10 Best Independent Living Communities in Tallahassee, FL
Welcome to Tallahassee, Florida’s state capital! With its rolling red hills, mild winters, beautiful parks, delicious restaurants, and engaging cultural attractions, Tallahassee is a wonderful place for seniors to call home.
Independent living is a great option for seniors who want to live an active, independent life while enjoying community living. Here in Tallahassee, there are six A Place for Mom partner independent living communities within 10 miles of downtown. Each of these communities offers a wide range of amenities, activities, and services to help seniors live their golden years to the fullest. Independent living communities in Tallahassee offer sunny outdoor areas where seniors can relax in the Florida sun or take part in outdoor activities with neighbors. At the same time, residents can participate in indoor activities and events that are both fun and stimulating.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the concept of independent living, highlight some of the unique features of independent living communities in Tallahassee, outline your payment options, and provide you with helpful information so you can feel confident that you’re making the best decision for you and your family.
Tallahassee Independent Living Facilities | 399 Reviews
Mulligan Park is an excellent choice for independent living. It has wonderful food and lots of activities. Everything you need is right there under one roof. They even have a swimming pool. You can garden as...
Mom likes the smaller size of the facility and the friendliness of staff. More personal care. I would recommend Opal to others in a similar situation.
We love Cherry Laurel. [name removed]the manager is great. They do struggle to keep help on for cleaning and serving. Mom has been extremely happy. We have had meals with her and the food options are...
I love the fact that they have a reception desk with somebody who staffed there from early morning until early evening. They are the first impression and they said a very fine standard for how the place...
My dad was hesitant to agree to an assisted living arrangement. Woodmont and A Place For Mom went above and beyond to help make both myself and my dad feel comfortable. [name removed] helped me brainstorm...
The staff are all very friendly and helpful. The residents are welcoming and almost all seem very happy at Red Hills. We take walks in the neighborhood and it is quiet with lots of trees and birds. They have...
It is memory care and the staff keep you informed of issues as they occur and they will occur. Never during a visit, it always happens at night or early am - the staff will inform you as soon as things are...
I just want to publicly thank [name removed] , the Executive Director, for all the timely updates she shares with residents' family members, both during challenging times (like pending hurricanes!) and in...
Sodalis Tallahassee is such a beautiful community. My grandmother has lived at Sodalis for a year. The staff are patient and kind. The Residents are happy and enjoy engaging in the daily activities.
The food is poor. The staff is very kind and welcoming. However, with those improvements we would recommend The Grove at Canopy community to other families.
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I love this community. I have lived here for a year and have no complaints. Don't believe bad reviews when you can go to the apartments and see it for yourself. The staff are friendly and always having...
Our loved one has been in and out of Westminster Oaks for rehab and we are not madly in love with this community but they are taking much better care of her than the community she normally stays at. They...
We are very happy with Canterfield of Tallahassee. We have told other people about it - we told our primary care physician who wrote down their information. I've even contacted a nurse I know who works for...
The staff is just wonderful, they work hard to make the family happy and the resident as well. The rooms are wonderful and are everything they need. The food smells good and my mother-in-law says it's...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Tallahassee community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee area
- What families are saying about independent living in Tallahassee
- How people pay for independent living in Tallahassee
- Understanding Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Tallahassee
- Tallahassee independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Tallahassee? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Tallahassee area
The average monthly cost for Tallahassee independent living facilities is $3,740, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This cost figure reflects what residents actually paid at our partner independent living communities and reflects a variety of floor plans, amenities, and other variables.
The cost of living in Tallahassee is relatively affordable compared to other cities in Florida, with a lower-than-average cost of housing and transportation. Seniors in Florida can also benefit from retiree-friendly tax breaks that allow Social Security retirement benefits to be exempt from taxes, as well as withdrawals from retirement accounts.
