The 10 Best Independent Living Communities in Fort Lauderdale, FL for 2023
2855 W Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33309
I went to see Oasis Living Quarters. It was a very nice and clean facility. They gave me a free lunch, which I didn’t care for because the fish was frozen. They cooked it, but I don’t like frozen fish
… (read more)
I went to see Oasis Living Quarters. It was a very nice and clean facility. They gave me a free lunch, which I didn’t care for because the fish was frozen. They cooked it, but I don’t like frozen fish. They had a very nice and clean dining room. The room size was sufficient for me. The one-bedroom apartment was more than enough for me. They had a safe in every apartment, which was nice for your valuables and your money. Lydia, the lady who showed me around, was lovely and very nice.
(read less)
I went to see Oasis Living Quarters. It was a very nice and clean facility. They gave me a free lunch, which I didn’t care for because the fish was frozen. They cooked it, but I don’t like frozen fish
… (read more)
I went to see Oasis Living Quarters. It was a very nice and clean facility. They gave me a free lunch, which I didn’t care for because the fish was frozen. They cooked it, but I don’t like frozen fish. They had a very nice and clean dining room. The room size was sufficient for me. The one-bedroom apartment was more than enough for me. They had a safe in every apartment, which was nice for your valuables and your money. Lydia, the lady who showed me around, was lovely and very nice.
(read less)
1031 Seminole Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304
I moved into Belmont Village Fort Lauderdale. The staff here is wonderful, and I found many friends among the residents. I’ve been asked to be an ambassador, to welcome new members because they think
… (read more)
I moved into Belmont Village Fort Lauderdale. The staff here is wonderful, and I found many friends among the residents. I’ve been asked to be an ambassador, to welcome new members because they think I’m personable. They do accept dogs. They have a very small dog park here on the campus.
My apartment is roomy with a kitchen. The floors are hardwood and I have a living room with a credenza and a television. I have a beautiful view of the boat harbor and the ocean. I’m doing a small loveseat, a couple of chairs, and lamps. I have a full-size bed, a big dresser, two nightstands, and a chair. Between the bathroom and the bedroom are two closets on either side, which is really nice. My bathroom is very large and very pretty.
We have aqua aerobics, yoga and meditation, news and reviews, Jewish services, gardening club, bridge, movie nights, jewelry making, cheese and wine, and discussion groups.
(read less)
I moved into Belmont Village Fort Lauderdale. The staff here is wonderful, and I found many friends among the residents. I’ve been asked to be an ambassador, to welcome new members because they think
… (read more)
I moved into Belmont Village Fort Lauderdale. The staff here is wonderful, and I found many friends among the residents. I’ve been asked to be an ambassador, to welcome new members because they think I’m personable. They do accept dogs. They have a very small dog park here on the campus.
My apartment is roomy with a kitchen. The floors are hardwood and I have a living room with a credenza and a television. I have a beautiful view of the boat harbor and the ocean. I’m doing a small loveseat, a couple of chairs, and lamps. I have a full-size bed, a big dresser, two nightstands, and a chair. Between the bathroom and the bedroom are two closets on either side, which is really nice. My bathroom is very large and very pretty.
We have aqua aerobics, yoga and meditation, news and reviews, Jewish services, gardening club, bridge, movie nights, jewelry making, cheese and wine, and discussion groups.
(read less)
410 SE 16th Ct, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316
4251 Rock Island Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33319
Garden Plaza at Inverrary is situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a few minutes from Lauderdale Lakes. Residents are delighted by monthly trips to the casino, casual bingo games and the wide selectio
… (read more)
Garden Plaza at Inverrary is situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a few minutes from Lauderdale Lakes. Residents are delighted by monthly trips to the casino, casual bingo games and the wide selection of home-cooked meals. Garden Plaza at Inverrary is also known for its gym with exercise classes and interactive art classes featuring local artists. Visitors note that with a heated swimming pool and spa, the interior of the facility resembles that of a luxurious hotel. Their loved ones agree that the community is modern, and weekly trips to festivals and fairs provide a wealth of entertainment.
