Johnson City offers a combination of small-town charm and big-city amenities with its vibrant downtown region, access to health care and historic sites. While this college town has a relatively young population, it has a growing senior community that currently makes up nearly 15% of its 70,000 residents. Its low cost of living, comfortable climate and lack of state income tax make Johnson City a great option for older adults seeking affordability.
For seniors in Johnson City, assisted living provides a comfortable, low-maintenance environment. This long-term care option features studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, daily meals, recreational activities and individualized care plans, helping older adults enjoy a worry-free retirement. Monthly rates vary depending on amenities and services, but the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports that on average, older adults in Johnson City pay $4,100 monthly for assisted living. This is on par with Tennessee’s average and several hundred dollars lower than the national rate.
This guide provides more information on assisted living in Johnson City, including benefits and drawbacks of living in this city, common ways seniors pay for assisted living and some local resources to help seniors navigate the system.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Johnson City, TN
2003 Waters Edge Drive, Johnson City, TN, 37604
Families of the Brookdale Johnson City residents say that the level of professional care and the welcoming, home-like environment are their favorite aspects of this assisted living facility, located i
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Families of the Brookdale Johnson City residents say that the level of professional care and the welcoming, home-like environment are their favorite aspects of this assisted living facility, located in Johnson City, Tennessee. Residents at Brookdale agree, saying the skilled caregivers treat them well. Nutritious meals are prepared on-site and served communally. A separate memory care wing is secured, with a nursing station located just outside. There are planned activities each night, as well as off-site trips for shopping, events or medical appointments. Families are welcome to visit, and many enjoy the spacious common areas and outdoor grilling area.
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Families of the Brookdale Johnson City residents say that the level of professional care and the welcoming, home-like environment are their favorite aspects of this assisted living facility, located i
… (read more)
Families of the Brookdale Johnson City residents say that the level of professional care and the welcoming, home-like environment are their favorite aspects of this assisted living facility, located in Johnson City, Tennessee. Residents at Brookdale agree, saying the skilled caregivers treat them well. Nutritious meals are prepared on-site and served communally. A separate memory care wing is secured, with a nursing station located just outside. There are planned activities each night, as well as off-site trips for shopping, events or medical appointments. Families are welcome to visit, and many enjoy the spacious common areas and outdoor grilling area.
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406 E. Mountain View Road, Johnson City, TN, 37601
We liked our tour of American House Johnson City, but they didn’t have what we needed available. They were a little wishy-washy when I would call, they wouldn’t return my calls so I’d have to keep cal
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We liked our tour of American House Johnson City, but they didn’t have what we needed available. They were a little wishy-washy when I would call, they wouldn’t return my calls so I’d have to keep calling back to get a hold of somebody. So that kind of put me off a little bit, but they were very nice and the facility is very nice. The only thing that worries me there is that they have different levels of care, and it could get very pricey because you don’t have a say in what level they decide. Their base price is very good but when you add in their levels of care, it can get very expensive very quickly. The place was very nice and clean, it was an option I was thinking of considering, I was just a little concerned about their levels of care. They showed me both assisted living and memory care, they showed me everything. Their apartments were just single rooms and all they had was a room and a bathroom. You had to provide all your own stuff over there, they didn’t provide anything. What I saw was a nice-sized room that had a good-sized bathroom and a closet. And they all had a private bathroom, which was very nice also. They allowed you to bring a refrigerator, but the only thing they allowed was might be like a mini fridge. They serve three meals a day and they always had snacks and things like that available. They also seemed like they had a lot of activities and they did medicine, so they had 24-hour nurses there that took care of their medicine and all that there. They were very helpful and informative. The staff who took me around was very nice and helpful. They had a private dining room where they serve their meals and it was nice. You would just have to be mindful of the added costs that are there. If you’re on a budget, you might want to be very aware of that.
