Columbus is a city on the Alabama border that has a strong military history. It’s home to the National Civil War Naval Museum and the National Infantry Museum, in addition to Fort Benning on its southern outskirts. Outside of the bustling downtown area, it has a laid-back feel that particularly attracts seniors, who make up 13% of its estimated 195,000 population. The city is also home to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center.

Seniors in Columbus who struggle with common chores, such as cleaning, but are determined to retain their independence, sometimes gravitate towards assisted living communities. Although each community is unique, common to most is 24/7 security and daily tasks, such as preparing meals, fulfilled by trained staff. For many seniors, assisted living is a more affordable form of care, with the added attraction of not infringing on their autonomy. Typical monthly costs in Columbus, according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, are $3,650. Although this is $150 above the state average, it’s also $650 below the national average.

This guide details care costs in Columbus, in addition to discussing the city’s advantages and disadvantages. It also lists some resources for seniors considering assisted living.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Columbus, GA

2022

Legacy Reserve at Old Town

8601 Queen Bee Drive, Columbus, GA, 31909

We toured Legacy Reserve at Old Town. The tour went well. They’re going to asses my mom tomorrow. The living atmosphere was very friendly, clean, and nice. They had a painting class going on. They had … (read more)
We toured Legacy Reserve at Old Town. The tour went well. They’re going to asses my mom tomorrow. The living atmosphere was very friendly, clean, and nice. They had a painting class going on. They had … (read more)

Magnolia Manor of Columbus

2010 Warm Springs Road, Columbus, GA, 31904

Magnolia Manor of Columbus, Georgia, is a senior living facility near the Chattahoochee River. Offering accommodation and care to residents of various needs, the facility is praised for its friendly a … (read more)
Magnolia Manor of Columbus, Georgia, is a senior living facility near the Chattahoochee River. Offering accommodation and care to residents of various needs, the facility is praised for its friendly a … (read more)

Oaks at Grove Park

1479 Grove Park Drive, Columbus, GA, 31904

We toured Oaks at Grove Park. We liked this place. It was new, very bright, open, and nicely decorated. It had ground-floor patio apartments that my mother-in-law enjoyed. They were new, updated, and … (read more)
We toured Oaks at Grove Park. We liked this place. It was new, very bright, open, and nicely decorated. It had ground-floor patio apartments that my mother-in-law enjoyed. They were new, updated, and … (read more)

Thrive at Green Island

6896 River Road, Columbus, GA, 31904

Thrive at Green Island was immaculate. It was really a clean and friendly community to live in, and they’ve got all kind of amenities. They have a doctor on-staff and nurses on-staff. It’s a really up … (read more)
Thrive at Green Island was immaculate. It was really a clean and friendly community to live in, and they’ve got all kind of amenities. They have a doctor on-staff and nurses on-staff. It’s a really up … (read more)

Loyce Personal Care Home

2500 7th Street, Columbus, GA, 31906

The assisted living home is very clean, very,very nice and up to date as well as modern.Its cozy and warm just like your personal home, Great location and neighborhood. Very courteous, professional, a … (read more)
The assisted living home is very clean, very,very nice and up to date as well as modern.Its cozy and warm just like your personal home, Great location and neighborhood. Very courteous, professional, a … (read more)

Oaks at Maple Ridge

4500 South Stadium Drive, Columbus, GA, 31909

My mom moved into the Oaks at Maple Ridge. None of the other ones were acceptable. They were so expensive, or they did not offer an acceptable level of care. I liked the activities that they do with t … (read more)
My mom moved into the Oaks at Maple Ridge. None of the other ones were acceptable. They were so expensive, or they did not offer an acceptable level of care. I liked the activities that they do with t … (read more)

Brookside Glen Senior Living

400 Bradley Park, Columbus, GA, 31904

It was a nice facility with nice rooms, dining room, and staff.
It was a nice facility with nice rooms, dining room, and staff.

F & L Personal Care Home

4564 Sentry St, Columbus, GA, 31907

F&L Personal Care Home is located in southeast Columbus, Georgia, near a wide array of shops, parks and thoroughfares such as Highway 185. Residents and visitors speak highly of the building’s lar … (read more)
F&L Personal Care Home is located in southeast Columbus, Georgia, near a wide array of shops, parks and thoroughfares such as Highway 185. Residents and visitors speak highly of the building’s lar … (read more)

Covenant Woods

5424 Woodruff Farm Road, Columbus, GA, 31907

Covenant Woods is an assisted living facility located in the gorgeous town of Columbus, Georgia. Visitors and residents are impressed by the facility’s resort-like grounds, 24-hour security and s … (read more)
Covenant Woods is an assisted living facility located in the gorgeous town of Columbus, Georgia. Visitors and residents are impressed by the facility’s resort-like grounds, 24-hour security and s … (read more)