(read less)
Garden Plaza at Inverrary is situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a few minutes from Lauderdale Lakes. Residents are delighted by monthly trips to the casino, casual bingo games and the wide selectio
… (read more)
Garden Plaza at Inverrary is situated in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a few minutes from Lauderdale Lakes. Residents are delighted by monthly trips to the casino, casual bingo games and the wide selection of home-cooked meals. Garden Plaza at Inverrary is also known for its gym with exercise classes and interactive art classes featuring local artists. Visitors note that with a heated swimming pool and spa, the interior of the facility resembles that of a luxurious hotel. Their loved ones agree that the community is modern, and weekly trips to festivals and fairs provide a wealth of entertainment.
(read less)
7620 N Nob Hill Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33321
It seemed like a great place. The residents had clubs, card nights, a pool, etc. My grandfather was very pleased with the place. It also had a guard gate which was staffed and not broken like a lot
… (read more)
It seemed like a great place. The residents had clubs, card nights, a pool, etc. My grandfather was very pleased with the place. It also had a guard gate which was staffed and not broken like a lot of other places I had seen. It really seemed as if the staff cared and the residents cared about their community. The security there was tight certainly as I was grilled every time I went to visit. The residents each had a little patio and a little front area in which they could plant things if they wanted. I have honestly thought about living there myself one day simply because they seemed so happy there. The grounds were maintained regularly and everything looked highly presentable. The area of town it was located in was nice and did not seem to have any issues with crime. I would highly recommend it to anyone who was looking for a place for their relatives. It allows for them to have a great sense of community and a great pride for where they live.
(read less)
It seemed like a great place. The residents had clubs, card nights, a pool, etc. My grandfather was very pleased with the place. It also had a guard gate which was staffed and not broken like a lot
… (read more)
It seemed like a great place. The residents had clubs, card nights, a pool, etc. My grandfather was very pleased with the place. It also had a guard gate which was staffed and not broken like a lot of other places I had seen. It really seemed as if the staff cared and the residents cared about their community. The security there was tight certainly as I was grilled every time I went to visit. The residents each had a little patio and a little front area in which they could plant things if they wanted. I have honestly thought about living there myself one day simply because they seemed so happy there. The grounds were maintained regularly and everything looked highly presentable. The area of town it was located in was nice and did not seem to have any issues with crime. I would highly recommend it to anyone who was looking for a place for their relatives. It allows for them to have a great sense of community and a great pride for where they live.
(read less)
651 SW 117th Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33325
640 N Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33311
2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
5500 NW 69th Avenue, Lauderhill, FL, 33319
Pacifica Senior Living Forest Trace is an assisted living and independent living facility in Lauderhill, Florida, a suburb of sunny Miami. Housing options include one and two-bedroom apartments, and c
… (read more)
Pacifica Senior Living Forest Trace is an assisted living and independent living facility in Lauderhill, Florida, a suburb of sunny Miami. Housing options include one and two-bedroom apartments, and companion suites. Independent living residents enjoy the thirty-acre lake with walking trails, and give high praise for the piano lounge with happy hour cocktails, tennis courts, an art studio and the heated pool. The Wellness Center at the facility has a licensed staff nurse available twenty-four hours a day. Residents declare the restaurant-style dining and food services are excellent, and they also greatly respect and admire the staff.
(read less)
Pacifica Senior Living Forest Trace is an assisted living and independent living facility in Lauderhill, Florida, a suburb of sunny Miami. Housing options include one and two-bedroom apartments, and c
… (read more)
Pacifica Senior Living Forest Trace is an assisted living and independent living facility in Lauderhill, Florida, a suburb of sunny Miami. Housing options include one and two-bedroom apartments, and companion suites. Independent living residents enjoy the thirty-acre lake with walking trails, and give high praise for the piano lounge with happy hour cocktails, tennis courts, an art studio and the heated pool. The Wellness Center at the facility has a licensed staff nurse available twenty-four hours a day. Residents declare the restaurant-style dining and food services are excellent, and they also greatly respect and admire the staff.
