10 Best Independent Living Communities in Tampa, FL
Tampa’s popularity with seniors is unsurprising. Its gentle weather, tax-friendly policies, and reputation as a vacation spot have kept Tampa popular among seniors in Florida and across the United States for decades. And, this popularity shows no signs of settling down.
Because much of Tampa’s appeal comes from its wide range of activities and sunny beaches, many seniors move to Tampa well before they retire. Active seniors primarily look to independent living communities as the next step in their retirement. Independent living communities in Tampa offer senior living with plentiful amenities, a boosted social calendar, and relief from the daily hassles of home maintenance. Some even provide continuing care services, like assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, making them a great long-term option for seniors who may need more help in the future.
Independent living and senior apartments are both appropriate options for active seniors. But unlike senior apartments, independent living communities provide considerably more amenities and many have options for on-site care services. In this guide, you can find information about what senior living in Tampa is like. We go into specifics about our partnering independent living communities, including what they offer, how much they cost, and ways people tend to pay. We also provide practical information about local community regulations, valuable senior resources, and senior-friendly activities in Tampa.
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Tampa community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Tampa 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 Tampa area
- What families are saying about independent living in Tampa
- How people pay for independent living in Tampa
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Tampa is a gateway to vibrant living
- Tampa independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Tampa? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Tampa area
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, seniors paid on average $3,502 a month for their independent living community in Tampa.[01] Unlike the figures below, the above figure includes any extra fees for meal plans, parking spots, and amenity fees. The following figures only represent baseline starting costs for independent living in the Tampa area, without add-on or admission fees.
Tampa’s independent living costs compared to other top markets
Tampa’s independent living costs are in the middle of the pack compared to other top markets, like Dallas and Los Angeles. But Tampa is more affordable than most markets when other factors are taken into account, like the lack of state income tax and the lack of taxes on retirement income and Social Security benefits.
A breakdown of independent living costs
The price tag for independent living communities is often substantially higher than the price of senior apartments, but independent living communities offer a lot more. This higher cost often includes the following:
- A meal plan within a restaurant-style dining room
- Utilities
- Rent for a townhome, apartment, or detached house on the independent living community campus
- Housekeeping, including laundry
- Access to resort-like amenities, such as gyms, classes, art studios, pools, computer rooms, dog parks, and movie theaters
- Transportation
- Security systems
- Wellness concierge services
- Landscaping
Admission fees for independent living
Independent living communities vary in their payment structure, and each community has a slightly different way of calculating costs. Some have only a monthly fee, reflected in the cost we referenced above. Others have a monthly fee and an admissions fee.
An admission fee is a one-time, large sum paid to the community. Typically, independent living communities only have admission fees when they offer multiple senior care types on one campus — e.g. assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing — and the senior may need those care services in the future. Admission fees are more typical of communities licensed as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). In which case, admission fees are used to help offset future care costs, if a higher level of senior care is ever needed in the future.
These admission fees can vary from about $50,000 to $1 million, depending on the location of the community and the types of care services they offer. Many retirees sell their houses to pay this hefty sum. And if the senior never requires care services, they may get some of that money back. Return of Capital (ROC) plans offered by the community may return up to 80% of the admissions fee to the senior or the senior’s heirs if they move away from the community or pass away without ever using on-site long-term care services.
Costs for independent living can differ even in the same community depending on a resident’s apartment size, amenity and service fees, and future care needs. Before moving in, ensure that the independent living community gives you a clear idea of what you’ll pay as a resident. If there is a hefty admission fee, see if the community offers Return of Capital (ROC) plans in case the on-site care services are never utilized.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tampa, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tampa, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tampa vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Tampa, FL by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Tampa over time
What families are saying about independent living in Tampa
Recent reviews for independent living in Tampa
The Princess Martha in Saint Petersburg, FL
Sun Towers in Sun City Center, FL
Addington Place of East Lake in Tarpon Springs, FL
How people pay for independent living in Tampa
Independent living is most often paid for using private funds. Public programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance don’t cover independent living fees, because stand-alone independent living communities don’t offer health care services.
