Independent living provides the opportunity for seniors to remain connected to their home cities while living in a community with their 55-and-over peers. At A Place for Mom, we partner with 12 independent living facilities in the area that provide older adults with a wide variety of potential residential setups and, in some cases, access to third-party care services. Six of these are stand-alone independent living facilities; one is both an independent living and assisted living facility; and five are combination independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities.
The facilities listed here are all within 10 miles of downtown Richmond, providing easy connections to any social activities and sightseeing residents might want to do.
According to A Place for Mom data, most of these facilities are pet-friendly; provide complimentary transportation; and have recreational spaces such as game rooms, movie theaters, and fitness centers . This makes Richmond a great city for seniors who may need support while enjoying the perks of retirement.
In this guide, we’ll cover information on independent living facilities, financing options, residential laws and regulations, care types, and more to help simplify your housing search.
The Barrington at Hioaks is an exceptional facility. All the nurses I have met have met me with a smile. They show true care for my mother! My mom needs a very high level of care and all of the staff is...
The friendliness of the staff gets a 5+. Quality of care rating is less than perfect because of the QUANTITY of it … (short staffed). Meals offer variety but occasionally over-cooked vegetables.. Activities...
I would recommend Heritage Oaks to others. However, if the resident has any serious medical conditions this is not the place for them. Otherwise, it is a nice place to live.
Staff and many residents are welcoming. Environment is clean, comfortable, welcoming. My brother and I visited. He has spent a 2 week respite there in November. And he started attending day respite in...
The staff at Commonwealth have worked with us very well. They're making sure that our loved one's medication is being administered as needed. They care about his well being. And I would highly recommend...
The staff (aides) are very friendly and knowledgeable. But they are generally slow in responding to the resident's pendant alert system, especially at night. I brought this to the attention of the director...
I can't recommend this place enough. The staff is friendly, responsive, and dedicated to caring for their residents. The facility is well-maintained. Having my loved ones here has been a blessing and a...
Aspire at West End is great. The residents always have help with anything and have a lot of activities available. I cannot say anything bad about the place. I would recommend to anyone. My mother does not...
I feel that they are open to conversation about what is best and if you tell them your concerns and what you need they try to address it. I am much happier with my parents here than the previous place! They...
Sunrise Villa Tuckahoe was an amazing place. We knew the first time we ever toured the place that this was the place for daddy. They went out of their way welcoming him on his day or move in and continue...
Overall we have been very pleased with the care at Harmony AL/IL facility. I have recommended community to my friends having to make hard decisions about their loved ones care.
The caregivers are gentle with the residents. They seem to genuinely care about the elderly people they look after and aren't just putting in time to get a paycheck. We were apprehensive about putting my...
I like that it feels cozy. Not big and impersonal like one place I visited. I like that it's not big, that it's older - so lower ceilings, established plantings. My mother is not overwhelmed by the spaces....
Overall we are very pleased with the quality of care and the smooth transition for [name removed]. We appreciate so much the assistance we have received from A Place For Mom.
I feel very good about the facility and everything that I have seen! I toured 3 communities and this was my first pick! The financial aspect, the set up of the suites and the people I met at my first visit
From my perspective pretty much all the questions I would rate a 5. [name removed] is very capable with being able to do most things without assistance. But he seems very happy with the staff when he does...
We chose Acclaim at Carriage Hill because it was the most affordable. Although the price is still a little high. I would recommend them to others.
The office staff were so helpful. They helped me get my mom into a senior apt. there. She loves living in her new apt. The residence are all very friendly and kind to my mom. She has had a very positive...
Great neighbors, clean, good food,good programs and great security protection. I would recommend to other families. I picked this community, because It had Sr living and asst living in same building. Also a...
A beautiful and friendly facility for much less than others. Apartments are a great size, and everything seemed perfect and ideal.
Our of all the communities in the area we had looked at, Tuckahoe Pines is newer and everything seems very clean and they offer great amenities. There is staff on site if your loved one needs assistance. We...
The facility is dated compared to the newer facilities. Wish it had a movie room. Hard to evaluate the staff as we interact with them a lot less than the last place. Neither the last place nor this place are...
We sadly lost Mom-n-Law at New Year and had to move father into a new place quickly. I had been working with a Place for Mom for a few weeks and up came a referral for Holiday Virginian. They had a great...
The windows need to replaced badly and hallways and resident door's need painting immediately. The halls smell awful. It's not a bad community at all but for the price they are paying these things should be...
We have found the staff at Anthology of Tuckahoe to be very friendly and always speak when passing in the hall. Housekeeping does a nice job of keeping everything clean. Our apartment is always well tended...
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, residents at our network communities paid an average of $3,294 per month for independent living in 2022. This figure includes service fees or other add-ons.