(read less)
5859 Heritage Park Way, Delray Beach, FL, 33311
It was clean. The residents we saw there was the type of people that we would like to associate with. They had everything that I would want and it was close enough that we could still have our doctors
… (read more)
It was clean. The residents we saw there was the type of people that we would like to associate with. They had everything that I would want and it was close enough that we could still have our doctors. I saw a sample menu and spoke to the chef and it seemed like they had plenty of options and healthy things.
It would have been nice if they had a little bit more kitchen area, but they have food provided and you could do your own little snacks and odds and ends there. So it’s not that bad. There’s a pool and a courtyard. I liked that they allow small pets. That makes me very happy. The lady was very knowledgeable and very friendly. I felt very comfortable with her and that was the final thing that sold me on the place. It’s just lovely.
(read less)
It was clean. The residents we saw there was the type of people that we would like to associate with. They had everything that I would want and it was close enough that we could still have our doctors
… (read more)
It was clean. The residents we saw there was the type of people that we would like to associate with. They had everything that I would want and it was close enough that we could still have our doctors. I saw a sample menu and spoke to the chef and it seemed like they had plenty of options and healthy things.
It would have been nice if they had a little bit more kitchen area, but they have food provided and you could do your own little snacks and odds and ends there. So it’s not that bad. There’s a pool and a courtyard. I liked that they allow small pets. That makes me very happy. The lady was very knowledgeable and very friendly. I felt very comfortable with her and that was the final thing that sold me on the place. It’s just lovely.
(read less)
9215 West Broward Blvd. , Plantation, FL, 33324
I went to tour Covenant Living of Florida. I loved the staff. Her name was Kimberly. She was super nice. She’s a very, very nice lady. It was a beautiful community. But what I didn’t like is the fact
… (read more)
I went to tour Covenant Living of Florida. I loved the staff. Her name was Kimberly. She was super nice. She’s a very, very nice lady. It was a beautiful community. But what I didn’t like is the fact that, where the dining room is and where the buildings are where you might have to move, the walking distance is too far for me. I broke my neck, my hip, and my leg back-to-back from 2021 to 2022. I am walking, and I’m getting around, but if I had to go to the dining room for meals once or twice a day, and let’s just say it’s raining or whatever, I wouldn’t want to have to walk from wherever I’m living to one place to get my meals. It just doesn’t make sense to me. I would want to be in the building and maybe go down an elevator or just have access to the dining room closer. That’s one thing I did not care about the facility.
They had a pool, which I’m not interested in. They had a nice little snack bar area. They had a gift shop, which could be very, very nice, but it was probably 75% empty. There wasn’t much stock in it. If you wanted to buy a gift or a card, there wasn’t much in the gift shop. I had lunch there, and the food was very good. They had a very elegant dining room. Very, very nice dining room. I was with three other ladies. One of the ladies got sick because she had had a procedure called the sleeve on her stomach. So she got sick after lunch and we didn’t have time to look at an apartment. So, I did not get to see an actual apartment, although I have several friends that lived there, and they rave about the community. However, it’s just not for me.
Their staff was excellent. My food was excellent. However, the facility could use some work. It’s an older facility, but I think they do their best to keep it updated. They’re working on it from what I can see. It’s a work in progress. There was no activity whatsoever going on that I saw when I was there, and I was there for a good two hours. There were no activities at all. Maybe it was the time of day, which was lunchtime. Even the lunchroom didn’t have that many people in it. It just didn’t look like there was very much going on.
