10 Best Independent Living Communities in Memphis, TN
A music-lovers paradise, Memphis is also a dream for anyone who appreciates a mild climate and outdoor activities. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about our 10 independent living partner facilities within a 25-mile radius of downtown Memphis.
Independent living is a more relaxed way of living. Offering the logistic and social benefits of living in a senior community while still being able to live as you choose, exploring your interests, connecting with friends and family, and spending time in the wider community.
This guide will highlight the costs associated with independent living, ways you can pay for independent living, regulations that guide independent living communities, health care options for seniors, and activities to enjoy in Memphis.
How do we rank Memphis independent living communities?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality independent living facilities 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 independent living options that people prefer. Communities that have mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities that have low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours and how you rate communities based on subcategories like meals and dining, staff, and cleanliness.
- Facility transparency. Communities that have robust information are prioritized over facilities that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
- Location. Independent living options vary based on proximity to your desired location.
Memphis Independent Living Facilities | 762 Reviews
Our dear mother bought in/ moved into the Village 5+ years ago, and has enjoyed it very much. The staff, service, friends, activities, and food, etc. have been excellent and we've had no problems. She is...
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Affordable Senior Care is working really well. We are really pleased with the staff and everything that's going on. The nurse checks her. They are giving her baths. The food looks real good. The staff is...
I recently moved my mother to Feels Like Home, and it is a very good move for her. The staff at feels like home is very friendly and helpful and caring. They really do treat my mother as if she was a...
We decided to relocate my brother here from another community in the area and so far things are going well. The staff is very friendly and attentive. The community and housekeeping is kept up. My brother...
Staff is very attentive to needs of those that live there. The food is wonderful my loved one never complains about it at all! It smells clean every time I am there. Everyone there is caring and...
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 independent living in the Memphis area
- How people pay for independent living in Memphis
- Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for independent living communities
- What to expect from independent living in Memphis
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Memphis? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Memphis area
Independent living communities in Memphis offer competitive pricing when compared to the national average. The average monthly cost for Memphis independent living is $2,656, which is about $500 less per month than the national average. This cost includes associated fees and add-ons. Pricing information comes from A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data on its partner communities in Memphis.[01]
Independent living offers a relaxed lifestyle choice for people who want to live independently without worrying about the inconveniences of home ownership. Below is a list of on-site amenities and services typically included in monthly rent at our partner independent living communities in Memphis, Tennessee:
- Dining services
- Recreation areas
- Social activities
- Transportation
- Maintenance and repairs
The following are average baseline costs for independent living in Memphis before any add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Memphis, TN vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Memphis, TN vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Memphis vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Memphis, TN by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Memphis over time
How people pay for independent living in Memphis
Unlike assisted living, independent living is not classified as a senior care community by insurance providers, so programs like Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance don’t cover rent costs associated with independent living. These programs can, however, help with medically necessary in-home care costs, should care needs arise.
In this section, you will learn about some of the ways people typically pay for independent living. Resources include private pay options, VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and public assistance.
Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for independent living communities
In Tennessee, independent living communities don’t need to be licensed or require regular inspections, because they’re not considered care facilities. However, a license is required if an independent living community shares facilities with an assisted living senior care community. To learn how regulations apply to assisted living facilities, check out the laws and regulations section of our Memphis assisted living page.
Independent living communities in Memphis typically have a minimum age requirement of 55. All rental complexes are required to follow general housing standards under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Under these laws, seniors with disabilities have a right to accessibility standards in rental communities like independent living facilities.
Additionally, independent living communities need to comply with state and city housing laws. Tennessee’s Landlord Tenant Act and local housing codes ensure accommodations are safe and habitable by complying with building and housing codes.
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 independent living communities
Independent living facilities don’t have to adhere to specific COVID-19 regulations. However, around half of the independent living communities in Memphis are combined with assisted living facilities, so you may find COVID-19 guidelines in practice in communal areas.
Tennessee doesn’t have any state mandates and instead follows Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) visitation guidance.[08]
What to expect from independent living in Memphis
Independent living is the best of both worlds for active seniors who enjoy the social perks of community living but want to avoid the stress of home ownership. Independent living communities boast a variety of amenities and features that make living in Memphis unique and comfortable.
