Senior Living Apartments in Memphis, TN
With a lively music scene and pleasant climate, Memphis is a great location where you can enjoy life at every age. Unique museums, botanical gardens, a thriving arts scene, and plenty of barbecue makes Bluff City particularly attractive for seniors seeking active, enriching lifestyles. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about senior apartment living in Memphis and all the city offers.
Senior apartments are designed for active older adults who value living an independent, low-maintenance community lifestyle. These communities often feature a variety of amenities such as golf greens, swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness centers. Fees typically include utilities, landscaping, home maintenance, and security. Unlike assisted living communities, senior apartments don’t typically offer personal care services.
In this guide, you’ll find valuable information and resources about senior apartments in Memphis. Examine the costs of rent and different payment options. Review your rights as a renter, and learn about the laws and regulations that guide safe housing. You can also review health care options, learn about numerous local senior activities, and how to get around.
How do we rank Memphis senior apartments?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality apartments 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 the apartments people prefer. Senior apartments with mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities with low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours, such as how pet-friendly and clean the apartments are.
- Facility transparency. Apartments that have robust information are prioritized over those that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
- Location. Options vary based on proximity to your desired location.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Memphis, TN
They are doing updates but still needs repairs to plumbing and flooring. Can seem to get rid of roaches in the building. Elevators are pretty bad condition. New management company took charge over year ago....
I had just moved here from NY, and the only other one was too expensive. I love here and the manager [name removed] is a jewel. I have no complaints. So far I am happy.
My mother has settled into this community very well, she loves it here ! It is a nice clean community, they do a good job with keeping the grounds, and community well maintained. The staff is very nice, they...
Residents are friendly and engaging with fellow residents without being intrusive. A true sense of community. Staff keeps us well informed of the status of Mom. She is thriving and likes being there.
I don't have a lot of hands on experience with the place, but from what I have seen and what I have heard from my loved one they do a fine job here! It's a nice looking place, and the people all seem very...
I really need to give [Name removed] at hats off because , this is the best apartment complex in my life, I have live in and I been here going on 6 years and don't have any plans on moving period. I have...
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Memphis community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Memphis 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 senior apartments in the Memphis area
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Memphis
- How people pay for senior apartments in Memphis
- Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for senior apartments
- What to expect from senior apartments in Memphis
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Memphis? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Memphis area
Memphis offers senior apartments with a range of amenities. While the most expensive option costs about $3,300 per month, this option offers amenities such as on-site maintenance, concierge services, and a pool. The most affordable option costs about $725 a month. These apartments include on-site maintenance and fitness rooms. Overall, the average cost of a senior apartment in Memphis, Tennessee, is $1,518 per month, according to A Place for Mom internal research. This does not include additional fees such as pet rent or parking fees.[01]
These costs typically include utilities, home maintenance, and security costs but don’t include amenities such as dining or care services that are typically offered in assisted living or independent living communities.
The figures illustrated below represent the average baseline costs of the greater Memphis-area senior apartments without additional fees.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Memphis, TN vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Memphis, TN vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Memphis vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Memphis, TN by room type
What families are saying about senior apartments in Memphis
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Memphis
King's Reserve Memphis
Luther Towers in Memphis, TN
Embassy Apartments in Memphis, TN
How people pay for senior apartments in Memphis
Here we will discuss the different ways you can pay for a senior apartment which include private pay, public housing assistance programs, and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.
Senior apartments don’t provide health care, so residents aren’t able to use Medicaid, Medicare, and other forms of long-term care insurance to cover rent. However, qualified seniors may be able to use these types of insurance options to pay for in-home care services.
Private pay methods are often used to help fund a move into a senior apartment and can include sources like savings, pension plans, and investment returns. Beyond these options, you may also want to consider any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Memphis
43% of Memphis veterans are 65+
There are several VA benefits and local organizations in Memphis that can assist veterans in paying for housing costs.
For veterans living with a disability due to their service, the VA’s disability compensation may provide financial assistance. This is a monthly, tax-free payment you can apply for on the VA website that can be used for housing or health-related costs. Before applying, it’s a good idea to locate a certified veteran service officer that can advise you in the application process.
