Huntsville is just north of the Tennessee River and home to 207,921 people, 16.4% of whom are 65 and over. This Tennessee River Valley city has mild winters and hot summers, with inspiring views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Seniors can experience music and outdoor dining downtown and enjoy the shopping and entertainment in this vibrant city.
Seniors who could use some help with daily activities but don’t need nursing care can find enjoyment in the carefree environment of an assisted living community. Assisted living gives retirees the privacy of their own room or small apartment and common areas for socializing. It provides meals, activities and housekeeping. The cost of assisted living in Huntsville is reasonable at $3,345 per month compared to many nearby cities, and it’s also well under the national average. Although some assisted living facilities have all-inclusive pricing, residents may pay extra for additional services such as transportation, personal care and medication management.
Read on to learn about the cost of assisted living in Huntsville and the surrounding area. This guide shares some of the benefits and drawbacks of living in the city and lists some of the local free resources for seniors living in Huntsville.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Huntsville, AL
12000 Turnmeyer Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35803
Redstone Village sits on beautifully landscaped grounds in Huntsville, Alabama, and is conveniently located near the freeway for easy access to shopping and other services. Residents, their loved ones
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Redstone Village sits on beautifully landscaped grounds in Huntsville, Alabama, and is conveniently located near the freeway for easy access to shopping and other services. Residents, their loved ones and visitors describe the facility as pleasant and homelike, citing the cozy rooms and staff who truly go out of their way to make residents feel at home. Residents enjoy gathering together for delicious meals in the beautiful dining area, and they also appreciate the facility’s many amenities, which include game rooms, exercise facilities and a swimming pool.
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Redstone Village sits on beautifully landscaped grounds in Huntsville, Alabama, and is conveniently located near the freeway for easy access to shopping and other services. Residents, their loved ones
… (read more)
Redstone Village sits on beautifully landscaped grounds in Huntsville, Alabama, and is conveniently located near the freeway for easy access to shopping and other services. Residents, their loved ones and visitors describe the facility as pleasant and homelike, citing the cozy rooms and staff who truly go out of their way to make residents feel at home. Residents enjoy gathering together for delicious meals in the beautiful dining area, and they also appreciate the facility’s many amenities, which include game rooms, exercise facilities and a swimming pool.
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2815 Carl T Jones Dr. SE, Huntsville, AL, 35802
Brookdale Jones Farm is an upscale community with an elegant dining room, library, gym and game room. This community is situated in Huntsville, Alabama, and is one of the original assisted living faci
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Brookdale Jones Farm is an upscale community with an elegant dining room, library, gym and game room. This community is situated in Huntsville, Alabama, and is one of the original assisted living facilities in the area. It has flowered grounds that are noted as being especially well-maintained. Relatives rave about the sophisticated lectures and numerous exercise classes, including yoga. Transportation is provided within the facility for residents who have difficulty walking. Residents can bring their own furniture to personalize their apartments. With frequent trips to the art center and theater downtown, the facility provides an array of outings for residents.
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Brookdale Jones Farm is an upscale community with an elegant dining room, library, gym and game room. This community is situated in Huntsville, Alabama, and is one of the original assisted living faci
… (read more)
Brookdale Jones Farm is an upscale community with an elegant dining room, library, gym and game room. This community is situated in Huntsville, Alabama, and is one of the original assisted living facilities in the area. It has flowered grounds that are noted as being especially well-maintained. Relatives rave about the sophisticated lectures and numerous exercise classes, including yoga. Transportation is provided within the facility for residents who have difficulty walking. Residents can bring their own furniture to personalize their apartments. With frequent trips to the art center and theater downtown, the facility provides an array of outings for residents.
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8020 Benaroya Lane SW, Huntsville, AL, 35802
With transportation provided to various places, games and entertainment, Elmcroft of Byrd Springs is known for keeping residents happy. This gorgeous facility is located in Huntsville, Alabama, and ha
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With transportation provided to various places, games and entertainment, Elmcroft of Byrd Springs is known for keeping residents happy. This gorgeous facility is located in Huntsville, Alabama, and has beautiful chandeliers with individualized cornices on top of each door to create the look of independent homes. Each room has a personal shelf outside the door for residents to decorate with whatever they want, creating personal charm in this facility. Relatives love that tenants eat three meals a day in the dining area and the variety available on the menu. This smoke-free facility is praised for its welcoming and responsive staff.
