10 Best Independent Living Communities in Dallas, TX
Dallas is one of Texas’ most populous and diverse cities. It naturally draws in families and seniors because of its warm summers, mild winters, unique attractions, and robust senior living options. In fact, A Place for Mom partners with 16 independent living facilities within a 10-mile radius of Dallas’ downtown. These communities are designed to accommodate active seniors seeking a lively environment filled with adults in the same stage of life. They offer a safe, carefree atmosphere for seniors 55+ to thrive physically, socially, and mentally with convenient services and enticing amenities.
In this guide, you can browse through our in-network Dallas independent living facilities based on factors that matter most to residents — affordability, services, activities, and amenities. You’ll also find a wealth of information on local independent living costs, how seniors pay, independent living features, as well as local senior demographics, resources, and activities. This guide can help you narrow your search for your ideal independent senior community in Dallas.
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Dallas community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Dallas 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
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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 Dallas area
- What families are saying about independent living in Dallas
- How people pay for independent living in Dallas
- Understand Texas laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Dallas: An increasingly friendly place for aging
- Dallas independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Dallas? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Dallas area
The median cost of rent for independent living in Dallas is $3,058 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data.[01] This cost is higher than the average rent for Dallas apartments since these costs account for more than just rent and utilities. Baseline rental costs at an independent living community typically include on-site amenities and services like the following:
- A dining plan with three meals and snacks
- Maintenance and landscaping
- Day trips and outings to local attractions
- Community-organized activities (fitness classes, interest clubs, game nights, etc.)
- On-site amenities (fitness centers, crafts centers, pools, libraries, movie theaters, etc.)
For additional monthly fees, Dallas independent living residents can also benefit from convenient on-site services like:
- Room service and special meal accommodations
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Beauty salon and barber shop services
- Transportation services
The following costs represent average baseline costs across the area and give a good cost comparison of nearby cities. However, these costs don’t account for any additional fees paid by residents.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Dallas, TX vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Dallas, TX vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Dallas vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Dallas, TX by room type
What families are saying about independent living in Dallas
Recent reviews for independent living in Dallas
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How people pay for independent living in Dallas
Most seniors rely on their private retirement funds to pay for their independent living community in Dallas, as Medicaid and Medicare do not cover independent living costs. However, Medicare and Medicaid can still help you save on health care costs in your independent living community. Seniors looking to plan for future care needs might find it useful to learn more about how Medicaid can be used to pay for senior care expenses in their home.
Some seniors may also qualify for Social Security and other benefits to help them offset their costs of living. Learn about all these methods and more in this section.
Most Dallas seniors pay for independent living using private payment methods, which include all of your personal income and asset resources. Your income may include savings accounts, retirement pensions, investment returns, and/or Social Security benefits, which can all be used to pay for independent senior living in Dallas. Also note, Texas doesn’t have personal income tax, saving you from paying taxes on these income sources.[02,03]
Depending on your resources and current situation, you may also use a combination of the following to cover your independent living community costs:
Qualifying veterans or surviving family members may apply for VA pension benefits, which is income that can be used to pay for independent living costs. In addition to a VA pension, senior veterans or their surviving spouses may apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit is additional income on top of a pension that can be used to pay for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, like the costs of an independent living community.
Dallas veteran support services
To accommodate the large veteran population, Dallas offers several resources and opportunities to improve the lives of veterans. The VA benefits approval process is known to be rigorous and difficult, so it’s recommended that veterans reach out to benefits counselors, advocacy programs, and support services in Dallas prior to beginning the process. These programs and services connect you to professionals trained to help you file for VA benefits successfully and who can even help appeal denied claims.
Below, you’ll find detailed information on Dallas area veteran service organizations, service offices, and guides to help you understand your potentially eligible benefits. The Dallas County Veterans Services Office houses several offices for veteran service organizations, including American Ex-Prisoners of War, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. It also houses a Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) office, which offers eight programs to enhance the lives of veterans. The TVC can help you file a claim or appeal for financial assistance.