A common benefit for disabled veterans is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which veterans can use toward anything that improves their quality of life. This benefit is often used for in-home health care services, added to monthly VA Pension payments.
Veterans service organizations or offices (also knowns as VSOs) staff veteran service officers that are a valuable resource for free support services for veterans which may include:
- Assistance with benefit applications
- Help determining eligibility
- Filing benefit claims or appeals
- Help finding social and occupational programming
Applying for benefits can be a complicated process, so veterans are encouraged to contact a local VSO that can provide help.
Resources for Memphis veterans
Shelby County Veterans Services
1060 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 901-222-4237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Appointment only
VFW Post #684
3709 E. Raines Road
Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: 901-794-0696
VFW Post #11333
2600 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, TN, 38106
Phone: 901-590-3416
American Legion Post 1
3755 Homewood Rd
Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: 901-321-5354
American Legion Autress Russell Post 27
2994 Summer Ave.
Memphis, TN 38112
Phone: 901-320-1025
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-2345
Medicare and Medicaid don’t pay for senior apartment rent, but you can use both to cover qualified in-home health care in a senior apartment.
Medicare for senior care services
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors 65+. There are three parts of Medicare, sometimes referred to as Original Medicare, which cover specific services:
- Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital care and short-term care at skilled nursing facilities.
- Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers services such as doctor’s visits, physical and occupational therapy, and some medical supplies.
- Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) pays for qualified prescription medications.[03]
Some seniors may choose Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage. This coverage is offered through Medicare-approved private insurance companies and is required to provide the same services as original Medicare.[04]
Locally, several resources can support you in the claims process and, in some cases, provide funding for Medicare deductibles:
- The Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible people and their families.
- For financial aid, Tennessee’s Medicare Savings Program can help fund Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and prescription drugs.
Medicaid for senior care services
Medicaid provides health care coverage for people with lower incomes and disabilities. Medicaid is funded by the federal government and administered by individual states which allows states the freedom to create their own programming. Tennessee’s Medicaid program is called TennCare and its benefit packages for eligible individuals may include coverage for the following:
- Doctor’s visits
- Long-term care
- Mental health services
- Home health care
- Occupational and physical therapy[05]
Some seniors may also qualify for specific programs aimed to support long-term care for seniors. One example is the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) which provides access to certain in-home care benefits which allow them to continue living in their community as long as possible.[06]
Tennessee’s Commission on Aging and Disability is a resource that can help applicants determine their eligibility and guide them through the application process.
Medicaid and Medicare eligibility can be complicated, so we recommend contacting any of the resources listed below for support before applying for benefits. You can also contact Tennessee’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman for further support and advocacy.
Memphis resident Medicaid and Medicare resources
TennCare
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Tennessee Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Social Security Administration
3602 Austin Peay Highway
Memphis, TN, 38128
Phone: 800-772-1213
Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP)
1104 England Drive
Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: 877-801-0044
Tennessee Medicare Savings Program
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-
Phone: 866-836-6678
Aging Commission of the Mid-South
160 N. Main St., 3rd Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-222-4111
Carlos Royston
Phone: 901-529-4562
Email: croyston@mifa.org
Several housing programs can assist with costs related to senior apartments. For instance, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (previously known as Section 8 housing), can help pay for rent if the senior apartment is qualified and the applicant is eligible according to guidelines that include the following:
- Income level
- Immigration status
- Criminal history
- History of on-time rent payments
The Memphis Housing Authority offers public housing options for seniors, 62+, who meet the income requirements and pass a background check.[07] The waitlists for these housing options can be long, so it’s recommended to get in touch as soon as you anticipate a move.
Social Security benefits are also available to offset living costs. Though eligibility will largely dictate what you’re entitled to claim, the following benefits can all be used for senior apartment living:
- Social Security Retirement Benefit (or SSR). It does not require disability but requires work credits.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI). Requires disability and work credits.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI). Requires disability WITH no work credits. Specifically for people with no work credits.
