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The 10 Best Independent Living Communities in Fort Lauderdale, FL for 2024

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Independent Living Facilities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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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.

ResourcePhone numberDescription
Club 55+(954) 828-7275Club 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(312) 744-4016The 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) 357-8300Broward 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) 714-3500Operated 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) 297-3481The 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

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Independent Living

Barbara

I am/was a resident of this facility

Review of Belmont Village Fort Lauderdale

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...

Provider response

Thank you for taking the time to leave this kind and thoughtful review. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to get in touch with our Executive Director.

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Independent Living

Reviewer RC#0416b

I visited this facility

Review of The Heritage at Delray

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...

Read more

Independent Living

Dotty

I visited this facility

Review of Belmont Village Fort Lauderdale

I went to Belmont Village Fort Lauderdale. I just visited the general facilities and independent living. I did not look specifically at assisted, but they have it all integrated, which is what I...

Provider response

Thank you for the positive review and for sharing your experience. We're glad to hear you enjoyed touring our community and learning about our programs and amenities. We take in providing an...

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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