10 Best Independent Living Communities in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is celebrated for its temperate climate, scenic mountain ranges, cultural diversity, and delicious Southwestern cuisine. Albuquerque is the hot air balloon capital of the world; in the warmer seasons, residents and visitors of Albuquerque can spot vibrant hot air balloons dotting the sky. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Albuquerque is a wonderful place to live and retire, with a number of senior living options and even more ways to stay active and engaged in the culture. Albuquerque independent living communities are typically luxurious, resort-style communities designed to make you feel like every day of your retirement is a well-earned vacation. Perhaps best of all, while independent living apartments are equipped with full kitchens, residents won’t need to use them often with restaurant-style dining on site daily.
A Place for Mom partners with 10 independent living communities within a 10-mile radius of the Albuquerque city center. We’ve created this guide to Albuquerque independent living communities based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. In this guide, you’ll find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Albuquerque seniors.
Albuquerque Independent Living Facilities | 1432 Reviews
The staff are accommodating and kept us informed of what was going on with my loved one (my brother in law moved out for a year and just moved back last week). I would recommend Camino Retirement Apartments...
Staff is very friendly, several have been there for years. Clean environment. Had a few problems with AC, toilets running.. Maintenance fixed right away.. Residents have been friendly and welcoming.
The care has been good and I am happy with the care. The staff are helpful and attentive for my dad. The meals are good and my dad likes the food. I would recommend the services if they needed and can afford...
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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,...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Albuquerque community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque area
- What families are saying about independent living in Albuquerque
- How people pay for independent living in Albuquerque
- Understand New Mexico laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Albuquerque
- Albuquerque independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Albuquerque? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Albuquerque area
Albuquerque independent living averages $3,451 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This rate includes rent, care services, and meals as well as costs of any optional add-ons at A Place for Mom partner communities. Independent living costs can vary depending on the chosen unit size, amenities, services, and location.
A breakdown of independent living costs
The costs of independent living include rent and amenities that allow seniors to live active and independent lives without the responsibilities of owning a home, such as maintenance, repairs, and lawn care. Most independent living communities even offer dining services, so that residents can socialize and enjoy daily meals without the hassle of cooking and washing dishes. Baseline monthly costs, depending on the community, include access to the following on-site amenities, ranked from most common to the most high-end:
- Fitness centers
- Business centers
- Common areas like lounges
- Courtyards and grilling areas
- Indoor or outdoor pools
- Walking paths
- Movie rooms
- Putting greens
- Bars
- Salons
- Spas
Many independent living senior communities also host activities and events for their residents. Some facilities have an on-site activity and event coordinator, while others have resident-run groups. The following are some activities and events common to senior living communities:
- Art, fitness, and educational classes
- Interest groups and clubs
- Live music
- Holiday parties
- Devotional services
- Planned outings
The cost for an independent living community can also differ depending on the types of add-on services a senior chooses:
- Dining services
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Complimentary transportation
- On-site parking
- Cable or Wi-Fi
- Health care concierge services
The figures outlined below illustrate a baseline of Albuquerque-area independent living costs before add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Albuquerque, NM vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Albuquerque, NM vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Albuquerque vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Albuquerque, NM by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Albuquerque over time
What families are saying about independent living in Albuquerque
Recent reviews for independent living in Albuquerque
GoodLife Senior Living Los Lunas
Coronado Villa Retirement Resort in Albuquerque, NM
Westwind House Assisted Living in Albuquerque, NM
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
How people pay for independent living in Albuquerque
Albuquerque residents can choose from several private and public assistance options to help pay for independent senior living. Assessing your own unique financial situation will help determine the best way for you to pay for a senior apartment and any personal care services you may require.
While public assistance options will not cover the cost of rent in an independent living community, they may help you offset costs in other areas. If you need personal care services or have a disability or other chronic health condition, public assistance may help cover care, freeing up your personal income for rent and add-on services.
Most people pay with private funds rather than Medicaid or Medicare, since these won’t cover rent for independent living. However, if you need medical care in your community, they may cover some costs.
Below, you’ll find some of the most common ways seniors pay for independent living in Albuquerque. You’ll also learn how public assistance or veterans benefits may help cover the expenses of an independent living community.
Eligible Albuquerque senior veterans may be able to receive assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for long-term care. One such benefit is called the Aid and Attendance benefit.
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. The veteran or their spouse must also already be receiving a VA pension benefit or apply for one at the same time they apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit.
New Mexico residents can receive assistance from veteran service officers (VSOs) by visiting one of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services 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. VA Services and Benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Compensation and pension
- Health care
- Housing
- Education and training
- Burial and survivor support
For assistance with finding veterans benefits for New Mexico residents, you can contact your local veterans 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.
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
Disabled American Veterans Regional Office Dennis Chavez Federal Building
500 Gold Ave. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-346-4810
Northeast Heights Office
5201 Eagle Rock Ave. NE, Suite 2A
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Phone: 505-383-2404
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. While each state’s Medicaid program varies, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines. New Mexico’s Medicaid program is called Centennial Care.