- Social Security Survivors Pension. Does not require disability. For widows and widowers of workers with work credits.
Memphis resident public assistance resources
Memphis Housing Authority
700 Adams Ave.
Memphis, TN 38105
Phone: 901-544-1100
Department of Housing and Urban Development
200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-544-3367
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Social Security Administration
3602 Austin Peay Highway
Memphis, TN 38128
Phone: 800-772-1213
Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for senior apartments
In the state of Tennessee, senior apartments aren’t required to be licensed or regulated by the Health Department because they’re seen as rental accommodations as opposed to care facilities, like assisted living or skilled nursing homes. There are, however, federal laws with which landlords of senior apartments must comply with in order to maintain safe and equitable housing.
- The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires that senior apartments don’t discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality, sex, disability, and familial status.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations in the houses they rent.
- Tennessee’s Landlord Tenant Act ensures that accommodation is up-to-date on building and housing codes and that landlords make repairs when needed in order to provide a safe, habitable environment.
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) laws apply to people offering senior apartments living under the Housing Choice Vouchers Program. Landlords must meet these regulations to receive funding.
Like any house or apartment offered for rent, senior apartments must comply with local housing codes to ensure minimum standards are being met. The Tennessee Department of Health promotes and enforces the rules for maintaining minimum health standards in rental housing. Tenants who have concerns about whether their landlords are meeting these standards may file complaints with their local building inspectors or county public health departments.
Requirements for people wanting to move into senior apartments will depend on the community itself, but in Tennessee, individuals typically must be at least 55 years old.
Tennessee Department of Health contact information
Tennessee Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Memphis senior apartments
People living in senior apartments are not required to follow any specific COVID-19 mandates. In fact, Tennessee doesn’t have any state requirements but rather suggests that people follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for prevention.
What to expect from senior apartments in Memphis
With its mild climate and low cost of living, roughly 11.5% below the national average, Memphis is an attractive place to settle into a new phase of life.[08] Senior apartments are ideal for people who want the freedom of living independently while enjoying a variety of amenities, on-site maintenance, and secure property standards.
Amenities
From unique apartment layouts to community-oriented building features, senior apartments in Memphis have amenities to fit any type of lifestyle. Amenities you may find include the following:
- Off-street parking
- On-site laundry
- Fitness room
- Pet-friendly
- Library
- Patio or balcony
- On-site movie theater
- Game room
Accessibility and security features
Senior apartments in Memphis are designed with a variety of accessibility and security features to help make daily life more convenient, like:
- Wide doorways to accommodate wheelchairs
- Elevators
- Controlled access
- Zero-step apartments
- Complimentary transportation
A community hub
Finding something to do in Memphis senior apartment communities is easy. Many feature on-site community areas where you can enjoy your favorite hobbies while getting to know your neighbors. Often you’ll find unique classes and fun community events. For example, join friends for a glass of wine while learning to paint or dance to live music. Some communities also celebrate holidays together with special dinners or watching fireworks from the community courtyard.
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 Memphis? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Memphis
Percentage of widowed seniors, 65 and older within the Memphis population
Average annual retirement income for Memphis seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Memphis
Memphis has a great selection of health care options to accommodate seniors’ unique needs as they age. The following hospitals are all great options for emergencies or care needs that a specialist or general practitioner can’t provide:
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis
Situated to the east of downtown Memphis, Baptist Memorial is a teaching medical and surgical facility that’s been rated as high-performing in 12 procedures and conditions. This hospital is an excellent option for those with heart conditions and COPD, and it is highly ranked for its hip and knee replacement surgeries.
Methodist Hospitals of Memphis
With five locations in Memphis, Methodist Hospital has a sprawling care network for those who need it. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the second-best regional hospital in Memphis, this hospital is well-known for its cancer care.
Memphis VA Medical Center
Created to serve the veteran community, Memphis VA Medical Center provides both primary care and specialty health services. In addition to hospital care, this center also offers treatment for mental health, women’s health services, and palliative care.
