Best Assisted Living in Houston, TX | Compare Top Options
As the largest city in Texas, Houston is home to many seniors and a range of assisted living facilities. The city draws in retired seniors with its diverse senior living scene, while its stunning parks, cultural activities, and top-rated medical centers serve as an added bonus. Houston’s senior-friendly urban sprawl offers choices for retirees. A Place for Mom partners with 31 assisted living facilities throughout the most popular neighborhoods within downtown Houston’s 10-mile radius.
To help you wade through the abundance of assisted living options, we’ve scored Houston assisted living facilities using our 20+ years of experience in the senior living industry, data on senior living facilities across the country, and feedback from families like yours. We’ve also collected information on our partnered communities in Houston to compile this guide on local assisted living costs, payment methods, facility regulations, local senior-friendly activities, and more.
Houston Assisted Living Facilities | 916 Reviews
At Clarewood House there was an issue with the refrigerator. It was warm and his food went bad. I e-mailed them a couple of times and the week after he moved in the refrigerator still wasn't cold. I went to...
The staff at this community have been very helpful to my loved one and have provided him with great quality of care. He has a few problems with remembering things from time to time so I like the fact that...
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Silverado at Cypresswood is an exceptional place. The staff is phenomenal with the patients and provides solving and caring environment. The activities provided are relevant and fun for the residents as...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Houston community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Houston community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of assisted living in the Houston area
- What families are saying about assisted living in Houston
- How people pay for assisted living in Houston
- Understand Texas laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Unique assisted living features in Houston
- Houston assisted living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Houston? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Houston area
The cost of assisted living in Houston varies depending on the selected neighborhood, preferred floor plan, and required level of care. The median rent cost, not including any added care or amenities, was $5,355 per month at partner assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Houston — according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data.
Below, you’ll find figures that represent baseline cost averages and don’t necessarily reflect total move-in costs, add-ons, and fees.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Houston, TX vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Houston, TX vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Houston vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Houston, TX by room type
What families are saying about assisted living in Houston
Recent reviews for assisted living in Houston
The Tradition - Woodway in Houston, TX
Good Living Community Care in Houston, TX
Serenity Gardens Friendswood
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
Houston review score based on 461 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 461 reviews of 100 Houston assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Houston review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Houston assisted living
When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 461 reviews of 100 Houston assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Houston resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for assisted living in Houston
There are several ways a person can pay for assisted living, so it’s important to maximize options by planning early. Many families use a mixture of private methods and public sources to finance assisted living costs. In this section, we’ve compiled a variety of methods and resources to help you pay for assisted living in Houston.
Private pay methods are usually considered first when families begin crafting a payment plan for assisted living. Your loved one’s methods will depend on their financial situation and can include the following:
- Personal income and savings. Seniors can combine their savings accounts, investments, Social Security benefits, pensions, and more to cover assisted living costs.
- Health savings accounts. A health savings account, also known as an HSA, is a tax-free personal savings account that can be used to cover health care costs. If your loved one has an HSA, they may use it to cover assisted living costs.
- Proceeds from selling a house. A moving senior might be selling their house, resulting in freed-up cash that could be used to fund assisted living costs.
- Reverse mortgages. Selling a house may not be an option for some seniors. In that case, a reverse mortgage can help free up some cash for assisted living.
- Life insurance policies. Some life insurance policies can be sold, surrendered for cash, or borrowed from to fund assisted living.
- Long-term care insurance. Long-term care insurance policies can help cover assisted living care costs, such as assistance with activities of daily living, physical therapy, skilled nursing care, and more. However, many policies vary on what they cover, so it’s crucial to contact your policy provider to learn what is covered.
It’s also noteworthy that Texas is one of the few U.S. states without a personal income tax, saving seniors from tax burden on their Social Security benefits and other retirement income.[01,02] And, if a senior’s medical expenses total more than 7.5% of their adjusted gross income, they may be tax-deductible on federal tax returns.