(read less)
I went to tour Covenant Living of Florida. I loved the staff. Her name was Kimberly. She was super nice. She’s a very, very nice lady. It was a beautiful community. But what I didn’t like is the fact
… (read more)
I went to tour Covenant Living of Florida. I loved the staff. Her name was Kimberly. She was super nice. She’s a very, very nice lady. It was a beautiful community. But what I didn’t like is the fact that, where the dining room is and where the buildings are where you might have to move, the walking distance is too far for me. I broke my neck, my hip, and my leg back-to-back from 2021 to 2022. I am walking, and I’m getting around, but if I had to go to the dining room for meals once or twice a day, and let’s just say it’s raining or whatever, I wouldn’t want to have to walk from wherever I’m living to one place to get my meals. It just doesn’t make sense to me. I would want to be in the building and maybe go down an elevator or just have access to the dining room closer. That’s one thing I did not care about the facility.
They had a pool, which I’m not interested in. They had a nice little snack bar area. They had a gift shop, which could be very, very nice, but it was probably 75% empty. There wasn’t much stock in it. If you wanted to buy a gift or a card, there wasn’t much in the gift shop. I had lunch there, and the food was very good. They had a very elegant dining room. Very, very nice dining room. I was with three other ladies. One of the ladies got sick because she had had a procedure called the sleeve on her stomach. So she got sick after lunch and we didn’t have time to look at an apartment. So, I did not get to see an actual apartment, although I have several friends that lived there, and they rave about the community. However, it’s just not for me.
Their staff was excellent. My food was excellent. However, the facility could use some work. It’s an older facility, but I think they do their best to keep it updated. They’re working on it from what I can see. It’s a work in progress. There was no activity whatsoever going on that I saw when I was there, and I was there for a good two hours. There were no activities at all. Maybe it was the time of day, which was lunchtime. Even the lunchroom didn’t have that many people in it. It just didn’t look like there was very much going on.
(read less)
3305 SE 5th St., Pompano Beach, FL, 33062
3701 West McNab Road, Pompano Beach, FL, 33069
South of George Brummer Park and about 20 minutes west of the beach, the Preserve at Palm Aire is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility. Residents and visitors often comment on t
… (read more)
South of George Brummer Park and about 20 minutes west of the beach, the Preserve at Palm Aire is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility. Residents and visitors often comment on the cleanliness of the facility, the large rooms, quality food, availability of activities and friendliness of the staff. Companion suites and studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and one-story villas with garages are available, and the community welcomes residents’ small pet companions. A Dining with Dignity program provides high-quality, easy-to-eat meals for those with swallowing, taste and dexterity difficulties.
(read less)
South of George Brummer Park and about 20 minutes west of the beach, the Preserve at Palm Aire is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility. Residents and visitors often comment on t
… (read more)
South of George Brummer Park and about 20 minutes west of the beach, the Preserve at Palm Aire is an assisted and independent living and memory care facility. Residents and visitors often comment on the cleanliness of the facility, the large rooms, quality food, availability of activities and friendliness of the staff. Companion suites and studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and one-story villas with garages are available, and the community welcomes residents’ small pet companions. A Dining with Dignity program provides high-quality, easy-to-eat meals for those with swallowing, taste and dexterity difficulties.
(read less)
2480 North Park Road, Hollywood, FL, 33021
I was at Five Star Premier Residences of Hollywood. The food was very good. It’s very satisfactory. We had wonderful choices. The activities and the exercise facility were very good. The location was
… (read more)
I was at Five Star Premier Residences of Hollywood. The food was very good. It’s very satisfactory. We had wonderful choices. The activities and the exercise facility were very good. The location was excellent. They provided covered parking for your vehicle, which was reasonable per month, and there’s plenty of parking.
I had a one-bedroom, but they also provide a two-bedroom with two bathrooms (although the second bedroom was not really adequate to have a bedroom, but was more to have an office or for a sofa bed). The staff that worked during breakfast time were wonderful. They were excellent. They only gave two meals a day, which was good, but at dinner time they had a terrible time with their help. Right now, they’re redoing the kitchen, which means that they’re having a difficult dinner that is taking over two hours, but I think that it will be better. The current manager, Vladimir, is a first-class individual and I think he will do a good job.