Through Centennial Care, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers can help seniors pay for their care services in the residence of their choice, including an independent living apartment. 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.
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) 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 in an independent living or other senior living community. New Mexico’s HCBS waiver program is offered through the Centennial Care Community Benefit, or just simply Community Benefit. The Community Benefit can be used to cover costs of services such as the following:
- Medical care services
- Adult day services
- Personal care services, such as assistance with activities of daily living
- Home modifications, such as support railings, wheelchair ramps, emergency call systems, etc.
- Transition-related costs if a senior is moving from a Medicaid-approved skilled nursing facility back into the community.
The HCBS waiver is not an entitlement for eligible New Mexico residents. This means that the Community Benefit will only be granted to a certain number of eligible residents at a time. Once this benefit has reached its capacity of beneficiaries, the remaining qualified individuals will be placed on a waiting list. As more spots become available, waitlisted individuals may begin to receive benefits.
Programs of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
New Mexico residents aged 55 or older receiving Medicaid benefits 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 own home or independent living apartment, the home of a loved one, or a senior living facility or group home.[03]
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. Below you’ll find links to these resources, as well as other tools and call centers that can help you apply for and access benefits.
Albuquerque resident Medicaid resources
New Mexico Human Services Department benefits access
YesNM Online Portal
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 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 and may include the following:
- Inpatient hospital stays or skilled nursing care
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of independent living apartments. Medicare can be used to cover in-home care, provided that it is medically necessary, as well as care for short-term medical conditions. You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website, or 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.
A local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman can help you access the benefits you qualify for and advocate for your rights. An LTC ombudsman can also investigate complaints from residents of long-term care communities and ensure that seniors receive the quality of care they deserve. The U.S. Social Security Administration can also help seniors receive access to Medicare support. You may be able to dual enroll in Medicare and Medicaid, which will enable you to pay Medicaid premiums using Medicare benefits.
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. Be sure to check with the community you have in mind, as not all independent living facilities accept Section 8. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (or HUD) provides Section 202 waivers for low-income people aged 62 or older.
Another way for seniors to offset the cost of their rent may be to use Social Security benefits such as the following:
- 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 (or SSDI) is an assistance program for individuals who have a work history but are unable to continue working due to a disability.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is an assistance program specifically for those who do not have a work history and either have a disability or blindness or are aged 65 or older.
- 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.
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 an independent living community, depending on your eligibility and the community itself.
For a senior to qualify for any Social Security benefits, 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.
Albuquerque resident public assistance resources
500 Gold Ave. SW
7th Floor, Suite 7301
Mailing address: P.O. Box 906
Albuquerque, NM 87103
Phone: 505-346-6463
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
1840 University Blvd. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Understand New Mexico laws and regulations for independent living communities
Of our partnered independent living communities in Albuquerque, 40% are stand-alone independent living communities. This means they don’t offer care services you’d find in an assisted living or memory care community. Stand-alone communities fall under the regulations of any other type of apartment.
Regulations for New Mexico senior care communities
Independent living communities that are part of senior living facilities that offer multiple care types may have more strict regulations, such as direct care staff requirements, minimum staff to resident ratios, and service offerings which must include the following:
- Medication administration assistance
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Recreation and social activities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Minimum of three nutritionally balanced meals per day, as well as evening snacks
Skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities in New Mexico are required to be licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Department of Health’s Division of Health Improvement, Health Facility Licensing and Certification Bureau. Licenses of all of these facilities are renewed yearly.
Inspection reports on New Mexico senior care facilities can be viewed through a search of the Health Care Provider Survey Reports. To look up a particular facility’s inspection report using this tool, select the category of care provider from the drop-down menu, then narrow your search by entering the county, the city, or the name of the specific organization you’re searching for. For more information on assisted living regulations in the area, visit our Albuquerque assisted living page.
Apartment regulations in New Mexico
Landlords of apartment communities in New Mexico, including independent senior living, are required to uphold standards of maintenance, safety, and cleanliness for their tenants. Such standards include the following:
- Ensuring that all electrical, plumbing, sanitation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and other facilities are in good working order
- Organizing trash removal services
- Supplying running water and heat
Apartments are also required to comply with state housing codes, including the following:
- Shared/common areas must be clean, sanitary, and safe
- Pest infestations must be prevented and exterminated if they do occur
- Building must receive regular maintenance, with walls and roofs reasonably sealed against the weather, and stairs and porches able to support heavy loads.[04]
View the full New Mexico Renter’s Guide.
ADA compliance
Independent living communities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by making reasonable accommodations and modifications 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 can include offerings such as the following:
- Convenient parking
- Equal access to the complex’s shared spaces or activities for those with disabilities
- Rent payment due date adjusted to correspond with tenant’s disability payments
Modifications can mean making 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 property owner, rather than of the resident with the disability.[05]
COVID-19 regulations for Albuquerque independent living communities
As most COVID-19 restrictions in Albuquerque have been lifted, there are no COVID-19 regulations in place for Albuquerque independent living communities at this time.
