Situated on the Great Miami River, Dayton, Ohio, is home to a rich history, a welcoming community, and a variety of city attractions. As the birthplace of Orville Wright and the home of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, it has a special connection with the history of aviation.
Senior apartments in Dayton provide a unique opportunity for seniors to take advantage of everything the city has to offer while maintaining comfort and convenience with an array of lifestyle amenities designed to support their well-being. Senior apartments are not your standard housing options. They are designed specifically with the needs and preferences of seniors in mind. These age-restricted communities often provide maintenance-free living and various amenities tailored for seniors, such as community events.
In Dayton, many senior apartments are found in and around the bustling downtown area, allowing residents to enjoy both the serenity of their community and the city’s vibrant life. A Place For Mom partners with several such communities in Dayton, each one providing a unique set of features to match diverse lifestyle preferences and needs.
This guide will explore senior apartments within a 10-mile radius of downtown Dayton. We’ll cover the amenities they offer, the cost of living, and payment options. Additionally, we’ll highlight the city’s senior-friendly features such as health care facilities, recreational activities, public transportation, and much more.
It is a little pricey but everything else is. The people here are very nice the staff and the residents. It is independent living so there is no meals.We were down to the wire and everything else had a...
We chose OSL Kettering for Mom (her choice, actually, but we all agreed) because they’re different than the typical AL setting. The building is laid out like a house - nice and small with only 12 bedrooms....
I move in by the end of 2019. New year the staff still work on that day to help me with the curtain I live there more than 3 years I love this place. I move out last year because I went to visit my...
My mother just moved into Huffman Place apartments are very nice and affordable . Manager is very nice.
I would recommend this apartment complex any senior that is over 55 and older. The property manager is great and so is the maintenance. I never had any problem at all since he’s been there and my dad is...
ratings above
I have a hard time understanding the negative reviews. We moved my 90 year old mother into Bethany Crossing, which was the brand new assisted living facility. It is gorgeous and the staff is truly beyond...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Dayton community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Senior apartments provide an independent lifestyle with numerous amenities, all designed with senior comfort and convenience in mind. In Dayton, Ohio, costs for a senior apartment can vary depending on the specific amenities and location. With that in mind, residents can expect costs ranging from $1,049 to $1,370.{{citation: 1}}
While these costs are reflective of fees and add-ons, such as utility fees and optional amenities like package management, the actual costs will depend on specific living arrangements and services. The graphic below shows the starting costs of Dayton senior apartments.
Living in a senior apartment comes with its own unique set of financial considerations. Unlike assisted living or nursing home facilities, senior apartments do not provide direct care for residents, which means they are not covered by programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance.
However, if a resident requires medically necessary in-home care services while living in their senior apartment, programs like Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance might help cover those costs.
In the following sections, we’ll break down various private payment options, including housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicare/Medicaid resources.
Paying for a senior apartment in Dayton, Ohio, primarily comes from personal income sources first. These sources can include savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and returns on investments.
In addition to these traditional income sources, there are other methods that seniors can explore to help finance their senior apartment living. For example:
These options can offer necessary financial support to help afford a senior apartment in Dayton, ensuring a comfortable and secure retirement. Below, you can explore more options to find the best fit for you:
Number of veterans who live in Dayton
About 47% of Dayton veterans are 65+
Veterans living in Dayton may be eligible to receive financial support that would help them cover the rent and cost of living in a senior apartment. Among the various programs available to veterans, one of the most significant is the Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit.
The A&A benefit is a special monthly dollar amount available to eligible veterans and surviving spouses who need the benefit to accomplish daily activities. The A&A benefit can be used to help cover the cost of senior housing, including senior apartments in Dayton. It’s important to note that the A&A benefit is needs-based, meaning that it’s awarded to applicants with financial and medical eligibility.
In addition to the A&A benefit, veterans may also be eligible for the VA Pension. The VA Pension can also be used to cover housing or health-related needs, and eligibility is determined by factors such as age (recipients must be 65 or over or disabled), service record, and financial status.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers are also available to eligible veterans. Homeless veterans, or those at risk of becoming homeless, can use the HUD-VASH program for rental assistance and other services. More information about eligibility requirements can be found on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website.
Understanding eligibility and applying for these benefits can be complex, but veterans don’t have to navigate this process alone. Veterans services officers are crucial to navigating the VA benefits system. These officers are VA-vetted and -recognized representatives who provide assistance with understanding eligibility criteria and application processes.