Other veteran service organizations include nonprofits, such as the Vietnam Veterans of America and National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. Both of these service organizations advocate for veterans and their surviving family members and help them obtain the benefits they’re entitled to.
Approximate number of veterans who live in Dallas
About 39% of Dallas veterans are 65+.
Resources for Dallas veterans
Dallas County Veterans Services Office
2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 631
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: 972-692-4939
Email: veteran.services1@dallascounty.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Texas Veterans Commission (TVC)
Find a TVC office near you.
TVC Northeast District
Phone: 1-800-252-8387
Email: northeastclaims@tvc.texas.gov Schedule a claims appointment.
Post 6796 John Franklin Sprague Post
9179 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75218
Phone: 214-327-9565
Post 1406 Dorie Miller Memorial Post
3607 South R. L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX 75224
Phone: 210-391-2574
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) – Chapter 137 Dallas
3200 S. Lancaster Road, Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75216
Phone: 214-792-9367
Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) – DFW Chapter 106
2580 W. Camp Wisdom Road, Suite 100-112
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Phone: 469-418-6893
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicaid for independent living in Dallas
Medicaid doesn’t cover any independent living costs like room and board, but can help offset some home health care costs. Most Texas seniors who qualify for Medicaid receive their coverage through STAR+PLUS — the state’s Medicaid-managed care program run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC). This program is specifically for adults 65+ and for adults with disabilities, and it can be used to cover the cost of some long-term health care services.
If you or your senior loved one is looking to plan for care needs that may arise in the future, be sure to learn about STAR+PLUS’ Home and Community Based Services waiver program. It can be used to cover the cost of some personal care services, health care services, and medical supplies within a senior’s home or at their senior living facility.
Medicare independent living coverage in Dallas
Medicare is a federal health insurance program and anyone who is 65+ and/or disabled qualifies for it within the state of Texas. It cannot be used to cover rent or living costs within an independent living community, but it can help cover many medical services. Some services include hospital stays, hospice care, certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Dallas seniors who are eligible for Medicare can receive assistance with their Medicare benefits, legal advice, and referrals by utilizing the resources listed below. Legal aid attorneys may direct financially eligible, low-income seniors to the Texas Medicare Savings Program, which aids seniors with their Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and/or copayments.
Dual Medicare-Medicaid coverage in Dallas
If you’re a Dallas resident who qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, you’re in luck. Texas offers a joint Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project, commonly referred to as “the Demonstration.” With the Demonstration, Texas strives towards the following:
- Improve health care service coordination
- Enhance quality of care services
- Eliminate cost shifting between Medicare and Medicaid
- Reduce costs for the state and federal governments
For a senior to qualify for the Demonstration, they must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have Medicare Parts A, B, and D, and receive full Medicaid benefits
- Be enrolled in Texas’ STAR+PLUS program for at least 30 days
Seniors who qualify for dual coverage should automatically be enrolled. You may choose to opt out of the Demonstration once you’ve received a notifying letter of enrollment in the mail. If you’d like additional information on the program, you can email Managed_Care_Initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
It can be difficult to navigate Medicaid and Medicare on your own, so Dallas and Texas offer several programs and organizations to help you better understand your benefits and apply for them.
Dallas resident Medicare and Medicaid resources
Long-term care ombudsman
Suzanna Sulfstede, Managing Local Ombudsman at The Senior Source
3910 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: 214-923-5700, ext. 4
Email: ssulfsted@theseniorsource.org
Services for older adults and caregivers
1341 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 1000W
Dallas, TX 75247
Phone: 214-871-5065
Email: impact@ccadvance.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Phone: 2-1-1
If you’re looking for additional financial assistance, you can turn to Social Security benefits to help cover general living expenses along with independent living in Texas. Learn about your potential benefit options below.
As a senior and/or former worker, you may qualify for some Social Security benefits that can help offset some independent living expenses. The Social Security Administration (or SSA) offers many benefits. The benefits available to you will depend on your work history and current situation. Learn more about each Social Security benefit below.