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We liked our tour of American House Johnson City, but they didn’t have what we needed available. They were a little wishy-washy when I would call, they wouldn’t return my calls so I’d have to keep cal
… (read more)
We liked our tour of American House Johnson City, but they didn’t have what we needed available. They were a little wishy-washy when I would call, they wouldn’t return my calls so I’d have to keep calling back to get a hold of somebody. So that kind of put me off a little bit, but they were very nice and the facility is very nice. The only thing that worries me there is that they have different levels of care, and it could get very pricey because you don’t have a say in what level they decide. Their base price is very good but when you add in their levels of care, it can get very expensive very quickly. The place was very nice and clean, it was an option I was thinking of considering, I was just a little concerned about their levels of care. They showed me both assisted living and memory care, they showed me everything. Their apartments were just single rooms and all they had was a room and a bathroom. You had to provide all your own stuff over there, they didn’t provide anything. What I saw was a nice-sized room that had a good-sized bathroom and a closet. And they all had a private bathroom, which was very nice also. They allowed you to bring a refrigerator, but the only thing they allowed was might be like a mini fridge. They serve three meals a day and they always had snacks and things like that available. They also seemed like they had a lot of activities and they did medicine, so they had 24-hour nurses there that took care of their medicine and all that there. They were very helpful and informative. The staff who took me around was very nice and helpful. They had a private dining room where they serve their meals and it was nice. You would just have to be mindful of the added costs that are there. If you’re on a budget, you might want to be very aware of that.
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213 University Parkway, Johnson City, TN, 37604
I toured and I’m leaning towards moving my mom in there because of its cleanliness, room size, and dining opportunities. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable too. Also, the rooms had the conv
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I toured and I’m leaning towards moving my mom in there because of its cleanliness, room size, and dining opportunities. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable too. Also, the rooms had the convenience of a sink, refrigerator, and microwave. I liked the fact that they have things for the residents to do and it’s convenient enough for me based on where I live. So, the location is nice.
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I toured and I’m leaning towards moving my mom in there because of its cleanliness, room size, and dining opportunities. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable too. Also, the rooms had the conv
… (read more)
I toured and I’m leaning towards moving my mom in there because of its cleanliness, room size, and dining opportunities. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable too. Also, the rooms had the convenience of a sink, refrigerator, and microwave. I liked the fact that they have things for the residents to do and it’s convenient enough for me based on where I live. So, the location is nice.
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2016 Sherwood Drive, Johnson City, TN, 37601
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401 Princeton Road, Johnson City, TN, 37601
My grandmother is now in Princeton Transitional Care and Assisted Living, it’s nice. It’s newer, they offer 24-hour nursing care, and they do the meals. I liked it because it was all one price, while
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My grandmother is now in Princeton Transitional Care and Assisted Living, it’s nice. It’s newer, they offer 24-hour nursing care, and they do the meals. I liked it because it was all one price, while in a lot of places, it’s like a la carte so there are a lot of different fees for different things that they do. And here, everything is already included like help with dressing, showers, and all of that stuff is all included in one price. It’s not like where they’ll suddenly start adding additional costs as they need additional care, so I like that option. They have different room options. She’s in a studio apartment, so it’s one big room and she has a nice-size bathroom that’s handicap accessible, with a walk-in shower, and a nice built-in seat. And then it has a little kitchenette with almost a full-size refrigerator, they provide the refrigerator and a microwave. There’s a lot of cabinet space and a little sink, it’s a nice little kitchenette. All of them have windows looking either outside or into the courtyard. They also offer two rooms and stuff like that, but she’s just in a studio. The staff has been very attentive and very helpful. When I call and check on her, I’ll call the nurse’s station, and I’ve always been able to get through to somebody every time I’ve called. The food smells and looks good but I haven’t tried any of it. On Wednesday nights, they do wine and music, then they have a church service every Sunday, and they had a whole calendar of activities. They do things like cards and a lot of different stuff.
