Arlington, Texas, is known for its temperate weather, robust sports scene, and stunning parks. It’s the ideal destination for seniors seeking to retire within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, without the big-city hustle. Seniors can lead active, healthy lifestyles due to the city’s diverse activities, health care options, and senior living options — including A Place for Mom’s partner senior apartments in Arlington.
Senior apartments are suitable for seniors who want to live alongside individuals in the same age group. Plus, senior apartments offer amenities and conveniences catered to the aging population. In Arlington, independent living communities tend to dominate among the active senior population, though seniors still have a few great senior apartment options within a 10-mile radius of central south Arlington. Senior apartments typically don’t provide as many services as independent living communities, but that’s what makes senior apartments the most affordable senior living option.
In this guide to senior apartments in Arlington, we use our proprietary data to help you easily navigate options based on what matters most to you. We provide data on our partner facility’s overall resident ratings, cleanliness, activities, amenities, and more. You’ll also find detailed information on local costs, how seniors typically pay, senior-specific resources, and senior-friendly activities in Arlington.
My LO has dementia, and although the staff were all good to her, the residents were not. They were very cognizant, mentally able, while my LO was not. She seemed to be more of a bother to the other...
I love the people here. I would only move if the price got too high or I could no longer drive necessitating a move to independent living at that point.They were better when I moved in but the number of...
All of the above has made our experience great. It is just what I wanted & needed. Love this place. I would most definitely recommend this community to other families.
Our loved one who is there likes it very much, she is doing well there and really finds the atmosphere to be very friendly. There are a lot of activities which is great, and we now have found out she is kind...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Arlington 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 average rent at a senior apartment in Arlington is $1,775 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data.[01] Keep in mind that rental costs can greatly vary based on the neighborhood, floor plan, and on-site amenities.
Our proprietary figure above only accounts for rent. This might seem high when compared to standard apartments in the Arlington area, but that’s because senior apartments go the extra mile to offer senior-friendly accommodations and on-site amenities.
Here’s a list of common on-site amenities and activities that are typically included in monthly rent at our partner senior apartments in Arlington, Texas:
The following amenities and services are also common at our partner senior apartments in Arlington, though they may incur additional fees:
The figures below represent average baseline costs for senior apartments in the greater Arlington, Texas area. They provide a good baseline cost of living comparison for the area.
Seniors usually use some combination of their personal income and retirement resources to pay rent at a senior apartment. If you’re a veteran, you may qualify for VA veterans benefits that can be used to cover costs of living. If you qualify for Social Security, it can also help to offset your costs of living. And, if you’re low-income, there are local public housing assistance resources available just for seniors.
For senior care needs, you may be able to use Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance to pay for in-home health care services or a senior care facility, if care needs ever warrant such a move.
In this section, you’ll learn about all the resources outlined above and be directed to local contacts to access such benefits. On top of how to cover costs of living, you’ll also find out how these payment methods can apply to potential long-term care needs in the future.
Seniors typically pull together a variety of private payment methods to pay their rent in Arlington senior apartments. Payment methods usually include income sources like savings accounts, retirement pensions, investment returns, and Social Security benefits.
The following options could also help free up some funds to pay for senior living costs:
Number of veterans living in Arlington as of 2021
About 47% of Arlington veterans are 65+.
If you’re a veteran or a surviving spouse, funds provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can help cover your costs of living in Arlington. Disabled veterans particularly benefit from the generous Aid and Attendance benefit. It can be added to an existing VA pension to cover anything that improves a senior’s quality of life — which could include rent or home care services within a senior apartment.
If you’re at all unsure about your eligibility for VA benefits, you should reach out to a local veterans service organization (VSO). These nonprofit organizations are vetted by the VA and help veterans find their eligible benefit options. Such organizations can help veterans or surviving spouses successfully file a claim, appeal a denied claim, and more.
Arlington residents are in luck, because almost all of the city’s veterans service organizations (VSOs) are run from one office — Tarrant County Veterans Service Office. At this office, a veteran service officer can connect veterans or their surviving spouses to local, regional, and national services offered by VSOs like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), and other VSOs.
You can contact the above mentioned organizations directly with the information below to receive benefits assistance in Arlington. You’ll also find some useful online guides to help you understand more about veterans benefits.
Resources for Arlington veterans
Tarrant County Veteran Services Office
1200 Circle Drive, Suite 300
Fort Worth, TX 76119
Phone: 817-531-5645
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicaid and Medicare are public health insurance programs for seniors or disabled individuals. Neither can be used to pay for rent on a senior apartment, as they are health insurance programs, and a senior apartment is not considered a care community. These programs can, however, help cover health care costs, like in-home health care services, should you wind up needing them in your home. Learn more about both options below.