Retirement accounts and the sale of a house are the two more common ways that seniors pay for independent living in Tampa. Some other good options to fund a transition to independent senior living include the following:
Tampa has a high percentage of senior veterans. Almost 40% of Tampa’s veterans are over 65, and 15.2% are over 75.[02] The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) provides benefits counseling for Tampa veterans and has opened up virtual benefits counseling to be more accessible.
Veterans benefits, including the VA pension and the Aid and Attendance benefit, may help pay for an independent living senior community. Veterans are eligible for the VA pension if they meet the following criteria:
- Have an honorable discharge
- Have at least 90 days of service and one day of wartime service
- Are low-income, 65 or older, or disabled
The Aid and Attendance benefit
The Aid and Attendance benefit is an additional sum added to the VA pension. It can be used to pay for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, including rent at an independent living community. To be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, the veteran must already receive the VA pension, be enrolled in VA health care, and meet at least one of the following:
- Reside in a nursing home
- Have limited visual acuity
- Is bedbound due to untreated illness
- Needs help with some activities of daily living
The Housebound allowance
The Housebound allowance is meant to pay for a disabled and housebound veteran’s in-home care services. A veteran can receive the Housebound allowance while living in an independent living community. To be eligible for the Housebound allowance, a veteran needs to spend most of their time at home due to a long-term disability. A veteran can’t receive both the Aid and Attendance and the Housebound allowance simultaneously.
Number of veterans who live in Tampa, Florida, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percent of veterans in Tampa who are 55+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Tampa veterans
FDVA benefits and services division
FDVA benefits guide
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., #214
St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Phone: 727-319-7440
Email: VSO@fdva.state.fl.us
FDVA — virtual benefits counseling
Phone: 727-319-7408
Email: VSO@fdva.state.fl.us
Reach out to the FDVA with the contact information above to set up an appointment for virtual VA benefits counseling.
Hillsborough County Veterans Resource Center website
3602 U.S. Highway 301
N. Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: 813-272-5002 Email: stromf@hcflgov.netHours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Para obtener información y ayuda sobre beneficios de veteranos, contactar Dennys Massanet.
Teléfono: 407-205-5773
Email: Massanetd@fdva.state.fl.us
Medicare won’t cover rent or amenity fees in an independent living community. However, it will pay for short-term, medically necessary care for people over 65 who have paid Medicare taxes or are married to someone who paid Medicare taxes. Medicare also covers hospice care. Some examples of what Medicare covers include:
- A short-term stay at a rehabilitation center after a surgery or an illness
- Lab tests
- Medically necessary surgeries
- Doctor visits
- Wheelchairs and walkers
Florida also has a Medicare Prescription Drug Program, which helps pay for prescription drugs for Florida seniors enrolled in Medicare.
The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program offers Medicare benefits counseling and connections to resources at no cost to Florida seniors. SHINE has two counseling centers listed below in Tampa, and both offer in-person counseling. Seniors can also reach out to the Tampa Social Security Administration for personalized assistance with accessing Medicare benefits.
Tampa Medicare resources
Directions to Tampa’s Social Security office
Social Security Administration website
3415 E. Frontage Road, Suite A
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 800-772-1213
Florida Ombudsman Program website
Regional Tampa Office of the Ombudsman
701 Fletcher Ave., Suite C
Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: 813-558-5591
SHINE website
8928 Brittany Way
Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: 1-800-963-5337
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Understand Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living communities are not regulated in the same ways that assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facilities are. This is because stand-alone independent living communities don’t offer the same level of personal care. Instead, many independent living communities have health requirements for their residents — such as not being bedbound — in order to live in the community.
