Virginia is a great place for seniors to spend their golden years. With exciting venues such as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Chrysler Museum of Art, there’s plenty to keep those living in this city entertained as they transition into and continue to enjoy their retirement. In the state’s larger cities, such as Virginia Beach and Richmond, seniors have access to endless amenities, including shops, services and world-class medical facilities. While the overall cost of living in Virginia is just slightly above the national average, seniors can benefit from lower utility, grocery and transportation costs throughout the state.

Seniors in Virginia may appreciate the opportunity to live in one of the state’s independent living communities, where they can reside among peers and take advantage of services that are often available, such as housekeeping, chef-prepared meals and planned social activities. The average cost of independent living in Virginia is about $3,153 per month, just slightly more than the national average.

In this guide, we provide further information about independent living and senior care costs in Virginia, as well as details regarding how to pay for it and resources that may be of help to seniors living here.

The Cost of Independent Living in Virginia

Note: Independent Living is usually 30%-40% cheaper than Assisted Living, but no authoritative cost data is available. We calculated our average costs of Independent Living by using Assisted Living costs established in the 2021 Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey and subtracting 35% from this amount.

Virginia is one of the more expensive states to live in, as demonstrated by an average cost of Independent Living that’s $488 higher than the national average. Its cost is also higher than all bordering states. Maryland is closest in cost and also higher than the national average but still $228 less than Virginia. Independent Living costs in West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina are all lower than the national average and lower than Virginia’s average by $709, $745 and $806, respectively. Kentucky has the lowest cost in the area, which is $1,172 lower than Virginia.

$3413

Virginia

$2925

The United States

$3185

Maryland

$2704

West Virginia

$2668

Tennessee

$2607

North Carolina

$2241

Kentucky

Independent Living costs in Virginia’s cities run the gamut from a high of $3,851 in Roanoke to a low of $3,006 in Lynchburg. Charlottesville’s cost is also on the high side at $3,705, while Winchester’s cost of $3,260, Richmond’s $3,186 and Virginia Beach’s $3,049 are all below the state average.

$3851

Roanoke

$3705

Charlottesville

$3260

Winchester

$3186

Richmond

$3049

Virginia Beach

$3006

Lynchburg

Seniors in Virginia have a wide array of care options, from nonresidential Adult Day Health Care at a low average cost of $1,690 per month to various levels of care in a residential setting. Within their own homes, seniors can opt for In-Home Care at an average cost of $4,767 or Home Health Care for $4,954. Independent Living offers the least restrictive residential care with an average cost of $3,413, while Assisted Living provides personalized support at a cost of $5,250 per month. Nursing Home Care offers the highest level of support and runs $8,213 in semiprivate quarters or $9,155 in a private room.

$3413

Independent Living

$5250

Assisted Living

$1690

Adult Day Health Care

$4767

In-Home Care

$4954

Home Health Care

$8213

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$9155

Nursing Home Care (private room)

Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Virginia?

Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Virginia.

Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.

Paying for Independent Living in Virginia

While programs such as Medicaid and Medicare don’t pay for independent living, seniors do have some options available when it comes to paying for this option. In some cases, previously purchased long-term care insurance policies may cover partial independent living costs, but for those who don’t have this type of insurance, other options, including reverse mortgages and whole life insurance cash-outs can help with the expense. It’s also good to keep in mind that independent living sometimes includes services such as food and transportation, so retirement income that normally goes toward these expenses can be easily redirected to cover independent living costs.

Independent Living Resources in Virginia

Across Virginia, there are many free and low-cost resources available to seniors that can offer help with meals, personal care, transportation and other needs to prolong independence and ensure the safety of the state’s older population. These programs are generally administered by government or nonprofit agencies.

Resource
Contact 
Service
(800) 983-0937
Access VA helps seniors with disabilities find affordable housing within Virginia. The service works with independent living centers across the state to provide options for those who need it. 
(888) 832-3858
APS strives to prevent instances of abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders throughout Virginia. This organization also steps in to investigate reports of abuse and administers programs to provide limited financial supports for low-income seniors living in long-term care.
(800) 552-3962
The dLCV is a nonprofit organization that uses grants and donations to provide legal services for seniors throughout Virginia. Services include representation in financial legal matters, as well as matters related to abuse, neglect or discrimination.
(800) 552-5019
Virginia's ombudsmen advocate on behalf of seniors who receive long-term care services, including those who receive home care services in independent living communities. This organization resolves issues brought forth by seniors to ensure quality care is provided and seniors' rights are respected by caregivers.
(888) 992-0959
Operated by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Virginia Easy Access helps seniors access an array of programs that can offer assistance with healthcare, nutrition, long-term care and finances. 
(804) 545-1644
Virginia's AAAs provide seniors with a broad range of services that are designed to encourage their independence. That includes help with accessing home care or respite services, Medicare or Medicaid planning assistance and health screenings or healthcare services.

