The 10 Best Independent Living Communities in San Antonio, TX for 2023

The Waterford on Huebner

I put $500.00 on a Refundable Deposit April 27,2022. They are refusing to refund my $500.00! Have contacted them and the Corporate Sonida at least 12 times!! So glad I was never able to live there. I … (read more)
I put $500.00 on a Refundable Deposit April 27,2022. They are refusing to refund my $500.00! Have contacted them and the Corporate Sonida at least 12 times!! So glad I was never able to live there. I … (read more)

2017, 2021, 2022, 2023

The Waterford at Thousand Oaks

The tour I had at the Waterford at Thousand Oaks was nice. The lady that did the tour was amazing. She was very good and very knowledgeable. She knew what she was talking about and answered all our qu … (read more)
The tour I had at the Waterford at Thousand Oaks was nice. The lady that did the tour was amazing. She was very good and very knowledgeable. She knew what she was talking about and answered all our qu … (read more)
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2017, 2021, 2022, 2023

2017, 2020, 2021

Villa De San Antonio

Villa De San Antonio had a lovely porte-cochere entry. When you came in, straight ahead in front of you was a lovely dining room all with tablecloths, columns, and nice windows. Everybody was very fri … (read more)
Villa De San Antonio had a lovely porte-cochere entry. When you came in, straight ahead in front of you was a lovely dining room all with tablecloths, columns, and nice windows. Everybody was very fri … (read more)
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2017, 2020, 2021

Madison Estates

I enjoyed visiting here. Our tour was very nice. I loved the place and the amenities that they had, like the greenhouse, the swimming pool, and the exercise room. The lady that I talked to was very pr … (read more)
I enjoyed visiting here. Our tour was very nice. I loved the place and the amenities that they had, like the greenhouse, the swimming pool, and the exercise room. The lady that I talked to was very pr … (read more)

2018

Landon Ridge at Alamo Ranch

We visited Landon Ridge at Alamo Ranch. I think the community is well-kept. The staff seems to be involved with the residents. The community itself is on the more current status. In other words, it’s … (read more)
We visited Landon Ridge at Alamo Ranch. I think the community is well-kept. The staff seems to be involved with the residents. The community itself is on the more current status. In other words, it’s … (read more)

2015, 2016

Franklin Park TPC Parkway

Over promises and under delivered. Kept deposit even though never moved in due to medical reasons
Over promises and under delivered. Kept deposit even though never moved in due to medical reasons

Franklin Park Sonterra

I toured Franklin Park Sonterra. The community is beautiful, and it has multiple amenities that would make people feel very comfortable. The residents that were there were very friendly and welcoming. … (read more)
I toured Franklin Park Sonterra. The community is beautiful, and it has multiple amenities that would make people feel very comfortable. The residents that were there were very friendly and welcoming. … (read more)

2022

New Forest Haven

New Forest Haven had 4 different buildings and to go from one building to the next, you had to go outside because there were no covered walkways. They had swimming pools and little courtyards. The mea … (read more)
New Forest Haven had 4 different buildings and to go from one building to the next, you had to go outside because there were no covered walkways. They had swimming pools and little courtyards. The mea … (read more)

Emerald Oaks

I like my tour of the Emerald Oaks, and the staff I liked the best. They didn’t have a pool, but we probably would have gone there except for the fact that they did not have any room. The employees we … (read more)
I like my tour of the Emerald Oaks, and the staff I liked the best. They didn’t have a pool, but we probably would have gone there except for the fact that they did not have any room. The employees we … (read more)

2022

Franklin Park Alamo Heights

I heard good things about Franklin Park Alamo Heights so we insisted on visiting there. As soon as we walked in, it was open and clean, and it smelled good. It was just very inviting. Their rooms were … (read more)
I heard good things about Franklin Park Alamo Heights so we insisted on visiting there. As soon as we walked in, it was open and clean, and it smelled good. It was just very inviting. Their rooms were … (read more)

Adante Indpendent Living

Adante Independent Living was beautiful and elegant. It was like staying at a 5-star hotel. They’ve got lots of common areas that were very well decorated. They had outdoor patio furniture, a fireplac … (read more)
Adante Independent Living was beautiful and elegant. It was like staying at a 5-star hotel. They’ve got lots of common areas that were very well decorated. They had outdoor patio furniture, a fireplac … (read more)

Patriot Heights

We liked that Patriot Heights had villas and they were separate. They were like little townhouses with garages. The thing I did not like was you needed to go all the way to the main dining room, so it … (read more)
We liked that Patriot Heights had villas and they were separate. They were like little townhouses with garages. The thing I did not like was you needed to go all the way to the main dining room, so it … (read more)


Solea Alamo Ranch

Solea Alamo Ranch was great, but I can’t afford that place. I loved it. I toured the area where they had exercises, therapy, and TV. The staff was nice. I went in there and talked to the receptionist … (read more)
Solea Alamo Ranch was great, but I can’t afford that place. I loved it. I toured the area where they had exercises, therapy, and TV. The staff was nice. I went in there and talked to the receptionist … (read more)

2012

Independence Hill Retirement Resort Community

Great tour, enjoyed the community. Resident and staff are very friendly
Great tour, enjoyed the community. Resident and staff are very friendly

The Inn at Los Patios

I went to The Inn at Los Patios. It was a very good, very nice place. The staff was very caring and helpful. The rooms were a good size and everything that would be needed for someone. There was, like … (read more)
I went to The Inn at Los Patios. It was a very good, very nice place. The staff was very caring and helpful. The rooms were a good size and everything that would be needed for someone. There was, like … (read more)

