefits and the Aid and Attendance benefit can help senior veterans and their surviving spouses improve their quality of life with supplemental income.
Aid and Attendance may be added to a veteran’s pension to be used as they choose. A veteran’s surviving spouse may also qualify for this benefit. They must already be receiving a VA pension or apply for one at the same time they apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit.
The approval process for the Aid and Attendance benefit can be difficult, and approval usually requires assistance or advocacy. New Mexico residents can receive assistance from veteran service officers (VSOs) by visiting one of The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Affairs field offices located throughout the state. Veteran service officers are fellow veterans who are familiar with benefits offerings and can help veterans get the most out of their eligibility.
For assistance with finding veterans benefits, New Mexico residents can contact the local VA office or check out the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services webpage. The New Mexico Judiciary Branch offers information on additional community resources for veterans, such as food and assistance, medical centers, housing assistance, rehabilitation, and more. New Mexico also has specialized departments for aiding veterans of foreign wars and for veterans with disabilities.
Number of veterans who live in Albuquerque, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 24% of Albuquerque veterans are 75+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for Albuquerque veterans
Downtown Office
500 Gold St. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-346-4810
505-346-3986
Northeast Heights Office
5201 Eagle Rock Ave. NE, Suite 2A
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Phone: 505-383-2404
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — New Mexico
Phone: 575-973-4965
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV — New Mexico
500 Gold St. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-294-6193
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
1501 San Pedro Dr. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Phone: 505-265-1711
Mental health line: 505-265-1711, ext. 2150
Medicaid is federal- and state-funded medical insurance for those with low incomes or disabilities. New Mexico’s Medicaid program is called Centennial Care. While each state’s Medicaid program varies, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines.
Note that to receive benefits, you must be enrolled in a Centennial Care Managed Care Organization (MCO) and the agency providing the care services must be contracted with that MCO. Read the Centennial Care Community Benefit brochure to understand more about this program that can provide care in your chosen place of residence.
Medicaid programs will not cover the cost of rent in a senior living community. However, New Mexico residents in senior apartments may be able to receive financial support with care services through Home and Community Based Services waivers.
Home and Community Based Services waivers are designed to cover care for those in need of a nursing facility level of care, but choose to live in the community instead of in a skilled nursing facility. Eligible seniors can use this benefit while living at home — whether that be in a senior apartment community, with a loved one, or even in assisted living. New Mexico’s HCBS waiver program is offered through the Centennial Care Community Benefit, also known as Community Benefit. Community Benefit can be used to cover costs of services, such as the following:
New Mexico residents aged 55 or older who are receiving Medicaid can also take advantage of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE. Through PACE, eligible seniors can have all of their care services coordinated into a comprehensive care plan. New Mexico’s PACE program is also known as InnovAge New Mexico PACE. To be eligible, seniors must require a nursing facility level of support but remain living in their place of residences, such as in their own home or senior apartment, the home of a loved one, or an assisted living facility or group home.[04]
Albuquerque residents can manage their care through the New Mexico Human Services Department (NMHSD) and the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALSTD). The ALSTD has several Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) where New Mexico residents can receive additional support with Medicare, Medicaid, and other services.
Albuquerque resident Medicaid resources
New Mexico Human Services Department benefits access
YesNM Online Portal
New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department Person-Centered Planning Tool
Person-Centered Planning Tool
New Mexico Medicaid Call Center
Phone: 800-283-4465
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Phone: 800-432-2080
City of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Area Agency on Aging
600 2nd St. NW., #808
Albuquerque, NM 87103
Phone: 505-768-2084
Indian Area Agency on Aging
625 Silver SW, Suite 414
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-629-8544
Medicare health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of senior apartments. Medicare can be used to cover in-home care, provided that it is medically necessary for short-term medical conditions. You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website or by reaching out to one of your local Albuquerque Social Security Administration offices. Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
Medicare is a federally funded program designed to extend health coverage to Americans 65 or older and individuals with qualifying disabilities. Medicare has multiple parts that cover different aspects of health care, such as the following:
New Mexico also has a program known as New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool (NMMIP) for individuals who are unable to qualify for insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.
The U.S. Social Security Administration can help seniors receive access to Medicare support. You may be able to dual enroll in Medicare and Medicaid, which will enable you to pay Medicare premiums using Medicaid benefits. A local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman can help your loved one access the benefits they qualify for and advocate for their rights. An LTC ombudsman can also investigate complaints of residents of long-term care and ensure that seniors receive the quality of care they deserve. Find links to these resources below.
