Exploring Independent Senior Living Facilities in Montgomery, AL
Montgomery, Alabama's capital city, is an attractive place to consider for seniors seeking independent housing. The city offers a blend of affordability, historical charm, and a variety of senior-friendly amenities that make it a desirable choice for those seeking a comfortable and engaging retirement destination.
Montgomery has a rich history, a vibrant arts and culture scene, excellent restaurants, and acres upon acres of lush green spaces where one can find everything from outdoor activities to serene moments of peace and tranquility. It's also home to several excellent independent senior living communities, 55 and over apartment complexes, and other senior housing solutions.
Of course, to ensure you have the best senior living experience possible, it's important to do your research. After all, this will be your next home, so you want to choose the right independent senior living community in Montgomery for your unique needs. You also want to make sure that Montgomery is a city that you will enjoy living in. So, if you haven't yet chosen a city for your senior independent living needs, then this guide will help you learn more about what makes Montgomery, AL special and so attractive to active seniors.
Independent Living for Seniors in Montgomery, AL: What You Need to Know
Montgomery, AL is fast becoming recognized as one of the best places in the south to retire thanks to its low cost of living, solid selection of independent living communities, and senior-friendly weather. If you are looking to learn more about Montgomery, then Senioridy is here to help. Just click on the topics below to learn more.
- Senior Population and Independent Living Volume in Montgomery, AL
- Independent Living in Montgomery: Criteria for Admittance
- Typical Costs of Independent Living in Montgomery, AL
- Benefits of Senior Independent Living in Montgomery, AL
- Additional City-Specific Information About Montgomery, AL
- List of Senior Centers in the Montgomery Area
- Transportation Services in the Montgomery Area
- FAQs Section
- How to Find Senior Living Communities in Montgomery, AL
Senior Population and Independent Living Volume in Montgomery, AL
According to the 2022 U.S. Census Montgomery, AL had 200,586 residents, with seniors aged 65 and over accounting for 14.7% of its population. There are a number of independent living / retirement communities in the Montgomery area for seniors to choose from. Most communities in the area offer a range of housing options, including studio, one bedroom, and even two bedroom living spaces, so seniors can choose the type of living space that best meets their needs and budgets.
Independent Living in Montgomery: Criteria for Admittance
Independent living communities are designed for seniors who are able to live without the need for assistance, so they tend to have more lenient admittance requirements than other types of senior living options, like assisted living.
Many independent living communities allow entry to seniors as young as 55 with no upper age limit as long as the senior doesn't require assistance performing their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The six standard ADLs recognized by most independent living communities include bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (getting in and out of bed or chair), eating, and continence.
Typical Costs of Independent Living in Montgomery, AL
With a good selection of independent living solutions available in Montgomery, seniors should have no problem finding housing that fits their budget. The average monthly cost of senior independent living in Montgomery is $2,834, or $34,008 per year. Compared to the national average of $2,800 per month, independent living in Montgomery is just slightly more expensive.
It is important to note that the monthly cost mentioned above is just an average. Every individual community's price often depends on the size, location, programs, amenities, and services that it has to offer. For instance, amenities that can impact the cost of an independent living facility can include, but are not limited to:
- Restaurant-style dining
- Pet-friendly accommodations
- Private and shared apartments with full kitchens
- Housekeeping and linen service
- Scheduled transportation
- Social, cultural, and recreational activities
- Emergency response system
While Medicaid does not cover the costs of independent living in Alabama, seniors may be eligible for financial assistance through other avenues if they qualify. For instance, veterans who have served in war or have received total disability from a service connected disability may qualify for benefits that can help them afford their independent living costs. Single veterans who meet the eligibility requirements can receive up to $1,644 monthly, whereas couples may receive up to $1,949. Surviving spouses of veterans may also be eligible to receive around $1,056 each month.
If a senior is disabled or blind, then they may also be eligible to collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which can provide an additional source of monthly income as well as other benefits. To collect SSI, you must be over 65 years old and a citizen of the United States.
Another option comes in the form of a senior living line of credit. This type of credit allows you to utilize amounts up to $50,000 with no collateral. The funds are sent directly to the community and you can only use what you need. Most of these programs come with flexible repayment terms of three to five years on average.
It is also important to remember that an expensive senior independent living facility may not be any more or less effective or beneficial than a more affordable one. It is always recommended to thoroughly compare several different facilities, so you can find the one that best meets your needs and budget.
Benefits of Independent Senior Living in Montgomery, AL
Montgomery is the capital city of Alabama and the second most populated city in the state. It is located alongside the Alabama River, on the coastal Plain of the Gulf of Mexico. Home to Maxwell Air Force Base as well as several noteworthy colleges and universities, the city enjoys a vibrant culture and strong economy that complements a truly outstanding quality of life.
Montgomery is considered by many to be one of the hottest cities in the south to retire thanks to its affordable housing prices, low property taxes, and low cost of living. In addition, Alabama is one of the most senior-friendly in terms of its tax laws, as it doesn't tax Social Security benefits or public or private pension income. This is important because in Alabama, a senior's income can go further than it otherwise would in many other states.
Another thing that makes Montgomery so popular among retirees is that the region enjoys a humid subtropical climate, which tends to be easier on seniors. Seniors can expect short, mild winters, warm springs and autumns, and long, hot, and humid summers, all of which provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying all the outdoor activities the area has to offer.
Adding to Montgomery's allure is its thriving, colorful neighborhoods, which are steeped in historic antebellum architecture, independently owned boutiques and shops, cafes, and tantalizing restaurants. A city with a rich history, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a robust supply of senior organizations and services, few cities in the American south can compete with Montgomery if you're yearning for a satisfying quality of life post-retirement.