The following chart represents starting independent living costs for comparison among Tallahassee and the surrounding areas. The costs represent average baseline costs without add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tallahassee, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tallahassee, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tallahassee vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Tallahassee, FL by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Tallahassee over time
What families are saying about independent living in Tallahassee
Recent reviews for independent living in Tallahassee
Tapestry Senior Living Walden in Tallahassee, FL
Woodmont Senior Living in Tallahassee, FL
Sodalis Tallahassee Assisted Living
How people pay for independent living in Tallahassee
Because independent living facilities aren’t classified as senior care communities, you can’t pay for it via Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance. These programs may, however, cover certain medically necessary in-home care services at your independent living facility.
Private payment methods are the most common way to pay for independent living costs. These may include personal savings, investments, pensions, or real estate assets. Seniors can also use home equity to pay for independent living with a reverse mortgage. This allows you to withdraw funds from your home’s equity over time.
In addition, VA benefits may be available to some veterans and their spouses. These benefits can help pay for independent living communities, especially for those with service-related disabilities.
Here, we’ll detail how you can use private and public funding and VA benefits to help make room in your budget for independent living.
Paying privately for independent living is the most popular method of funding. There are many options for seniors in Tallahassee who are seeking independent living and want to pay for it privately. It’s important to understand that independent living differs from assisted living in that it doesn’t include personal care costs in the monthly fees.
Seniors have several traditional payment methods available to finance their independent living stays. They can use personal savings, Social Security benefits, and pension payments. Investment returns can also be used to cover the cost of independent living.
Another option is selling your house. By doing this before moving into an independent living community, seniors can enjoy a more carefree lifestyle without having to worry about home maintenance costs. Lastly, seniors may opt for a reverse mortgage that uses home equity to provide monthly income, a lump sum, or a combination of both. The income generated can then be used to pay for the cost of independent living.
Number of veterans who live in Tallahassee
About 52% of Tallahassee veterans are 65+
Veterans who are looking to transition into independent living in Tallahassee may be able to take advantage of VA benefits. Monthly payments from the VA Pension for qualified veterans can be used to help pay for senior living. Another useful and widely used benefit is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which helps veterans who need help with daily activities, have limited sight, are in a nursing home, or are spending most of the day in bed because of an illness.
You can also look into VA Disability Compensation, which is a monthly tax-free payment that provides financial assistance to veterans who have a disability as a result of their military service. To receive these payments, you must apply by completing this form or using an eBenefits account.
While it doesn’t directly pay for independent living, the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Unmet Needs program could also help you free up some room in your budget to pay for it. This program offers financial grants of up to $1,500 to help military families pay off debts if they are facing hard times as a result of service. No repayment is required, and the VFW pays the creditor directly on your behalf. To qualify for Unmet Needs, veterans must meet the eligibility criteria.
It can be complicated and time-consuming to understand your eligibility and apply for these benefits. That’s why veterans need to consult with veterans service officers about their options before applying for any VA benefit. These locally based representatives can guide the process of applying for VA benefits and ensure you don’t miss out on any entitlements available. You can find a veterans service officer at many organizations for vets, such as the American Legion, the Florida VFW, Disabled American Veterans, or Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.
Resources for Tallahassee veterans
Regional VA Benefits Office
9500 Bay Pines Blvd.
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St., Suite 2105
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-487-1533
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Charles E. Bennett Federal Building
200 W. Bay St., Suite 1015
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904-232-2627
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3308
2769 W. Tennessee St.
Tallahassee, FL 32304
Phone: 850-575-3308
Email: post3308@gmail.com
Sauls-Bridges Post 13 of the American Legion
229 Lake Ella Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: 850-222-3382
Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A.
Phone: 813-404-5616
Disabled American Veterans, Tallahassee Chapter 5
1009 Concord Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-573-7643
Eligible Tallahassee seniors transitioning into an independent living community may be able to take advantage of Florida Medicaid, also known as Statewide Medicaid Managed Care. While Medicaid does not cover rent for independent living, it can help with medical care costs through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program. The waivers can help cover medically necessary in-home health care services that can be provided in an independent living community.