- Social Security Retirement (or SSR) benefit: SSR is a monthly check received during retirement after an individual has retired or reduced their working hours. Eligibility is dependent on the senior’s prior work.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI): The SSDI program pays monthly benefits to workers with qualifying disabilities who have worked long and recently enough. Social Security defines a disabled individual as someone who cannot work due to a severe lasting medical condition that prevents them from doing work they did in the past.[05] When an individual turns 65, SSDI payments usually become SSR payments. If a senior wishes to continue working and receiving SSDI payments, they might be able to; however, it’s strongly recommended that they reach out to a disability attorney.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI): The SSI program provides monthly payments to qualifying individuals with a disability or seniors 65+ regardless of work history. These payments may be received in addition to SSR and SSDI payments. Eligibility requirements include having limited income and resources.
- Social Security survivors benefits: The survivors benefits plan pays a monthly benefit to provide financial support for widows, widowers, and dependents of a deceased worker. This monthly payment is known as an annuity and is meant to ensure a reliable income stream for the survivors of a deceased family member who worked and paid Social Security taxes.
For additional information on Social Security benefits, visit the websites below. You’ll find local Social Security offices, phone numbers, applications, and portals to help you understand Social Security benefits and apply for them.
Dallas resident public assistance resources
Understand Texas laws and regulations for independent living communities
Unlike assisted living and memory care facilities, Texas doesn’t require regulation by a state agency for independent living facilities, as these are not considered care facilities. However, independent living communities are still required to comply with Texas’ general housing and apartment standards for rental units, such as the Texas Property Code and Fair Housing Act.
But, if an independent living facility shares a campus or building with an assisted living facility (or ALF), the assisted living-designated area must comply with the assisted living regulation requirements set forth by Texas Health and Human Services (or HHS). If you would like to see the regulations for Dallas assisted living facilities, check out the laws and regulation section on that page.
The following are the housing and apartment regulations for all rentals in Dallas.
Tenants’ rights in Texas
Stand-alone independent living rental communities are required to comply with the state’s housing and apartment regulations for landlords and tenants. It’ll prove useful to learn about your rights as a tenant, as it’ll help you find a safe and satisfactory living situation. Here’s a brief overview of tenants’ rights in Texas:
- Residents hold the right to ask their landlord to repair problems that risk their health and safety, and landlords must make a diligent effort to repair the problems at hand.
- Residents may terminate their lease if a problem that affects their health hasn’t been resolved after two notices to the landlord and within a reasonable timeframe — usually seven days.
- Residents may hire an external contractor to fix the problems at hand if their landlord fails to resolve issues that affect their health after multiple notices within a reasonable timeframe. Residents can then submit their expenses to the landlord to deduct from their rent.[06]
Before attempting to terminate a lease or hiring an external contractor, it’s strongly recommended that you reach out to an attorney or a tenants association. Consulting a housing expert will prevent you from breaching any lease agreements, and it’ll hopefully help you get the end result you desire. It’s also recommended that tenants provide written notices of complaints or maintenance requests to their landlord and keep a copy of each notice as proof.[06]
If you’re seeking more information on your rights as a tenant in an independent living facility, be sure to read the Texas Tenants’ Rights Handbook.
Accommodations and modifications for disabled seniors
In Texas, federal nondiscrimination laws — such as the Fair Housing Act, Section 504, and Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA) — aim to protect tenants from discrimination due to a disability. This prohibits independent living facilities from refusing housing due to a senior’s disability. Furthermore, these laws require housing providers to provide reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing, programs, and activities for individuals with disabilities.
If you’re a senior with a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations and modifications within the independent living facility. Reasonable accommodations are defined as changes to facility policies and could include the following:
- Allowing a service animal to live with a resident even when there’s a no-pets policy in place
- Assigning a parking spot for easy entry to the resident’s building
- Changing the due date of rent to reflect a resident’s disability income payment dates[07]
Modifications are structural changes to common areas and individual units and could include the following:
- Installing a specialized smoke detector for a resident with a hearing impairment
- Adding a wheelchair ramp to enable a disabled resident to easily access shared spaces and participate in resident activities
- Installing grab bars or widening doorways in a resident’s unit to accommodate wheelchair users[07]
These nondiscrimination laws apply to all independent living facilities in Dallas. Independent living facility owners are required to pay for such modifications unless providing them would pose an undue financial or administrative burden. If you’d like more information, see this detailed infographic on reasonable accommodations and modifications.
