Senior Living Apartments in Aurora, CO

Most senior apartment communities are similar to other forms of general housing, so it isn’t uncommon for seniors to use private resources to cover the monthly costs. That said, financial assistance may be available. It all depends on your individual circumstances.

To get an idea of the options, you’ll find details on a range of payment methods below, including private resources, public assistance, Medicaid, Medicare, and VA benefits.

Senior apartments are much like any other form of general housing, so the laws and regulations follow those of any other residential community. The Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) both apply. Generally, that means neither property owners nor landlords can discriminate against you or offer less favorable terms and conditions because of a disability, family status, national origin, gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, or religion.

In addition, Colorado law has set certain standards for the property and practices of residential communities. For example, property owners and landlords cannot raise your rent more than once a year — nor can they unfairly withhold security deposits. They must also keep buildings up to code, keep utilities connected, maintain proper heating, ventilation, and lighting, and even cap late fees for outstanding rent balances.

Reasonable accommodations must also be made for seniors who have a disability. This might mean that the property would need to provide a ramp into the building if one doesn’t already exist, widen doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, or allow a service animal to live within the residence. Additional information on renter’s rights can be found on the Housing Authority of the City of Aurora’s website.

Licensing and inspections

Though Denver has launched a residential rental licensing program, Aurora has yet to follow suit. That means owners and operators of senior apartments don’t require licenses to provide rental housing to seniors. However, multifamily communities are subject to regular inspections by Aurora Housing and Community Services to ensure basic life, health, and safety requirements are being met and that everything is up to code. If an infraction is found, a re-inspection will be performed within 30 days to give the property owner time to resolve the issue.

Should you desire to look over inspection reports for senior apartments, you can request public records on the City of Aurora’s website.

COVID-19 regulations for Aurora senior apartment communities

Aurora has no specific COVID-19 regulations for senior apartments, but some communities may have their own guidelines. Contact the landlord or property manager if you’re interested in learning more about community-specific guidelines. Otherwise, Arapahoe County recommends some best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Senior apartments in Aurora, Colorado, offer the perfect place to retire and generally have a minimum age limit of 55 to 62 years old. In this section, we’ll explore the unique features of senior apartments in the Aurora area and what amenities to expect.

Recreation is not a problem

As the Gateway to the Rockies, Aurora is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and plenty of opportunities for seniors to explore the city’s natural splendor. Active seniors can hike, bike, boat, fish, and windsurf — all popular activities in the area. Aurora’s Cultural Arts District is also a stone’s throw away from most communities, offering theaters, art centers, and museums.

Many of the senior apartment communities in the Aurora area have made recreation a priority. Golfers will be happy to learn that they can find communities that have golf courses or putting greens right there on the property. Bocce ball courts can be found on others. Sun lovers, on the other hand, can while away the day next to the community swimming pools that many senior apartments in the area provide — that, or in jacuzzis with a drink or two. Of course, active seniors are likely looking for opportunities to stay fit. As such, a number of the senior apartments in Aurora come with fitness centers. You’ll also find communities with theater rooms, game rooms, and arts and crafts centers.^[01]

Relaxation isn’t in short supply

Opportunities to relax and enjoy conveniences abound in senior apartment communities in Aurora, with a range of indoor and outdoor common areas. Grab a quick lunch or meet up for a happy hour at on-site cafes or pubs that many of the senior apartments offer. Other communities encourage residents to curl up with a good book and cup of coffee at central fireplaces and cozy lounges, where you can also catch up on your favorite TV show. Or, take a little off the top at a senior apartment with an on-site barber shop. There are even apartments with libraries, butterfly gardens, hummingbird gardens, and indoor atriums.^[01]

Surrounding many communities, there is no shortage of scenic trails and dog parks to enjoy Aurora’s natural beauty. Central Park is also adjacent to a number of senior apartment complexes and features a lake, fountains, and an amphitheater.