Another excellent resource is the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program. It provides a variety of services, including adult companion care, adult day health care, respiratory therapy, home-delivered meals, respite care, personal emergency response systems, physical therapy, and more, that may be useful for seniors in independent living facilities.
Information and recommendations for numerous services, including Medicaid, Medicare, and senior care services, are available on the Elder Helpline as well as through SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). SHINE is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Florida, a joint initiative of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the neighborhood Area Agency on Aging.
You can also get in touch with the long-term care ombudsman for help understanding Medicaid and resolving any issues related to health care.
Tallahassee Medicaid resources
Florida State Medicaid Managed Care
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, MS 62
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Advantage Aging Solutions
Area Agency on Aging
2414 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-488-0055
Fax: 850-922-2420
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-414-2323
Fax: 850-414-2377
Email: LTCOPInformer@elderaffairs.org
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 800-963-5337
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
Elder Helpline
Phone: 1-800-963-5337
Tallahassee seniors who are interested in transitioning into an independent living community may be able to take advantage of Medicare coverage. While Medicare does not cover custodial costs for independent living, such as monthly rent, it can help with medically necessary in-home care for short-term medical needs. It is a federal health insurance program designed to provide health care coverage for individuals who are 65 and older.
Tallahassee provides access to the Florida Medicare Savings Program and the Florida Discount Drug Card. Both of these can help seniors save additional money. The Medicare Savings Program will reduce the cost of (or even pay for) Medicare premiums and copayments for eligible seniors, while the drug card provides medication savings.
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is another valuable resource for seniors in Tallahassee. SHINE is Florida’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that provides free counseling to seniors on various Medicare-related issues, including coverage options, prescription drug plans, and Medicare appeals. In addition, the long-term care ombudsman can assist with understanding Medicare.
You can apply for Medicare online or by dropping by your local Social Security Administration office. Before making the move to apply, it is advisable to check your eligibility and potential premiums beforehand. You can also get useful information on Medicare and senior care options from Advantage Aging Solutions, the local Area Agency on Aging, which also provides the Elder Helpline.
Tallahassee resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
2002 Old St. Augustine, Suite B-12
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: 866-248-2088
Fax: 833-679-0237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florida Discount Drug Card
Phone: 866-341-8894
Email: savingscard@elixirsolutions.com
Advantage Aging Solutions
Area Agency on Aging
2414 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-488-0055
Fax: 850-922-2420
SHINE
Phone: 866-467-4624
Elder Helpline
Phone: 800-963-5337
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-414-2323
Fax: 850-414-2377
Email: LTCOPInformer@elderaffairs.org
Understanding Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living communities don’t have to be licensed and must follow the same laws as senior apartments in Tallahassee. These laws include rental and housing laws, such as the Fair Housing Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, and Florida’s Landlord/Tenant Law. Landlords must comply with building, housing, and health codes and provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.
However, some independent living communities are combination facilities that also offer other senior living arrangements, including assisted living or memory care. These combination facilities must follow additional laws and regulations.