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My grandmother is now in Princeton Transitional Care and Assisted Living, it’s nice. It’s newer, they offer 24-hour nursing care, and they do the meals. I liked it because it was all one price, while
… (read more)
My grandmother is now in Princeton Transitional Care and Assisted Living, it’s nice. It’s newer, they offer 24-hour nursing care, and they do the meals. I liked it because it was all one price, while in a lot of places, it’s like a la carte so there are a lot of different fees for different things that they do. And here, everything is already included like help with dressing, showers, and all of that stuff is all included in one price. It’s not like where they’ll suddenly start adding additional costs as they need additional care, so I like that option. They have different room options. She’s in a studio apartment, so it’s one big room and she has a nice-size bathroom that’s handicap accessible, with a walk-in shower, and a nice built-in seat. And then it has a little kitchenette with almost a full-size refrigerator, they provide the refrigerator and a microwave. There’s a lot of cabinet space and a little sink, it’s a nice little kitchenette. All of them have windows looking either outside or into the courtyard. They also offer two rooms and stuff like that, but she’s just in a studio. The staff has been very attentive and very helpful. When I call and check on her, I’ll call the nurse’s station, and I’ve always been able to get through to somebody every time I’ve called. The food smells and looks good but I haven’t tried any of it. On Wednesday nights, they do wine and music, then they have a church service every Sunday, and they had a whole calendar of activities. They do things like cards and a lot of different stuff.
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2412 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City, TN, 37604
Dominion Senior Living of Johnson City is located in Tennessee and resides at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This community offers private and shared rooms, along with tranquil views residents
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Dominion Senior Living of Johnson City is located in Tennessee and resides at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This community offers private and shared rooms, along with tranquil views residents can enjoy. Loved ones rave about the care provided by the staff, both physical and mental, that helps create lifelong relationships. Residents have access to worship services, sensory gardens, a cyber cafe, a salon and transportation. Those who require extra care are offered various special programs including medication management, assistance with daily activities, life enrichment and on-site rehabilitation and health services.
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Dominion Senior Living of Johnson City is located in Tennessee and resides at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This community offers private and shared rooms, along with tranquil views residents
… (read more)
Dominion Senior Living of Johnson City is located in Tennessee and resides at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This community offers private and shared rooms, along with tranquil views residents can enjoy. Loved ones rave about the care provided by the staff, both physical and mental, that helps create lifelong relationships. Residents have access to worship services, sensory gardens, a cyber cafe, a salon and transportation. Those who require extra care are offered various special programs including medication management, assistance with daily activities, life enrichment and on-site rehabilitation and health services.
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401 Princeton Rd, Johnson City, TN, 37601
1631 Zane Whitson Dr., Erwin, TN, 37650
I toured Governor’s Bend Retirement and Assisted Living. I like it. It is pristine. The exterior is beautiful as well as the interior. It’s very welcoming and very clean. The staff was very nice, very
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I toured Governor’s Bend Retirement and Assisted Living. I like it. It is pristine. The exterior is beautiful as well as the interior. It’s very welcoming and very clean. The staff was very nice, very informative, and very helpful. The room is spacious, and it looks like it is going to be very comfortable. It has a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a little sitting area. At the time that I went there, there wasn’t any activity. Nothing was going on with the residents. I saw a couple of them, and they were sitting in the lobby area reading, but that was it. There’s a beautiful lawn outside. They have a beauty salon, an activities room, a physical therapy room, and the dining room is very nice.
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I toured Governor’s Bend Retirement and Assisted Living. I like it. It is pristine. The exterior is beautiful as well as the interior. It’s very welcoming and very clean. The staff was very nice, very
… (read more)
I toured Governor’s Bend Retirement and Assisted Living. I like it. It is pristine. The exterior is beautiful as well as the interior. It’s very welcoming and very clean. The staff was very nice, very informative, and very helpful. The room is spacious, and it looks like it is going to be very comfortable. It has a kitchenette, a bathroom, and a little sitting area. At the time that I went there, there wasn’t any activity. Nothing was going on with the residents. I saw a couple of them, and they were sitting in the lobby area reading, but that was it. There’s a beautiful lawn outside. They have a beauty salon, an activities room, a physical therapy room, and the dining room is very nice.