Resident rights for independent living in Tampa, Florida
Residents of independent living facilities can expect the same relationship with the community as a tenant to a landlord. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulates landlord and tenant disputes. If the community fails to meet the following standards, in general, the resident can inform the community and break the lease if the issue is not resolved within a week. On the other hand, if the tenant doesn’t comply, generally the landlord can give them a seven-day notice and begin eviction proceedings if the issue isn’t fixed within a week.
Independent living communities in Florida are expected to do the following:
- Keep the residents living area up to code and in a livable condition.
- Supply the abode with running and hot water, gas, and electricity.
- Handle all maintenance and repairs.
- Provide extermination for pests.
- Supply heat in the winter.
- Provide locks and keys to the tenant prior to moving in.
- Notify the resident before entering the property.
- Return the security deposit within 15 days of the tenant vacating, or offer an explanation of how much is kept and why within 30 days.
Residents of independent living communities in Florida should follow these criteria:
- Pay rent by the agreed day each month.
- Do not overuse water, electricity, or gas.
- Do not knowingly alter the residence without permission from the community.
- Keep the home in a reasonable condition.
- Respect community guidelines, such as quiet hours and picking up after a pet.
The Hillsborough County Florida website outlines Tampa’s renters’ rights in full and provides contact information for code violations. Consult an attorney that practices landlord and tenant law for more information.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
400 S Monroe St.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800
Phone: 1-800-435-7352
1-800-352-9832
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Independent living communities don’t have any additional COVID-19 regulations. Instead, Florida’s independent living communities are encouraged to follow CDC and state best practices to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Florida’s COVID-19 Response website is the state hub for COVID-19 information, and it contains information to find the closest vaccination, testing, and treatment sites. It also has updated data about the spread of COVID-19 in Florida every two weeks.
Florida COVID-19 Response recommends the following:
Vaccinations. Florida recommends vaccinations and boosters and provides information about vaccination sites in the state.
Masking. Residents and staff members are encouraged to mask if they were exposed to someone sick with COVID-19.
Facility cleanliness. All public spaces in an independent living community should be regularly disinfected.
Quarantining. All residents sick with COVID-19 should quarantine until they recover.
Tampa is a gateway to vibrant living
Seniors in Tampa find an energizing environment where natural beauty and a busy, exciting populace meet. The warm weather, sparkling beaches, and tax-friendly laws make Tampa, Florida, an obvious choice for anyone looking to retire. Tampa’s appeal is not concentrated on one type of person or age group — Tampa is a legitimately diverse city. While it is a retirement haven, the largest age group in Tampa lands between 25 and 39. The city is home to a vibrant LGBTQA+ community, relocated Midwesterners, a strong Catholic community, and a higher-than-average amount of female-owned businesses, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Independent living communities in Tampa often have care options
Independent senior living communities in Tampa are rarely stand-alone facilities that only offer the independent living care type. Instead, most independent living communities in Tampa are connected to other senior care types, like assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. These care types are offered either through third-party, on-site services or in a different wing on the same campus. This makes moving from one care type to another seamless for the senior — so they can age in place without ever needing to move to an entirely different community.
Tampa’s independent living communities offer personalized services
While many independent living communities in Tampa offer senior care services on-site, they also allow resident autonomy and focus mainly on fun. Most independent living communities in Tampa are apartment-style layouts with full kitchens, though they often offer a meal plan where residents can eat in a restaurant-style dining room every day.
When not eating chef-prepared meals, seniors can enjoy the many amenities that most independent living communities offer. Residents can typically use on-site amenities at their leisure. The most common amenities include pools and hot tubs, fitness rooms, and arts and crafts centers. One A Place for Mom partner independent living community even has its own fishing dock over the ocean, where they can enjoy sunset views every evening.
Many communities employ activity directors who organize fitness classes, educational lectures, game nights, and outings for the residents. Some communities also employ wellness concierges who work one-on-one with residents to design personalized health plans and facilitate moves to a different care type. While independent living communities in Tampa are for active seniors, they also provide maintenance and housekeeping services to help make life comfortable for their residents.