COVID-19 regulations for Dallas independent living communities
There are no COVID-19 regulations specific to independent living facilities in Dallas, Texas. However, the city does provide its residents with some general information regarding COVID-19. This information includes COVID-19 testing sites, resources, facility closures, and FAQs.
However, if an independent living facility shares a campus with an assisted living facility, it must comply with any protective measures set forth by the facility. All Texas assisted living facilities are required to develop infection prevention and control measures for common infections, including COVID-19. The measures may include the community’s hygiene practices, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfection and sterilization techniques, safe injection methods, and physical distancing requirements.
Because communities can set their own standards, it’s best to check with your prospective community directly to see if they have any specific regulations regarding COVID-19.
Dallas: An increasingly friendly place for aging
Dallas has become a hotspot for all ages, and especially for seniors in recent years. In 2019, the city developed Age-Friendly Initiative Dallas to improve engagement and accessibility for the city’s aging population. This initiative focuses on improving the following domains for seniors:
- Outdoor spaces and buildings
- Transportation services
- Housing options
- Social participation and inclusion
- Civic participation and employment
- Communication information
- Community support and services
With this effort (along with the increase in senior living options), the city is becoming more aging-friendly with each passing year. Below, you’ll learn about the common features unique to Dallas independent living facilities and how these features help seniors maintain their desired lifestyles.
Safe and comfortable environment for aging in place
In Dallas, many of our partner independent living facilities promote aging in place by offering multiple care types. In fact, about half of our communities have an assisted living and memory care unit on-site.[01] These tiered levels of care enable seniors to age peacefully, as increased care needs won’t warrant a move. It also enables aging couples to live together despite their varying care needs.
Independent living communities also aim to eliminate some of the daily stresses of life by offering convenient services and security features. Most of our partner communities offer housekeeping, dining, and transportation services — so residents don’t have to fret about cooking, cleaning, or driving unless it’s something they’d like to do. Many communities also employ 24-hour staff, use high-tech security systems, and provide emergency call systems to help ensure resident safety.
Engaging amenities and activities help residents thrive
Dallas independent living facilities strive to help seniors enjoy their favorite pastimes, form new friendships, and maintain optimal health. To do so, communities often house a range of amenities for seniors to utilize at their leisure. Some common on-site amenities at independent living communities in Dallas include the following:
- Beauty salon and/or barber shop
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
- Courtyard
- Movie theater
- Library
- Arts and crafts center
- Game room
- Raised garden beds
Communities also facilitate a range of activities and often update them according to the interests of the current resident population. Here are some of the most favored senior activities in independent living facilities in Dallas:
- Art classes
- Fitness classes (chair yoga, stretches, strength training, etc.)
- Musical events (live performances, music lessons, karaoke, etc.)
- Game nights
- Interest club meetings (book club, walking club, current events club, etc.)
- Holiday and birthday parties
- Devotional services
- Group outings and day trips
Independent living in the surrounding Dallas suburbs
Due to the hustle and bustle of Dallas’ downtown, many seniors prefer the outskirts of Dallas. In fact, many seniors prefer Plano and Arlington.[01] Both of these suburban cities are approximately 20 miles from the city center and offer a family-friendly feel. Arlington is significantly more affordable, with starting rent dropping by approximately $800.
Other affordable places near the city include Irving and Mesquite. These cities offer more open space for bigger parks, shopping centers, and attractions, often making them more attractive to seniors.