Savannah Grand of Columbus

8301 Franciscan Woods Drive, Columbus, GA, 31909

Savannah Grand of Columbus is located in the northern part of Columbus, Georgia. It sits directly off Interstate 185, and is across from Stevens Lake, giving residents a convenient place to watch … (read more)
Savannah Grand of Columbus is located in the northern part of Columbus, Georgia. It sits directly off Interstate 185, and is across from Stevens Lake, giving residents a convenient place to watch … (read more)

The Gardens at Calvary

7595 Moon Road, Columbus, GA, 31909

My husband is at The Gardens At Calvary, and I can’t say enough good things about them. We chose this community because it is a Christian environment, close to my house, and I had references from peop … (read more)
My husband is at The Gardens At Calvary, and I can’t say enough good things about them. We chose this community because it is a Christian environment, close to my house, and I had references from peop … (read more)

Spring Harbor

100 Spring Harbor Drive, Columbus, GA, 31904

Spring Harbor was really nice but too expensive. It was like a little city with a bank and a little bit of everything. The place was beautiful, immaculate, and really nice. They had a rehab but only f … (read more)
Spring Harbor was really nice but too expensive. It was like a little city with a bank and a little bit of everything. The place was beautiful, immaculate, and really nice. They had a rehab but only f … (read more)

Outback Care Group II

6836 Buena Vista Rd, Columbus, GA, 31907

Outback Care Group 2 is located in Columbus, Georgia, close to the Country Club of Columbus and the Columbus Museum. Its mission is to provide personal care to physically challenged individuals a … (read more)
Outback Care Group 2 is located in Columbus, Georgia, close to the Country Club of Columbus and the Columbus Museum. Its mission is to provide personal care to physically challenged individuals a … (read more)

Franciscan Woods

2425 WILLIAMS ROAD, Columbus, GA, 31909

Franciscan Woods is small and personal. Their bath is good. I know the director, and it is a very clean and reputable place. My mother-in-law has been there for about six months, and the staff has bee … (read more)
Franciscan Woods is small and personal. Their bath is good. I know the director, and it is a very clean and reputable place. My mother-in-law has been there for about six months, and the staff has bee … (read more)

Stewart Community Home

1125 15TH STREET, Columbus, GA, 31901


The Green House At Calvary

7490 Old Moon Road, Columbus, GA, 31909


Orchid Personal Care Home, The

7661 Kayne Blvd Bldg-C, Columbus, GA, 31909


Apache Personal Care Home

3135 Apache Drive, Columbus, GA, 31909


Peaceful River Personal Care Home

746 Rudgate Road, Columbus, GA, 31904


Outback Care Group III

6930 Buena Vista Road, Columbus, GA, 31907

Outback Care Group III is located in Columbus, Georgia near Buena Vista Road. The facility offers a homelike atmosphere and has activities like barbecues, movie nights, birthday parties and game night … (read more)
Outback Care Group III is located in Columbus, Georgia near Buena Vista Road. The facility offers a homelike atmosphere and has activities like barbecues, movie nights, birthday parties and game night … (read more)

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Columbus

The Georgia Department of Community Health is ultimately responsible for ensuring the state’s assisted living facilities operate to a high standard. The department has the authority to issue and revoke licenses. Although the Long-Term Care Ombudsman conducts monitoring services that feed into the data held by the Department of Community Health, it has no direct authority over assisted living facilities.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Columbus

  • According to Neighborhood Scout, the chances of being a victim of a violent crime are 1 in 157, above the state average of 1 in 294. For property crime, the chances are 1 in 27, while the state average is 1 in 42. However, it’s prudent to keep things in perspective. Seniors are much less likely to be victims of crime, and criminal behavior tends to concentrate on specific areas. In Columbus, these tend to be the neighborhoods closest to the Chattahoochee River, with those to the north being the safest.
  • According to Sperling’s Best Places, the average cost of living in Columbus is 74.4, which is significantly lower than the state and national averages of 93.4 and 100. Although housing costs are the primary driver, in every category, with the exception of utilities, Columbus outperforms other cities in Georgia and the United States. 
  • The climate in Columbus is generally favorable to seniors, despite highs of 92 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, which may be uncomfortable for some. The temperature rarely reaches freezing in January, while it averages 55 degrees throughout the cooler months, ensuring seniors aren’t subjected to temperature extremes for much of the year.
  • The River Valley Area Agency on Aging, in concert with other local support services, offers seniors in Columbus several ways of getting around the city and the surrounding counties. These include Dial-a-Ride/ADA Paratransit for seniors who may struggle to use fixed-route bus services and various smaller transportation services to help seniors attend the area’s many senior centers
  • Sperling’s Best Places records Columbus as having a health cost index of 92.5/100, with 100 being the national average. The lower score is mainly because of the below-average air quality. However, the water quality is above the national average.