In addition to monthly rent, the costs provide residents access to on-site activities, parking, and chef-cooked meals for them and their guests. Seniors who select an independent living community with assisted living or memory care facilities on campus have access to senior care as they need it, such as memory care, diabetes care and medication management
The following chart presents Richmond’s baseline independent living fees, not including add-ons.
Because independent living facilities aren’t classified as senior-care communities, seniors can’t pay for their stay via Medicaid, Medicare, or a long-term insurance carrier. Public pay methods are an option for seniors to pay for any in-home care options they bring to their independent living facilities.
Here, we’ll detail how seniors can use private funding and VA benefits to finance their independent living stays.
Independent living residents can pay for lodging through any number of private payment methods. Personal savings, investment returns, pensions, and Social Security benefits are just a few accepted ways seniors can finance their stays.
Veterans have multiple options for using benefits to finance their independent living stays in Richmond. Veterans who served during a wartime can apply for a VA Pension or seek VA Aid and Attendance to pay for independent living. To qualify for Aid and Attendance, a veteran must be on pension and have a service-connected ailment.
Veteran service organizations (VSOs) can help veterans navigate the complexities of VA benefits. Before beginning an application, contact vetted and recognized VSOs to access the best experts available in this area.
There are approximately 10,011 veterans who live in Richmond, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Percentage of veterans in Richmond that are over 55 years old, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Richmond veterans
Virginia Department of Veteran Services
101 N. 14th St., Floor 17
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-786-0286
Office Hours: Visits are by appointment only
The American Legion Department of Virginia
1708 Commonwealth Ave.
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-6606
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6364
6502 Dickens Place
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-288-9597
Office Hours: Call for current hours
Richmond VA Medical Center
1201 Broad Rock Blvd.
Richmond, VA 23249-4915
Phone: 804-675-5000
Mental Health Care: 804-675-5411
Office Hours: 24/7
Henrico County VA Clinic
7702 E. Parham Road, Parham Doctors Hospital, MOB III, Suite 201
Richmond, VA 23294-4372
Phone: 804-675-5000
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicaid is available to Virginia residents through Cardinal Care. It does not cover a senior’s independent living costs, but it can apply to any necessary in-home care services via Home and Community-Based Services Waivers.
Virginia Medicaid accepts applications for health coverage year-round. You can choose from three different ways to apply:
The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services agency can help Medicaid recipients with submitting state-sponsored health insurance applications and renewals.
Richmond resident Medicaid resources
Cardinal Care
600 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 833-522-5582
TDD: 888-221-1590
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. – noon
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
600 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-786-7933
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Office for Aging Services
1610 Forest Ave., Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9333
Toll Free: 800-552-3402
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Virginia Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: 804-565-1600
Toll Free: 800-552-5019
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Like Medicaid, Medicare does not cover independent living costs. However, seniors can use it to cover medical needs (e.g., doctor visits, drugs, and hospital stays). Medicare applicants are eligible if they’re at least 65 years old, under 65 living with certain disabilities, or diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. The enrollment period is three months before your birthday, during the month of your birthday, and three months after your birthday. Applying outside of this time could result in penalties [04].
Here are some programs and services that can help you offset Medicare costs:
Richmond resident Medicare resources
Richmond Social Security Administration Office
1834 W. Cary St.
Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: 800-772-1213
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Office for Aging Services
1610 Forest Ave., Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9333
Toll Free: 800-552-3402
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging
24 E. Cary St., Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-644-2804
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging
1300 Semmes Ave.
Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: 804-343-3000
Toll Free: 800-989-2286
Office Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Independent living facilities in Virginia do not have to be licensed or inspected. However, Virginia does license and maintain standards for assisted living facilities that provide residential living care (i.e., minimal assistance) or assisted living care (i.e., at least moderate assistance).
To be eligible for independent living in Richmond, applicants will have to be the facility’s agreed-upon age, be able to pay for their service, and be capable of independently managing care needs without involving community staff. Under the Fair Housing Act, independent living communities cannot inquire about a senior’s disability status when determining admission.
Richmond has its own COVID-19 guidelines, compiled by the state of Virginia. When it comes to independent living communities, the state encourages two factors:
Vaccinations. Employees and residents are encouraged to get vaccinations.
Facility cleanliness. Routine cleaning and handwashing are promoted.
A Place for Mom works with seniors and seniors’ families to find ideal independent living situations. From houses to condos, we work with people to get them what they want. Most of our partners fall in the mid-priced range, but do partner with a couple of budget-friendly communities. The majority of our Richmond communities feature apartment-style living.
Five of A Place For Mom’s independent living community partners also support assisted living and memory care. Within these communities, residents can expect in-house memory, incontinence, and diabetic care. These facilities also have staffing and ancillary services and can assist with managing medications.
If you or a loved one has a dog or a cat, then you’ll appreciate our 11 pet-friendly independent living communities.
Some communities have on-site bars, bistros, and cafes as well as chefs who can provide restaurant-style meals with little-to-no sodium or sugar for guests and their families.
