San Antonio, Texas, has risen to the top ranks of retirement destinations in the U.S. in recent years. Its year-round warm weather, walkable downtown, health care options, veteran opportunities, and relatively low cost of living naturally attract active and retired seniors. Seniors have a range of senior living options to choose from in San Antonio — including 10 independent living facilities that partner with A Place for Mom within a 10-mile radius of the city’s downtown alone.
In this guide to independent living for seniors in San Antonio, you’ll find a wealth of information on local costs, how seniors pay, local independent living features, senior demographics, and senior-specific resources and activities. With this hyperlocal data and information, we intend to help you find the most suitable independent living options in San Antonio.
I feel like I can give most of those ratings only because I am constantly managing issues. I have to regularly bring things to the attention of staff because my mother-in-law won't or can't advocate for...
Love the larger rooms. Staff has been very helpful and friendly. Really enjoy the monthly family lunch/dinners food is delicious. The only reason I scored a 4 is the remodeling. They have been dragging...
The fact that the price goes up every year and being on a fixed income, the future did not look like golden years, but perhaps homeless, but I truly was happy. The food was just ok because leftovers were...
The common areas, especially floors, need to be cleaned more often. Hallway carpeting has many stains that stay for a long time. This would be my main complaint. The food is good and the waitstaff are...
The staff were friendly, gave you hugs, have even visited us over here even though they work at the Etta -- a very family feeling. The William closed 15 May. We were given 30 days notice . Living at [name...
I would absolutely recommend Sodalis Windcrest at San Antonio. It's small enough that my Mom is well tended to and cared for. I do wish that there was a deeper cleaning in the apartments and that they would...
Location was the first factor in our decision. Considering convenience for family members to visit our loved one. Of course we ensured proper care, cleanliness and respectful care from staff. The facility...
Very attentive and excellent care. The director, [name removed], is always friendly, caring and has high expectations for the staff. [name removed], the head nurse, is compassionate and attentive to...
It's not perfect, but she is very happy there and I am very pleased with the changes from the new director it is much better run now. The new director runs things in an excellent professional manner from a...
Overall we've had a great experience with The Gardens of Castle Hills. All of the staff are very caring except for one of the PCAs. Once I told the director about it though, she was much nicer.
We are very impressed having a well educated and licensed nurse in the home. Mom’s always busy doing something that she likes: dominos, crochet, painting, singing, and getting all prettied up for onsite...
This has been a wonderful experience for my family and loved one. The staff are very friendly and professional. I would recommend the community to others for their loved ones.
Staff there generally nice and helpful but there are usually only a few that make the difference as in this business there is a lot of turnover in staff. It is a very good value for the money.
5 across the board except housekeeping. I found my parents' apartment needing more attention, e.g. bathroom sink, kitchen floor needed to be swept. There is only one licensed nurse (LPN) for about 60...
The staff here at Overture has been very helpful and courteous. The apartment sizes are good, I really have no complaints about the experience. I would definitely recommend Overture Stone Oak to others...
Great experience overall at Landon Ridge Alamo Ranch. However, I understand this is an independent living facility, but when someone is in obvious need of physical help, there should be an exception made to...
Recommend getting a camera installed in the room to watch over loved one. Most of the staff is great but there are always a few that aren't and it's usually the midnight shift. There are tons of activities...
Friendly and caring staff, nice apartment- Mom didn't want it to look like a hospital room. Attentive staff with plenty of activity options. They look like they love their jobs. Super clean and good meals....
Dad seems to like the staff and the staff seem very caring towards him. He has his favorites, of course. For the most part his room is clean. Dad's laundry is done for him. I do have concerns that his...
It is a small nice quite environment. They keep it very clean, my mom loves the food , anything she wants within reason they will get. They give everyone plenty of attention. I would stay there myself, if I...
My Mom died 2 1/2 years ago so my feedback is dated. Overall the facility was quite good. I remember the leadership was not very friendly but everybody else was great.
Our loved one was only there for 7 days for respite care but based on that experience we would definitely recommend Franklin Park to other families'.
We moved my mother to Parkway assisted living facility . The entire staff was caring and took great care of my mother. The care they provide is outstanding.This place is clean and the furniture is in...
