Minneapolis, renowned for its livability, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to nature, is a preferred choice for retirees. Together with St. Paul, it constitutes the Twin Cities, a metropolitan area that spans almost 3,000 square miles and serves as the home of nearly 3 million people. It’s home to several universities, museums, and sports teams, all with their own unique appeal. With landmarks such as Mall of America and the Minnesota Zoo close by, residents and visitors always have something to do.
Some active and independent retirees opt for the convenient living of senior apartments, which typically cater to seniors by providing accessibility features such as elevators and wide doorways. In general, senior apartments don’t provide health care services or daily assistance, though some of the 17 facilities within A Place for Mom’s Minneapolis network include aspects of independent living communities that offer added benefits.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the ideal Minneapolis senior apartment by breaking down the costs of senior apartments within a 10-mile radius of downtown, outlining the various ways to pay for living expenses, explaining applicable local and state regulations, and highlighting the unique characteristics of living in the City of Lakes.
Minneapolis, renowned for its livability, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to nature, is a preferred choice for retirees. Together with St. Paul, it constitutes the Twin Cities, a metropolitan area that spans almost 3,000 square miles and serves as the home of nearly 3 million people. It’s home to several universities, museums, and sports teams, all with their own unique appeal. With landmarks such as Mall of America and the Minnesota Zoo close by, residents and visitors always have something to do.Read more
Some active and independent retirees opt for the convenient living of senior apartments, which typically cater to seniors by providing accessibility features such as elevators and wide doorways. In general, senior apartments don’t provide health care services or daily assistance, though some of the 17 facilities within A Place for Mom’s Minneapolis network include aspects of independent living communities that offer added benefits.
In this guide, we’ll help you find the ideal Minneapolis senior apartment by breaking down the costs of senior apartments within a 10-mile radius of downtown, outlining the various ways to pay for living expenses, explaining applicable local and state regulations, and highlighting the unique characteristics of living in the City of Lakes.
The staff is great. Very clean building. This is independent living, so no food is provided. The move in process with Gentile Transitions was awesome. They did everything. Helped sort, packed, unpacked and...
I picked this community, because the apartment was set up exactly like I needed to be. I like it its quiet, friendly staff, and residents are all nice.
This is a wonderful place to live. Everything is very peaceful with no stress. I would recommend this community to others. The apartment is great and it has a spacious and full kitchen. The staff is...
The staff does not work on the weekends. Many days they are gone long before 5:00. We hear comments like "that isn't my job" or even a flat out refusal to help. It is becoming more and more that they only...
I would tell others that are looking into Heathers Estates that there is Heather's Manor next door that is for assisted living for people that need more care. If a resident of the Heathers Estates need to...
I loved Legends of Columbia Heights. Especially the management. I would highly recommend it 100% to anyone looking for a clean, safe place to call home! This place was wonderful!
I have a really nice apartment with two bathrooms, a nice patio and an indoor washer and dryer. It is very efficient for senior living.
The community is a beautiful place and the staff is very friendly and nice. I would recommend this community to others based on my experience.
They do have movie nights, but the activities are still pretty limited due to the pandemic. The apartments here are adequate in size, and this is a good place.
The staff have been helpful and they are quick to respond. The restaurant is excellent. The other residents are friendly and fun to be with. They offer daily activities including an exercise class with a...
Harbor at Twin Lakes is a secure building which I like the most and it is located within walking distance from several different restaurant's, stores and other amenities. There are no care services here...
Friendly neighbors, great management, lovely apartments. While it might seem like such close proximity to almost an over abundance of shopping, dining and other commercial opportunities might be a drawback...
My mom has had a terrific experience here!
I am very pleased with the Phalen Senior Lofts. Management is diligent and helpful. Residents are friendly. Very clean. I am really glad that I moved here. Any issues are handled promptly and efficiently.
It is under new management, so I need to see how it goes, but it's okay. I picked due to location. Doesn't feel or look like a nursing home.
In order to get here, you should take Shady Oak Road off of 62. The staff, residents, and community are all pretty good. We've had a couple of small issues, but they jumped on it right away and it was...
Hubby & I have been fortunate to call Riverview Highlands Apts home for 3 years. The building is well managed and maintained and our fellow residents have come to feel like family. The apt is spacious with...
