The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Brandon, FL for 2023

Brandon is Florida’s largest unincorporated community and home to more than 114,000 residents. Its affordable living costs, warm winters and access to health care make it a great option for the 13% of its population who are seniors. Just 10 miles east of Tampa, the city also allows retirees to maintain access to big-city amenities and attractions while enjoying a relaxed retirement lifestyle.

Seniors requiring a little extra help may benefit from care at an assisted living community. These facilities provide a welcoming environment with trained care staff who are on-site to assist with daily tasks and personal care services. Residents often enjoy daily meals, wellness programming and a full calendar of recreational activities. In Brandon, living in one of these communities costs around $3,350 per month ⁠— a very affordable rate compared to the average U.S. city.

This guide offers information about assisted living in Brandon, including how much these services typically cost, what other long-term care options are available and where seniors can go for financial assistance. It also features some of the pros and cons of retirement in Brandon, as well as a list of local resources seniors can go to for support.

Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration licenses and regulates assisted living facilities in Brandon and throughout the state. Facilities must undergo an inspection prior to licensure and every two years when applying for re-licensure to ensure they uphold state laws and regulations.

• Brandon residents have access to abundant amenities and entertainment to support a healthy, happy retirement. The area is home to numerous beaches and local parks, which provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation. It’s also just a short distance from Tampa, where seniors can enjoy a variety of arts, culture and entertainment.
• With an index rating of 99.6 out of 100, Brandon’s cost of living falls slightly below the Florida statewide median (102.8) and U.S. national average (100). Seniors will likely see the largest savings in their housing and health care costs.
• Brandon seniors also benefit from Florida’s senior-friendly tax policies. The state doesn’t tax any forms of retirement income, including Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs and 401(k)s. Florida also doesn’t have a state sales tax or inheritance tax. 
• Crime rates in Brandon are slightly above average. On a scale from 0 to 100, Brandon’s violent crime rate is 28.6, and its property crime rate is 52.6. These numbers are higher than the regional and statewide averages. They’re also higher than the national rating of 22.7 and 35.4 in the same categories, respectively. Fortunately, most assisted living facilities are fully equipped with surveillance systems and security features.
• The Brandon area is home to a number of world-class health care facilities, including HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. In addition to acute care, the hospital specializes in neurological care, wound care and cardiology and is accredited as a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center.
• Seniors looking to escape harsh, snowy winters can enjoy Brandon’s warm year-round climate. Winters are mild and dry, with temperatures staying above 50 degrees, and the area sees an average of 245 days of sunshine throughout the year. However, summers can be extremely hot and humid, so it’s important for seniors to be mindful of their time outdoors.
• Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) offers fixed-route services around Brandon and surrounding communities. Seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for a discounted fare permit. Unfortunately, local routes are quite limited, so seniors may have to seek other transportation options.

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Brandon seniors pay an average of $3,350 per month for assisted living care. Significantly lower than the statewide median ($4,000) and U.S. national average ($4,500), the city is a very appealing option for budget-conscious retirees.

Brandon is an affordable option for long-term care compared to many nearby cities. Rates are similar in the Lakeland area at $3,300 per month, while cities such as Orlando ($4,000) and North Port ($4,145) are closer to the Florida state average. The most expensive nearby option is The Villages, where seniors typically pay $5,208 per month for assisted living care.

There are other care options available to Brandon seniors, including adult day health care at an average cost of $2,123 per month. Seniors looking to age in place may opt for in-home care or home health care services. These options are more expensive than assisted living, costing $4,767 and $4,862 per month, respectively. Nursing homes offer the greatest scope of care and are the most expensive option at $8,927 for semiprivate accommodations.

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 Florida page.