Senior Living Apartments in Birmingham, AL
Senior apartments are residential communities designed for older adults. They offer living spaces with features tailored to seniors’ unique needs, as well as engaging amenities and services such as fitness centers, planned social activities, and transportation.
Senior apartments in Birmingham, Alabama, might be a good fit if you’re an active, independent older adult looking for senior housing, as the amenities and activities promote a stress-free, social lifestyle. Birmingham is well-known for its vibrant, walkable neighborhoods, and it’s a hub for cultural, artistic, and historical sites to explore.
If you’re considering senior apartments in Birmingham, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for you. We’ll cover costs, ways to pay, as well as local information on health care and transportation options.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Birmingham, AL
This is our second year to have our mom at The Gardens. Initially, she was not an easy placement, but the staff at The Gardens made all the difference in the world. Now Mom loves The Gardens and thinks if it...
My only concern is that their prices have gone up every year that my relative has been there. However, Yes, I'd recommend a Bungalows to anyone. The staff has been very nice and informed me if there's ever...
My mother in law is happy there and that makes all the difference. Twice they have noticed and issue that needed medical attention that we could not see. They are very inclusive.
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Birmingham community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Birmingham 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 Birmingham area
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Birmingham
- How people pay for senior apartments in Birmingham
- Understand Alabama laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
- What to expect from senior apartments in Birmingham
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Birmingham? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Birmingham area
Based on proprietary data from A Place for Mom, Birmingham’s monthly average cost for senior apartments is $1,518. The figures below are baseline averages and do not include total move-in costs, add-ons, or related fees.[01]
Senior apartments in Birmingham are less in total monthly rent compared to independent living communities. Our data has found that the average actual monthly cost of living for independent living facilities within our network in Birmingham is $3,188.[01] However, independent living will typically come with more amenities and a more social environment for seniors, such as dining services.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Birmingham, AL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Birmingham, AL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Birmingham vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Senior Apartments in Birmingham, AL by room type
What families are saying about senior apartments in Birmingham
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Birmingham
The Fairways at Grayson Valley in Birmingham, AL
The Bungalows at Riverchase in Hoover, AL
Gardens of Pelham
How people pay for senior apartments in Birmingham
Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance programs don’t cover senior apartment communities. This is because they do not provide care. However, Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance may help seniors pay for medically necessary in-home care services in their apartments. But there are other benefits that can help you shoulder the cost of senior apartments.
In this guide, you can explore private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicare/Medicaid resources for seniors.
When planning a move to a senior apartment, consider personal income resources such as investments, Social Security benefits, pensions, and savings accounts.
Long-term care insurance cannot be used for senior housing because these policies typically only cover medical care or nursing home stays. It may, however, cover in-home care services or assisted living costs if a senior ever needs care in their apartment or to move to an assisted living facility. Speak with your insurance provider to learn more about the coverage included in your policy.
Veterans can use several local and national resources to support their time in senior apartments.
One of the most important benefits for veterans to consider is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. It will cover senior living expenses that improve the veteran’s quality of life. Veterans can apply using this form.
To learn more about applying for these VA benefits, reach out to a local benefit counselor at a veterans service organization (VSO) to explore whether these options are right for you. In Birmingham, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapters offer legal representation and benefits advisory. The United Way’s Priority Veteran program can also help.
Number of veterans who live in Birmingham
Percentage of Birmingham veterans who are 65+
Resources for Birmingham veterans
Jefferson County Veterans Service Office
1515 Sixth Ave. S, Five West
Cooper Green Mercy Health Services
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-521-7305
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Birmingham VA Medical Center
700 S 19th St.
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-933-8101
Hours: 24/7
VFW, Kelly Ingram Post 668
1801 11th Ave. N
Birmingham, AL 35234
Phone: 205-252-2696
Email: cmd@vfw668.org
DAV Birmingham Chapter 4
238 Second Ave. N
Birmingham, AL 35204
Phone: 205-202-4460
Priority Veteran Office
3600 Eighth Ave. S
P.O. Box 320189 Birmingham, AL 35232
Phone: 866-460-3827
Email: information@priorityveteran.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Local Veteran Service OfficerName: Angela Hunter
Email: a.hunter@va.alabama.gov
Alabama Medicaid does not cover senior apartments, but it does cover medically necessary in-home health care services. Before applying for these benefits, review some things you need to know before submitting an application.