Discovery Village at Dominion

I toured the independent living at Discovery Village At Dominion, but they also have a building that is an assisted living. There were three different buildings, and the big building was independent. … (read more)
I toured the independent living at Discovery Village At Dominion, but they also have a building that is an assisted living. There were three different buildings, and the big building was independent. … (read more)

2013, 2022

The Forum at Lincoln Heights

My uncle is at The Forum at Lincoln Heights. They are very helpful. They did pretty much everything they needed to do to get him in there. The facility itself is nice. They have movie nights and game … (read more)
My uncle is at The Forum at Lincoln Heights. They are very helpful. They did pretty much everything they needed to do to get him in there. The facility itself is nice. They have movie nights and game … (read more)

Timberhill Villa Retirement Community

My mother likes Timberhill Villa Retirement Community the best. It was great. Everybody was friendly. We were told a lot of information. I think what we like the most about them is their studio. It … (read more)
My mother likes Timberhill Villa Retirement Community the best. It was great. Everybody was friendly. We were told a lot of information. I think what we like the most about them is their studio. It … (read more)

2021

Blue Skies of Texas East

We are new residents at High Rise of Blue Skies East and are very happy to be here. The staff are wonderful. We have met some who have been working here for 20 to 30 years! If you are looking for … (read more)
We are new residents at High Rise of Blue Skies East and are very happy to be here. The staff are wonderful. We have met some who have been working here for 20 to 30 years! If you are looking for … (read more)

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 San Antonio, TX

San Antonio is located in the south-central region of Texas. It’s been listed among the best places in the nation to retire for its cost of living, climate and its seemingly endless amenities, including the 35-acre San Antonio ZooSeaWorld San Antonio and the San Antonio Symphony, all of which offer discounts to seniors. The city is also known for its inventive Tex-Mex restaurantsshopping centers and outdoor attractions.

San Antonio is an affordable city to reside in, thanks to a cost of living slightly lower than the state and national averages, which may make it a good option for retirees with more restrictive budgets. The city also has a fairly comfortable climate year-round, with highs ranging between 63 and 96 degrees and 220 sunny days annually. Active seniors who enjoy spending time outdoors may find San Antonio’s climate to be well-suited to their lifestyle.    

Paying for Independent Living in San Antonio, TX

Independent living is a little cheaper in San Antonio than in the nation as a whole, with monthly costs coming in at an average of $2,500. This is slightly more affordable than the national average of $2,550 per month, which may be good for cost-savvy retirees.

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 San Antonio, TX

There are many other resources and activities for seniors in San Antonio, use the table below to learn about the options available for older adults in the area.

ResourcePhone Number Description 
College Credit Courses

(210) 485-0000Seniors age 65 and over are eligible to take up to six credit hours per semester of college courses at Alamo Colleges. The regular tuition rate for these courses is waived under this program, leaving participants with only the associated fees. Of the five Alamo Colleges that offer this program, three are in San Antonio, including Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College and St. Philip’s College. 
San Antonio Oasis

(210) 236-5954San Antonio Oasis is a non-profit organization that provides challenging courses in disciplines like humanities, health, technology and the arts, as well as an array of volunteer opportunities to San Antonio residents age 50 and over. Membership is free, based on proof of age, and members have access to four centers located throughout the region. These centers are open on weekdays, and hours vary by day and location.  
Senior Centers(210) 207-8198San Antonio is home to 10 city-operated senior centers for residents age 60 and over. These centers provide a wide variety of programs and activities, including exercise classes, arts and crafts workshops, trips and basic health screenings. Senior centers also provide daily meals, giving members the opportunity to visit with friends. Free transportation is available to the centers from homes within a five-mile radius. 
Reduced Fare Transportation Services(210) 362-2020VIA Metropolitan Transit, which provides public transportation services in the San Antonio region, has a senior discount program for area residents age 62 and over. Participants pay a very low fee on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and ride on the weekends for free. To apply for a Reduced Fare ID, older adults can go to their nearest VIA Information Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of independent living in San Antonio?

According to Caring’s 2022 Senior Living Report, the average monthly cost of independent living in San Antonio is $2644.

Is it safe to live in San Antonio?

The crime rate, which is used as an indicator of how safe a particular area is, in San Antonio is 532, which is above the national average of 323.

Is traffic in San Antonio bad?

There is low traffic congestion with an above average crash rate of 10.

How much does housing cost in San Antonio?

At $1,043, the average cost of housing in San Antonio is below the nationwide average of $1,442

Is the job market good in San Antonio?

San Antonio 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 0.47.

Is it accessible to live in San Antonio without a vehicle?

In San Antonio, 57.6% of public transportation stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Which is below the national average of 78.28%. On average, there are 7 local transit vehicles per hour. This is less than the national average of 8.

Are the health care options good in San Antonio?

Patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of the quality of health care in an area, averages 75.6% in San Antonio – this is higher 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.

Should you consider retiring in San Antonio?

According to Caring.com’s 2022 Senior Living Report which graded 300 cities using 46 metrics across 5 categories, San Antonio ranked in the bottom of the pack. It’s overall rank was 206th, and it scored the best in Affordability, while it’s lowest score was for Health Care.

Are there fun activities for retirees in San Antonio?

In San Antonio, the number of parks is less than the national average. Additionally, the number of cultural, arts, and entertainment options is below the average.