The contact information for the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, the Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission, and several Dayton veterans services organizations (VSOs) can be found below. Whether you’re confident in your eligibility or not, it’s strongly recommended to contact these local resources as your first step before you begin your application to ensure that you don’t miss out on any benefits.
Resources for Dayton veterans
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
77 S. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-644-0898
The Montgomery County Veterans Service Commission
627 Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
East Medical Plaza
Dayton, OH 45417
Phone: 937-225-4801
Email: veteransinfo@mcohio.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Dayton Disabled American Veterans Service Office
4100 W. Third St.
Dayton, OH 45428
Phone: 937-268-6511, ext. 2962
Contact: Nikki Cochran, Department Service Officer
AMVETS Post 24
1016 Leo St.
Dayton, OH 45404
Phone: 937-270-2190
Email: amvetsoh24@aol.com
American Legion Post 776
5350 Burkhardt Road
Dayton, OH 45431
Phone: 937-252-3216
Email: americanlegionpost776@yahoo.com
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 657
637 Spinning Road
Dayton, OH 45431
Phone: 937-256-8288
Email: vfwpost657@gmail.com
While Medicaid doesn’t directly cover the costs of senior apartment rent in Dayton, Ohio, it does have programs that could aid with health care services for those residing in senior living environments. Medicaid’s home and community based services (HCBS) waivers are designed to provide medically necessary in-home health care services, which can be received at senior apartments.
To apply for Medicaid services, visit the Ohio Department of Medicaid’s online portal and follow the application instructions.
During this process, local resources like the Area Agency on Aging and the local ombudsman play a crucial role. They assist seniors and their families in navigating Medicaid complexities, including understanding eligibility requirements and application requirements. The Ohio Department of Medicaid or the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services can also provide application assistance.
Dayton resident Medicaid resources
Ohio Department of Medicaid
50 W. Town St., Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 800-324-8680
Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services
1111 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd.
Dayton, OH 45422
Phone: 888-496-6565 (Toll-Free); 937-496-3306 (Medicaid application)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Area Agency on Aging
40 W. Second St., Suite 400
Dayton, OH 45402
Phone: 937-223-HELP
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dayton & Montgomery County Ombudsman
11 W. Monument Ave., Suite 606
Dayton, OH 45402
Phone: 937-223-4613
Email: ombudsman@dayton-ombudsman.org
The Ohio Medicare program is a valuable resource for seniors aged 65 or older in Dayton. While Medicare does not cover senior apartment rent, it may offer financial assistance for a range of medically necessary in-home care services.
You can apply for Medicare through the local Social Security Administration office or online. Medicare can be a complex system, and navigating it can be tough. The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) can help you with understanding and navigating Medicare benefits. The OSHIIP offers one-on-one counseling, free health insurance information, and education about Medicare and its associated coverage.
The local ombudsman is another helpful, free resource dedicated to guiding you through the process. The office can help you understand eligibility requirements, the application process, and more.
More details on resources provided, eligibility requirements, and the application process can be found in the Medicare Premium Assistance Program booklet.
If you are seeking additional cost savings, Ohio’s Medicare Premium Assistance Program (MPAP) is designed to help low-income seniors pay their Medicare premiums and copayments. It is managed by the state and offers both financial assistance and helpful resources for seniors.
MyCare-Ohio is a managed health care program for those 60+ who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. Benefits from both programs will be coordinated through one point of contact for less confusion, and some additional benefits may also apply. It’s free to take part in this program.
Dayton resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
200 W. Second St.
Dayton, OH 45402
Phone: 888-329-5724
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dayton & Montgomery County Ombudsman
11 W. Monument Ave., Suite 606
Dayton, OH 45402
Phone: 937-223-4613
Email: ombudsman@dayton-ombudsman.org
Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)
OSHIIP Hotline: 800-686-1578
Email: OSHIIPmail@insurance.ohio.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare Premium Assistance Program (MPAP)
50 W. Town St., Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 800-324-8680
MyCare-Ohio
Phone: 800-324-8680
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ohio also provides state-sponsored resources that can help pay for a range of needs, including housing and income supplements. One of these resources is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8. These vouchers specifically can help reduce the cost burden of renting for low-income seniors. While HUD vouchers can be accepted by private landlords and used for senior apartments, seniors must ensure that their chosen landlord accepts these vouchers before proceeding with the program.
Social Security benefits are a vital form of public assistance that helps seniors offset living costs. The type of benefits a person applies for depends on their specific circumstances:
The HUD Ohio Regional Office, the Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Dayton Social Security Administration Office, and the local agency on aging can all help you apply for public assistance.