If the senior requires medically necessary in-home care in their apartment, Medicaid waivers may cover these costs through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program.
Personal Choices is an option for individuals enrolled in an HCBS waiver program. Those in the program can choose their required services once a month. Financial counselors are on hand to help navigate the process, which includes creating a budget to manage the funds set aside for care. Seniors can get also help from the long-term ombudsman or the local United Way. In Jefferson County, ombudsman representatives are Sheree Head, Marc Newell, and Lakinda Taylor.
Birmingham resident Medicaid resources
Alabama Medicaid
600 Beacon Parkway W
Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: 866-371-4073
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County
3600 Eighth Ave. S
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 1-800-243-5463
Alabama’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Phone: 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463)
Medicare is a government-funded health care program that provides health insurance coverage to people 65 or older and certain individuals with disabilities. Although it covers various medical costs like doctor visits, hospital stays, and medical equipment, it doesn’t cover non-medical expenses such as senior apartments. There are, however, three Medicare Savings Programs options to help those eligible with medical costs.
If you need more information on what is covered and not covered by Medicare, you can visit the official Medicare website. Alternatively, you can contact Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting your local Social Security office. Advocates, such as the long-term care ombudsman, can help. The Alabama Department of Senior Services (SHIP) provides counseling and assistance as well. The Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) helps seniors understand and apply for Medicare, but it doesn’t cover medical costs.
Birmingham resident Medicaid resources
Social Security Administration
1200 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.
Birmingham, AL 35285
Phone: 866-397-4238
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1972 Gadsden Highway
Birmingham, AL 35235
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Alabama Department of Senior Services
Alabama Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Virginia Moore-Bell, Director)
RSA Tower
201 Monroe St.
Suite 350
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 334-242-5753
Email: ageline@adss.alabama.gov
United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County (UWAAA)
3600 Eighth Ave. S.
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 1-800-243-5463
Birmingham ombudsman representatives (part of the UWAAA)
Contact: Sheree Head
Contact: Marc Newell
Contact: Lakinda Taylor
In Birmingham, some senior living apartments accept housing vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Section 202 program. This program is designed to provide affordable housing with supportive services for seniors who are 62 or older. The Birmingham Housing Authority also manages various affordable housing options for seniors, including public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher Program Section 8, which provides rental assistance to low-income seniors. The program allows participants to live in any privately owned rental unit that meets program requirements, with the government subsidizing the rent. You can get more specific details about these applications from the local field office.
Social Security benefits can also be a source of income to help cover living expenses. There are various eligibility requirements.
- The Social Security Retirement Benefit does not require disability; however, work credits are required.
- To be eligible for Social Security in Disability Insurance, disability and work credits are required.
- Supplemental Security Income is available to people who are disabled and have no work credits.
- Social Security survivors benefits are specifically for those without work experience, but disability is not required.
Additional public assistance programs include the following:
- The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to low-income seniors in Birmingham and offers financial assistance for home energy bills.
- Seniors can contact the Birmingham Housing Authority or the Community Action Agency of South Alabama for help with home repair and modification, weatherization, and energy assistance programs.