To provide a combination of independent living and assisted living care in Tallahassee, one has to be licensed by the Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. The bureau is in charge of licensing various assisted living facilities that can range in size and provide varying levels of care under standard or specialty licenses. Facilities must meet extra standards, such as those pertaining to staffing and staff training, in order to be granted a specialty license. Limited nursing services (LNS), extended congregate care (ECC), and limited mental health services are all covered by speciality licenses.[04]
Facilities offer various services depending on the type of license they hold. Standard facilities can help seniors with medication self-administration and personal care services. Facilities with an LNS license can offer additional nursing services, such as routine dressing changes, care for catheters, colostomies, and ileostomies, as well as any other nursing services that are allowed under the facility’s license. Activities of daily living support and additional nursing services can be offered more extensively by facilities with an ECC license. This could also include help with toileting, grooming, dressing, and bathing.[04]
After obtaining a license, facilities can be inspected whenever the licensing agency feels it is appropriate. Any inspections carried out for purposes other than initial licensure have to be done without prior notice. While inspections for relicensure are done every other year, each quarter, a registered nurse or other designated representative of the licensing body must visit ECC facilities to check on residents and assess facility compliance. You can look up inspection reports through the Agency for Health Care Administration and Florida Health Finder.[04]
Assisted living has more rules and regulations than just licensing and inspection requirements. The resident contract must also include the daily, weekly, or monthly rate; notice policy for rate increases; additional services and their cost; refund policies and procedures; bed hold policy; and statement of the organization’s religious affiliation and any related requirements. The contract must also state residents’ rights, duties, and obligations.[04]
Every facility must be under the supervision of an administrator who is responsible for its operation and maintenance. Additionally, other inspections are routinely conducted through the county offices of the Florida Department of Health to focus on food hygiene, physical plant safety, and biomedical waste.[04]
Assisted living facilities must employ sufficient staff to ensure the safety and proper care of individual residents, implement emergency plans, and have at least one certified first aid employee present at all times. Minimum staff hours per week are specified based on the number of residents, with additional staff required for every 20 residents over 95. These facilities must also have enough qualified staff to provide resident supervision and services following residents’ needs, contracts, and care standards.[04]
The facility must provide a variety of regular meals that meet the nutritional needs of residents, as well as therapeutic diets as ordered by the resident’s health care provider for those who require special diets. To determine eligibility for a retirement community, first check to see whether you meet the age requirement, which is usually 55 years or older, but it can vary depending on the community. The most important factor is your financial situation. Consider the cost and the time it will take to pay it off. Independent senior living is designed for active adults who don’t require significant care or support with daily activities, and some communities may be flexible with age requirements.[04]
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Department of Health
2585 Merchants Row Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Tallahassee independent living communities
There are no COVID-19 regulations specific to independent living in Tallahassee. However, each independent living community may have its own guidelines. Leon County’s website provides local COVID-19 information.
Masking.
To prevent transmission, people who have COVID-19 symptoms or who have tested positive are urged to wear a mask.
Vaccinations.
Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is recommended to prevent transmission.
Facility cleanliness.
It is recommended that high-touch surfaces be disinfected regularly and that people exercise proper hygiene, such as concealing coughs and sneezes and washing hands frequently.
Types of independent living in Tallahassee
Tallahassee has a range of independent living options for seniors. A Place for Mom has six partner communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Tallahassee. There are three standalone independent living facilities; two combo assisted living and independent living options; and one facility offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. There’s also an additional in-network facility if you expand your search to a 25-mile radius. No matter what type of lifestyle you’re looking for — whether it be luxurious or budget-conscious or somewhere in between — Tallahassee has plenty of options.
Affordable independent living
There are affordable independent living communities within Tallahassee so individuals can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle at a budget-friendly cost by opting for more basic amenities while still having access to essential services including meals and transportation to medical appointments. Many of these communities also offer pet-friendly spaces, making them even more attractive for seniors who’d like to bring along their furry friend!
Luxury independent living
Luxury independent living facilities are becoming increasingly popular among seniors in Tallahassee due to their high-end features such as spas, large common areas with plenty of recreational activities and entertainment options, and chef-prepared meals served on-site, which make them appealing to those looking for a premium lifestyle during their golden years — complete with waterfront views from some communities.
Tallahassee independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Tallahassee independent living
Availability of select dining options in Tallahassee independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Tallahassee independent living
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Unfamiliar with Tallahassee? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Tallahassee
Median annual income for Tallahassee seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Tallahassee
HCA Florida Capital Hospital
HCA Florida Capital Hospital offers a range of medical services, including surgical procedures, emergency care, and diagnostic imaging.
Select Specialty Hospital – Tallahassee
Select Specialty Hospital – Tallahassee is a long-term acute care hospital. It provides care to patients with complex medical conditions who need specialized care, including patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation, rehabilitation services, and wound care. Select Specialty Hospital’s multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to provide comprehensive care.