I liked the exercise room that was available. I liked the fact that there was a heated swimming pool 24 hours a day. That was excellent. They had a whirlpool, but it was not maintained as well as it should have been. They were working to correct that though. I liked the fact that you could walk through the complex and feel secure. It was a gated community and they had good security.
(read less)
I was at Five Star Premier Residences of Hollywood. The food was very good. It’s very satisfactory. We had wonderful choices. The activities and the exercise facility were very good. The location was
… (read more)
I was at Five Star Premier Residences of Hollywood. The food was very good. It’s very satisfactory. We had wonderful choices. The activities and the exercise facility were very good. The location was excellent. They provided covered parking for your vehicle, which was reasonable per month, and there’s plenty of parking.
I had a one-bedroom, but they also provide a two-bedroom with two bathrooms (although the second bedroom was not really adequate to have a bedroom, but was more to have an office or for a sofa bed). The staff that worked during breakfast time were wonderful. They were excellent. They only gave two meals a day, which was good, but at dinner time they had a terrible time with their help. Right now, they’re redoing the kitchen, which means that they’re having a difficult dinner that is taking over two hours, but I think that it will be better. The current manager, Vladimir, is a first-class individual and I think he will do a good job.
I liked the exercise room that was available. I liked the fact that there was a heated swimming pool 24 hours a day. That was excellent. They had a whirlpool, but it was not maintained as well as it should have been. They were working to correct that though. I liked the fact that you could walk through the complex and feel secure. It was a gated community and they had good security.
(read less)
8500 West Sunrise Boulevard, Plantation, FL, 33324
Five Star Premier Residences of Plantation is a senior care facility located between Fort Lauderdale and the natural beauty of the Everglades. The facility offers a range of rooms, which have been des
… (read more)
Five Star Premier Residences of Plantation is a senior care facility located between Fort Lauderdale and the natural beauty of the Everglades. The facility offers a range of rooms, which have been described by visitors as exceptional and well equipped. The entire property is praised for its modern decor, the beautiful outdoor space with lakes and the swimming pool. Residents are kept busy with a full activity calendar that includes visiting singers, movies, games and sightseeing trips. There is also a library and a hair salon. Relatives praise the staff for its friendliness and for being very informative.
(read less)
Five Star Premier Residences of Plantation is a senior care facility located between Fort Lauderdale and the natural beauty of the Everglades. The facility offers a range of rooms, which have been des
… (read more)
Five Star Premier Residences of Plantation is a senior care facility located between Fort Lauderdale and the natural beauty of the Everglades. The facility offers a range of rooms, which have been described by visitors as exceptional and well equipped. The entire property is praised for its modern decor, the beautiful outdoor space with lakes and the swimming pool. Residents are kept busy with a full activity calendar that includes visiting singers, movies, games and sightseeing trips. There is also a library and a hair salon. Relatives praise the staff for its friendliness and for being very informative.
(read less)
1371 South Ocean Boulevard, Pompano Beach, FL, 33062
Residents enjoy picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway at Five Star Premier Residences of Pompano Beach. Located in the seaside city of Pompano Beach, Florida, the facility
… (read more)
Residents enjoy picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway at Five Star Premier Residences of Pompano Beach. Located in the seaside city of Pompano Beach, Florida, the facility is near the beach and boat slips. Residents give high marks to this community for a friendly and knowledgeable staff, excellent menu and well-appointed areas for bingo and therapy. Residents also enjoy the cleanliness of this high-rise facility. Visitors and residents also appreciate the fact that residents can embark on day trips for shopping and to try their luck at one of the nearby casinos.
(read less)
Residents enjoy picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway at Five Star Premier Residences of Pompano Beach. Located in the seaside city of Pompano Beach, Florida, the facility
… (read more)
Residents enjoy picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway at Five Star Premier Residences of Pompano Beach. Located in the seaside city of Pompano Beach, Florida, the facility is near the beach and boat slips. Residents give high marks to this community for a friendly and knowledgeable staff, excellent menu and well-appointed areas for bingo and therapy. Residents also enjoy the cleanliness of this high-rise facility. Visitors and residents also appreciate the fact that residents can embark on day trips for shopping and to try their luck at one of the nearby casinos.