I just love it here. It's better than any place I've ever been. They have a big area for you to sit where you can read a book. There's a nice pond in the back and a walking area. There's a lot of...
Great location friendly people throughout. Nice daily meals at a great price ??
The cost of senior apartments in Minneapolis can be strongly influenced by location, size, and amenities. The 17 senior apartments in our network cost an average of $1,282 per month, which includes rent and any other fees or add-on services.[01]
The pricing listed below are the base rental rates for senior apartments in the area and do not include fees or additional services and amenities.
Average monthly costs
Minneapolis, MN
Senior apartments are classified as general housing rather than senior care communities because they don’t provide services like personal care. For this reason, long-term health care insurance doesn’t help pay for senior apartments in the same way that it does for other care communities.
Most Minneapolis senior apartments are paid for with personal funds, but various housing assistance programs, veterans programs, and disability benefits programs can help offset the costs of living for certain low-income seniors. If seniors should need medically essential in-home health care within their apartments, that care may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, veterans benefits, public assistance, or other long-term care insurance programs covered below.
Seniors often rely on their personal savings and income resources — investments, savings accounts, Social Security benefits, and pensions — to pay rent on a senior apartment. Additional payment alternatives could include a combination of the private sources listed below.
Number of veterans who live in Minneapolis
About 44% of Minneapolis veterans are 65+
Minneapolis seniors have access to veterans programs, information centers, and veterans services officers that provide information and connect veterans to federal benefits. VA benefits and local assistance resources are available to help older veterans pay for living expenses. Veterans who receive VA Pensions can use them to pay for senior apartments in Minneapolis and can check eligibility guidelines here.
Some veterans may also be able to make use of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. If eligible, they will receive rental assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility requirements can be found here.
Disabled veterans enrolled in VA health care can apply for the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides seniors with additional support on top of their VA Pensions and can cover senior living expenses that improve the quality of life. To apply, seniors must fill out VA Form 21-2680 and either mail it to the VA’s St. Paul Regional Office or take it to their regional VA office.
For help with benefits applications, contact a veteran advisor or veterans services officer, and they can assist in securing the correct benefits. Additional benefits enrollment help can be found from local veterans services organizations such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Minneapolis Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). To find local chapters of these organizations, consult the resources below.
Resources for Minneapolis veterans
VA Regional Benefit Satellite Office
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
1 Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Phone: 800-827-1000
St. Paul Regional Benefits Office
1 Federal Drive
St. Paul, MN 55111
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Hennepin County Veterans Service Officers
300 S. Sixth St.
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: 612-348-3300
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars
Phone: 651-291-1757
Fax: 651-291-2753
Disabled American Veterans Department of Minnesota
State Veterans Service Building, Floor 3
20 W. 12th St.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-291-1212; 888-317-2291
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
American Legion Minneapolis/Richfield Post 435
6501 Portland Ave.
Richfield, MN 55423
Phone: 612-866-3647
American Legion Minneapolis Post 99
5600 S. 34th Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Phone: 612-724-9909
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 4 – 8 p.m.; Fridays, 4 – 9 p.m.
Giantvalley American Legion
3751 Minnehaha Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
Phone: 612-729-6824
Hours: Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
American Legion Department of Minnesota
20 W. 12th St., Room 300-A
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-291-1800; 866-259-9163
Fax: 651-291-1057
The Medicaid program in Minnesota, called Medical Assistance (MA), does not cover senior apartment rent, but it could help with health care costs. Learn more about what medical fees and services it can cover here. To apply for the MA program, use this application link.
Seniors who require assistance with activities of daily living in their homes can apply for one of Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers to help cover costs. HCBS waivers cover a wide range of in-home person-centered care services. Further information about these Medicaid programs can be found in the resources section below.
If you need assistance navigating the various Medicaid options available to you, the Area Agency on Aging, known as Trellis, or the area ombudsman program can help. Contact information for these offices can be found in the Medicare resources listed below.