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With transportation provided to various places, games and entertainment, Elmcroft of Byrd Springs is known for keeping residents happy. This gorgeous facility is located in Huntsville, Alabama, and ha
… (read more)
With transportation provided to various places, games and entertainment, Elmcroft of Byrd Springs is known for keeping residents happy. This gorgeous facility is located in Huntsville, Alabama, and has beautiful chandeliers with individualized cornices on top of each door to create the look of independent homes. Each room has a personal shelf outside the door for residents to decorate with whatever they want, creating personal charm in this facility. Relatives love that tenants eat three meals a day in the dining area and the variety available on the menu. This smoke-free facility is praised for its welcoming and responsive staff.
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4801 Whitesport Circle SW, Huntsville, AL, 35801
HarborChase of Huntsville is conveniently located near both shopping areas and a hospital in the Westbury neighborhood of Huntsville, Alabama. With options for one and two-bedroom apartments, this fac
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HarborChase of Huntsville is conveniently located near both shopping areas and a hospital in the Westbury neighborhood of Huntsville, Alabama. With options for one and two-bedroom apartments, this facility is mentioned by relatives for its all-around cleanliness. Activities at this community include gardening, religious services and various crafts. Visitors note the electronic sensors in this facility that alert staff when residents move outside or in the hallways. Relatives love that three meals are served daily in the spacious dining area. HarborChase of Huntsville is one of only four facilities that have memory care in the surrounding area.
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HarborChase of Huntsville is conveniently located near both shopping areas and a hospital in the Westbury neighborhood of Huntsville, Alabama. With options for one and two-bedroom apartments, this fac
… (read more)
HarborChase of Huntsville is conveniently located near both shopping areas and a hospital in the Westbury neighborhood of Huntsville, Alabama. With options for one and two-bedroom apartments, this facility is mentioned by relatives for its all-around cleanliness. Activities at this community include gardening, religious services and various crafts. Visitors note the electronic sensors in this facility that alert staff when residents move outside or in the hallways. Relatives love that three meals are served daily in the spacious dining area. HarborChase of Huntsville is one of only four facilities that have memory care in the surrounding area.
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4200 Chris Dr. S.W., Huntsville, AL, 35802
The Country Cottage-Huntsville is a cozy, Southern community nestled into Huntsville, Alabama. Each cottage has 16 rooms, giving residents ample opportunities to build friendships with fellow communit
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The Country Cottage-Huntsville is a cozy, Southern community nestled into Huntsville, Alabama. Each cottage has 16 rooms, giving residents ample opportunities to build friendships with fellow community members. Visitors love the charming setting of the Country Cottage-Huntsville and note wine and cheese tastings. Known for its attractive design and well-maintained grounds, this facility is in an excellent location for guests to visit. Residents rave about the food and friendly staff, specifically mentioning activities such as games, Bible study and sing-a-longs. Because of the unique setup of the cottage, this facility is large enough for residents to get exercise walking about.
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The Country Cottage-Huntsville is a cozy, Southern community nestled into Huntsville, Alabama. Each cottage has 16 rooms, giving residents ample opportunities to build friendships with fellow communit
… (read more)
The Country Cottage-Huntsville is a cozy, Southern community nestled into Huntsville, Alabama. Each cottage has 16 rooms, giving residents ample opportunities to build friendships with fellow community members. Visitors love the charming setting of the Country Cottage-Huntsville and note wine and cheese tastings. Known for its attractive design and well-maintained grounds, this facility is in an excellent location for guests to visit. Residents rave about the food and friendly staff, specifically mentioning activities such as games, Bible study and sing-a-longs. Because of the unique setup of the cottage, this facility is large enough for residents to get exercise walking about.
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2238 Cecil Ashburn Dr. SE, Huntsville, AL, 38502
I visited Thrive at Jones Farm and got a general overview of the assisted living and memory care. I was looking more at the assisted living over there. Overall, it was very good. The people seemed ver
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I visited Thrive at Jones Farm and got a general overview of the assisted living and memory care. I was looking more at the assisted living over there. Overall, it was very good. The people seemed very friendly. It was smaller than the other places we looked at. They had less activities, but it’s decent. The apartments were good in the assisted living part. Those were only studios, so those would be small. From what I saw, everything was clean.
