Stretched along the Ohio River, just across the Ohio-Kentucky border, Cincinnati is a bustling Midwestern metropolis. You’ll find reputable universities, fascinating museums, major league sports teams, and its famous Skyline Chili. Cincinnati prides itself on its action plans to boost accessibility and senior-friendliness, making it a great place to retire. Among its many senior living options, browse Cincinnati senior apartments, designed for adults 55+ seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle at an affordable rate.
We’ve created this guide to Cincinnati senior apartment communities based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. The data and listings in this guide are from the range within a 10-mile radius of the Cincinnati city center. As this range overlaps with Kentucky, we’ve included relevant information for residents of that state. Find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Cincinnati seniors below.
Senior Living Apartments in Cincinnati, OH
Stretched along the Ohio River, just across the Ohio-Kentucky border, Cincinnati is a bustling Midwestern metropolis. You’ll find reputable universities, fascinating museums, major league sports teams, and its famous Skyline Chili. Cincinnati prides itself on its action plans to boost accessibility and senior-friendliness, making it a great place to retire. Among its many senior living options, browse Cincinnati senior apartments, designed for adults 55+ seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle at an affordable rate.Read more
We’ve created this guide to Cincinnati senior apartment communities based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. The data and listings in this guide are from the range within a 10-mile radius of the Cincinnati city center. As this range overlaps with Kentucky, we’ve included relevant information for residents of that state. Find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Cincinnati seniors below.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Cincinnati, OH
I'm currently a resident at The Kenwood by Senior Star. I came to look at this place and loved it, so I moved in! There is lots to do, everyone is so friendly at this facility. I'm happy to be here. I live...
My mother is doing fine at Valley Creek Retirement. So far it is okay. They make their own food. They do offer activities but she has not participated yet.
This place is a gem. Truly a life saver for care. I had looked at many places for my Mom. Not only is the house beautiful but the care she has received has surpassed any other very expensive place she had...
My grandmother is doing well here. For the most part everything has worked out well. The community looks good, but they need to change the carpet in her apartment. Other than the carpet everything else is...
Living here at Panorama is a convenient. Comfortable and affordable place to call home. Our office staff is always friendly and accommodating. Maintenance is efficient and prompt to any problems. They...
We are very satisfied with the care that my sister is receiving here. The staff has been great and very good with her. My sister really enjoys it here. The place offers a lot of activities for the...
I have been here over 8 years and the most recent owners are really on the ball the lobby is beautiful the remodeling of the building is fabulous. Its secure the laundry facilities are updated the wiring to...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Cincinnati
- Costs of senior apartments in the Cincinnati area
- How people pay for senior apartments in Cincinnati
- Understand Ohio laws and regulations for senior apartment communities
- Get to know senior apartments in Cincinnati
- What to expect from senior apartments in Cincinnati
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Cincinnati? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about senior apartments in Cincinnati
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Cincinnati
Town Square Senior Apartments in Cincinnati, OH
Optimized Senior Living Loveland
Optimized Senior Living Newtown
Costs of senior apartments in the Cincinnati area
Senior apartments are often a more cost-effective senior housing option. Based on our proprietary data and research, Cincinnati senior apartments can range from around $700 per month to $4,000 per month, depending on many factors. Cincinnati has several smaller, lower-budget apartments for seniors. At the higher end of the price range are luxury apartments, which have more amenities to support residents’ lifestyles. Variables such as the following affect the cost of a Cincinnati senior apartment:
- Proximity to downtown
- Luxury amenities
- Pet fees
- Floor plan
- Patio, balcony, or other apartment features
Cincinnati senior apartments typically include conveniences such as on-site maintenance, parking, and some or all utilities, which will most likely be included in the cost of monthly rent.[01]
The costs outlined in the graphic below represent the baseline monthly costs of a Cincinnati-area senior apartment community prior to any add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Cincinnati, OH vs. nearby cities
Cincinnati, OH
How people pay for senior apartments in Cincinnati
You can leverage several options to help pay for Cincinnati senior apartments. Start with an assessment of your own unique financial situation to determine the best way for you to pay for a senior apartment and any additional personal services you may need through in-home care.