Birmingham resident public assistance resources
Birmingham HUD Field Office
417 20th St. N
Suite 700
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-731-2617
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Birmingham Community Development Department
Dr. Meghan V. Thomas, Director
10th Floor, City Hall
Phone: 205-254-2309
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Social Security Administration
1200 Rev Abraham Woods Jr Blvd. N
Birmingham, AL 35285
Phone: 866-592-3734
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wendy Littles, LIHEAP Program Manager
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
Energy Division
401 Adams Ave.
P.O. Box 5690
Montgomery, AL 36103
Phone: 334-353-3375
Email: wendy.littles@adeca.alabama.gov
Birmingham Urban League
2101 Sixth Ave. N
Suite 700
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-326-0162
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Disability Rights and Resources Center
1418 Sixth Ave. N
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-251-2223
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County
3600 Eighth Ave. S
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205-458-3330
Legal Services Alabama
1820 Seventh Ave. N
#107
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-328-3540
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Understand Alabama laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
To be eligible for senior apartments in Birmingham, individuals have to meet age requirements (generally 55+). These apartments are often designed for people on fixed incomes, and income requirements vary by community.
The application process may involve a credit check. Some communities may also require a criminal background check and a rental history check. While not typically designed for those with medical or physical disabilities, senior apartments must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). This means they must make reasonable accommodations for residents with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
In Alabama, senior apartments aren’t required to be licensed, but they must comply with state, federal, city, and county housing laws. Under the Fair Housing Act, senior apartments are prohibited from discriminating against applicants or residents based on legally protected characteristics, including age and ability. Furthermore, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with emotional support animals, such as the Fair Housing Act mandates, even if their properties have a no-pet policy.
The state of Alabama has a Landlord and Tenant Act outlining landlord and tenant responsibilities. Landlords are required by this act to keep their properties in a habitable condition, including the following:
- Provide adequate heating, cooling, and ventilation.
- Ensure the property is free of hazards.
- Promptly address any necessary repairs or maintenance issues
Birmingham specifically has various building codes and ordinances that landlords must follow to ensure the safety of their tenants. Smoke detectors, fire alarms, emergency lighting, and other safety features may be required.
HUD-mandated federal regulations govern the Section 8 housing program in Birmingham. Landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers must follow HUD regulations regarding the rental property’s quality, safety, and maintenance as part of the program. These regulations include housing quality standards, rent reasonability, lease requirements, and non-discrimination requirements.
Multiple agencies, such as aging and health departments, may regulate facilities in some states. A thorough examination of the state website for all public reports, such as inspection reports, regulations, and resources, is important.
Alabama Department of Public Health contact information
Alabama Department of Public Health
201 Monroe St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 1-800-252-1818
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Birmingham senior apartments
COVID-19 regulations can vary by facility. In general, the state encourages people to take reasonable precautions to protect others.
Vaccinations. Local governments, schools, and businesses are prohibited by state law from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of admission or receipt of goods or services.
Masking. Masking is not required in the state of Alabama with the exception of medical facilities.
Social distancing. Everyone should avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home when they are sick.
What to expect from senior apartments in Birmingham
Senior apartments are a low-maintenance living option for active and independent seniors, with an average monthly cost of $1,518.[01] These apartments do not provide health care or daily assistance, but they often include amenities such as paid utilities, home upkeep and repairs, and security.
Senior apartments often offer plentiful amenities and community-building opportunities:
- Arts and crafts center
- Fireplaces
- Fitness center
- Game room
- Movie or theater room
- Private patio, deck, or balcony
- Raised garden beds
- Swimming pool
Apartments designed for seniors typically offer accessibility features such as elevators and wide doorways, and senior apartments often allow pets, though individuals should contact their desired facility for specific details.
Residents of senior apartments in Birmingham will enjoy easy access to beautiful outdoor spaces, delicious Southern culinary delights, and nearby highly ranked health care.
Explore senior care with confidence
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Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Birmingham? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors 65 and older currently living in Birmingham
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Birmingham population
Median annual average salary for seniors 65 and older in Birmingham
Health care for seniors in Birmingham
Birmingham is home to an abundance of health care options for seniors, including highly regarded hospitals focused on geriatric care and several specialty clinics. Review the top-rated hospitals and clinics in Birmingham below.
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital
UAB Hospital is an academic medical center affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It is nationally ranked in eight adult specialties and rated highly in three adult specialties and 17 procedures and conditions. It’s ranked No. 36 nationwide for geriatric services out of 4,515 hospitals.
Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham
Ascension is a Catholic hospital that has been serving the community for over 120 years. It’s well-regarded for its cardiology, orthopedics, and cancer programs. It is also one of the few hospitals offering robotic-assisted surgery. This hospital is ranked third in Alabama and second in Birmingham on a regional scale.
Birmingham VA Medical Center
The Birmingham VA Medical Center provides various programs and resources for veterans, including the Veterans Crisis Line, caregiver support programs, and vocational rehabilitation services. The health care system also offers community-based outpatient clinics in several locations throughout the Birmingham area to make care more accessible to veterans.
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center provides general medical and surgical care. It’s known for its cardiology program, orthopedics program, and women’s health services.
Grandview Medical Center
Grandview Medical Center is a health care facility in Birmingham that offers general medical care and emergency services, and it is well-regarded for its heart care, orthopedic services, and women’s health services.
Princeton Baptist Medical Center
This facility is known for its cancer center, orthopedics, neurology and neurosurgery programs.
Transportation for seniors in Birmingham
Birmingham is a mostly car-dependent city. While there are some walkable areas, most residents own cars. Public transportation is available in Birmingham, but it’s not as extensive or widely used as in other cities.
To help fill that gap, Birmingham launched a transportation pilot program with Via to provide accessible vehicles for riders with disabilities and affordable shared rides for seniors at a flat fee of $1.50. The program is open 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday.
The Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) operates MAX Transit, which offers fixed-route buses for 60 cents per ride for passengers who are 65 or older. The BJCTA also offers two programs for individuals with disabilities, including a door-to-door paratransit service for $1.25 per ride and a by-appointment option for seniors and people with disabilities for $3 per ride.
The Jefferson County Senior Services Division partners with ClasTran to provide round-trip transportation services to senior centers Monday through Friday (except holidays). Areas served include the following: Brighton, Center Point, Clay, Exeter-Fairfax, Fairfield, Forestdale, Hoover, Hueytown, Leeds, Edgewater, Sylvan Springs, Hopewell, Midfield, Morris, and Tarrant. These transportation services are available for field trips and daily center pickup and drop-off for those who are 60 and older.
Birmingham’s walk, bike, and transit scores provided below can be useful for active seniors to consider. They’re based on the city’s public density, walking routes, public transportation options, biking trails, and other factors. The scores are out of 100 and can help you find walkable neighborhoods.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Birmingham
Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, is a thriving hub with vibrant culture and history. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy museums like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, the Southern Museum of Flight, the Christenberry Planetarium, and the Birmingham Museum of Art and explore the city’s rich history through the Birmingham Civil Rights Monument and the A.G. Gaston Motel. And the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Birmingham Zoo are perfect outdoor activities for seniors.
Seniors can socialize and learn new skills at Birmingham senior centers, like Hoover Senior Center, Homewood Senior Center, and Trussville Senior Center. These senior centers offer free membership for residents who are 55 and older. The city also has great entertainment options like the Alabama Theatre and the Birmingham Race Course and Casino.
Birmingham is a particularly senior-friendly city, and many of these local attractions are easily accessible for seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gardens of Pelham, The Bungalows at Riverchase and The Fairways at Grayson Valley are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Birmingham, AL. 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 Birmingham is $3,092 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.
Alabama Public Health. (2023). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Median Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2021 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) (S1903) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. Living in Birmingham.
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- Moody, Alabama
- Tarrant, Alabama
- Trafford, Alabama
- Leeds, Alabama
- Irondale, Alabama
- Trussville, Alabama
- Hueytown, Alabama
- Alabaster, Alabama
- Springville, Alabama
- Hoover, Alabama
- McCalla, Alabama
- Bessemer, Alabama
- Clay, Alabama
- Roebuck, Alabama
- Sumiton, Alabama
- Mount Olive, Alabama
- Pelham, Alabama
- Gardendale, Alabama
- Helena, Alabama
- Bamford, Alabama