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I visited Thrive at Jones Farm and got a general overview of the assisted living and memory care. I was looking more at the assisted living over there. Overall, it was very good. The people seemed ver
… (read more)
I visited Thrive at Jones Farm and got a general overview of the assisted living and memory care. I was looking more at the assisted living over there. Overall, it was very good. The people seemed very friendly. It was smaller than the other places we looked at. They had less activities, but it’s decent. The apartments were good in the assisted living part. Those were only studios, so those would be small. From what I saw, everything was clean.
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2940 Mill Run Road SE, Huntsville, AL, 35763
2004 Max Luther Dr., Huntsville, AL, 35810
I’m moving into Regency Retirement Village. It has continuing care, so I would not be moved into another place if I fell or if I got dementia — it is care until you die. The staff took me on a tour o
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I’m moving into Regency Retirement Village. It has continuing care, so I would not be moved into another place if I fell or if I got dementia — it is care until you die. The staff took me on a tour of where I would be, and she was very helpful. I’ve talked to her about the size of furniture and things. She was very helpful and has been since then. I haven’t tried the food, but the menu looks very good, and you have choices every meal.
They were painting and putting new carpet in some of the places. They are trying to keep it looking attractive. They have a courtyard, and they have leg exercises every day. I was impressed with the place in general. It looked very clean and tidy. They are beginning to be able to eat together in the dining room. The price was reasonable.
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I’m moving into Regency Retirement Village. It has continuing care, so I would not be moved into another place if I fell or if I got dementia — it is care until you die. The staff took me on a tour o
… (read more)
I’m moving into Regency Retirement Village. It has continuing care, so I would not be moved into another place if I fell or if I got dementia — it is care until you die. The staff took me on a tour of where I would be, and she was very helpful. I’ve talked to her about the size of furniture and things. She was very helpful and has been since then. I haven’t tried the food, but the menu looks very good, and you have choices every meal.
They were painting and putting new carpet in some of the places. They are trying to keep it looking attractive. They have a courtyard, and they have leg exercises every day. I was impressed with the place in general. It looked very clean and tidy. They are beginning to be able to eat together in the dining room. The price was reasonable.
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4670 Bellewood Dr SE, Huntsville, AL, 35802
In less than two years, we get a notice that rent will increase $6000 per year. This is ridiculous. The food was good at first but now its awful.
In less than two years, we get a notice that rent will increase $6000 per year. This is ridiculous. The food was good at first but now its awful.
4411 McAllister Dr SW, Huntsville, AL, 35805
49 Hughes Road, Madison, AL, 35758
I went to Morningside of Madison because we had to get something that’s not expensive. Because of COVID, we just talked to them in the end units. We didn’t go all the way in, but our experience was ex
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I went to Morningside of Madison because we had to get something that’s not expensive. Because of COVID, we just talked to them in the end units. We didn’t go all the way in, but our experience was excellent. The staff was friendly. The facility was clean. I happen to know who the cook is, so the food is good, and the residents liked it. The rooms were very good — not luxurious, but nice and clean. It’s a great location. It’s on a busy street, but it’s not commercial; it’s more residential. They have entertainment, bingo, and parties for each occasion. They try to keep them busy. Some of them have walk-in showers, microwaves, and refrigerators. The rooms are big enough just for you to have a place to live. It’s not huge, but it’s comparable to a two-bedroom apartment.
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I went to Morningside of Madison because we had to get something that’s not expensive. Because of COVID, we just talked to them in the end units. We didn’t go all the way in, but our experience was ex
… (read more)
I went to Morningside of Madison because we had to get something that’s not expensive. Because of COVID, we just talked to them in the end units. We didn’t go all the way in, but our experience was excellent. The staff was friendly. The facility was clean. I happen to know who the cook is, so the food is good, and the residents liked it. The rooms were very good — not luxurious, but nice and clean. It’s a great location. It’s on a busy street, but it’s not commercial; it’s more residential. They have entertainment, bingo, and parties for each occasion. They try to keep them busy. Some of them have walk-in showers, microwaves, and refrigerators. The rooms are big enough just for you to have a place to live. It’s not huge, but it’s comparable to a two-bedroom apartment.