While most forms of public assistance typically won’t cover rent in a senior apartment, they may help you offset costs in other areas. If you have a disability, chronic health condition, or another need for personal care services, you may be able to receive public assistance to help cover the cost of these care services in your apartment.
Private pay methods can include any source of income you have. Even if you’re retired and no longer receive a paycheck, you may have income in the form of savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, investment returns, or any of the following:
If you’re a U.S. military veteran, you may be able to receive assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which can help you pay for rent in a senior apartment, as well as other costs of living. Veterans benefits, such as Aid and Attendance, are designed to provide senior veterans and their surviving spouses with supplemental income to improve their quality of life.[03]
Veterans service officers
Applying for veterans benefits can be a difficult process. Even if you’re eligible, any mistakes in the application process could cause you to be denied benefits. This is why successfully applying usually requires assistance or advocacy.
By visiting one of the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs field offices, you can seek assistance and referrals from your area veteran service officers. As fellow veterans who are trained and certified in benefits offerings, veteran services officers are there to help Ohio senior veterans get the most out of their eligibility.
Additional assistance with VA benefits
You can visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services webpage or contact the local VA office for assistance with finding veterans benefits support. The Ohio Attorney General website offers information on additional community resources for veterans, including financial support, legal advocacy, housing assistance, and more.
Each state has veterans service organizations (VSOs) overseen by the VA, where veterans can receive support. You can also visit your local Veterans of Foreign Wars office or Disabled American Veterans office. Find information on Cincinnati VSOs and other resources below.
Number of veterans who live in Cincinnati
About 74% of Cincinnati veterans are 55+.
Resources for Cincinnati veterans
Cincinnati Veterans Center
4545 Montgomery Road
Norwood, OH 45212
Phone: 513-763-3500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Hamilton County Veterans Service Office
230 E. Ninth St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-946-3300
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Louisville Regional Office
321 W. Main St., Suite 390
Louisville, KY 40202
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
1111 Louisville Road, Building B
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-9203
Fax: 502-564-9240
Ohio Department of Veterans Services
Verne Riff State Office Tower
77 S. High St., #7
Columbus, OH 43215
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — Ohio
35 Chestnut St., Suite 506
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-224-1838
DAV — Ohio Department Headquarters
35 E. Chestnut St., Suite 503
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-221-3582
Cincinnati DAV Services Office
VA Medical Center
3200 Vine St., Room B147
Cincinnati, OH 45220-2288
Phone: 513-475-6443
Medicaid is federal- and state-funded medical insurance for Americans with disabilities or low incomes. While each state’s Medicaid program varies, all Medicaid programs must follow federal guidelines. Medicaid in Ohio and Kentucky are simply referred to as Ohio Medicaid and Kentucky Medicaid. To receive Medicaid benefits, you must be enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO), and the agency providing the care services must be contracted with that MCO.
Medicaid programs will not cover the cost of rent in a senior living community. However, Ohio and Kentucky residents in senior apartments may be able to receive financial support with care services through home and community based services waivers, which are offered by both states’ Medicaid programs.
Ohio PASSPORT waivers
The Ohio PASSPORT waiver is designed to cover care for people who need a nursing facility level of care but choose to live in the community instead of in a skilled nursing facility. This home and community based services waiver is for Ohio residents age 60 and over. Eligible seniors can use this waiver to cover the cost of care in their own home, senior apartment, or other senior living facility instead of moving into a skilled nursing facility.