Minneapolis resident Medicaid resources
Minnesota Medicaid Ombudsman
Phone: 651-431-2660; 800-657-3729
Email: dhsombudsman.smhcp@state.mn.us
Trellis: Area Agency on Aging
1265 Grey Fox Road, Suite 2
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Phone: 651-641-8612
Hennepin County Health Care Assistance
Phone: 612-596-1300; 844-803-8466
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
MHCP Provider Resource Center
Phone: 651-431-2700; 800-366-5411
Medicare is a government health insurance program that covers medical expenses for those 65 and older and certain disabled individuals. Its coverage includes hospital stays, doctor visits, and medical equipment but not non-medical expenses, such as rent for senior apartments. It can help with short-term medically necessary in-home care.
Visit the official Medicare website to learn more details on what Medicare covers, or visit a local Social Security Administration office for more information or to apply for benefits. Minneapolis seniors who have qualified for the state’s Medical Assistance program may also be eligible for the Elderly Waiver program, which offers financial assistance for services (personal care assistance and skilled nursing care) that help seniors stay in their own homes. The program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Minnesota seniors can receive free health insurance advice from the State Health Insurance Help Program (SHIP) via Minnesota Senior LinkAge, run by the Minnesota Board on Aging. This service can help seniors understand coverage options, compare plans, and enroll in the appropriate plan. Additional state and local programs may be available based on income, assets, and other criteria. Contact the Senior LinkAge line or visit the Minnesota Board on Aging website for more information.
Residents can also save costs and apply for additional benefits such as:
And with the help of the local long-term care ombudsman, you can get help learning your options or find assistance with a complaint investigation, advocacy, and education.
Minneapolis resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
1811 Chicago Ave., Suite 1
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 855-257-0982
Fax: 833-902-2688
Office of Ombudsman for Long-Term Care
540 Cedar St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: 800-657-3591
Senior LinkAge
540 Cedar St.
St. Paul, MN 55164
Phone: 800-333-2433
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
State Health Insurance Help Program (SHIP)
Phone: 800-333-2433
Email: info@shiphelp.org
Low-income seniors often rely on Social Security and housing assistance programs to pay rent. Seniors with qualifying incomes can apply for rent vouchers through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); however, seniors and their families need to check with the individual senior apartment complex to ask whether it accepts Housing Choice Vouchers. Locally, the Minneapolis Office of Public Housing acts as the hub of information on public housing, rental assistance, and housing issues.
In Minnesota, seniors can use their Social Security income to cover living expenses, including rent in any senior residence. Social Security benefits eligibility is based on employment history and current situation. Various programs are available, each with different eligibility requirements:
To get more details and application help, contact the local Social Security Administration (SSA) office for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
Locally, Minneapolis offers affordable housing and rental assistance programs for low-income individuals through organizations like the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and the Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County. These programs and services include rental aid, energy assistance, and weatherization initiatives for low-income individuals and families.
Minneapolis has several organizations that offer advocacy and support services for seniors and people with disabilities who need help with securing the aid to which they’re entitled. The Minnesota Disability Law Center offers legal services and support with Social Security disability applications. The Trellis Area Agency on Aging, which operates Senior LinkAge line services in the Twin Cities, provides information, resources, and advocacy for seniors and caregivers.
Minneapolis resident public assistance resources
Minneapolis Office of Public Housing
212 Third Ave. S., Suite 150
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: 612-370-3000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Minneapolis Public Housing Authority
1001 N. Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: 612-342-1400
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County
8800 MN-7 #401
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Phone: 952-933-9639
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
1811 Chicago Ave., Suite 1
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Disability Law Center of Minnesota
111 N. Fifth St., Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Phone: 612-332-1441
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. – noon
Trellis Area Agency on Aging
1265 Grey Fox Road
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Phone: 651-641-8612
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Senior apartments in Minnesota must comply with federal, state, county, and city housing rules. These apartments are mainly for people aged 55 and over, with additional requirements such as income limits or background checks in some cases.
In Minnesota, senior living facilities must comply with the federal Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure access to housing for seniors with disabilities. Public areas (such as lobbies and corridors) must be accessible to disabled individuals, and new buildings or renovations must meet ADA accessibility standards. Additionally, the Minnesota Human Rights Act ensures that seniors with service or emotional support animals are not discriminated against, even at facilities with a no-pet policy. That said, therapy animals are not legally protected and may be prohibited.