Albuquerque resident Medicare resources
Lower-income Albuquerque residents can apply for assistance from the Albuquerque Housing Authority, including the Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) Program. Not all senior apartment communities accept Section 8 vouchers, so be sure to check with the community itself.
Seniors may also be able to offset the costs of their rent by using Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). The difference between SSI and SSDI, and which a person will apply for, has to do with work history. For a senior to qualify for either, they must meet strict medical and financial criteria. The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department features resources for Albuquerque seniors with disabilities who need assistance in taking full advantage of the support services available to them.
You may qualify for SSI if you are over 65, blind, or disabled and if you meet the low-income requirements. To qualify for SSDI, you must have eligibility for SSI as well as work history credits as defined by the Social Security’s specific parameters. These may help cover rent in a senior apartment, depending on your eligibility and the community itself.
Social Security is designed to provide monthly income to retired workers over the age of 65. If you’ve been gainfully employed in the United States, you may be eligible for one or more types of Social Security benefits.
Social Security Retirement benefit. Social Security in retirement (also known as Social Security Retirement benefit/SSR) is designed to replace a portion of your income when you retire.
Social Security Disability Insurance. Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI) is an assistance program for individuals who have a work history but who are unable to continue working due to a disability.
Supplemental Security Income. Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is an assistance program specifically for those who do not have a work history and who either have a disability, are blindness, or are aged 65+.
Social Security survivors benefits. Social Security survivors pension assists those who are the dependents (such as a spouse or children) of a deceased person who qualified for Social Security benefits.
Albuquerque resident public assistance resources
Albuquerque Field Office
500 Gold Ave. SW
7th Floor, Suite 7301
Albuquerque, NM 87103-0906
Mailing address: P.O. Box 906
Phone: 505-346-6463
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Landlords of apartment communities in New Mexico are required to maintain standards of maintenance, safety, and cleanliness for their tenants. Landlords are responsible for the following:
Apartments are also required to uphold state housing codes:
View the full New Mexico Renter’s Guide.
Like all living spaces in the United States, New Mexico senior apartments also must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which means that reasonable accommodations and modifications must be made for individuals with disabilities. Owners of housing facilities are prohibited by federal law from denying residency to individuals who have disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations are defined as adjustments to rules or policies so that residents with disabilities are included in the same activities and benefits offered to the rest of the tenants. Accommodations may require property managers to offer the following to tenants:
Modifications can include construction changes to the complex and unit that make the space more accessible to those with disabilities, such as adding a wheelchair ramp or hands-free entrance, or installing handrails in bathrooms. The costs of these modifications are the responsibility of the homeowner, rather than of the tenant with the disability.[06]
As most COVID-19 restrictions in Albuquerque have been lifted, there are no COVID-19 regulations in place for Albuquerque senior apartments at this time.
Albuquerque is rich in culture, with wonderful food, riveting music, and striking landscapes. Residents of Albuquerque have access to some of the best sightseeing, outdoor activities, arts and culture, and culinary experiences the Southwest has to offer. Senior apartments can be a cost-effective form of independent living for Albuquerque seniors who want to shed the hassle of home maintenance so they can spend more time and resources on the things they would rather do.
The following are common features of senior apartments in the area:
Albuquerque also has many luxury independent living options, which are typically more resort-style communities. These communities often feature the same amenities as senior apartments, plus even more — such as restaurant-style dining, barber and salon services on-site, movie theaters, and a full social calendar of events. If you’re looking for a retirement community that combines independence with a vacation-like lifestyle, check out our guide to Albuquerque independent living.
Senior mobile home communities are a popular independent living community type in Albuquerque. Mobile homes tend to be far more affordable than traditionally constructed homes and are often a more appropriate, single-story size for individuals looking to downsize. These communities are generally for residents 55 and older and are set up like intimate neighborhoods, where residents can enjoy peace and quiet while still maintaining relationships with other members of the community who are in their same stage of life. Like senior apartments, these communities often have pools, fitness centers, clubhouses, and plenty of planned social activities.
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.
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Albuquerque, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Albuquerque population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual retirement income for Albuquerque seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Albuquerque features several reputable medical centers, many of which specialize in long-term acute care and rehabilitative stays. These types of facilities strive to minimize the risk of rehospitalization, which can be especially important to the health of seniors.