Additional City-Specific Information About Montgomery, AL
Independent living facilities are designed for seniors who can live active, independent lifestyles, so staying healthy and mobile are essential. As a result, it makes sense for active seniors to want to live in an area with good hospitals and healthcare centers where they can access quality medical care whenever needed. Luckily, Montgomery has a variety of good healthcare options to choose from including Jackson Hospital and Clinic, Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System West Campus, and Baptist Medical Center East to name a few.
As for local attractions, there are plenty of ways for active seniors to spend quality time outside of their independent living communities. For starters, the beautiful year-round weather makes it possible to enjoy the great outdoors, whether you're walking through scenic Blount Cultural Park, hiking the trails at Gateway Park, tackling the 432 acres that covers Lagoon Park Trail, or golfing one of the many local golf courses.
Montgomery also has a rich selection of exciting attractions to visit with family, such as the Montgomery Zoo, the W.A. Gayle Planetarium, the Museum of Alabama, and Old Alabama Town, which is filled with authentic 19th and 20th-century homes. Other places of note that are more than worthy of a visit include:
- Freedom Rides Museum
- The Legacy Museum
- The Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
- Rosa Parks Museum
- Civil Rights Memorial
- The Hank Williams Museum
- Riverfront Park
List of Senior Centers in the Montgomery Area
Although every senior independent living community provides its residents with a variety of different programs and services to help improve their overall quality of life, some seniors may wish to access programs at some of the senior centers located in and around Montgomery. These facilities provide a generous selection of programs ranging from self-enrichment and recreation to health and wellness. Many even host guest speakers and special events, as well as provide hot lunches. The following is a list of some of the senior centers serving the Montgomery area:
Transportation Services in the Montgomery Area
Having access to affordable public transportation is important for seniors who want an easy and safe way to get around the Montgomery area. In Montgomery, public transportation is provided by the Montgomery Area Transit System, known locally as The M. The system operates 14 bus routes throughout the city with 686 individual stops as well as a micro transit service which provides on-demand trips with shorter wait times in the city's downtown area.
Senior citizens aged 65 and older are eligible for reduced fares. Seniors must present evidence of age/and or disability at the Transit System office, located at 2318 W. Fairview Ave. A free photo ID will be issued for use in obtaining the reduced fare.
Montgomery also has Montgomery Area Paratransit (MAP), which is a transportation service provided to those who cannot, for physical or cognitive reasons, ride the standard bus system. MAP is available during the same hours as the Fixed Route Buses and provides service within a 3/4 mile corridor of fixed routes. Seniors in need of MAP services need to be certified by completing and submitting a required medical information form.
FAQs Section
Q: How do I contact a particular department within the city of Montgomery?
A: If you need to contact the City of Montgomery's call center to submit a report or request, you can do so by dialing 3-1-1 or 334-240-INFO (4636) from any phone. The 311 Call Center is the liaison with city departments to handle citizens' needs, and it only answers non-emergency calls. Reports can also be made online via the City of Montgomery website.
Q: How can I connect with the city of Montgomery through social media?
A: The City of Montgomery makes it easy for residents to stay up to date with a variety of information through its social media channels. You can follow the city on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Next Door.
Q: Where can I find additional resources for seniors in Montgomery?
A: Montgomery has plenty of resources available to help make life easier, safer, and more enjoyable for its elderly population. Some of the most popular programs include:
- Alabama Department of Senior Services
- AARP
- Alabama Department of Insurance - Senior Insurance Guide
- Call Reassurance Program by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
- Central Alabama Aging Consortium
- Elder Abuse Reporting & Prevention
- Montgomery Area Council on Aging Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP)
- SenioRX Prescription Help
Q: What is the average temperature in Montgomery, AL?
A: The average daily high temperature in Montgomery is 78.4°F with an average daily low of 54.4°F. or climb above 96°F. The region gets about 51 inches of rain annually with little to no snowfall.
Q: What is the cost of living in Montgomery, AL?
A: Montgomery's Cost of Living index is 89 out of 100, which means the total cost of housing, food, child care, transportation, health care, taxes, and other necessities averages out to be 11% lower than the U.S. average. The city's cost of living is roughly 2% higher than the state average.
Q: What is Montgomery, AL most famous for?
A: Montgomery is perhaps most recognized as being the center of the Civil Rights Movement, as it was not only the home of Martin Luther King, but also the site of the Montgomery Bus Boycotts. Less known are the facts that Montgomery was also the birthplace of open heart surgery as well as home to the first electric streetcar system and the first air conditioned theater.
How to Find Senior Living Communities in Montgomery, AL
If you're starting your search for senior living communities in the Montgomery area, then you have a few different ways to do that, but not all of them are equal. One way is to use a printed directory that you might find in senior centers or occasionally doctor's offices
Another is to contact a placement agency. Senior placement agencies help seniors find the right type of living facility for them by working with the senior to find the best possible fit for their needs. The downside of these types of services is that they typically only work with a few different facilities that they have contracts with, so you usually won't get shown all of the available independent living options in a given area.
The final and best option is to use a free online directory like Senioridy. Senioridy's comprehensive search engine can provide you with the best possible results based on your unique wants and needs. Simply use Senioridy.com to search for senior independent living communities in Montgomery, AL, and you will be presented with many of the top-rated facilities in and around the Montgomery area to compare. It's the fastest, easiest, and most effective way to find an independent living community that fits your lifestyle