Minnesota housing laws for senior apartments require compliance with tenant rights and responsibilities, including Housing and Urban Development’s requirements (HUD) requirements for Section 8 vouchers. Senior housing must follow maintenance and safety laws, such as installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. The landlord is responsible for the property’s upkeep and safety.
Because every landlord must also possess a rental license, their rental properties are subject to regular inspections by the city’s Inspection Services Division to ensure that health, safety, and livability standards are being met. This checklist provides an overview of what inspectors look for. Information about every active rental license can be found here, and property-specific Regulatory Services violations can be found here. Residents can access the Housing Maintenance Code of Minneapolis guide for detailed information on building codes.
Minnesota Department of Health
625 Robert St. N
St Paul, MN 55164
Phone: 651-201-5000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Minneapolis has no specific COVID-19 requirements in place for senior apartments, but local health officials provide general information on testing locations, resources, and closures. Those over age 65 can receive a booster shot six months after receiving a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and can choose to take either vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now allows mixing and matching for booster shots.[02]
Staff and visitors should stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines, including recommended booster doses.
Masks are not required right now in Minneapolis.
Management should maintain the necessary ventilation improvements in their facilities in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Employees should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Senior apartment communities in Minnesota offer low-maintenance living for active persons over 55, with amenities like golf, swimming pools, and fitness centers. This allows seniors to stay active throughout the year, from the state’s warm summers to its famously snowy winters. Community fees cover basic services (like electricity, landscaping, house upkeep, and security), but not health care or everyday support. Because they cater to seniors, the apartment units are often designed with accessibility features like elevators and wide doorways.
Some communities even offer restaurant-style dining and food prepared by professional chefs. It might be possible, for example, to eat in a private dining room and go to an on-site café for dessert. When this is added to other commonly provided amenities, the senior apartment experience has the potential to be downright luxurious.
Within a 10-mile radius of downtown Minneapolis, there are 17 senior apartment facilities we partner with: 13 standalone senior apartment facilities and four that are combined with independent living. Broadened to a 25-mile radius, there are nine additional standalone senior housing facilities, with one being a combination of senior apartments and independent living.[01]
Minneapolis senior apartments are adapted to minimize the daily hassles for seniors, so they frequently include amenities such as ground floor units, ramps, and accessible showers. Maintenance, housekeeping, and other convenient services or features can be included in leasing fees as well.
The big benefit of living in a senior apartment in Minneapolis is that residents can easily use public transportation to get around; 80% of our partner senior apartment complexes are conveniently located close to public transit.[01] Minneapolis’ network of buses can bring seniors virtually anywhere in the Twin Cities, and the light rail can take them directly to Target Field for a ball game or Mall of America for a day of shopping.
For those who own their vehicles, there’s resident parking available at 88% of our partner senior apartments. Moreover, seniors can use complimentary transportation as a service to visit their doctor or run errands.
With ground floor units and wheelchair access available, seniors can live on almost any floor. The apartment units usually (82% of complexes among our listings) include full kitchens with appliances. There are washers and dryers installed, but some apartments also offer laundry services. Senior apartments frequently include their own patios or balconies, which can have spectacular views of the city skyline. Some residences even include an in-unit emergency response system or night patrol to make residents feel safe.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Minneapolis
Median annual income for Minneapolis seniors 65 and older
With a nationally ranked hospital in the city, Minneapolis has an abundance of health care options for seniors. The city is home to multiple well-renowned hospitals as well as a VA center for veterans. Check out the information below to learn more about Minneapolis’ top hospitals.
U.S. News & World Report has rated Abbott Northwestern Hospital as high performing in cardiology and heart surgery, as well as geriatric care and several other specialties.
Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital
Regionally ranked as the fourth best hospital in Minnesota by U.S. News & World Report, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital is rated as high performing in numerous procedures including colon and prostate cancer surgery.
M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center
U.S. News & World Report ranks M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center in the nation’s top 50 for cancer care.
Primary care and specialized health services, such as surgery, psychiatry, neurology, oncology, and more, are provided by the main campus of Veterans Affairs.