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1641 HIGHWAY 19E, Elizabethton, TN, 37643
The Life Care Center of Elizabethton sits in the heart of Johnson City, Tennessee, just a short drive from Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Amenities include a beauty/barber shop, Wi-Fi and community e-reade
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The Life Care Center of Elizabethton sits in the heart of Johnson City, Tennessee, just a short drive from Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Amenities include a beauty/barber shop, Wi-Fi and community e-readers, family dining and community rooms, a courtyard and religious services. Caregivers are available 24/7 to assist residents with any personal requests, and memory care options can be provided on an as-needed basis. The facility receives high marks for running its daily rehabilitation program which features state-of-the-art rehab equipment including the Biodex Balance System SD.
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The Life Care Center of Elizabethton sits in the heart of Johnson City, Tennessee, just a short drive from Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Amenities include a beauty/barber shop, Wi-Fi and community e-reade
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The Life Care Center of Elizabethton sits in the heart of Johnson City, Tennessee, just a short drive from Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Amenities include a beauty/barber shop, Wi-Fi and community e-readers, family dining and community rooms, a courtyard and religious services. Caregivers are available 24/7 to assist residents with any personal requests, and memory care options can be provided on an as-needed basis. The facility receives high marks for running its daily rehabilitation program which features state-of-the-art rehab equipment including the Biodex Balance System SD.
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791 OLD GRAY STATION ROAD, Gray, TN, 37615
Life Care Center of Gray is located in Gray, Tennessee and is praised by residents and visitors as being a warm and caring facility with a staff that is dedicated to the residents’ well-being and comf
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Life Care Center of Gray is located in Gray, Tennessee and is praised by residents and visitors as being a warm and caring facility with a staff that is dedicated to the residents’ well-being and comfort. The on-site salon services and the beautiful fireplace are favored amenities, and residents especially enjoy the garden and the pet visitation program. The facility provides many activities for the residents, including card games in the community room and watching DVDs from the library. Family members feel at ease knowing their loved ones are safe and protected with 24-hour security.
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Life Care Center of Gray is located in Gray, Tennessee and is praised by residents and visitors as being a warm and caring facility with a staff that is dedicated to the residents’ well-being and comf
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Life Care Center of Gray is located in Gray, Tennessee and is praised by residents and visitors as being a warm and caring facility with a staff that is dedicated to the residents’ well-being and comfort. The on-site salon services and the beautiful fireplace are favored amenities, and residents especially enjoy the garden and the pet visitation program. The facility provides many activities for the residents, including card games in the community room and watching DVDs from the library. Family members feel at ease knowing their loved ones are safe and protected with 24-hour security.
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COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Johnson City
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 Tennessee. 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 Johnson City
The Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Health Care Facilities, licenses and monitors assisted living facilities in Johnson City and the rest of the state. It publishes up-to-date information on rules assisted living facilities must follow as well as disease-control measures. It also has contact information for the statewide abuse registry and gives instructions on how to file complaints.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Johnson City
- Tennessee doesn’t levy income taxes, so seniors in Johnson City only pay federal income taxes on their retirement income, simplifying the tax filing process and allowing them to put more income toward assisted living expenses. Property taxes in Tennessee are low, which may result in more competitive pricing for residential care.
- Johnson City is a very affordable place to live, making it a good option for older adults with limited retirement budgets. On a 100-point cost of living index, the city scores 82 versus the state score of 87.6. This indicates that overall living expenses are about 18% lower than the national median and nearly 6% lower than Tennessee as a whole.