Although Medicaid can’t be used to pay for rent at a senior apartment, it can help cover some long-term health care services and medically necessary in-home health care services within a senior apartment.
Most Texas seniors who qualify for Medicaid receive their coverage through STAR+PLUS — the state’s managed care program for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities. It’s operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). As of 2023, seniors must not exceed the following annual income limits to qualify for Medicaid:[03]
If you’re planning for care needs that may arise in the future, you’ll want to learn about STAR+PLUS’ home and community based services (HCBS) waiver program. It can help cover home health care services in any qualifying residential or community setting a senior calls home — including a senior apartment, assisted living community, or memory care community.
Covered costs can include the following:
To qualify for this waiver, seniors must be 65 or older, require an institutional level of care typically found in a nursing home, and meet income requirements for Medicaid.
Seniors who are 65+ and/or have a disability may qualify for the Medicare program in Texas. Even though it doesn’t cover rent or living costs at a senior apartment, it can help cover several medical care services. Medicare-covered services can include the following:
Medicare-eligible seniors in Arlington can receive assistance with their Medicare benefits, legal advice, and referrals by utilizing the resources listed below. You can also visit the federal Medicare website or dial 2-1-1 for more information.
If you’re an Arlington resident who qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, you might qualify for dual coverage. Texas offers a joint Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP) called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project for six counties — with Tarrant County being one of them. This project is commonly referred to as “the Demonstration,” and it aims to offer the following:
To qualify, a senior must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Qualifying seniors should automatically be enrolled in the Demonstration and receive a notifying enrollment letter in the mail. If you’d like to opt out, you can follow the instructions provided in the letter. For additional information on the program, you can email managed_care_initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
In Texas, there are several programs and organizations to help you navigate Medicaid and Medicare. Below, you’ll find Medicaid and Medicare applications and local Area Agency on Aging contacts. The Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County can assist you with your applications and help you to understand your service options.
Medicaid and Medicare resources for Arlington seniors
Find a local SSA office for Medicare assistance
2010 N. State Highway 360
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County website
201 N. Rupert St., Suite 107
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Tiffany McLennan, managing local ombudsman
Phone: 817-258-8102
Email: tiffany.mclennan@unitedwaytarrant.org
As a senior in Arlington, you may be eligible for public assistance programs and Social Security benefits, depending on your financial situation and work history. Below, you’ll find a summary of housing assistance options and Social Security benefit options.
Arlington Housing Authority (AHA) provides several housing assistance programs to low-income residents. The most popular program is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), formerly known as Section 8. Seniors can use an HCV voucher to cover a portion of their rent at a senior apartment. To use this voucher, senior apartment owners must agree to rent under the program. So it’s pertinent to check with your prospective community if you plan to rent under the HCV program, as not all apartments accept renters under this program.
The AHA provides HCV vouchers to residents who have a gross annual household income that’s equal or less than 50% of the area’s medium income. However, approximately 75% of new admissions are usually provided to “extremely low-income” applicants.
As of 2022, these are the income limits for “extremely low-income” applicants:[04]
As of 2022, these are the income limits for “very low-income” applicants:[04]
It’s important to note that the HCV program only accepts applications during certain periods and often has long waitlists. If you’ve been waitlisted, you may be selected and contacted as funding becomes available.
As a senior and/or former worker, you may qualify for some Social Security benefits that can help offset senior apartment costs and 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.
For additional information on public assistance programs, visit the websites below. You’ll find local offices, phone numbers, applications, and portals to help you understand public assistance programs and how to apply for them.
Arlington resident public assistance resources
Arlington Housing Authority website
101 W. Abraham St.
Arlington, TX 76010
Phone: 817-459-6777
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In Texas, senior apartments are regulated the same as any standard apartment complex. And, just like any rental property, senior apartments are required to comply with general Texas housing laws, such as the Texas Property Code and Fair Housing Act. Such laws help ensure that senior apartment residents in Texas are not discriminated against and that they’re provided with safe, well-maintained housing. Additionally, most Texas senior apartments have a minimum age requirement of 55, with some apartments raising it to 62.
Below, you’ll find a summary of some of the rights you have as a tenant at a senior apartment. You’ll also find a breakdown of how senior apartments must accommodate seniors with a disability.