Dallas independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Dallas independent living
Availability of select dining options in Dallas independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Dallas independent living
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Unfamiliar with Dallas? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors 65+ currently living in Dallas
Percentage of Dallas seniors 65+ currently retired from the workforce
Median annual retirement income for Dallas seniors 65+
Health care for seniors in Dallas
Many Dallas independent living facilities are located fairly close to health care facilities as an added convenience. Residents have access to many hospitals, including two that are highly ranked across the state. Seniors can choose to receive care from the following top Dallas hospitals.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Dallas and No. 2 in all of Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report. It also nationally ranks in nine specialties, including No. 26 in geriatrics.
Baylor University Medical Center
Baylor University Medical Center is ranked No. 2 in Dallas and No. 4 across the state, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s nationally ranked in gastroenterology.
Parkland Health
Parkland Health is ranked No. 3 in Dallas, according to U.S. News and World Report. The hospital has 16 health centers across Dallas County and also has a Center for Geriatric Care and Healthy Aging for seniors seeking specialized care.
Transportation for seniors in Dallas
The widespread nature of Dallas makes it challenging to walk everywhere, so most residents own a car. However, the city does have walkable neighborhoods like downtown and Oak Lawn. Dallas independent living seniors are in luck — 100% of our partner facilities offer complimentary transportation services to residents. Keep in mind, rides may be limited to errands and appointments, depending on the community.
Dallas residents also turn to other options for getting around without a car, including public transportation. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides convenient trains, buses, streetcars, and trolleys throughout the city. DART typically runs between 5 a.m. and midnight. They also offer a rider assistance program for elderly and disabled residents that meet certain eligibility requirements.
Based on data about Dallas’ public density, walking routes, public transportation options, biking trails, and infrastructure, the city’s downtown has received the following scores from WalkScore, each out of 100:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Dallas
Seniors have access to a world of fun and engaging activities to experience in Dallas. There’s something for every niche interest, mobility level, and age. Below are some favored activities among seniors in the Dallas area. Many of these places are happy to accommodate individuals with disabilities, so be sure to ask about available accommodations when planning your visit.
Nature activities
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Seniors who love being surrounded by greenery will benefit from an afternoon in these luscious gardens. This arboretum boasts an impressive 66 acres, all filled with trees, flowers, and rare plants from around the world. The arboretum also aims to improve horticultural research through trial gardens, which often inspire visitors’ own gardens.
- Dallas Zoo. For animal lovers, this zoo offers a perfect day trip. Visitors can view and learn about wildlife from exotic stretches of the Earth, or they can learn more about the fauna native to Dallas. Seniors can also look out for interactive events if they’re interested in feeding or petting some of the critters.
- Dallas World Aquarium. This aquarium serves as a captivating experience for seniors who are more intrigued by creatures under the sea. Visitors will view realistic exhibits filled with colorful fish of all shapes and sizes. Or, you can explore the rainforest replica filled with birds and creatures commonly seen in rainforests.
Cultural and recreational activities
- Arts and culture. Dallas has renowned museums and theaters scattered throughout the city. Seniors can choose to explore museums pertaining to any interest — from local history and science to art and sculpture exhibits, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. You can also attend concerts, plays, symphonies, musicals, and more at the local theaters.
Dallas senior centers
- Senior centers. Although independent living facilities typically offer a range of on-site activities and new faces to see, seniors might also be interested in the unique activities provided at Dallas’ local senior centers. Some of these activities may not be found in your independent living community, such as pickleball, water aerobics, interest groups, and unique group games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Five Star Premier Residences of Dallas, Watermere at Flower Mound and Town Village Crossing are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Dallas, TX. 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 Dallas is $4,296 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 Dallas is $4,296 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.
TurboTax. (2022, September 7). States with the lowest taxes and the highest taxes.
Fritts, J. (2020, August 9). Does your state tax social security benefits? Tax Foundation.
United States Census Bureau. (2020). Sex by age by veteran status for the civilian population 18 years and over (B21001) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Social Security Administration. (2019). The faces and facts of disability: Facts.
Texas Young Lawyers Association & State Bar of Texas. (2019). Tenants’ Rights Handbook.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in downtown Dallas.
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