Houston is Texas’ largest city, naturally making it home to the largest senior population in the state. The city lives up to the famous Texas motto — everything’s bigger in Texas — with its wealth of health care, activity, and senior living options. Houston offers numerous senior apartments specifically designed for 55+ adults to reside alongside individuals in the same stage of life. Senior apartments provide residents a peaceful environment filled with convenient amenities, like pools and clubhouses, and activities, like social events and holiday parties.
Senior apartments can be found across Houston’s exciting downtown all the way to its residential neighborhoods. The listings below feature our partner communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Houston. To help you find the most suitable options, we’ve built a scoring system based on resident reviews, A Place for Mom proprietary data, and our 20+ years of experience in the senior living industry. This best-of guide to senior apartments in Houston, Texas, is informed by local senior living experts in Houston and provides you with information on local senior apartment costs, ways people pay, and the state laws and regulations of senior apartments in Houston. The guide concludes with highlights of local senior demographics and activities.
Senior Living Apartments in Houston, TX
Houston is Texas’ largest city, naturally making it home to the largest senior population in the state. The city lives up to the famous Texas motto — everything’s bigger in Texas — with its wealth of health care, activity, and senior living options. Houston offers numerous senior apartments specifically designed for 55+ adults to reside alongside individuals in the same stage of life. Senior apartments provide residents a peaceful environment filled with convenient amenities, like pools and clubhouses, and activities, like social events and holiday parties.Read more
Senior apartments can be found across Houston’s exciting downtown all the way to its residential neighborhoods. The listings below feature our partner communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Houston. To help you find the most suitable options, we’ve built a scoring system based on resident reviews, A Place for Mom proprietary data, and our 20+ years of experience in the senior living industry. This best-of guide to senior apartments in Houston, Texas, is informed by local senior living experts in Houston and provides you with information on local senior apartment costs, ways people pay, and the state laws and regulations of senior apartments in Houston. The guide concludes with highlights of local senior demographics and activities.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Houston, TX
In this community they bring meals to us through the week and they have a lot of activities like bible study bingo and more for the residents. I was really happy when I came to this community. They are very...
My mom was at the heights tower for several years. It was a pretty good place but they are beginning a remodeling of the whole place, trying to redo every apartment. It looked like it was up in the air how...
I don't understand these other reviews here because I have a totally different experience at the Pinemont Apartments. People here in the office are friendly and very helpful. In fact the first person I...
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- Costs of senior apartments in the Houston area
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- What to expect from senior apartments in Houston
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Houston? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in the Houston area
The median rent at partner Houston senior apartments, excluding added care and amenities, averages $1,350 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data. This cost varies depending on location, floor plan, amenities, and additional services. The following figures represent baseline averages and don’t necessarily account for total move-in costs, add-ons, and any related fees.
Average cost comparisons near Houston, TX
Average monthly costs
Houston, TX
How to pay for senior apartments in Houston
Seniors typically combine personal resources to fund senior apartment costs, much like that of rent on regular apartments.
However, if you’re planning for future care needs like in-home care or a move to an assisted living facility, Medicaid or Medicare may help cover some of those related care costs.
Many seniors initially turn to personal income resources when planning a move to a senior apartment. Income resources include investments, Social Security benefits, pensions, and savings accounts. Also note that Texas is one of the few states in the U.S. without a personal income tax, meaning seniors don’t have to worry about paying taxes on their Social Security benefits and other retirement income.[01,02] Read on for more ideas on ways to fund a move to a senior apartment:
Note: Long-term care insurance cannot be used to fund senior apartment costs, as these policies usually only cover medical care costs or nursing home stays. However, it may cover in-home care services or assisted living costs, should a senior ever need care within their apartment or require a move to an assisted living facility. Talk to your insurance provider to understand what coverage is included in your policy.
Seniors can use a housing voucher from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to pay for some Houston senior living apartments. Offered through HUD’s Section 202 program, this waiver is designed to provide affordable housing with supportive services to elderly adults.
Another public support option for senior apartments could be Supplemental Security Income — commonly referred to as SSI — which enables financially eligible 65+ seniors to receive monthly SSI payments.
If you’d like more information on other Texas state housing programs, take a look at these housing resources for seniors in Texas.
Houston belongs to Harris County — Texas’ largest county — making it home to the largest veteran population in the state. If you qualify for any VA pension benefits, they may be used to pay rent on a senior apartment.
Additionally, if a veteran is enrolled in VA health care and requires assistance with daily activities, they may qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be used to cover some costs of in-home care in a senior apartment. Or, if a veteran is permanently disabled and spends most of their time in their senior apartment due to their disability, the VA’s Housebound allowance can be used to cover some in-home care costs.