COVID-19 Rules for Independent Living in Virginia

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/15/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Rules for Virginia Communities

Are loved ones allowed to visit to provide emotional support?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are relatives allowed to visit for end-of-life care?

Yes

Are residents required to quarantine after visiting with a loved one?

No

Are visitors required to wear PPE (including masks) in order to visit residents?

Yes

Are non-medical contractors (such as hairdressers and entertainers) allowed in senior living facilities?

Yes

Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives?

Yes

Are visitors checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are visitors required to answer questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact?

Yes

Outings & Social Activities

Rules for Virginia Communities

Are residents allowed to leave (errands, visiting family, etc.) for non-medical reasons?

Yes

Are residents who leave required to quarantine when they return?

No (Conditions Apply)

Are senior living communities required to cancel all group outings?

No

Are residents allowed to eat meals together in a common area?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are residents allowed to gather in common areas for group activites?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Rules for Virginia Communities

Are staff members regularly required to do a temperature check?

Yes

Are staff members regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Are staff members members regularly required to do a health and safety screening, including questions about travel, contact with positive cases, etc?

Yes

Are residents regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Yes

Are residents regularly checked for elevated temperatures?

Yes

Are residents regularly tested for COVID-19?

Yes (Conditions Apply)

Find Independent Living Communities in Virginia

Use the tool below to find Independent Living Communities near you – if you’d like to search in a specific city in Virginia, simply put that in the search bar below.

Directory of Independent Living Communities in Richmond, VA

Holiday Virginian

300 Twinridge Ln, Richmond, VA, 23235

The tour at Holiday Virginian was very good. They’re very cooperative, very outgoing, showed us everything we wanted to see, we were very pleased with the surroundings and the cleanliness of the place … (read more)
The tour at Holiday Virginian was very good. They’re very cooperative, very outgoing, showed us everything we wanted to see, we were very pleased with the surroundings and the cleanliness of the place … (read more)

Heritage Oaks

1100 German School Rd , Richmond, VA, 23225

I enjoyed my tour at Heritage Oaks, I liked it. I like that as a community, they have activities, it’s a structured environment, and it’s a nice and clean place. The apartment I saw had a nice design, … (read more)
I enjoyed my tour at Heritage Oaks, I liked it. I like that as a community, they have activities, it’s a structured environment, and it’s a nice and clean place. The apartment I saw had a nice design, … (read more)

Tuckahoe Pines Retirement Community

12330 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23238

I toured three senior places and the top one was Tuckahoe Pines Retirement Community. It’s gorgeous. The food looks incredible. They have everything. I would live there myself. It is the highest, it’s … (read more)
I toured three senior places and the top one was Tuckahoe Pines Retirement Community. It’s gorgeous. The food looks incredible. They have everything. I would live there myself. It is the highest, it’s … (read more)

The Crossings at Bon Air

9100 Bon Air Crossings Drive, Richmond, VA, 23235

Centrally located in Richmond, Virginia with easy access to the Midlothian Turnpike, The Crossings at Bon Air is a contemporary independent and assisted living facility for people over 55 years old. R … (read more)
Centrally located in Richmond, Virginia with easy access to the Midlothian Turnpike, The Crossings at Bon Air is a contemporary independent and assisted living facility for people over 55 years old. R … (read more)

Covenant Columns

510 Park Ave, Richmond, VA, 23223


Legacy at Imperial Village

1717 Bellevue Ave., Richmond, VA, 23227

Assisted living and Alzheimer’s & Dementia care at Imperial Plaza are both all inclusive, with NO levels of care.
Assisted living and Alzheimer’s & Dementia care at Imperial Plaza are both all inclusive, with NO levels of care.