Dayton resident public assistance resources
HUD Ohio Regional Office
North Point Tower
1001 Lakeside Ave., Room 350
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-357-7900
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:20 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority
220 Park Manor Drive
Dayton, OH 45410
Phone: 937-222-8380
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.; Friday, 1 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Dayton Social Security Office
200 W. Second St., Federal Building Room 209
Dayton, OH 45410
Phone: 888-329-5724
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Area Agency on Aging for West Central Ohio
40 W. Second St., Suite 400
Dayton, OH 45402
Phone: 937-223-4357
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Senior apartments in Ohio do not require licensing, but they do fall under city, county, and state rental and housing laws. The aim is to protect both landlords and tenants.
Fair housing laws are strictly enforced in Dayton. They prohibit any discrimination in real estate transactions, including leasing or renting senior apartments. The Columbus Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) is responsible for investigating any housing discrimination complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act and any civil rights complaints related to HUD-funded programs in Ohio.
For seniors with HUD Vouchers or non-employment income (like disability payments), it’s crucial to understand that Ohio law prohibits any form of discrimination based on income sources. Additionally, the Americans With Disabilities Act specifically states that landlords must not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in the sale or rental of a property.
In Ohio, all rental properties must receive inspections every three years to ensure compliance with building and safety codes. In Dayton, this is the responsibility of the Division of Housing Inspection. Although Ohio does not have a website where you can view inspection outcomes, the city of Dayton provides a platform where residents and prospective renters can submit requests for inspection reports.
Typically, senior apartment communities set an age minimum of 55 years or older. This requirement helps create an environment that promotes a sense of belonging and allows residents to connect with peers.
Be sure to confirm age requirements with the specific senior apartment community you are considering in Dayton, as some communities might have a higher age limit.
Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-466-3543
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the way we live and interact, with senior communities being particularly vulnerable. This section provides an overview of the precautions senior apartment communities in Dayton, Ohio, are taking to keep their residents safe.
Although the following are general guidelines, keep in mind that each senior apartment complex may have its own unique regulations. It is highly recommended to check with each community to ensure compliance and safety.
Vaccinations. Vaccines and subsequent booster shots for COVID-19 are recommended for everyone ages 16 and older.
Masking. Residents may wear masks at any time. Those with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to wear a high-quality mask. However, Dayton doesn’t have a mask mandate.
Facility cleanliness. Senior apartments are encouraged to keep up the frequency of cleaning, particularly for shared surfaces.
Safety. Senior apartments are encouraged to follow the guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure everyone’s safety. Stay up to date by visiting the CDC website and the Dayton and Montgomery County Public Health website.
Senior apartments in Dayton, Ohio, are highly sought-after by older adults for their unique combination of convenience, community, and culture. Here’s what you can expect when you choose to call one of these communities home in the Gem City.
Living in Dayton is a unique experience, rich in history and innovation. Known as the birthplace of aviation, the city’s past is intertwined with the likes of Orville and Wilbur Wright. This dynamic city balances its history with a thriving economy that covers manufacturing, health care, education, and technology. Dayton is also home to the University of Dayton and Wright State University, notable educational institutions that contribute to the area’s diversity and appeal.
Dayton offers a comfortable climate with four distinct seasons to enjoy, along with a relatively low cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities. This affordability extends to senior apartments, which offer competitive rates, making Dayton an appealing retirement destination.
Dayton’s senior apartments are more than just a place to live. They’re designed to enrich the lives of their residents with a range of amenities tailored to seniors’ needs and preferences.
Common amenities in these communities include cafes or bistros where residents can socialize over a meal, outdoor common areas and patios that provide an ideal scenery for relaxation and conversation, and indoor common areas and media centers for social interaction and entertainment.
For active seniors, fitness centers and a variety of organized activities such as yoga, wine tasting, and garden club meetings are typically available. Some communities even provide transportation for off-site activities, making it easy for residents to explore Dayton’s local attractions and events.
Each senior apartment community in Dayton offers its own unique living experience, amenities, and culture. We recommend touring multiple communities, if possible, to find the one that feels like home. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a community in Dayton that fits your needs.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Dayton
Median annual income for Dayton seniors 65 and older
Miami Valley Hospital has been providing quality care and innovation to Dayton and surrounding areas for over a century, with recognition for excellence in patient care and innovation through multiple accreditations. It has been recognized as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for six consecutive years. The health care system, Premier Health, is the first in Ohio to achieve system-wide Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation for excellent care of older adults.