The PASSPORT waiver can cover costs of care needs such as the following:
- Personal care, such as assistance with activities of daily living, housekeeping, and meal preparation
- Nutritional guidance and meal delivery
- Adult day services
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Medical equipment
PASSPORT waivers also include basic Medicaid coverage and may cover costs such as prescription medications, physician visits, and hospital stays.[04]
Kentucky home and community based waiver
Kentucky Medicaid also offers a home and community based (HCB) waiver, which seniors in Kentucky can take advantage of. Kentucky’s HCB waiver can cover the costs of services such as the following:
- Adult day support
- Personal care
- Simple home modifications
- Meal services
- Respite care
Similarly to Ohio’s HCBS waivers, Kentucky Medicaid HCB waivers have certain eligibility requirements. To qualify, Kentucky residents must be age 65 or older or have a qualifying disability, they must meet basic Medicaid eligibility requirements, and they must require a nursing facility level of care.[05]
Where to get more assistance
Ohio residents can manage their care through the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline Member Portal. The Ohio Department of Aging has several Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) where Ohio residents can receive additional support with Medicare, Medicaid, and other services. You can also reach out to a long-term care ombudsman for advice and advocacy on your rights as a resident in senior living.
Kentucky residents can use the Kynect website to find out more about Medicaid benefits eligibility and access their benefits. Residents also have their own Area Agencies on Aging, ombudsman advocacy, and more.
Cincinnati resident Medicaid resources
Ohio Medicaid Member Portal
Phone: 800-324-8680
Ohio Department of Medicaid
50 W. Town St., Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
4601 Malsbary Road
Blue Ash, OH 45242
Phone: 800-252-0155
Pro Seniors Long-Term Care Ombudsman
7162 Reading Road, Suite 1150
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Phone: 800-488-6070
Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
275 E. Main St., 3W-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-4321
Email: dmsweb@ky.gov
Medicare is a federally funded program designed to extend health coverage to Americans 65 or older and individuals with qualifying disabilities. As a federal program, Medicare requirements will be the same in both Ohio and Kentucky. Medicare has multiple parts that cover different aspects of health care such as the following:
- Inpatient hospital stays or skilled nursing care
- Doctors’ services, medical services, and medical supplies
- Prescription medications
Medicare is a form of health insurance, so it won’t cover the cost of rent in a senior apartment. However, it can be used to cover medically necessary in-home care and care for short-term medical conditions. You can find more information on Medicare costs and coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website or by reaching out to one of your local Social Security Administration offices. Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs.
The Social Security Administration can help you receive access to Medicare support if you are eligible. You may be able to dual enroll in Medicare and Medicaid, which will enable you to pay Medicare premiums using Medicaid benefits. A local long-term care ombudsman can help you access the benefits you’re eligible for and advocate for your rights. A long-term care ombudsman can also investigate complaints of residents of long-term care and help ensure that seniors receive the quality of care they deserve. Find links to these resources below.
Cincinnati resident Medicare resources
Lower-income residents can apply for assistance from the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, including the Housing Choice (Section 8) Voucher. The Housing Choice Voucher is designed to make quality housing available to lower-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Not all senior apartment communities accept Section 8 vouchers, so if you intend to use this voucher to help cover your rent, make sure the community is compatible.
Social Security benefits such as the following may be another way for seniors to offset the cost of rent:
- Social Security in retirement (also known as Social Security Retirement benefit/SSR) is intended to replace a portion of your income when you retire.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an assistance program for individuals who have a work history but who are unable to continue working because of a qualifying disability.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is an assistance program for individuals who have no work history and are 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
- Social Security survivors pension is an assistance program for dependents, such as a spouse or children, of a deceased person who qualified for social security benefits.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have eligibility for SSI as well as work history credits as defined by the Social Security Administration’s specific parameters. Depending on your eligibility and the community itself, social security benefits may help you cover rent in a senior apartment.
Additional public assistance resources
Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority
Main Office
1627 Western Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45214
Phone: 513-721-4580
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Understand Ohio laws and regulations for senior apartment communities
Cincinnati senior apartments typically have an age minimum of 55, 62, or 65, depending on the individual apartment community. Age minimums generally don’t apply to every tenant; rather, one person in each household must meet the age requirement.