A place to call home

Obviously, you’re not going to spend all your time in the common areas. You want a place to call home, and that’s what Aurora’s senior apartments offer. Full kitchens, bathrooms, and plenty of living space come standard, of course. But you’ll also find a number of apartments that are dog- and cat-friendly, as well as include in-unit fireplaces, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet. Plus, many of the communities in the area make it possible to age in place, with wheelchair-accessible showers, ground floor units, and more.^[01]

Health care for seniors in Aurora

Transportation for seniors in Aurora

Like many cities around the country, Aurora is car-dependent — unless you live in the neighborhoods of Northwest Aurora, Del Mar Parkway, or Dayton Triangle. Compared to the city itself, which has a walk score of 43 out of 100, these areas are fairly walkable.^[06] Walk scores range anywhere from 53 to 74, which means you may be able to do some errands on foot or by bike in these areas. However, Aurora by and large is considered bikeable, with some infrastructure for active seniors looking to get around on two wheels.^[06]

Those looking to leave the driving to others can rest assured that public transit is an option. Though the city’s transit score is relatively low (35 out of 100), the Regional Transportation District (RTD) does run one light-rail line and a number of bus routes within the Aurora area. It also offers discounted fares to anyone 65 and older. All you need is a Senior Special Discount Card, and you’ll enjoy a 50% discount on both bus and train services.

Seniors who have mobility issues may want to look into Access-a-Ride, which is a paratransit ride service operated by RTD. Otherwise, the Seniors Resource Center has made available a no-cost ride service for seniors 60 years and older to run errands within a 10-mile radius of Aurora. Trips are available between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and you must call at least one day in advance to schedule a ride.

Other private nonemergency transportation services that you can take advantage of to get to medical appointments include PrimeCare Transport Services and A1 Medical Transport, both of which offer ambulatory, wheelchair, and stretcher assistance.

Senior activities in Aurora

With a population of almost 400,000 people, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that there’s no shortage of things to do and see in and around the Aurora area. Outdoor recreation, cultural events, a diverse restaurant scene, and more than a few unique attractions — there’s pretty much something for everyone in the Gateway to the Rockies.

Active seniors will find more than 100 miles of trails — some for biking, some for hiking, and some for just taking a stroll. Cherry Creek State Park, in particular, is certain not to disappoint, with miles of hiking trails, biking trails, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, fishing, boating, and more. Plus, the park is home to a prairie and wetland that attracts various species of birds, so birders may enjoy a trip to Cherry Creek, as well. There’s also the Aurora Reservoir and Quincy Reservoir for biking, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.

Seniors interested in a little history may want to check out the Plains Conservation Center, which offers visitors the chance to experience life on the prairie in the 1800s. You’ll find replicas of a homestead village and tipi camp, as well as an education center, guided tours, hiking trails, and some breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Plus, it’s free to visit. There’s also an array of other historical attractions in the area, including Coal Creek Schoolhouse, Centennial House, John Gully Homestead House, and the DeLaney Round Barn. These attractions are a small part of the Aurora History Museum and its many other exhibits.

For those interested in the arts, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, especially when it comes to the visual arts. First and foremost, Aurora is home to Art in Public Places, where you’ll find more than 300 pieces of art from local and national artists all around the city. Visit Gateway Park District, Havana District, Murphy Creek District, and Smoky Hill Cornerstar to get a taste of some of the exhibits. If you’d rather go to an art show, then make sure to visit The People’s Building, which has regular gallery exhibits, or the Aurora Cultural Arts District, which has a mix of art exhibits, live performances, and shopping. For a night of entertainment, be sure to check out the Aurora Fox Arts Center for dance, drama, and musical performances.

Whatever you’re craving, from breakfast to dinner, you’re sure to find it in Aurora. Among Aurora’s hundreds of restaurants, 250 are locally-operated ethnic eateries serving dishes you’re not likely to find anywhere else in the state. From brunch hotspots to contemporary and fine dining, the many restaurants in Aurora are sure to please your taste buds.

And let’s not forget the senior centers in the area. The Aurora Center for Active Adults is certainly a point of interest, where adults 50 and older can take part in fitness classes, seminars, crafts, bingo, day trips, line dancing, and even tax assistance. The place also provides the opportunity to simply socialize with other seniors in the area.