This is a nice environment for seniors who can take care of their own daily needs-- I would recommend for mobile, self sufficient senior living. The are transportation arrangements available-- which is...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders San Antonio community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
The median cost of rent at a partner independent living facility in San Antonio averages $3,000 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data. This cost is higher than the average rent for San Antonio apartments; however, the cost of rent typically includes senior-friendly amenities and activities. Costs may include on-site services and amenities like the following:
The following costs represent average baseline costs and give a good cost comparison locally, though these costs don’t account for any additional fees, like our proprietary costs above.
Seniors typically use a combination of private income resources to pay for independent living in San Antonio, Texas. And, seniors anticipating future care needs might also use public pay methods to cover home care or assisted living costs.
Below, you’ll find private pay tips, information on veterans benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and public assistance resources that can help you cover independent living and senior care costs.
Private pay methods include all of your income resources — savings accounts, Social Security benefits, retirement pensions, and/or investment returns. These can all be used to cover costs at an independent senior living facility in San Antonio. Also note, Texas doesn’t have personal income tax, saving seniors from paying taxes on their Social Security benefits and/or retirement pensions.[02,03] Depending on your resources, you may also use a combination of the following payment methods:
San Antonio has one of the largest veteran populations in the U.S., and it’s the Texas city with the most veterans. The city is home to many military bases, naturally making it veteran-friendly. Veterans can find many job opportunities and resources within San Antonio, leading them to retire within the city.
Qualifying veterans can apply for VA pension benefits. They can then use those funds to cover their independent living costs. In addition to their VA pension, qualifying veterans may also apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit to receive additional funds. These funds can be used for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, like senior living.
The approval process for VA benefits can be long and difficult, so it is a good idea to seek out benefit counseling and advocacy to file successfully. San Antonio and the state of Texas offer several veterans services and centers to assist veterans with the process:
To continually enhance the quality of life for veterans, San Antonio offers over 200 veteran resources and support services. With so many resources, it can become difficult to find the most suitable for you. That’s precisely why the Texas Veterans Network — San Antonio (also known as TVN), employs staff members who can evaluate your current situation and needs to recommend relevant support services. After their recommendations, they’ll make sure to follow up with veteran organizations to confirm solutions work for you.
Approximate number of veterans currently living in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 42% of San Antonio veterans are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for San Antonio veterans
Military and Veteran Affairs Department home page
100 W. Houston St., Suite 1008
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-207-3995
North West San Antonio VA Clinic
9939 State Highway 151
San Antonio, TX 78251
Phone: 210-706-7800
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Military and Veterans Services Center (MVSC) home page
1422 E. Grayson St., 4th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78208
Phone: 210-335-6775
Email: vets@bexar.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Alamo Area Council on Governments (AACOG) veteran servicesPhone: 888-724-8387
Email: txveteransnetwork@aacog.com
Medicaid programs don’t cover independent living costs; however, they can help offset some health care costs. A majority of Texas seniors enrolled in 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 adults with disabilities and can be used to cover the cost of some long-term health care services.
If you or a senior loved one are planning for care needs that may arise in the future, it’s important that you learn about STAR+PLUS’ Home and Community Based Services waiver program. It can be used to cover the cost of some personal care services and medical supplies within a senior’s home or at their senior living facility.
The HHSC also has several programs that help seniors with Medicaid through their local Area Agency on Aging (also known as AAA) for seniors 60+, as well as other long-term care programs and disability programs. Below, you’ll find a Medicaid application and resources to help you find a local benefits office and understand your Medicaid benefits.
San Antonio resident Medicaid resources
Medicare is a federal health insurance program and anyone who is 65+ or disabled qualifies for it within the state of Texas. It cannot be used to cover rent or living costs within an independent living facility, but it can help cover many medical services — hospital stays, hospice care, certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Seniors who are eligible for Medicare in San Antonio can receive assistance with their Medicare benefits, legal advice, and referrals by utilizing the resources listed below. Legal attorneys or advisors may direct financially eligible seniors to the Texas Medicare Savings Program, which aids seniors with their Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and/or copayments.
For assistance with your eligible benefits and for advice on local senior living options, contact your local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman. They’ll help you understand your payment options and navigate your senior living options. The Alamo Area Council of Governments (or AACOG) also helps San Antonio seniors access the long-term care they need. It provides benefits counseling, care coordination, caregiver support, and more to aging San Antonio residents. Find applications, local offices, and more below.