Housekeeping, laundry, and dry cleaning are typically available on-site. Many apartment options also have high-speed internet, cable, and a kitchenette or full kitchen. Some units are handicap accessible with wheelchair-accessible showers, are available on the ground floor, or have respite or short-term availability.
There is often complimentary transportation available. However, there are other transit options and access to public buses and trains. Residents who drive may look into designated parking spaces.
Many of our partner communities offer recreational spaces and activities, including outdoor and indoor common areas, barber shops, beauticians, craft rooms, game rooms, movie theaters, and gyms. Generally, there are also rooms for residents to host larger groups for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, devotional activities, and more.
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Richmond
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Richmond population
Median annual income for Richmond seniors 65 and older
This health care network has several facilities in town, including its VCU Medical Center and Division of Geriatric Medicine. An academic medical facility and Richmond’s top-rated hospital, VCU Medical Center is a renowned research and innovation center and provides several care options, such as senior-focused care and cancer treatments.
This medical provider network includes Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, Richmond’s second-best hospital and a high-performing general medicine and surgical provider, and Chippenham Hospital, which specializes in senior mental and behavioral health to make patients’ later years safe and enjoyable.
As the city’s fourth-ranked hospital , Bon Secours is a dedicated senior-care facility. Its Geriatric Assessment Center is a specialized center that provides seniors assessments, care planning, urgent care, and follow-up services.
Also known as Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, it is Richmond’s lone veterans’ hospital.
Richmond is a town rich in history and space to explore. There are a variety of individual neighborhoods, including Carytown, Monroe Ward, and Jackson Ward. The city has dedicated cycling lanes throughout Downtown Richmond and the Virginia Capital Trail.
The city is large, so seniors looking to get somewhere fast can explore Richmond’s GRTC Transit System. This system includes buses and cutaway vans, 150 transit vehicles, and specialized transportation options, such as CARE, CARE Plus, and CARE On-Demand.
The following two ratings, presented by Walk Score, showcase the ease and accessibility of walking and biking in Richmond. Currently, there is no transit rating available. The highest possible score is 100.
Richmond has a multitude of activities and attractions for seniors, including outdoor excursions and indoor cultural expeditions.
Richmond offers seniors opportunities to stay active and move their bodies around. Seniors may enjoy hiking the James River Park trails or biking the Virginia Capital Trail.
Living independently in Richmond means you’ve got the Virginia State Capitol building in your own backyard. The building was designed by Thomas Jefferson over 230 years ago and is teeming with history. It’s open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Though famed poet Edgar Allan Poe is one of Baltimore, Maryland’s most famous residents, The Poe Museum in Richmond is chock-full of recreational activities for senior residents. With a calendar full of events and troves of Poe’s work on display, visitors will be tapping and rapping at the museum’s door. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Richmond also has several other prominent museums:
Interested in outdoor excursions? The 100-acre Maymont estate and park makes a great visit. Maymont features lovely gardens, an arboretum, native wildlife habitats, a nature center, a historic mansion, and more. Check out the website for operating times and more details. There’s also the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, which was ranked America’s fourth-best public garden by USA Today. The botanical garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is only $14 for seniors and veterans.
Seniors can check out the Linwood Robinson Senior Center, a historical facility that offers fellowship and recreation activities to individuals who are 60 and older. The center provides a variety of programs, including arts and crafts, day trips, educational and cultural lessons, table games, piano lessons, community service opportunities, and more. You can call 804-646-3115 for operating times and days.
The Belmont Recreation Center has several senior-specific activities and is raring for more members. The Belmont Games Club invites participants ages 50 and over for card and board games, bridge, and pinochle. There’s also a bowling league at Shrader Lanes for seniors over 55, a golf club for seniors over 50, and two tennis clubs (Net Set and Racketeers) for seniors over 55.
Deep Run Recreation Center also offers a variety of drop-in games, such as bridge, canasta, cribbage, mahjong, and pinochle. There are also free fitness classes seniors can register for and open gym time where seniors can play pickleball. In order to participate in a gym activity, visitors just need to apply for a free access pass.
Looking for more entertainment? Rosie’s Gaming Emporium and Colonial Downs features casino games, betting, concerts, tastings, magic shows, and more. Check out the events page often for new events and experiences.
Sunrise of Richmond, The Barrington at Hioaks and The Westmont at Short Pump Community are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Richmond, VA. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Richmond is $3,959 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population estimates (V2017-2021): Richmond, Virginia; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101): Richmond, Virginia; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Office for Aging Services of the Division for Community Living. (2023). Medicare & Medicaid.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News. (2023). Best Hospitals in Richmond, VA.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population estimates (V2017-2021): Richmond, Virginia; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101): Richmond, Virginia; United States [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Office for Aging Services of the Division for Community Living. (2023). Medicare & Medicaid.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News. (2023). Best Hospitals in Richmond, VA.