Independent living in Clearwater, Florida, and St. Petersburg, Florida
When people refer to Tampa, they often include the entire Tampa Bay area, which expands past the city of Tampa to include cities like Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Clearwater and St. Petersburg have a considerably higher number of independent living communities than Tampa, in part because they have more beach-front access. Nearly 25% of Clearwater’s population is over 65,[03] compared to Tampa, with a senior population of only about 14%.[04]
Many of the communities in Clearwater and St. Petersburg are right on the water, with beautiful views and easy access to the beach. Clearwater and St. Petersburg also tend to be quieter than Tampa, but without quite as many cultural attractions. Even so, Tampa is only a 30-minute drive from both, making it accessible for day trips.
Tampa independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Tampa independent living
Availability of select dining options in Tampa independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Tampa independent living
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Unfamiliar with Tampa? Highlights for seniors
Average high temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) in January
Health care for seniors in Tampa
Tampa’s health care system is well-developed. Within Tampa, there are multiple nationally ranked hospitals, particularly for cancer research and geriatrics.
Tampa General Hospital
The Tampa General Hospital is a teaching hospital and is highly ranked for multiple specialties. According to U.S. News and World Report, it’s ranked No. 16 for ear, nose, and throat (ENT), No. 27 for diabetes and endocrinology, and No. 33 for orthopedics. Although it’s not nationally ranked, it’s considered a high-performing hospital for geriatrics.
1 Tampa General Circle
Tampa, FL 33606-3571
Phone: 813-844-7000
H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute
The H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute is one of the best cancer research hospitals in the nation. According to the U.S. News and World Report, it’s rated 25th in the nation for cancer treatment and is also highly regarded for its geriatric care.
12902 USF Magnolia Drive
Tampa, FL 33612-9497
Phone: 813-592-3894
Morton Plant Hospital
Located in Clearwater, Florida, the Morton Plant Hospital is the 7th best overall hospital in Florida, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is especially known for its cardiac procedures.
300 Pinellas St.
Clearwater, FL 33756-3804
Phone: 727-462-7000
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Tampa
St. Joseph’s Hospital – Tampa is a centrally located general hospital and surgery center in Tampa. It’s highly regarded for its lung and colon cancer procedures.
3001 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33607-6387
Phone: 813-870-4000
Transportation for seniors in Tampa
Most seniors in independent living in Tampa have access to transportation from their community, as almost 90% of our partner independent living facilities in Tampa offer complimentary transportation services.[01]
For seniors without transportation options at their community, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) runs the local bus system. It’s affordable and somewhat reliable, although it will take longer to get to a destination than by car. Seniors 65+ can get a discounted HART Plus ID and pay no more than $2.50 for a ride.
The Sunshine Line is another door-to-door transportation option for the elderly or disabled in Tampa. Seniors can use the Sunshine Line for trips to the grocery store, medical appointments, and personal business, and need to enroll by calling the number 813-272-7272 prior to use.
Tampa residents tend toward driving instead of walking, using public transportation, or biking. Traffic can be congested during rush hours, but driving continues to be the main mode of transportation in Tampa. Walkscore gives Tampa the following ratings, each out of 100, based on public infrastructure data.[05]
Walk Score
Bike Score
Transit Score
Senior activities in Tampa
Activities in Tampa are as diverse as its population, and many of these activities are either senior-specific or welcome people of all ages. Check out the Visit Tampa Bay website for an array of local activity highlights, as well as mobility-friendly, accessible attractions.