Senior apartments are subject to the same regulations as any other Ohio apartment, with tenants and landlords each having their own requirements and rights.
Apartment regulations in Ohio and Kentucky
Landlords of apartments in Ohio and Kentucky are required to maintain basic standards of maintenance, safety, and cleanliness for their tenants. Both states’ regulations require apartment landlords to do the following:[06,07]
- Ensure that all electrical, plumbing, sanitation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, elevators, and other facilities are in good and safe working order
- Organize waste removal services
- Supply running water and heat
- Make necessary repairs to keep the building safe and usable
- Maintain building codes standards for health and safety purposes
- Keep communal areas clean, sanitary, and safe for use
Both Ohio and Kentucky apartment regulations require tenants to do the following:[08,09]
- Refrain from disturbing other residents with excessive noise
- Keep the premises clean and safe
- Use plumbing and electrical equipment appropriately
- Practice proper waste disposal
- Cooperate with state and municipal drug laws on the premises
- Cooperate with health and safety codes for housing
ADA compliance
Regardless of what state they’re in, senior apartment communities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by making reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities. Federal law prohibits owners of housing facilities from denying residency to individuals who have disabilities.
What are reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities?
Reasonable accommodations are defined as adjustments to rules or policies so that tenants with disabilities have access to the same amenities that are offered to the rest of the tenants. Accommodations may include provisions such as the following:
- Convenient parking
- Equal access to the complex’s shared spaces or activities for those with disabilities
- Adjustment of rent payment due date to correspond with tenant’s disability payments
What are modifications for individuals with disabilities?
Modifications can mean making construction changes to the apartment complex and unit in order to make the space more navigable for tenants with disabilities. Modifications could mean adding handrails in bathrooms, a wheelchair ramp, or a hands-free entrance. The costs of these modifications are the responsibility of the property owner, rather than of the tenant with the disability.[10]
You can find more information on related Ohio and Kentucky tenant-landlord laws below.
- View the Ohio Tenant and Landlord Guide
- View the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Housing Guide for Seniors and Individuals who have a Disabilities
- View Kentucky rental housing information
Ohio Department of Health contact information
Cincinnati Health Department
3101 Burnet Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45229
Phone: 513-357-7200
COVID-19 regulations for Cincinnati senior apartments
As most COVID-19 restrictions in Ohio and Kentucky have been lifted, there are no state-implemented COVID-19 regulations in place for Cincinnati senior apartments at this time. However, individual communities may enforce their own regulations, such as masking, social distancing, and contact tracing.
Get to know senior apartments in Cincinnati
What to expect from senior apartments in Cincinnati
Cincinnati senior apartments are designed for worry-free retirement, where tenants can shed the responsibilities of home ownership like lawn care and maintenance. Senior apartments are generally a lower-cost form of independent living, and as such, they usually offer basic amenities to help keep prices low. This type of senior living also offers many social opportunities, as residents live amidst other retirees. Many of Cincinnati’s senior apartments are centrally located in the downtown area, giving residents access to the city’s best dining and entertainment.
Cincinnati senior apartment basics
Cincinnati senior apartments usually offer the following amenities:
- On-site salon services
- Private balconies or patios
- High-speed internet
- Community swimming pools
- Fitness centers
- Recreational areas
- Planned social activities
- Storage units
- Maintenance
- Management staff
- Wheelchair accessibility
Cincinnati lower-income senior apartments
Several senior apartment communities in Cincinnati are designed to accommodate low-income seniors. These communities typically still include basic amenities, though the specific offerings may depend on the community itself. Many senior apartment communities will accept Section 8 Housing Vouchers so that lower-income seniors can still enjoy a low-maintenance lifestyle. If you plan to use a housing voucher, reach out to your prospective apartment complex to ensure they accept Section 8 vouchers.