Amenities
Beautiful outdoor areas and spacious, pet-friendly living spaces punctuate the independent living experience in Memphis. Additionally, these welcoming communities offer a range of other amenities, including:
- Restaurant-style dining
- On-site movie theater
- Fitness room
- Patio or balcony
- Café
- Library
- On-site laundry
A community hub
Socializing with friends and neighbors is built into the daily routine at Memphis independent living communities. Not only will you live nearby but community events and activities bring residents together to share hobbies and interests. Meet up at happy hour for laughs and conversation in an on-site lounge or pub. Get your hands dirty in a community garden. Learn to paint like the masters in an art class, or join a book club to discuss the trials and tribulations of characters from your favorite novel.
Easy transportation
If you don’t have a car, Memphis can be a tricky place to get around. Most independent living communities have complimentary transportation and are located close to public transportation options. If you do have a car, communities offer on-site parking.
If specific services or amenities are important to you, a Senior Living Advisor can help you find an independent living community that fits your needs.
Explore senior care with confidence
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See what you can afford.
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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
Health care for seniors in Memphis
Memphis has several hospitals for a range of health care needs. From geriatric care and specialists to mental health services and palliative care, seniors are sure to find care options suitable for them. Check out Memphis’ top-rated hospitals below.
Transportation for seniors in Memphis
Memphis is a sprawling large city with limited walking and biking lanes. For that reason, many people rely on cars to get around. All independent living communities in the area offer parking to residents. But if you don’t have a car and want to live in a walkable neighborhood, neighborhoods like East Midtown, Idlewild-East End Historic, and Barry F. Homes could be a great fit.
For people who don’t want to drive, the city offers fixed-route bus lines and trolleys operated by Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA). MATA’s bus service has 26 lines across the city and operates fairly frequently. The trolleys offer a unique way to see the city but are only available downtown.
There are also a number of organizations that offer transportation to seniors or people with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-bus routes MATA offers.
- Operated by MATA, MATAplus is a door-to-door service that extends three-quarters of a mile beyond the fixed route bus system. Eligibility complies with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and is available for individuals unable to use MATA independently or without a boarding assistance device. After your application to ride has been approved, you can call the reservation line to book a trip.
- The Independent Transportation Network operates throughout Tennessee and it’s available to anyone over the age of 60 who lives within the I-240 loop. This service is a 24/7 door-to-door service where riders can choose to share a ride or ride solo like a taxi service.
- The Shelby County Senior Volunteer Transportation Network is a program coming soon to Memphis. This program will serve to partner volunteer drivers with seniors in need of accessible and affordable transportation.
While some walkable neighborhoods exist, Memphis’ Walk Score is only 35, which is relatively low. Walk Score rates the walkability of cities on a scale of 0-100 based on public density and availability of public transport, walk lanes, and bike lanes.
Senior activities in Memphis
Whether you enjoy being among the crowds or someone who likes to make their own adventure, Memphis has something for everyone. With its pleasant climate, it’s no wonder Memphians love to spend time out by the Mississippi River.
Memphis River Parks offer beautiful views of the river and regularly host outdoor concerts, walking tours, and other activities specifically for seniors. If you want to spend time on the water, a dinner cruise on an authentic riverboat is a popular way to spend time with friends and family. Just across the river, in West Memphis, you’ll find the Southland Casino Hotel for anyone who loves to take in the excitement of a casino floor.
Most people know Memphis as the home of Elvis Presley, and music is a huge part of downtown nightlife. On any given night, you’ll find soul, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n roll playing downtown in the bars and restaurants on lively Beale Street. Of course, you can also spend the day at Elvis Presley’s Graceland. The sprawling estate gives fans of the king a peek into his home, planes, vintage cars, and music memorabilia.
Sports fans should be sure to check out a home game of the Grizzlies NBA team. They play in an accessible stadium, the FedExForum in downtown Memphis, and regularly offer senior discounts for games.
There are also plenty of ways to spend time outside. Set on 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is an accessible park that offers many experiences, including hiking, bike rental, and fishing.
For seniors wanting to connect with others to socialize and make new friends, the Memphis area has several senior centers 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
StoryPoint Collierville, King's Reserve Memphis and American House Bartlett are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Memphis, TN. 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 Memphis is $3,699 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). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Memphis. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
TnCare. (2023, March 30). TennCare benefit packages. tn.gov.
TnCare. CHOICES. tn.gov.
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, July 12). Program of all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE). tn.gov
Tennessee Department of Health. (2021, March 1). Letter to Long Term Care Providers. Letter to Long Term Care Providers.
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