Minneapolis is considered a highly walkable and bikeable city. This is confirmed by Walk Score, which puts Minneapolis’ walkability at 71 out of 100 and its bikeability at 83 out of 100. Walk Score takes into account public density, walking routes, biking routes, and public transit. Half of Minneapolis residents usually travel by car, yet 36% would prefer to bike, and 22% would rather use public transportation.
Minneapolis has 34 miles of dedicated bike lanes, with abundant biking, running, and walking trails along the area’s numerous lakes and Mississippi River banks. The city’s Nice Ride cycling program has more than 100 bicycle-sharing kiosks. Minneapolis METRO transit offers bus, light rail, and commuter train systems connecting Minneapolis riders to downtown Saint Paul and the airport.
Seniors aged 65 and older can get a reduced fare on buses and trains through the Metro Transit Discounted Rate for Seniors, and it offers 14 popular routes at such a high frequency of service (every 15 minutes or sooner) that riders can hop on without consulting a schedule. Additionally, the Northeast Seniors Rides program provides volunteer drivers to shuttle seniors aged 60 and over to appointments in Northeast Minneapolis, Columbia Heights, Saint Anthony Village, or New Brighton.
With spectacular skylines and historic institutes, Minneapolis is a great place for seniors who want to experience both indoor and outdoor excursions.
Minneapolis offers plenty of free or low-cost activities, including walking, biking, and attending free performances at Lake Harriet’s Bandshell Park. The Minneapolis Institute of Art offers free tours, classes, and events for those interested in the arts. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home of the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, is also free and open every day.
Another Minneapolis gem is the Walker Art Center, which provides an immersive experience starting with its contemporary art installations to community building projects. The center hosts various performing arts shows, including contemporary dance, experimental theater, and new jazz/classical music. Admission for seniors aged 62 and above is $13. Mill City Museum is also a must-visit to learn about the city’s birthplace with activities for all ages. Veterans and those above 65 get in for a reduced fee of $10.
Seniors who’re avid fans of classical music can also visit the Minnesota Orchestra, a Grammy Award-winning orchestra known for acclaimed performances around the world. The orchestra hall offers disabled parking spaces and convenient dropoff and pickup locations; inside, it offers armless and bariatric chairs, assistive listening devices, open captioning, and wheelchair and accessible seating.
Also wheelchair-accessible is the historic First Avenue, which hosts rock concerts and more. Seniors and their families can visit U.S. Bank Stadium to watch their favorite musical artists or even football games. The stadium also follows ADA guidelines and offers ramps, elevators, and wheelchair-accessible seating on all levels.
Sports fans will also appreciate that Minneapolis is one of just 12 cities to have teams in the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL: the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Minnesota Wild, respectively. Minneapolis is also home to the Golden Gophers, the collective name for the University of Minnesota’s many sports teams.
Plenty of senior and community centers keep Minneapolis seniors busy. For seniors aged 50 and above, the Skyway Senior Center in downtown Minneapolis provides a safe and comfortable environment with activities and resources such as physical fitness, health and well-being, learning opportunities, and socialization events to avoid isolation.
Similarly, the Shorewood Community & Event Center offers quilting, beading, knitting, support groups, and other daily activities found in the Shorewood Senior Partners newsletter or on its website. Interested individuals can contact the Shorewood Center at 952-474-7635 to obtain a copy of their newsletter. Additionally, the Nokomis Healthy Seniors Center provides affordable health and wellness activities, social events, transportation, support groups, and exercise classes for seniors looking to socialize with others. For more senior-specific resources, check out the Minnesota Association for Senior Services’ list of the dozens of senior centers and organizations in the area.
The Lodge at Little Canada, Affinity at Ramsey and Lyons Court Senior Apartments are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Minneapolis, MN. 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 Minneapolis is 1329.14 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.
Minneapolis, C. O. (n.d.). COVID-19 vaccines.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN – Rankings, Ratings & Photos
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in Saint Louis Park, MN – Rankings, Ratings & Photos
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN – Rankings, Ratings & Photos | US News Best Hospitals Rankings
Veterans Affairs. (2023). VA Minneapolis health care.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Minneapolis, C. O. (n.d.). COVID-19 vaccines.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN – Rankings, Ratings & Photos
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in Saint Louis Park, MN – Rankings, Ratings & Photos
Veterans Affairs. (2023). VA Minneapolis health care.