Ranked No.1 in Albuquerque, according to U.S. News and World Report, Presbyterian Hospital is the largest hospital in the state of New Mexico. Presbyterian offers a full range of medical and surgical procedures.
AMG Specialty Hospital Albuquerque offers extended critical care and recovery stays for patients to help lower the risk of rehospitalization. AMG Specialty has higher staff-to-patient ratios than many hospitals and offers the level of care of an intensive care unit (ICU). However, they do require longer stays in order to foster a more full recovery.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque offers inpatient rehabilitation for a number of medical needs, including traumatic brain injury and stroke, orthopedic injury or surgery, illness, and more. Encompass Health is typically able to accept Medicare and Medicaid.
Kindred Hospital Albuquerque offers long-term acute care. Patients at Kindred Hospital can receive the same comprehensive care offered by a standard hospital but for a longer period of time for a more complete recovery.
While the neighborhoods and residential areas are walkable, the commercial areas like shopping and dining generally require vehicular access. However, for residents who choose not to own a vehicle, the city does have public transportation options available.
Albuquerque’s main transit bus system, ABQ RIDE, offers monthly passes, assistance with planning your route, and a Guaranteed Ride Home system.
For residents aged 60 and over, Albuquerque has transportation services for seniors. Seniors can take advantage of the city’s curb-to-curb van transport to medical appointments, meal sites, activities, and shopping. Wheelchair accommodations are available for those who need it. Many of these services require reservations, which can be made by calling 505-764-6464.
WalkScore has assessed Albuquerque’s transportation options, city layout, and population density to determine these ratings out of 100:[08]
With its temperate climate, exquisite scenery, and wonderful cultural and culinary offerings, Albuquerque is a popular retirement locale. If the rest of the family is nearby, there are activities for all ages; and if they’re not, Albuquerque offers plenty of incentives for them to come visit.
A mountainous oasis amidst Southwestern desert, Albuquerque boasts an average of over 310 days of sunshine per year. Albuquerque’s climate and landscape make it ideal for the outdoorsman; the city is a hub of activities like hiking, bicycling, kayaking, and skiing. Albuquerque is also the hot air balloon capital of the world, and in the summertime the skies behind gorgeous mountain vistas are frequently dotted with bright colors. Residents of all ages can enjoy the views of the marvelous annual International Balloon Festival.
With numerous senior and multigenerational centers in the city, Albuquerque’s older residents can form relationships with other locals in their same phase of life. Albuquerque seniors enjoy concerts and lectures, participate in lifelong learning classes, and take up hobbies like pottery and other art forms. Senior centers also feature indoor and outdoor sporting adventures, including skiing, hiking, and aerobics.
Albuquerque is a destination city for foodies. Albuquerque’s restaurant options have something for everyone, with special emphasis on Southwestern favorites like Mexican cuisine and savory barbeque. Old Town Albuquerque is a great place to experience a little of everything — from food and craft beers and wines to one-of-a-kind local boutiques.
Albuquerque features a number of fun family-friendly options that are educational, too — like museums and nature centers. For the budget-conscious, the Visit Albuquerque website has a list of coupons, activities for under $10, and even free activities, so seniors can enjoy the city with the whole family. Visit places like the Breaking Bad RV Tour, Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm, Creativity Warehouse, the American International Rattlesnake Museum, and more, all without breaking the bank.
When the grandkids go back home, seniors can check out the Albuquerque nightlife, where they’ll find casinos, billiard halls, breweries, and concerts. The city is also rich with performing arts, so even individuals who aren’t as mobile are able to enjoy the city’s wonderful cultural offerings.
Morada Quintessence, Affinity at Albuquerque and Ravenna Assisted Living are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Albuquerque, NM. 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 Albuquerque is $3,810 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Apartments.com. (2023). Albuquerque senior housing.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Albuquerque. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Managed Care Program Community Benefit, NMAC Rev Stat § 8.308.12 (2019).
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, NMAC Rev Stat § 8.315.2 (2006).
New Mexico Legal Aid, Inc. (2018). Renter’s guide.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Albuquerque. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Albuquerque.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Apartments.com. (2023). Albuquerque senior housing.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Albuquerque. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Managed Care Program Community Benefit, NMAC Rev Stat § 8.308.12 (2019).
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, NMAC Rev Stat § 8.315.2 (2006).
New Mexico Legal Aid, Inc. (2018). Renter’s guide.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Albuquerque. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Albuquerque.