However, some Albuquerque senior living communities offer independent living alongside assisted living and other care types. As assisted living communities continue to have a few guidelines in place, some multi-tiered senior communities that include independent living may also adhere to these rules.
New Mexico Department of Health contact information
Testing. Assisted living communities in Albuquerque must not admit visitors who have tested positive for COVID-19 until 10 days past their positive test, provided that they have no symptoms at that time.
Masking. Visitors are encouraged to wear a face mask, especially if they are visiting a resident who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Types of independent living in Albuquerque
Albuquerque independent living is designed for seniors who are ready to spend less time worrying about home maintenance and more time enjoying the best of their retirement years. Residents of Albuquerque have access to some of the best sightseeing, outdoor activities, arts and culture, and culinary experiences the Southwest has to offer.
Luxury independent living
Albuquerque has many luxury independent living options, which are typically resort-style communities. Albuquerque independent living combines maintenance-free apartment life with a vacation-like lifestyle, where seniors can do what they love with others in their same stage of life.
Common features of luxury independent living communities in Albuquerque include the following:
- Restaurant-style dining
- On-site barber/salon services
- Movie theater
- On-site laundry facilities
- On-site maintenance
- Planned social events
- Pool and/or spa
- Fitness center
- Common areas/lounges/clubhouses
Multiple levels of support
Many of Albuquerque’s senior living communities feature multiple levels of senior living support all on one campus. Out of our partnered communities offering independent living, 60% feature some combination of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. This type of integrated community is ideal for aging in place, as residents can easily transition to a support level that fits them if their needs change. Multiple care types together also offer more variety among residents, often giving more opportunity for friendships and community engagement, regardless of an individual’s specific level of need.
Albuquerque independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Albuquerque independent living
Availability of select dining options in Albuquerque independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Albuquerque independent living
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Unfamiliar with Albuquerque? Highlights for seniors
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
Median annual retirement income for Albuquerque seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Albuquerque
There are several reputable medical centers in Albuquerque, many of which specialize in long-term acute care and rehabilitative stays. These types of facilities strive to minimize the risk of re-hospitalization, which can be vital to the health and wellness of seniors.
Presbyterian Hospital
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
AMG Specialty Hospital Albuquerque strives to lower the risk of re-hospitalization by offering extended critical care and recovery stays. AMG Specialty has higher staff-to-patient ratios than many hospitals and offers the same level of care as an intensive care unit (ICU), but for extended stays in order to foster a more full recovery.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque offers inpatient rehabilitation for an array of medical conditions, 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
Kindred Hospital Albuquerque offers long-term acute care. Kindred Hospital’s patients can receive the same comprehensive care found at a standard hospital but for a longer period of time for a more complete recovery.
Transportation for seniors in Albuquerque
All of our Albuquerque independent living partners offer complimentary transportation to residents. While some of them may require an additional fee for on-demand transport outside of the community’s regular transportation schedule, Albuquerque seniors in independent living should have no problem getting around.
While the neighborhoods and residential areas are walkable, the commercial areas like shopping and dining generally require vehicle 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. Guaranteed Ride Home is ABQ’s “commuter insurance,” and it ensures that in the case of an emergency, such as a passenger missing the last ride, ABQ will make sure that the passenger is safely picked up and driven home.
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, with wheelchair accommodations 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:[07]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Albuquerque
With over 300 days of sunshine per year and colorful mountain range landscapes, Albuquerque is an oasis amid the desert. Albuquerque is a foodie destination, with top-notch restaurants of every variety. Old Town Albuquerque is a great place to explore restaurants, artisan boutiques, and craft libations. Albuquerque’s visitor page even has a menu of discounts and coupons so you can enjoy the city’s attractions and specialty eats without breaking the bank.
Senior centers in Albuquerque
Albuquerque has several senior and multigenerational centers where older adults can forge friendships with others in the area, enjoy concerts and lectures, participate in lifelong learning classes, and take up hobbies like pottery and other art forms. The city’s senior centers also offer rigorous indoor and outdoor sports including skiing, hiking, and aerobics.
Albuquerque for all
With its mountainous terrain and sunny skies, Albuquerque is ideal for hiking, biking, sightseeing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. For seniors who enjoy the nightlife, Albuquerque has a myriad of resort-style casinos. Albuquerque also features an array of family-friendly activities, so you can keep the grandkids busy when they visit.
Albuquerque is 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. If you’d rather enjoy the sights from up above, climb aboard with the Rainbow Ryders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fairwinds - Rio Rancho, Morada Quintessence and The Village At Alameda are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Albuquerque, NM. 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 Albuquerque is $4,448 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Albuquerque [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Medicaid Long Term Care. (2022, December 27). New Mexico Medicaid / Centennial Care long term care programs, benefits and eligibility requirements.
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.
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