San Antonio resident Medicare resources
Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
Phone: 1-800-252-9240
The Legal Hotline for TexansPhone: 1-800-622-2520, ext. 3
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Long-term care ombudsman
Cindy Boyum, Managing Local Ombudsman at AAA of Bexar County2700 NE. Loop 410, Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: 210-362-5236
Email: cboyum@aacog.com
Aging Services for Bexar County and Alamo Area
Phone: 210-477-3275
Email: info@askasc.org
Phone: 2-1-1
Because Medicaid and Medicare don’t cover independent living costs, some seniors turn to housing assistance programs and/or Social Security benefits to offset living costs at an independent living facility. Learn more about both below.
Some independent living communities accept housing vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (or HUD). The Housing Choice Voucher (or HCV), formerly known as Section 8, is the most commonly used housing assistance program. San Antonio also offers its own Housing Assistance Program (or HAP) for renters below certain income limits. Low-income seniors or individuals with disabilities may qualify for the HCV or HAP programs and receive rent assistance in a San Antonio independent living community. Be sure to inquire about these housing assistance programs when looking for a prospective community as owners must first agree to rent under the HUD programs.
Seniors can also use their Social Security benefits to defray independent living expenses. There are several types of benefits available through the Social Security Administration; however, the ones available to you will depend on your work history and current situation. Here’s a brief overview of all the different Social Security benefits:
If you’d like more information on public assistance, you’ll find more resources for housing assistance and Social Security below.
San Antonio resident public assistance resources
San Antonio independent living facilities are not regulated by a state agency. They’re still required to comply with Texas’ general housing and apartment standards, though, 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), they must comply with assisted living licensing and regulation requirements set forth by Texas Health and Human Services, also known as HHS.
Independent living facilities that share a campus with an assisted living facility are required to regulate the following in order to pass inspections and stay licensed:
Stand-alone independent living facilities don’t have strict inspection requirements, but they are required to comply with the state’s housing and apartment regulations for landlords and tenants. You’ll find it useful to learn about tenant rights, as it’ll help you find a safe and satisfactory living environment for you as you rent. Here’s a brief summary of tenants’ rights in Texas:
Before you move forward with terminating 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 help ensure that you don’t breach any lease agreements, and it’ll ultimately help you get the end result you desire. It’s also recommended for tenants to provide written notices to their landlord and to keep a copy of each notice as proof.[07]
For more information on your rights as a tenant in an independent living facility, read the Texas Tenants’ Rights Handbook.
In Texas, federal nondiscrimination laws — such as the Fair Housing Act, Section 504, and Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA) — protect tenants from being discriminated against due to their disability. This prohibits independent living facilities from refusing housing due to an individual’s disability. Furthermore, these laws require housing providers to provide disabled individuals with reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing, programs, and activities.
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:
Modifications are structural changes to common areas and individual units and could include the following:
These nondiscrimination laws apply to all independent living facilities in San Antonio. Independent living facility owners are required to pay for such modifications unless providing them would pose an undue financial or administrative burden. For more information, see this detailed infographic on reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Neither San Antonio nor Texas have any specific COVID-19 regulations in place for independent living facilities. However, independent living facilities with an assisted living facility (or ALF) on-site, must comply with ALF standards set forth by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (or the HHSC). Assisted living facilities are required to develop their own infection prevention and control measures regarding masks, physical distancing, and additional protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) during an active infection or outbreak.[09]
San Antonio aspires to support its increasing aging population through the implementation of a Senior Services Strategic Plan. It was created to evolve senior support services throughout the city, including plans to enhance programming in city senior centers, expand medical services, and generally support local seniors as they age. Likewise, you’ll see that the San Antonio independent senior living scene tries to support aging seniors by expanding services, amenities, and floor plan options to keep up with unique needs.
Here’s an overview of some of the most unique features of San Antonio independent living facilities:
Some of the most popular independent living communities in San Antonio promote aging in place by offering tiered levels of care. Most of our partnering communities typically have an assisted living unit on-site, while some also offer memory care, respite care, and/or skilled nursing wings. The multiple care options enable seniors to age gracefully and with peace of mind, as increased care needs won’t warrant a move.