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COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Huntsville
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in AL. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Huntsville
The Alabama Public Health Department licenses all assisted living facilities in the state. The department conducts regular inspections, and each facility has to renew its license yearly. The department also ensures that each assisted living community adheres to the standards and practices required by Alabama law.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Huntsville
- For seniors living on a fixed income, the lower cost of living in Huntsville is a plus. With 100 representing the average U.S. cost of living, Huntsville ranks well below that number at 86. Transportation is especially affordable, with a score of 80.6.
- While summers can be hot and muggy, with temperatures approaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit, Huntsville gets less than an inch of snow each year on average. The spring and fall are cool, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and the winters are pleasant, with daytime highs in the 50s.
- Several major hospitals are in the city, including Huntsville Hospital, Crestwood Medical Center and the Huntsville Heart Center. However, the city has 231 physicians per 100,000 residents, higher than the national average of 210.
- On a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the best, the air quality score of 49 in Huntsville is slightly below the national average of 58.
- Huntsville is a college town and a cultural hub for the area, with a flourishing arts and dining scene. The city hosts the University of Alabama at Huntsville, and the Alabama A&M Center for Extended Studies offers lifelong learning classes.
- The Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center sponsors activities and community events for seniors. Movies, educational programs, clubs and fitness classes are some of the offerings. Membership is free, and it automatically enrolls county seniors at age 60.
Paying for Assisted Living in Huntsville
Huntsville’s assisted living costs are $3,345 per month. This price may vary due to location, services and amenities.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Huntsville assisted living price is less than the state and national averages, at $3,503 and $4,500, respectively. The city has a moderate average monthly cost for assisted living compared to nearby cities. Montgomery has a slightly higher average monthly price for assisted living ($3,500), almost identical to the average for the state. Birmingham’s assisted living costs are a bit higher ($4,028), comparable to Chattanooga, TN ($4,220) and Marietta, GA ($3,845).
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Huntsville has other long-term care options, including in-home care and home health care at $4,004 per month each. Seniors who prefer to remain at home may choose this type of care. A nursing home facility provides health services in addition to meals and personal care. It’s the most expensive option, with a cost of $6,844 for a semiprivate room. The most affordable option is adult day health care, at $1,138 per month. However, for around-the-clock assistance, assisted living is the most economical option.
Nursing Home (semiprivate room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Huntsville
The state of Alabama doesn’t provide public funding for seniors in assisted living facilities or specialty care assisted living facilities through either Medicaid programs or other government-funded programs. Seniors are only eligible for Alabama’s Institutional Medicaid program once they’ve reached a nursing level of care.
Seniors may be eligible for an optional supplement when residing in specified living arrangements, but those who reside in assisted living facilities are not eligible for this supplement.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Alabama page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Alabama page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Huntsville
There are many government and volunteer agencies that help seniors who are new to Huntsville. They can help with practical matters, such as Medicare issues, and some provide educational and recreational activities for seniors.
The Alabama Department of Senior Services directs the Top of Alabama Area Agency on Aging (AAA). The agency's goal is to offer residents aged 60 and over a centralized location for assistance. The AAA acts as a case manager for seniors who need services and advocates for their rights. Seniors can receive counseling, health care recommendations and referrals for long-term care.
The Alabama Department of Senior Services works with the Area Agencies on Aging to provide services for seniors and disabled residents. Resources for seniors include crisis support, transportation and advocacy. The department also provides Medicare and Medicaid counseling and prescription drug assistance.
The Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program can help low-income seniors free of charge. It assists with basic estate planning, powers of attorney and advanced medical directives.
The local senior center is a hub of activity for seniors, with monthly movie days, support groups of all kinds and many social activities for members. The center's goal is to support senior independence and involvement in the community, and there are 39 satellite locations throughout the county.
One-way fares for the City of Huntsville bus route are half-price (50 cents) for seniors 65 and over. Seniors who don’t live near a bus route can also take advantage of the Access program. For $2 each way, an ADA accessible vehicle will pick up a senior and one caregiver for transportation.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Huntsville
Huntsville Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in AL are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Alabama page for more information about these laws.