Transportation for seniors in Memphis
Like many cities in the U.S., Memphis is a location where many rely on cars to get them around. However, neighborhoods like East Midtown, Idlewild-East End Historic, and Barry F. Homes are a great fit for those who don’t want to use a car and would prefer to walk or bike.
The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates 26 bus lines and several additional services, including fixed-route, express buses, and trolleys. Trolleys are only available downtown but are a unique way to see the city and all that Memphis has to offer.
While Memphis doesn’t have a substantial number of public transportation options, additional services are available to seniors or people who can’t use fixed-route buses due to disability.
- MATAplus is offered through Memphis Area Transit Authority and is a door-to-door service for anyone who’s unable to use MATA buses independently. MATAplus has the same hours of operation as MATA, and its service area extends three-quarters of a mile beyond the fixed-route bus system. An application is required to prove eligibility; after that, all you need to do is call the reservation line to book a trip.
- Coming soon to Memphis is the Shelby County Senior Volunteer Transportation Network. This program will pair volunteer drivers with seniors who need accessible and affordable rides.
- The Independent Transportation Network is available throughout Tennessee, including Memphis, and is a 24/7 door-to-door service, much like a taxi. ITNMemphis is open to anyone over the age of 60 who lives within the I-240 loop, but they will drive anywhere in greater Memphis.
Memphis’ walk score is low compared to other cities. Walkscore.com is a site that rates the walkability of areas on a scale of 0-100 by considering public transport, availability of walk and bike lanes, and population density. While some neighborhoods are easy to navigate, Memphis is largely spread out, meaning that, more often than not, a car is required for travel beyond the downtown area.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Memphis
Memphis is a vibrant city with various activities for people to participate in day or night. Music lovers will know Memphis as a haven for fans of soul, rhythm and blues, rock ‘n roll, and, of course, the King of Rock and Roll himself. Elvis Presley fans can take in Graceland, an expansive estate that offers guided tours of Elvis’ home, planes, vintage cars, and music memorabilia.
If live music is what you’re looking for, a stroll down Beale Street is a must. Located in downtown Memphis, bustling Beale Street has a lively music scene and plenty of bars and restaurants. You don’t want to miss out on the famous BBQ, like Rendezvous, that Memphis has to offer!
Sports fans have plenty to do here, too. Memphis is home to the NBA’s Grizzlies, who can be seen regularly at the FedExForum in downtown Memphis, where senior discounts are offered on select games. For those who’d rather be playing sports than watching it, consider visiting Shelby Farms Park, which provides several outdoor activities — from hiking to fishing — and is wheelchair accessible.
The Mississippi River, which serves as the border between Tennessee and Arkansas, is home to several attractions. A dinner cruise in an authentic riverboat is a great way to entertain friends and family. Or, head over to Memphis River Parks with beautiful views of the Mississippi and outdoor concerts, walking tours, and other activities specifically for seniors. Just across the river in West Memphis, you’ll find Southland Casino Hotel for anyone who loves to try their luck on the gaming floor.
If you want to connect with others in the area, socialize, and make new friends, there are also a number of senior centers, all offering senior-specific activities and programs, including:
- Low-impact exercise classes
- Field trips to local attractions
- Guest speakers and seminars
- Senior Olympics
- Arts and Crafts
- Senior friendly sports
- Academic and recreational classes
Many of these locations can accommodate seniors who require accessibility assistance. If you have questions regarding your needs, call or email the specific business prior to your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
King's Reserve Memphis, Brookdale Germantown and The Elevation at Autumn Ridge are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Memphis, TN. 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 Memphis is $1,866 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 internal research.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Memphis. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021, December 12). Medicare program: General information. Medicare.gov.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, August 3). What is Medicare part C? HHS.gov.
TnCare. (2023, March 30). TnCare benefit packages. tn.gov.
TnCare. (2023, July 12). Program of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE). tn.gov.
Memphis Housing Authority. (2022). Public Housing. Memphis Housing Authority.
Salary.com. (2023, June 6). Cost of living in Memphis, TN.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Memphis, TN.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Memphis.
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