These communities also aim to minimize daily stressors for residents by providing convenient services and security. In most of our partnering communities, residents don’t have to worry about cleaning, cooking, or driving, unless it’s something they want to do. Staff members offer housekeeping and laundry services, daily meals, and complimentary transportation. Furthermore, some communities aim to ensure resident safety by employing 24-hour staff, using robust security systems, and providing emergency call systems throughout the community.
San Antonio independent living facilities pride themselves in offering a range of activities and amenities that actively engage residents of all interests. Some of the most common amenities include the following:
As far as activities go, the possibilities are endless. Many San Antonio communities cater to residents’ interests and adjust resident programming accordingly. Communities often host the following activities and events:
Resident comfort is one of the top priorities in all of our partner San Antonio independent living facilities. That’s precisely why communities offer multiple floor plans to help ensure their residents find a home suitable to their desires. From cozy studio units to spacious three-bedroom homes, residents will find something that checks all their boxes. Most units feature a kitchenette, a dining and living area, and at least one spacious closet. Additionally, all in-network communities are pet-friendly, enabling pet friends to come live with their beloved owners.
A few communities even offer a little more privacy and room with individual cottage layouts. While higher in price, these cottages typically have a full kitchen, an individual climate control, a garage, and private patios. Some even offer multiple walk-in closets, a den, or an atrium. Plus, residents don’t have to worry about landscaping as community staff will handle it.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of San Antonio seniors 65+ that are retired from the workforce, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual retirement income for San Antonio seniors 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
San Antonio has a wealth of health care options for seniors and veterans. Here’s some information on the city’s top-rated medical care facilities:
Methodist Hospital is No. 1 in San Antonio and No. 13 in Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is high performing in 11 procedures and conditions, including diabetic care, kidney failure, and post-stroke care.
Baptist Medical Center is No. 2 in San Antonio. It’s high performing in nine procedures and conditions, including some cancer surgeries, heart failure, and diabetes.
Brooke Army Medical Center is the largest and most robust military health care organization in the U.S. It serves military service members, veterans, their families, and civilian emergency patients. It’s known for its exceptional, patient-centered care and for treating combat causalities and trauma.
Seniors can utilize many means of transportation in San Antonio — drive their own car, use public transportation, and depending on the neighborhood, even walk or bike. Our partner independent living facilities in San Antonio also offer on-site transportation services to residents. This provides convenience and aims to minimize any safety risks for residents looking to get from place to place. In fact, 100% of our San Antonio partner independent living communities offer complimentary transportation. Depending on the community, rides may be limited to errands and appointments.
If a senior is more active and independent, or if you’re a family member looking to visit and take them around downtown, you may want to look into VIA Metropolitan Transit options, including buses, ride share, and paratransit services throughout the city. Seniors 62+ can ride for only a quarter Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and receive free rides on Saturday and Sunday. Seniors must obtain a VIA Reduced Fare ID to receive their senior discounts.
These scores from WalkScore might also help you get a better feel for the San Antonio downtown area. Keep in mind that this data reflects downtown, not the entire city. Each score is out of 100 and is based on downtown’s public density, transportation system, walking and biking routes, and other city information:[13]
San Antonio is a hub for unique senior activities. Seniors can find something for all of their interests — explore niche museums and expansive parks in the city or travel two hours to stroll sunny beaches and enchanting woodlands. In San Antonio, seniors and loved ones will find themselves surrounded by a world of activities and various landscapes. Here are some activities favored by seniors in San Antonio:
These attractions are great for history buffs:
Arts and culture lovers will enjoy these attractions:
Nature enthusiasts will feel right at home in these attractions:
Keep in mind that some independent living facilities will plan day trips and outings to similar attractions. Also, remember to ask for senior discounts or accommodations for disabilities when planning visits.
Serenity Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care, Gemstone at Bulverde and The Waterford at Westover Hills are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near San Antonio, 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 San Antonio is $3,927 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 San Antonio is $3,927 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
TurboTax. (2022, December 1). 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. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Social Security Administration. (2019). The faces and facts of disability: Facts.
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
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.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, January 11). HHSC retires ALF COVID-19 response plan and COVID-19 FAQs.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Downtown San Antonio.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
TurboTax. (2022, December 1). 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. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Social Security Administration. (2019). The faces and facts of disability: Facts.
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
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.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, January 11). HHSC retires ALF COVID-19 response plan and COVID-19 FAQs.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Downtown San Antonio.