The Harris County Veterans Services Department employs benefit advisors to advise and assist veterans trying to access their benefits. These benefit advisors help vets apply for benefits, process VA claims, file appeals, and more. You can also reach out to a Texas Veterans Commission (also known as TVC) advocate if you need help accessing your VA benefits. Below you will find several resources for local Houston veterans.
Number of veterans in Houston, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of Houston veterans that are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Houston veterans
2929 McKinney St.
Houston, TX 77003
Phone: 281-876-6600
Email: vsdinfo@harriscountytx.gov
6900 Almeda Road
Houston, TX 77030
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
3880 Greenhouse Road, Suite 409
Houston, TX 77084
Phone: 346-900-4551
Email: amazingsoldiers16@gmail.com
Medicaid benefits in Texas cannot be used to pay for rent on a senior apartment. However, Medicaid may cover the cost of in-home care services if a senior has a medical requirement for such care. Most qualified seniors in Texas receive their Medicaid coverage through STAR+PLUS — the state’s Medicaid managed care program for those age 65+ and/or adults with disabilities.
Seniors looking for Medicaid to cover in-home care or assisted living costs must apply for the STAR+PLUS — Home and Community Based Services waiver program. Keep in mind that this program won’t cover rent for a senior apartment, but instead covers medically approved care services provided by an in-home care provider or within an assisted living facility.
In general, Medicare doesn’t cover any senior living or senior apartment costs. Qualifying seniors, however, can use it to cover medically necessary health care costs. Check out the following resources if you need assistance with applying for Medicare.
Houston resident Medicare resources
Print or get a paper form by mail.
Greg Shelley, Harris County Long-Term Care Ombudsman
6901 Bertner Ave., Suite 624
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 715-500-9930
Email: Gregory.K.Shelley@uth.tmc.edu
Phone: 832-393-4301
Email: aging@houstontx.gov
Understand Texas laws and regulations for senior apartments
Senior living apartments in Houston typically have an age requirement. The minimum age is normally 55, with some apartments raising that requirement to 62. You’ll also find senior living apartments based on income in Houston, Texas. These income requirements are in place to offer affordable options to Houston’s low-income seniors.
Most Texas senior apartments don’t have any special licensing or inspection requirements. For the most part, the licensing and inspection requirements of senior apartments reflect Texas housing laws, such as the Texas Property Code and Fair Housing Act. The purpose of these laws is to ensure apartment residents in Texas are not discriminated against and that they are provided safe, well-maintained housing.
HUD-subsidized senior apartments
Senior apartments subsidized and certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (also known as HUD) must be additionally inspected by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. These inspections help to confirm whether housing is decent, safe, sanitary, and in good repair.[04] Inspections are performed based on each apartment complex’s prior inspection score. Scores are out of 100, and scores above 90 result in inspections every three years, while scores below 80 result in yearly inspections.[05]
Accommodations and modifications for disabled seniors
Federal non-discrimination laws, such as the Fair Housing Act, Section 504, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), prohibit housing providers from refusing residency to individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, these laws require housing providers to implement reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing, programs, and activities for all tenants with disabilities.[06]
Note that accommodations are changes in the way things are done, while modifications are changes to a senior’s apartment. Below, you’ll find examples of both.
Examples of apartment accommodations:
- Assigning a parking spot for easy entry to the apartment building
- Allowing a service animal to reside with a tenant even if there’s a no-pets policy in place
- Changing the due date of rent to reflect disability income payment dates
Examples of apartment modifications:
- Installing grab bars in a tenant’s apartment
- Widening doorways to provide easy wheelchair access
- Lowering the height of kitchen cabinets to accommodate a wheelchair user
These non-discrimination laws directly apply to senior apartment providers in Houston. Senior apartment property owners are required to pay for such modifications unless providing them would pose an undue financial burden or fundamental change to their programming. For more information, see this infographic on reasonable accommodations and modifications.
COVID-19 regulations for Houston senior apartments
The city of Houston doesn’t have any COVID-19 regulations specific to senior apartments. However, the county’s public health department does provide COVID-19 updates and general information regarding testing, vaccination, and more.
Get to know senior apartments in Houston
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What to expect from senior apartments in Houston
Houston is home to over 874,000 families, and this number is constantly growing, adding to Houston’s senior population.[07] Luckily, seniors can choose from many senior apartments throughout the city to find their ideal home near loved ones. Check out what senior living apartments in Houston have to offer below.