Paying for Assisted Living in Columbus

Although the average assisted living costs of $3,650 place Columbus at the higher end of the scale within the state, the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows the city’s seniors pay $650 per month less than the typical American.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Despite seniors in Columbus paying, on average, $3,650 per month, which is $100 above the state average, there are more costly locations, such as Atlanta at $4,000. However, Columbus is the most expensive in the immediate area. Approximately 90 minutes south in Albany, it’s not unusual to see costs of $2,835, while in Macon, they’re $105 per month less than that. The most affordable city is Warner Robins, where it’s normal to see averages of $2,300.

$3650

Columbus

$3500

Georgia

$4300

The United States

$2300

Warner Robins

$2730

Macon

$2835

Albany

$4000

Atlanta

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Even though assisted living offers accommodation with care, its costs of $3,650 are still $163 per month below those of home and home health care, which each have average costs of $3,813. If the senior is able-bodied, an adult day center is the most affordable option, with fees of around $1,300. The most expensive is nursing home care. Families can expect a semiprivate room to cost around $6,494 and a private room, $6,798.

$3813

Home care

$3813

Home health care

$1300

Adult day health care

$3650

Assisted living

$6494

Nursing home (semiprivate room)

$6798

Nursing home (private room)

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Columbus

Eligible seniors can apply for financial assistance with assisted living in Columbus through two state-operated programs: Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) and the Community Care Service Program (CCSP). Both of these are Medicaid waiver programs and are subject to availability.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Georgia page.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Columbuss

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 Georgia page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Columbus

Seniors and families looking for resources that may help make assisted living more affordable should consider the following options, which also list where to get help if an assisted living facility’s practices are concerning.

ResourceContactService
VA Aid and Attendance Benefits(762) 408-1327Veterans of the U.S. military and their spouses who currently reside in senior living facilities can apply for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit to help cover some of their costs. Various criteria can affect the monthly payments, with the maximums being $1,881 for an individual vet, $2,230 for a couple and $1,209 for a surviving spouse. Vets who are unsure if they’re eligible can check by using the free online tool provided by VeteranAid.org.
GeorgiaCares(866) 552-4464Georgia Cares is a program administered by the Division of Aging Services. It’s for seniors who need more information and assistance regarding Medicare and is entirely free of charge. Seniors meet face-to-face or by phone with counselors who can help them access their coverage requirements and identify potential shortfalls. The counselors can then explain the different Medicare-related options available, which may include private health care insurance. However, the counselors are unbiased. They won’t try to sell insurance plans. Their additional services include helping with appeals.
Georgia Medicaid – Long-Term Services and Supports(404) 657-5468Medicaid is unable to help low-income seniors cover room and board costs in their assisted living facilities. However, it may be able to meet some other costs, such as transportation for medical appointments and medications. The Community Care Services Program (CCSP) is a waiver available to seniors who satisfy certain conditions. These include that their income levels don’t exceed the maximum allowed by the waiver, that they are U.S. citizens, or legal residents, and that their main home is in Georgia. Seniors must also provide proof that the care they receive is suitable for their needs.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman(229) 432-1124Seniors in residential care communities can call on the help of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman if they have issues with the care they are receiving. The ombudsman will investigate complaints and pursue a resolution between the senior and their facility’s owners. Families and third parties can also register their concerns about care standards. 

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Columbus

Columbus-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Georgia are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Georgia page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Columbus

Frequently Asked Questions

In Columbus, how much does assisted living cost?

According to Caring’s 2022 Senior Living Report, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Columbus is $3280.

How safe is it to live in Columbus?

The crime rate, which is used as an indicator of how safe a particular area is, in Columbus is 404, which is above the national average of 323.

How is the traffic in Columbus?

There is low traffic congestion with an about average crash rate of 8.

What is the average housing cost in Columbus?

At $1,058, the average cost of housing in Columbus is below the nationwide average of $1,442

What is the job market like in Columbus?

Columbus offers a poor job market for older adults. There are typically less than 1 job available per worker and the rate of income inequality in the area is 0.46.

Is Columbus a good place to live without a vehicle?

In Columbus, 84.3% of public transportation stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Which is above the national average of 78.28%. On average, there are 5 local transit vehicles per hour. This is less than the national average of 8.

How good are the health care options in Columbus?

Patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of the quality of health care in an area, averages 74.4% in Columbus – this is higher the national average patient satisfaction. Additionally, there are 101 primary care physicians for every 100,000 people, which is more the national average of 82.

Does Columbus rank as a good place to retire?

According to Caring.com’s 2022 Senior Living Report which graded 300 cities using 46 metrics across 5 categories, Columbus ranked in the top of the pack. It’s overall rank was 72nd, and it scored the best in Affordability, while it’s lowest score was for Senior Living & Housing.

Does Columbus have good activities for retirees?

In Columbus, the number of parks is more than the national average. Additionally, the number of cultural, arts, and entertainment options is below the average.