The Towers

350 Hioaks Road, Richmond, VA, 23225

I recently went on a lunch tour here and I was very impressed with the food they had to offer! Have have new entrees weekly but have an a la carte menu that is available all day everyday, which is ver … (read more)
I recently went on a lunch tour here and I was very impressed with the food they had to offer! Have have new entrees weekly but have an a la carte menu that is available all day everyday, which is ver … (read more)

Lakewood

1900 Lauderdale Drive, Richmond, VA, 23238

Lakewood was very impressive. Unfortunately, it was during COVID, so we didn’t get to tour the living facilities. They had just finished renovations. Their staff was really pleasant and nice. I even p … (read more)
Lakewood was very impressive. Unfortunately, it was during COVID, so we didn’t get to tour the living facilities. They had just finished renovations. Their staff was really pleasant and nice. I even p … (read more)

Carriage Hill Apartments

7000 Coachman Lane, Richmond, VA, 23228

I am in the Carriage Hill. Everybody here is over 55. There aren’t any children, just senior citizens. They have a plan where the rent includes utilities. It looks very nice and very well kept-up. All … (read more)
I am in the Carriage Hill. Everybody here is over 55. There aren’t any children, just senior citizens. They have a plan where the rent includes utilities. It looks very nice and very well kept-up. All … (read more)

Discovery Village At The West End

9801 Harmony Woods Way, Richmond, VA, 23233

I took a tour of Discovery Village At the West End. I saw the facility. The people there were wonderful, and I really liked it. It was further away from where I wanted to be, and it was more expensive … (read more)
I took a tour of Discovery Village At the West End. I saw the facility. The people there were wonderful, and I really liked it. It was further away from where I wanted to be, and it was more expensive … (read more)

Hermitage Richmond

1600 Westwood Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23227


Dominion Place

1025 West Grace Street,, Richmond, VA, 23220

My husband chose to move at Dominion Place Association because he liked that area of town. It was his first choice of places to move in. The apartments were small but it was well-insulated that you di … (read more)
My husband chose to move at Dominion Place Association because he liked that area of town. It was his first choice of places to move in. The apartments were small but it was well-insulated that you di … (read more)

Summerhill at Sony Point

9250 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA, 23235

My Father lived at Summerhill for a little over eight years before he passed. He enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, and having his own unit that he bought. Summerhill has transportation for resident … (read more)
My Father lived at Summerhill for a little over eight years before he passed. He enjoyed gardening, playing bridge, and having his own unit that he bought. Summerhill has transportation for resident … (read more)

Harvest Glen Community

300 Pumpkin Pl North, Richmond, VA, 23225

Harvest Glen Community is a mile from my house. I like that it’s a single floor, and it’s a nice open layout inside. They do have a clubhouse and a pool. I think they do all the yard work with outside … (read more)
Harvest Glen Community is a mile from my house. I like that it’s a single floor, and it’s a nice open layout inside. They do have a clubhouse and a pool. I think they do all the yard work with outside … (read more)

Aspire at West End

5020 Sulky Drive, Richmond, VA, 23228

Aspire at West End was very beautiful. It’s the same price as the other place for a one-bedroom apartment. It’s got all the amenities. They have laundry and everything. The staff was excellent. The pe … (read more)
Aspire at West End was very beautiful. It’s the same price as the other place for a one-bedroom apartment. It’s got all the amenities. They have laundry and everything. The staff was excellent. The pe … (read more)

Guardian Place

1620 Hamilton St, Richmond, VA, 23230

My friend has moved into Guardian Place. It’s very nice. It’s a secure building. They check on you every day. They have a lot of nice parking spaces there. It’s monitored very well. It’s nice and clea … (read more)
My friend has moved into Guardian Place. It’s very nice. It’s a secure building. They check on you every day. They have a lot of nice parking spaces there. It’s monitored very well. It’s nice and clea … (read more)

Everleigh Short Pump

12651 Three Chopt Rd, Richmond, VA, 23233

My mother-in-law is currently in Everleigh Short Pump. What she liked the best was that it was a nice, clean, modern apartment with activities, with a swimming pool and a gym. What she likes the least … (read more)
My mother-in-law is currently in Everleigh Short Pump. What she liked the best was that it was a nice, clean, modern apartment with activities, with a swimming pool and a gym. What she likes the least … (read more)

Forest Creek

3501 Forest Haven Drive, Richmond, VA, 23234

My parents are still in Forest Creek. It is a decent place. It’s for 55-plus only. What I like best is the accommodations. Everything is on one floor. It’s a really clean area, which is what I like be … (read more)
My parents are still in Forest Creek. It is a decent place. It’s for 55-plus only. What I like best is the accommodations. Everything is on one floor. It’s a really clean area, which is what I like be … (read more)

Masonic Home of Virginia

500 Masonic Lane, Richmond, VA, 23223


Norcroft Townhomes

401 Norcroft Circle, Richmond, VA, 23225

I reached out via email and twice by phone and left voice message four days ago requesting info regarding income guidelines. I have yet to receive a courtesy response email or return call. How terri … (read more)
I reached out via email and twice by phone and left voice message four days ago requesting info regarding income guidelines. I have yet to receive a courtesy response email or return call. How terri … (read more)