Senior apartment communities are required to comply with Texas’ housing and apartment regulations for landlords and tenants. It’s helpful to learn about tenants’ rights, as it’ll help you find a safe and satisfactory living situation while renting.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the most important tenants’ rights in Texas:[06]
Before attempting to terminate a lease or hiring an external contractor, it’s strongly recommended that tenant reaches out to an attorney or a local tenants association. Consulting a housing expert will prevent you from breaching any lease agreements, and it’ll hopefully lead you to the end result you desire. It’s also recommended that tenants provide multiple written notices to their landlord and keep a copy of each notice as proof.[06]
If you’re seeking more information on your rights as a senior apartment tenant, be sure to 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 disability. This prohibits apartment landlords 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 tenants with disabilities.
If you’re a senior with a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations and modifications within your apartment community. Reasonable accommodations are defined as changes to facility policies, while modifications are structural changes to common areas and individual units.
Some examples of reasonable accommodations in line with ADA include the following:[07]
Some examples of reasonable modifications in line with ADA include the following:[07]
These nondiscrimination laws apply to all senior apartments in Arlington, Texas. Senior apartment landlords 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 for Texas renters.
For general concerns, Arlington offers an overview of tenant rights on its city website. Seniors can also report a code violation online. For further questions regarding a rental lease, the city recommends that renters reach out to the following agencies:
You can also view annual rental inspection scores for senior apartments in the greater Arlington area on the Arlington and Fort Worth city websites. You can search for your prospective senior apartment complex by name or address to find its most recent inspection date and score.
In Arlington, rental inspection scores are out of 100, with above 90 being well above average and scores below 70 as below average. Below average rental properties in Arlington must correct their deficiencies or it’ll result in noncompliance reinspection fees.
Fort Worth’s scoring is a little bit different and scores rental properties out of a total 125. Anything below 100 means the apartment community has failed their most recent inspection. After a failing score, rental communities typically have 30 days to correct their violations and receive a passing score.
Due to the overall decline of COVID-19, the city of Arlington doesn’t have any COVID-19 regulations specific to senior apartment communities. If you’re still curious about the city’s overall approach to COVID-19, you can visit the coronavirus informational page on Arlington’s city website to find information on local risk levels, testing centers, vaccination spots.
Arlington is ideal for seniors who want to retire in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex without the big-city noise. The suburban area of Arlington offers scenic parks, enticing museums, delicious restaurants, and a world of senior-friendly activities. The city even hosts an annual Aging Well Expo to help seniors get the most out of their lives in Arlington. At these expos, seniors receive free health screenings, fitness demonstrations, and entertainment. They also receive free tips and information on how to socially, physically, and mentally thrive in Arlington.
Seniors can also expect to find great senior living options in Arlington. Although independent living communities tend to dominate among self-sufficient, active seniors in Arlington, there are still a handful of senior apartments to choose from. Below, you’ll learn about what our senior apartment partners in Arlington have to offer.
Several of our Arlington senior apartment partners offer a calendar of activities to help seniors socialize and stay active. Social butterflies benefit from community-hosted events like resident socials, holiday parties, and birthday celebrations. Seniors can also host or attend outdoor picnics, barbecues, or pool parties when the sun is out. For physical health, our partner communities may also host fitness classes like yoga, water aerobics, and more.
Our partners in Arlington do their best to offer on-site conveniences, so seniors don’t have to leave the premises for daily activities and hobbies. Residents can break a sweat, gather with friends and family, or enjoy an afternoon stroll without having to leave their senior apartment complex.
Residents can expect the following on-site amenities at most of our partner senior apartment communities in Arlington:
Some of our more luxurious partners also offer on-site beauty salons, Jacuzzis, and additional convenient and comfortable amenities.
Senior apartments offer an additional safety net for Arlington seniors. About half of our partners in Arlington have fully secured grounds, with features like gates, video surveillance, and smart door locks to help residents frequent on-site amenities without any worries. Many partners also offer aging-friendly features on the premises, like grab bars, wheelchair access, and easy-to-read signage to help residents navigate common areas easily.
Because Arlington is part of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, you’ll find that senior apartment options may be limited within Arlington itself. However, if you expand your search a bit, you’ll find several senior apartment options in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Grand Prairie.
Arlington is best for seniors seeking a family-friendly environment, within a suburban setting. Grand Prairie may be better for seniors seeking luxury senior apartment communities that offer robust amenities like spas. Fort Worth is more suitable for seniors seeking a balance between a big city like Dallas and a small, suburban town like Arlington. And, of course, Dallas is ideal for seniors who want to remain close to big-city amenities and dynamic entertainment options.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 living in Arlington as of 2021
Average annual retirement income for Arlington seniors 65 and older[02]
As a suburb of Dallas, Arlington doesn’t have many regionally or nationally recognized hospitals, because Dallas tends to house them all. However, seniors still have several great options to receive medical care within Arlington. You can find specialized care at the following Arlington hospitals.