- Based on most recent FBI crime data, instances of violent crime occur significantly less in Johnson City compared to the rest of Tennessee, but property crime is somewhat prevalent. In 2019, violent crime occurred at a rate of about 426 instances per capita, compared to respective state and national rates of 595 and 379. Property crime is more common with a frequency of 3,557 instances per capita versus 2,653 statewide and 2,110 nationally. Assisted living facilities provide a safe, secured environment for seniors and may be a preferred alternative to living alone.
- On a 10-point comfort index, Johnson City scores 8.4 compared to the national average of 7.8, indicating that it has generally comfortable weather throughout the year. Summers are warm with daytime temperatures in the mid-80s, and humidity is low throughout the year except in July when conditions tend to be muggy. Winters are cold with low temperatures in the mid-20s. Assisted living facilities organize indoor and outdoor recreational activities year-round, helping residents stay comfortable and engaged.
- Health care costs in Johnson City exceed the national average by about 5%, but high access to health care services makes the city a prime option for those managing chronic conditions. Per capita, there are 485 doctors, more than double the national median of 210. Two hospitals within the city include Johnson City Medical Center and Franklin Woods Community Hospital.
Paying for Assisted Living in Johnson City
Assisted living communities in Johnson City charge residents approximately $4,100 per month for housing and personal care.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
In Johnson City, assisted living residents pay $4,100 per month for services, making this a moderately priced option for senior care. In Tennessee, overall care costs are comparable at $4,105 per month. Nationally, seniors pay $4,500 for assisted living. Clarksville seniors pay $3,215 for assisted living, and in Memphis, rates are a little higher than in Johnson City at $4,200 per month. Seniors in Kingsport pay $4,445 for care, and in Cleveland, assisted living facilities charge $4,835 per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Senior care is competitively priced in Johnson City. Adult day health care is the most economical option at $1,083 per month, and those who arrange for in-home care or skilled home health care pay $4,004 for monthly services. Assisted living is a little costlier at $4,100 but includes living expenses such as housing, meals, recreational activities and personal care, making it an affordable option for many seniors. For those who need short-term or intermittent skilled nursing services, assisted living is a cost-effective alternative to nursing home care, which costs $7,559 per month for semiprivate accommodations.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Johnson City
Tennessee’s Medicaid program, TennCare, offers a CHOICES waiver program for qualified seniors that helps to cover the costs of services in assisted living facilities. The plan does not cover room and board fees, but it does set a maximum amount that communities may charge waiver participants.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Tennessee 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 Tennessee page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Johnson City
Seniors in Johnson City have access to free and low-cost services through regional nonprofit agencies and programs, helping them build social connections and identify ways to pay for assisted living. The following table highlights resources such as the local senior center and the Area Agency on Aging that can help older adults make important decisions regarding their care.
The Johnson City Senior Center is a city-operated nonprofit recreation center where those aged 50 and over can build friendships and explore interests. The center hosts a variety of activities, including yoga sessions, art classes and educational workshops. The center also serves meals on weekdays.
The Area Agency on Aging provides supportive services for older adults. It houses the region’s long-term care ombudsman program, which advocates for those in assisted living facilities. The agency also has information specialists who provide referrals for community-based programs such as durable medical equipment loans and prescription drug assistance.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee is staffed with licensed professionals who specialize in helping older adults resolve issues related to public benefits, including denied claims, overpayment or canceled benefits. The office can also help seniors understand assisted living contracts and payment obligations.
The VA’s Johnson City Vet Center is staffed with trained officers who connect veterans and their families with community-based services such as financial assistance and counseling. The office also provides benefits assistance, which can help seniors obtain state and federal benefits that may fund assisted living services.
TN 211 is a free phone-based information and referral service that provides confidential information on community-based services and programs in the Johnson City region. Seniors can call this helpline to speak with a specialist regarding free and low-cost medical and wellness services, volunteer-based transportation and prescription drug assistance programs.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Johnson City
Johnson City Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Tennessee are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Tennessee page for more information about these laws.