Tampa’s senior activities program
The Tampa Parks and Recreation Department has an exceptionally well-developed senior activities program. Weekly events and classes, from pickleball tournaments to ballroom dancing and financial literacy courses, are available at no cost to Tampa seniors. The program offers fitness courses at a variety of levels, from a Sit and Fit class to circuit training. Their program also offers a Seniors Club, which is a group that meets regularly to discuss issues related to aging in Tampa and coordinates field trips. At least once a year, the Tampa Parks and Recreation Department also puts on a formal dinner and dance for Tampa seniors.
Many events and classes offered through the senior activities program take place at the David M. Barksdale Active Older Adult Center in Tampa. To participate in an event or class, seniors can sign up on the Tampa’s senior activities program website. Seniors can use the Sunshine Line, HART, or the complimentary transportation at an independent living community to get to their local activities.
Beaches
Beaches are the main attraction in Tampa, and there are enough in the Tampa Bay area for anyone to find a favorite. The closest beach to Tampa is Ben T. Davis Beach — a beach along the causeway connecting Tampa to Clearwater. Parking is readily available and is very close to the beach, making it a great option for seniors who don’t want to hike too far to enjoy the water. It can become crowded during peak hours, but it remains an attractive and easily accessible beach with plenty of space.
Caladesi State Park is about 40 minutes away from Tampa and only accessible by boat, but it offers a true escape from the city. It has considerably fewer people and is a uniquely untouched island on the Gulf Coast. Visitors can boat camp on a first-come, first-serve basis for a $24 fee and a reservation fee. The park has grills, electric service, and water hookups. Florida State Parks no longer offer a senior discount for entrance fees, but they do give seniors 65+ a 50% discount for overnight camping. This discount doesn’t apply to RV or boat camping.
Birding
Tampa has plenty of natural beauty outside of its beaches, with plenty of wildlife and birding areas for outdoor lovers to explore. Lettuce Lake Regional Park and Eureka Springs Park are excellent birding spots, and visitors often see alligators as well. The Tampa Audubon Society arranges regular birding expeditions for the public. Locals and visitors can sign up on their website. The Tampa Audubon Society also posts the length and difficulty of the birding expeditions. Some, like the Circle B Bar Reserve, are even wheelchair accessible.
Cultural explorations
While Tampa has a reputation as a shining, tech-forward metropolis, it also has the only Historic Landmark District in the South. Ybor neighborhood is a fantastic spot to stroll along the beautiful 19th-century Spanish and Cuban architecture and learn about the cigar industry that put Tampa on the map.
The Florida Aquarium is one of the best in the nation and does more than showcase fascinating and rare aquatic animals — although it does that, too. Through its conservation programs, The Florida Aquarium has helped restore Tampa’s coral reefs and rehabilitate sea turtles who nest on beaches around Tampa. Aquarium members can learn more about the conservation efforts and get discounts on tickets for wild dolphin encounters and other exciting experiences. Ticket prices vary day by day.
The Tampa Riverwalk is a notable shopping district right on the water, with views of downtown Tampa. It hosts regular parades, concerts, and festivals that delight locals and guests alike. Historical walking tours also pass through the Riverwalk as they discuss Tampa’s long history and fascinating political past as part of four different nations. For the paranormally intrigued, ghost tours are very popular in Tampa. Ghosts supposedly haunt anything in Tampa, from the historic Cuban Club to the downtown Melting Pot.
Boating
Boat tours to surrounding islands and isolated beaches regularly depart from Tampa, heading to places like the St. Petersburg beaches and the Egmont Keys. Some boat tours also make a point to swing by some celebrity homes along the white sand beaches of Tampa Bay. You can find a Tampa Bay boat tour for almost every occasion, whether it be taking a daytime social cruise, a themed cruise, or a romantic sunset cruise. You can even charter a boat for a private party or fishing trip. The Tampa Bay boat tour business is booming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grace Manor at Hunter's Creek, Coral Oaks and The Princess Martha are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Tampa, 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 Tampa is $3,636 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 Tampa is $3,636 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Tampa city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Clearwater city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Tampa city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. 2022. Living in Tampa.
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