Cincinnati luxury senior apartments
Cincinnati does have some luxury senior apartments, which offer more plentiful amenities for resort-style living. These communities typically offer the same basic amenities as most senior apartments, plus additional amenities such as the following:
- Dining and meal services
- Concierge services
- Fitness classes
- Housekeeping services
Explore senior care with confidence
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Unfamiliar with Cincinnati? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Cincinnati
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Cincinnati population
Mean retirement income for Cincinnati seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is home to several state-of-the-art teaching hospitals and medical centers.
The Christ Hospital
The Christ Hospital is ranked No. 1 in Cincinnati and No. 5 in the state of Ohio, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s nationally ranked in four adult specialties, including cardiology, and in 14 procedures/conditions. The Christ Hospital has been offering compassionate expert medical care to the Cincinnati metropolitan area for over 100 years.
St. Elizabeth Edgewood Hospital
St. Elizabeth Edgewood Hospital is ranked No. 2 in Cincinnati, according to U.S. News and World Report, and ranked No. 1 in Kentucky. St. Elizabeth is high performing in several procedures and offers exceptional orthopedic care, cardiovascular care, cancer care, and more.
Bethesda North Hospital
The third highest ranking hospital in Cincinnati, according to U.S. News and World Report, Bethesda North is a general medical and surgical hospital that is high-performing in 10 adult specialties. Bethesda North is a teaching hospital, and it features a Level III trauma center.
Transportation for seniors in Cincinnati
Downtown Cincinnati is very walkable, and most errands can be accomplished without a car. As you get further from the city center, however, you may want to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Cincinnati’s public transportation system is called Go Metro. Go Metro features multiple bus routes, and you can search a route in the Cincinnati area or by popular destinations. Go Metro’s buses are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, so even Ohio residents with disabilities or who require a wheelchair or service animal can ride. If a person’s disability makes buses inaccessible even with these modifications, Cincinnati offers an Access rideshare program where Ohioans can be picked up in a van designed specifically to accommodate passengers with special needs.
Downtown Cincinnati is considered a “walker’s paradise” by WalkScore, which gives it the following transportation ratings out of 100:[13]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Cincinnati
Cincinnati has many wonderful attractions, activities, and dining options for its residents, visitors, and growing senior population. Explore area attractions, eateries, and offerings designed for seniors below.
Cincinnati attractions
Cincinnati has a wealth of museums, shopping, dining, parks, and other attractions in its walkable downtown area. Cincinnati’s most popular downtown attractions include the following:
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Fountain Square
Cincinnati Art Museum
Cincy Brew Bus
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Cincinnati also offers a symphony orchestra, ballet, Broadway Cincinnati, opera, Shakespeare in the Park, and many other art and cultural attractions to keep your calendar full. For Cincinnati residents and visitors on a budget, the city has many exhibits and historical sites that are free to the public.
Cincinnati dining
It may be no surprise that Cincinnati is famous for its chili, with the iconic Skyline brand featuring the city’s striking skyline. But Cincinnati is also home to diverse cuisine options, from pizza to waffles to artisan seafood. Best of all, you can enjoy many dining options from restaurants with rooftop seating and floor to ceiling windows that give you a panoramic view of this beautiful city.
Cincinnati 60+
The Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) offers many programs for Cincinnati residents to stay active and connected with each other, but did you know they have programs specifically for older residents? The CRC offers fitness classes, activities, meals, group outings, and the Southwest Ohio Senior Olympics event. There are CRC locations all over the city where seniors can gather for fitness, fun and friendship.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Kenwood by Senior Star, Town Square Senior Apartments and Valley Creek Retirement are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Cincinnati, OH. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Cincinnati is 2259.92 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Cincinnati [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Ohio Department of Aging. PASSPORT.
Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Home and community based waiver.
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04 (2012).
Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 383.595 (2023).
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.05 (2012).
Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Kentucky Revised Statutes § 383.605 (2023).
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Cincinnati [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Cincinnati.
Walk Score. (2023). Downtown, Cincinnati.
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