(read less)
2701 North Course Drive, Pompano Beach, FL, 33069
East of Fern Forrest Nature Center, north of Palm Aire Country Club-Palm’s Course and surrounded by shopping and dining opportunities, The Court at Palm Aire is an assisted and independent living faci
… (read more)
East of Fern Forrest Nature Center, north of Palm Aire Country Club-Palm’s Course and surrounded by shopping and dining opportunities, The Court at Palm Aire is an assisted and independent living facility and nursing home in Pompano Beach, Florida. Residents and visitors comment on the large rooms, number of available activities and amenities, quality of staff members and cleanliness of the building. Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are available with in-room kitchenettes or kitchens, room service, cable and Wi-Fi. The facility features a garden, patio, pool and library, and residents can take part in Tai Chi, yoga, lectures, music and games.
(read less)
East of Fern Forrest Nature Center, north of Palm Aire Country Club-Palm’s Course and surrounded by shopping and dining opportunities, The Court at Palm Aire is an assisted and independent living faci
… (read more)
East of Fern Forrest Nature Center, north of Palm Aire Country Club-Palm’s Course and surrounded by shopping and dining opportunities, The Court at Palm Aire is an assisted and independent living facility and nursing home in Pompano Beach, Florida. Residents and visitors comment on the large rooms, number of available activities and amenities, quality of staff members and cleanliness of the building. Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are available with in-room kitchenettes or kitchens, room service, cable and Wi-Fi. The facility features a garden, patio, pool and library, and residents can take part in Tai Chi, yoga, lectures, music and games.
(read less)
1601 NE 26th St, Ft Lauderdale, FL, 33305
I have a loved one who who is a resident at Independence Hall and I truly feel at ease knowing she is in the care of loving staff like Julianna. She is an exceptional physical therapist with a good sp
… (read more)
I have a loved one who who is a resident at Independence Hall and I truly feel at ease knowing she is in the care of loving staff like Julianna. She is an exceptional physical therapist with a good spirit and a wonderful bedside manner. It is a really clean environment (they just had new carpets installed!) and the maintenance and house cleaning crews keep the rooms and communal areas very clean. That is important in South Florida! There is a great chef, too! One thing I love are the opportunities my aunt has to remain as active as she has always been. She really enjoys the activities the staff organizes especially, exercise activities, happy hours, meals out at local restaurants, and shopping excusions. Personally, the residence is nearby my home and I am able to visit frequently, which makes me happy, and their admin department is always so kind when I call or visit. Nice job!
(read less)
I have a loved one who who is a resident at Independence Hall and I truly feel at ease knowing she is in the care of loving staff like Julianna. She is an exceptional physical therapist with a good sp
… (read more)
I have a loved one who who is a resident at Independence Hall and I truly feel at ease knowing she is in the care of loving staff like Julianna. She is an exceptional physical therapist with a good spirit and a wonderful bedside manner. It is a really clean environment (they just had new carpets installed!) and the maintenance and house cleaning crews keep the rooms and communal areas very clean. That is important in South Florida! There is a great chef, too! One thing I love are the opportunities my aunt has to remain as active as she has always been. She really enjoys the activities the staff organizes especially, exercise activities, happy hours, meals out at local restaurants, and shopping excusions. Personally, the residence is nearby my home and I am able to visit frequently, which makes me happy, and their admin department is always so kind when I call or visit. Nice job!
(read less)
1600 Taft Street, Hollywood, FL, 33020
Eastside Active Living is located on a quiet, cozy street in Hollywood, close to West Lake Park, a variety of shops and the Eco Golf Club. The facility is well-maintained by friendly staff, and reside
… (read more)
Eastside Active Living is located on a quiet, cozy street in Hollywood, close to West Lake Park, a variety of shops and the Eco Golf Club. The facility is well-maintained by friendly staff, and residents are provided with large rooms that cater to assisted or independent living. Residents are able to enjoy a variety of activities such as games, movies and interacting with animals in the yard, and the facility also offers outings to the scenic local area. Visitors praise the variety of food options and three-meal dining. The community is spacious, offering many areas for the residents to relax.