Medical City Arlington opened its doors in 1976. Since then, it’s expanded and now offers 433 beds and employs 1,500 medical professionals. It’s known for its high performance in six specialties, including treatment of heart failure, diabetes, kidney failure, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to U.S. News and World Report.
USMD Hospital at Arlington is known for providing excellent surgical care in North Texas. It’s also high performing for treatment of prostate cancer and pneumonia, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital
Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital is a Level IV trauma center, Cycle II chest pain center, and primary stroke center. It’s known for its high performance in treating kidney failure, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to U.S. News and World Report.
Kindred Hospital Tarrant County — Arlington
Kindred Hospital Tarrant County — Arlington is one of the smaller hospitals in Arlington. It offers 68 beds for long-term acute care, six beds for ICU, and two negative pressure rooms. Seniors can receive advanced wound care, cardiac care, and other specialized services at this hospital.
Because Arlington is a part of the larger Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, most Arlington residents own a vehicle to easily get around. Additionally, some of our partner senior apartments in Arlington offer complimentary or at-cost transportation services to help their residents maneuver the city.
For those who like to utilize city transportation services, Arlington provides Handitran to seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities. To apply for this transportation service, seniors only need to provide proof of age, while anyone under 65 with a disability must have their physician certify their application. Upon application, seniors must pay an initial $10. Thereafter, seniors only pay $2 per one-way trip or $55 per month for unlimited rides.
You can also get a better feel for the city’s sprawl and infrastructure using the scores below. These scores are each out of 100, and they’re based on Arlington’s walking trails, biking routes, transportation options, and public density:[09]
Arlington, Texas, offers several activities and attractions to help local seniors stay active and engaged within the community. And many of them offer accommodations for seniors with disabilities. Read on for a brief overview of senior-friendly activities in Arlington.
The local community centers host numerous activities catered to seniors. You can attend holiday celebrations, day trips, cooking events, social activities, art classes, fitness classes, and so much more. Senior Recreation Center New York and Eunice Activity Center are especially popular with seniors who want to step out of their comfort zone to find new hobbies and form new friendships. The Arlington Public Library also offers a dynamic calendar of senior activities. You can attend lifelong learning lectures, boot camps, crafts classes, reading groups, tech support sessions, and more.
Nature-loving seniors in Fort Worth enjoy exploring the breathtaking, 1,300-acre River Legacy Nature Center. The center offers access to hiking trails, biking trails, picnic areas, pavilions, river overlooks, nature trails, aquariums, terrariums, and lots more for visitors to explore. Families can also attend engaging, free-for-all festivals throughout the year and learn about all the wondrous parts of nature.
Professional sports are a big draw in Arlington. Many seniors in the area are lifelong fans of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and MLB’s Texas Rangers. Families can easily spend an afternoon or evening watching their favorite teams compete in the national leagues. Golf lovers can also attend the annual Charles Shwaub Challenge on the PGA tour hosted at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth. Additionally, thrill-seeking families can visit the famous Six Flags Over Texas. This amusement park offers accommodations for seniors with disabilities and plenty of attractions for those who don’t enjoy exhilarating rollercoaster rides.
For leisurely activities, seniors have an array of shops and restaurants to choose from. One of the most popular shopping malls in Arlington is The Parks Mall at Arlington. You can browse and eat at over 180 stores, restaurants, and more. You can also relish tasty meals at local restaurants with options ranging from Texas barbecue to Tex-Mex. Seniors can also absorb the city’s arts and culture by browsing captivating exhibits at local museums or attending musical performances at one of Arlington’s many theaters.
The Spring at Silverton Active Adult 55, Solea Tavolo Park and The Lakes at Grand Prairie are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Arlington, TX. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Arlington is $1,631 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.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Arlington city; Texas.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, March 1). Appendix XXXI, Monthly income/resource limits. In STAR+PLUS Handbook.
Arlington Housing Authority. (2022). Housing Choice Voucher Program.
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.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Arlington, TX.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Arlington.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Arlington city; Texas.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2023, March 1). Appendix XXXI, Monthly income/resource limits. In STAR+PLUS Handbook.
Arlington Housing Authority. (2022). Housing Choice Voucher Program.
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.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Arlington, TX.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Arlington.