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare
Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, a private, not-for-profit health care system, is Tallahassee’s largest hospital. TMH is the only academic medical center in the region, and it also has a psychiatric hospital and additional specialty clinics.
Transportation for seniors in Tallahassee
If you want to explore Tallahassee, you’ll most likely need a car. With a transit score of only 30 out of 100, a bike score of 45, and a walk score of 30, the city has limited options for public transport, biking, and getting around on foot. Walk Score considers factors such as walking routes, public density, biking routes, and public transit to determine these numbers.[06] But don’t worry, all of our partner independent living facilities offer free transportation to residents.
Tallahassee also has a public transportation system called StarMetro. These buses are another option for seniors looking for an easy and reliable way to get around town. The buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Veterans can ride for free by applying through Leon County Veteran Services for a veterans pass.
C & T Senior Transportation, a private option, is a door-to-door transportation service for seniors who need to run errands or go to the doctor.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Tallahassee
Seniors in independent living communities in Tallahassee can enjoy a wide range of activities and attractions that provide plenty of opportunities for them to stay engaged and enjoy their golden years.
One popular attraction is the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, which offers seniors the chance to dive into their interests while also exploring their community. This museum features one of the largest car collections in America, as well as sports memorabilia, antique boat motors, and pedal cars. If you use mobility aids, this is a great option because the parking lot features plenty of wheelchair-accessible spaces. Plus, you can explore the entire museum without needing to go up a single stair step. The museum is completely accessible for wheelchairs and motorized scooters, and it even has two wheelchairs available for visitors to borrow. And you don’t have to leave your furry companion at home — service animals can accompany museum visitors.
The Carrabelle Riverfront Festival is a great option for those looking for some seasonal outdoor fun. With plentiful family-friendly activities, live music and entertainment, arts-and-crafts vendors, and mouth-watering food along the historic waterfront, this is the perfect event for seniors looking for activities to do with family and friends. Plus, it’s free!
For those looking for outdoor excursions, visit Cascades Park, a 24-acre park along the stream known as the St. Augustine Branch in Tallahassee. This park features 2.3 miles of paved trails for visitors to walk along — or just relax alongside. Plus, there’s an amphitheater for theatrical and musical performances, the stunning Imagination Fountain, and fascinating memorials and historical features throughout Cascades Park.
If fishing is your forte, check out Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, or Lake Talquin State Park to catch a variety of local fish, including crappie, bream, Florida black bass, and catfish. Visit the specific park’s website for information about any entry fees. You might need a fishing license. For more information, check out the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park also features a brick walkway, a walled garden, five miles of designated biking trails, a reflection pool, and six miles of shared-use trails. It also offers an audio tour, beach wheelchairs, non-slip wheelchair beach access mats, motorized and manual wheelchairs, and golf cart tours (with advance notice).
If a day on the green is more your speed, there’s never a bad day to go golfing at SouthWood Golf Club, the oldest golf course in Tallahassee. SouthWood Golf Club was designed for players of all levels by PGA Tour legend Fred Couples and his design partner Gene Bates. This upscale golf course is in a stunning locale, perfectly positioned among pastures, rolling hills, and Spanish moss-draped oak trees.
Still looking for more options to entertain yourself and your loved ones in Tallahassee? Consider events and festivals like the Tallahassee Film Festival, Springtime Tallahassee, and the Red Hills Horse Trials.
Seniors can also socialize by visiting the Tallahassee Senior Center to participate in yoga classes, arts-and-crafts sessions, bridge games, and music classes — all while making new friends or reconnecting with old ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mulligan Park, The Opal on Hermitage and Cherry Laurel by Sky Active Living are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Tallahassee, FL. 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 Tallahassee is $3,940 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Test answer:
The average cost of Independent Living in Tallahassee is $3,940 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.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. (2023). Assisted Living Facility.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Hospitals in Tallahassee, FL.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Tallahassee.
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