(read less)
Eastside Active Living is located on a quiet, cozy street in Hollywood, close to West Lake Park, a variety of shops and the Eco Golf Club. The facility is well-maintained by friendly staff, and reside
… (read more)
Eastside Active Living is located on a quiet, cozy street in Hollywood, close to West Lake Park, a variety of shops and the Eco Golf Club. The facility is well-maintained by friendly staff, and residents are provided with large rooms that cater to assisted or independent living. Residents are able to enjoy a variety of activities such as games, movies and interacting with animals in the yard, and the facility also offers outings to the scenic local area. Visitors praise the variety of food options and three-meal dining. The community is spacious, offering many areas for the residents to relax.
(read less)
2415 N 20th Avenue, Hollywood, FL, 33020
5500 NW 69th Avenue, Lauderhill, FL, 33319
What to Expect in an Independent Living Community
Many seniors love how independent living communities reduce unwanted stress, hazards, and fatigue in their lives. Independent living communities take care of housekeeping, yard work and meals while still allowing residents personal space and the dignity of making their own choices. These communities usually provide seniors with an apartment that has a small kitchen, bathroom, living room, and one or more bedrooms. Those who want a small space may even find that some independent living communities offer studio-style apartments. Seniors can invite guests over and enjoy their rooms however they see fit.
Independent living communities often also include the following:
- Numerous opportunities for socializing and exploring new activities
- Easy access to public or community-provided transportation
- Meal plans for community dining as well as kitchens for seniors who like preparing their own meals
- The ability to keep small- and medium-size pets such as dogs and cats
- Housekeeping, laundry and groundskeeping services
- 24-hour staff on-site who can be contacted if a problem arises
For a more detailed look at common amenities, check out our guide to independent living communities.
What Couples Should Know About Independent Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Located on Florida’s Gold Coast, Fort Lauderdale may be an ideal retirement destination for active seniors. With winter lows in the 50s and summer highs in the 90s, the city enjoys year-round warm weather. There are an average of 246 sunny days per year, which gives seniors plenty of opportunity to get outside and enjoy more than seven miles of public beaches.
Seniors who want to stay busy during their retirements will find no shortage of fun things to do in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. The area is home to several shopping centers including the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale and the Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills. Many cultural opportunities are available, and seniors can enjoy performances at the South Florida Symphony Orchestra or exhibits at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. Outdoor enthusiasts may want to take an airboat tour through the Everglades or paddle a canoe through Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.
Paying for Independent Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale’s cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, and that is reflected in its independent living prices. Seniors can expect to pay an average of $4,163 per month for independent living, much more than the national average of $2,545.
The annual cost of living in an independent living community can range anywhere from $12,000-$42,000, depending mostly on the amenities, room type and cost of living in the area. In addition to using personal retirement income, annuities, long-term care insurance, or cashing out an existing life insurance policy, some seniors can use Social Security funds, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments granted due to disability or low-income or HUD-provided housing assistance such as vouchers. Another route many seniors choose to fund their independent living stay is renting out or selling their homes that they won’t need once they move or taking advantage of a reverse mortgage.
Our guide provides a more in-depth look at independent living costs and solutions for those who want to learn more.
How to Choose an Independent Living Community
When choosing an independent living community, it’s best to consider many factors, including the community’s proximity to loved ones and medical care, the state of repair that the facility appears to be in, the attitude and efficiency of the staff, the cost of both rent and services, the facility’s pet policy and more.
Comparing multiple communities can help seniors and their families figure out what they value most in an independent living community. During tours of these communities, staff members should be available to answer questions. To help with the touring and comparison process, we’ve included a checklist full of pertinent questions that anyone can download and print for themselves.