Apartments with a variety of floor plans
Houston senior apartments accommodate the living preferences of their diverse senior population by offering a multitude of floor plans. Seniors can choose from cozy one-bedroom to spacious three-bedroom apartments. Most apartments are equipped with full kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers. Some also have a personal patio or balcony and walk-in closets, enabling seniors to maximize their space.
Amenities and activities to help seniors stay active
Some senior apartments in Houston host events in their clubhouse so seniors can get out and mingle. Some common clubhouse events include movie nights, game nights, holiday parties, picnics, and more. Many senior apartments also offer on-site amenities like fitness centers, libraries or business centers, and pools, which residents can use at their leisure.
Apartments built to help seniors lead safe lives
Many senior apartments are built with aging in mind and provide supportive features throughout common areas and individual units. Helpful features include accessible entrances and doorways, reachable light switches and cupboards, grab bars in bathrooms, and more. Some apartment buildings also have elevators, emergency call systems, and ramps to help with the safety of seniors with mobility needs.
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Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Houston? Highlights for seniors
277970
Number of 65+ seniors currently living in Houston, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of Houston seniors 65+ with a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older who are not working, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
21018
Median annual Social Security income for Houston seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Health care for seniors in Houston
Houston’s wealth of health care options is what often attracts seniors in Texas. The city is home to two nationally ranked hospitals and several VA clinics for veterans. See information on Houston’s top hospitals below.
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and Houston, according to U.S. News and World Report. It nationally ranks in 10 specialties, including No. 22 in geriatrics, No. 11 in orthopedics, and No. 15 in neurology.
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Centert
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is ranked as the No. 2 hospital in Houston, according to U.S. News and World Report. It nationally ranks in six specialties, including No. 43 in geriatrics, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Memorial Hermann Center
Memorial Hermann Center is ranked as the No. 3 hospital in Houston, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s high performing in seven specialties, including diabetes, orthopedics, and cardiology.
MD Anderson Cancer Center
MD Anderson is the top cancer center in America and is among the top in the world. The center is known for its cutting-edge research and its high nurse-to-patient ratio that ensures patients receive the utmost attention and care.
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is one of Texas’ most popular veteran hospitals. It’s known for offering a wide range of services including health services, legal services, and even services for caregivers.
Transportation for seniors in Houston
Houston spans roughly 640 square miles, making it difficult to easily get around without a car. However, the city does offer public transportation options, METRO being the most popular one. It offers buses, rails, and paratransit services throughout Harris County. The county also offers RIDES to residents who are 65+ and/or have disabilities and cannot access METRO services.
For active seniors, the following scores from WalkScore may be helpful. They’re each out of 100 and based on Houston’s public density, walking routes, public transit options, biking trails, and more: [09]
47
Walk Score
36
Transit Score
49
Bike Score
Senior activities in Houston
Houston is known as the cultural capital of the South, meaning it offers an abundance of cultural activities for seniors and families to enjoy. Houston is also home to a range of shopping and restaurant experiences. From vintage stores and designer shops to cafés and fine dining establishments, Houston’s shopping and dining options are unmatched.
Seniors who enjoy the arts and sciences also have a lot at their fingertips in Houston. Explore museums like Space Center Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to view stunning exhibits. Or, visit the Theater District — spanning an impressive 17 blocks — to catch favorite plays, ballets, and symphonies.
The city also offers many ways to explore the great outdoors. Visit the Houston Zoo or Houston Botanic Garden to take in sights of flora and fauna from around the world. For nature-loving active seniors, check out the serene Buffalo Bayou kayak tours, which take you through several lush parks and a bird sanctuary. The tours conclude with what is said to be one of the best views of the Houston skyline. Houston is also known for its exciting waterway and bay area watersports, as well as its beautiful running and biking trails, like the oak-tree-lined trail at the local Rice University.
Seniors also enjoy frequenting the many tennis and pickleball courts around the city, all maintained by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Seniors looking to socialize can also visit Houston community centers that offer senior programming for 55+ adults looking to learn new skills, participate in group activities, and more.
Houston is an exceptionally senior-friendly city. And it’s important to note that many of these local attractions provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and some even offer special discounts just for seniors. Be sure to inquire about accommodations and specials when making your plans.
Frequently asked questions
Wood Glen Court, Proverbial Care and Solea Copperfield are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Houston, 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 Houston is 1897.59 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
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. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. (2022). Compliance: frequently asked questions.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2021). Federal regulations and guidance: UPCS inspection frequency.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Houston city, Texas. QuickFacts.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Houston.
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