Kettering Health Main Campus in Dayton provides a wide array of medical services, including robotic surgery, radiopharmaceutical therapy, prostate surgery, and a cancer center with a boutique and spa. It is a comprehensive stroke center and a highly-rated cardiovascular hospital. Medicare is accepted here.
This medical center offers a range of primary and specialty care services, including cardiology, cancer treatment, mental health, pain management, neurology, and spinal cord injuries. Seniors and caregivers can use Disabled American Veterans (DAV) vans for scheduled appointments. Telehealth visits are also available.
While Dayton primarily favors private transportation, the city still offers seniors an array of public transportation options that can make getting around both feasible and convenient.
The Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA) runs several bus routes across the city, with buses equipped with accessible features to facilitate travel for seniors. The RTA also offers customized fixed-route travel training and provides special services and accommodations for customers who may find it challenging to use standard bus routes.
Dayton’s commitment to senior mobility extends beyond its bus system. The State of Ohio’s Department of Aging offers a variety of senior transportation services, including public transportation programs, mobility management programs, non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), and ridesharing services. To learn more about these programs and how to utilize them, seniors or their caregivers can call the 2-1-1 phone code for community referrals.
Paratransit services are available for seniors with disabilities. These services can be booked through the Dayton RTA, with a regular rate for paratransit at $3.50. Seniors 65 and older, along with anyone with a disability, can enjoy a reduced ride fare of $1.
For seniors looking for transportation in and around Dayton, Miami Valley Ride Finder and Excel Transport are valuable resources, providing transportation services to medical appointments, accessibility vehicles, and non-medical transportation.
Despite Dayton’s car-centric design, the city’s investment in senior-specific transportation resources means that seniors living in Dayton can navigate the city comfortably and efficiently, accessing all it has to offer. Walk Score rated the city’s walkability at 45 and bikeability at 47 on a scale of 0 to 100, from worst to best.[07]
Dayton offers an array of activities that cater to seniors, providing opportunities for engagement, entertainment, and physical activity. Here are some of the standout attractions and resources in the city, including indoor games and outdoor adventures.
There are several community and senior centers that offer programs and activities exclusively for seniors. The City of Dayton Department of Recreation and the Acclaim Senior Activities Center cater to a range of interests with bingo and pokeno games, painting sessions, and physical activities like line dancing and exercise. They also offer services such as counseling, pet therapy, music therapy, and education.
Dayton’s YMCA has various fitness classes for seniors, including cycling, muscular strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular exercises, along with interactive sports like volleyball and pickleball. The Salvation Army Kroc Center and the senior centers in Fairborn and Beaver Creek are also known for their engaging programs and activities, including bingo, potlucks, raffles, and access to fitness centers.
Dayton has a rich history, especially in the field of aviation. With Ohio recognized as the birthplace of aviation, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and the National Aviation Hall of Fame are popular destinations. Both offer a deep dive into the world of air and space, with an extensive collection of aerospace vehicles, missiles, artifacts, and regular open aircraft days.
Carillon Historical Park, a 65-acre open-air history museum, provides a window into local history with its diverse historical experiences, programs, and activities. For a more laid-back experience, the Dayton 2nd Street Market is the best place to shop and savor local cuisine, with over 40 vendors, including local bakers, growers, culinary specialists, and artisans.
Dayton is surrounded by beautiful landscapes that are perfect for seniors who enjoy the tranquility of nature. Spanning over 900 acres, the Carriage Hill Metro Park offers endless outdoor activities amidst its forests, wetlands, meadows, and prairies. Activities here include fishing, hiking, nature appreciation, picnicking, paddling, and horseback riding.
The Riverscape Metro Park, located on the banks of the Great Miami River, features beautifully landscaped gardens, reflecting ponds, large fountains, and fantastic views of the water. Activities are available year-round, from concerts in the summer to ice skating in the winter. Lastly, the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, known for its serene nature trails, community gardens, and formal gardens, is another excellent spot for seniors to walk through and appreciate the beauty of Dayton.
Whether you are looking for fitness classes, creative pursuits, historic explorations, or natural beauty, Dayton offers myriad activities for seniors to enjoy, making it an excellent choice for senior living.
Dogwood Commons, Optimized Senior Living Kettering and Villas of Kettering are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Dayton, OH. 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 Dayton is $2,456 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Miami Valley Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Kettering Health Main Campus.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Dayton Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Dayton.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Miami Valley Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Kettering Health Main Campus.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Dayton Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Dayton.