Transitioning to Independent Living
Independent living communities, rather than memory care or nursing homes, are often the first place seniors move to when they realize they need a lifestyle change. The necessity of letting some possessions go and the reality of leaving a home and neighborhood after possibly decades of residence there can make transitioning to an independent living community difficult. These communities are often friendly places, but being in a new environment still initially triggers feelings of loneliness in many seniors.
Having a strategy for dealing with the challenges of moving can make the transition to an independent living community a positive experience. We’ve created a downloadable step-by-step guide for tips to making this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Independent Living Resources in Fort Lauderdale, FL
There are many other resources and activities for seniors in Fort Lauderdale. Use the table below to learn about the options available for older adults in the area.
Resource | Phone Number | Description |
Club 55+ | (954) 828-7275 | Club 55+ is an initiative of Fort Lauderdale’s Parks and Recreation Department. For a small yearly fee, seniors can participate in a number of activities at the city’s 12 parks. Some of the club’s many activities include yoga, line dancing, pickleball, jewelry making and bridge. Special events, such as trips to sporting events, are also scheduled. |
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward County | (954) 745-9779 | The ADRC of Broward County offers several services that may benefit Fort Lauderdale’s active seniors. Its Living Healthy Program is a free six-week course that teaches seniors how to manage diabetes, arthritis, anxiety and other chronic health conditions. Through the PEARLS program, seniors can receive one-on-one counseling to learn how to solve problems and live a more rewarding life. |
Broward County Transit | (954) 357-8300 | Broward County Transit operates a fixed-route bus service that seniors can use to get around Fort Lauderdale. With proof of age, people who are 65 or older can enjoy discounted bus fares. The Transportation Options Program, a shared-ride paratransit service, is offered to seniors who aren’t able to use the fixed-route bus system due to temporary or permanent disabilities.
|
The Sylvia L. Poitier & Theodora S. Williams Senior Center | (954) 714-3500 | Operated by the Northwest Federated Woman’s Club of Broward County, this senior center provides a variety of social opportunities and recreational activities for local seniors. Games, exercise classes and arts and crafts are just some of the options available to members. Every weekday the center serves breakfast and lunch. |
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida Atlantic University | (561) 297-3481 | The OLLI at FAU offers non-credit courses for seniors who want to keep their minds sharp. The institute offers both one-time programs and four-week series. Through these programs, seniors can learn more about art, history, philosophy, foreign policy and many other subjects that interest them. These courses are affordable with fees starting at just $30 for a one-time program and $50 for a four-week series. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does independent living cost in Fort Lauderdale?
Is Fort Lauderdale a safe place to live?
The crime rate, which is used as an indicator of how safe a particular area is, in Fort Lauderdale is 352, which is above the national average of 323.
What is the traffic like in Fort Lauderdale?
There is heavy traffic congestion with an above average crash rate of 19.
How much is housing in Fort Lauderdale?
At $1,467, the average cost of housing in Fort Lauderdale is above the nationwide average of $1,442
Does Fort Lauderdale have a good job market?
Fort Lauderdale 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 0.49.
Is Fort Lauderdale an accessible place to live without a vehicle?
In Fort Lauderdale, 74.8% of public transportation stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Which is below the national average of 78.28%. On average, there are 10 local transit vehicles per hour. This is more than the national average of 8.
Does Fort Lauderdale have good health care options?
Patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of the quality of health care in an area, averages 70.3% in Fort Lauderdale – this is lower the national average patient satisfaction. Additionally, there are 72 primary care physicians for every 100,000 people, which is less the national average of 82.
Is Fort Lauderdale a good place to retire?
According to Caring.com’s
2022 Senior Living Report which graded 300 cities using 46 metrics across 5 categories, Fort Lauderdale ranked in the middle of the pack. It’s overall rank was 199th, and it scored the best in Senior Living & Housing, while it’s lowest score was for Health Care.
Does Fort Lauderdale have fun activities for retirees?
In Fort Lauderdale, the number of parks is more than the national average. Additionally, the number of cultural, arts, and entertainment options is above the average.