The number of veterans who live in Houston, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Approximately 45% of Houston veterans are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Houston is a part of Harris County, Texas’ largest county, making it home to the largest veteran population in Texas. The Harris County Veterans Services Department benefit advisors can advise and assist veterans with a number of services — applying for pensions and benefits, processing VA claims, filing appeals, and more.
If a veteran senior qualifies for a VA pension, the senior can use those funds for assisted living. Additionally, disabled veterans may also be entitled to added benefits like the Aid and Attendance on top of their pension, which can be used to fund any costs associated with assisted living.
Resources for Houston veterans
2929 McKinney St.
Houston, TX 77003
Phone: 281-876-6600
Email: vsdinfo@harriscountytx.gov
6900 Almeda Road
Houston, TX 77030
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Amazing Soldiers is a nonprofit program dedicated to providing resources and reliable services to veterans in need of support or assistance.
3880 Greenhouse Road, Suite 409
Houston, TX 77084
Phone: 346-900-4551
Email: amazingsoldiers16@gmail.com
TVC advocates for veterans, their families, and their surviving spouses in Texas. They offer eight programs dedicated to helping veterans obtain benefits, file claims, and more.
In Houston, most seniors who receive Medicaid get their coverage through STAR+PLUS — Texas’ managed care program specifically for adults who have disabilities and/or are 65 or older. In order for STAR+PLUS to cover health care and long-term care costs in an assisted living facility, the facility must be licensed and certified by Texas Health and Human Services (commonly referred to as HHS).
Additional medical and nonmedical assisted living services can be covered through Home and Community Based Services (also known as HCBS) — STAR+PLUS’ Medicaid waiver program that can be used in assisted living facilities contracted with a resident’s managed care provider. This HCBS waiver enables individuals to reside and receive care in a residential setting like an assisted living community rather than an institutional setting like a nursing home.
Medicaid’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) program can help cover costs for the following types of assisted living services:
- Personal care
- Medical supplies
- Adaptive aids, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, orthotic devices, and orthopedic shoes
- Nursing services
- Respite care
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies [03]
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Texas Health and Human Services assesses an individual’s need for the HCBS program when they apply for Medicaid. To qualify for HCBS, seniors must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be 65 years of age or older.
- Require an institutional level of care.
- Earn less than $2,523 per month individually or $5,046 as a couple.[04]
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Note that not all Houston assisted living facilities qualify as an HCBS setting. In order to qualify, assisted living facilities must be integrated in a greater community and provide the following opportunities for interested residents:
- Seek work or volunteer
- Engage in local community life
- Control their own resources and finances
- Receive services in the community
Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to adults 65+ and individuals with disabilities. It doesn’t cover room and board costs in assisted living facilities, but it can help cover some medically necessary care costs at an assisted living facility.
Below, you’ll find Texas programs that can help you save on Medicare deductibles and fees, as well as help you apply for Medicare:
- The Texas Medicare Savings Program helps cover some Medicare Parts A and B copayments, premiums, deductibles, and/or coinsurance.
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Part A covers hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care services. Part B covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services.
To qualify for the savings program, seniors must meet certain income requirements.
- The Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (also known as HICAP) is a Texas program that offers legal advice, referrals, and assistance to Texans who are 60+ years or qualify for Medicare.
Houston resident Medicare resources
Print or get a paper form by mail
An ombudsman advocates for assisted living residents’ rights and helps families learn about assisted living options and payment methods.
Greg Shelley, Harris County Long-Term Care Ombudsman
6901 Bertner Ave., Suite 624
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 715-500-9930
Email: Gregory.K.Shelley@uth.tmc.edu
Phone: 832-393-4301
Email: aging@houstontx.gov
Dial 2-1-1
Visit the federal Medicare website
Texas residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid can receive dual coverage through one Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP). This program is called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project, commonly known as “the Demonstration.”
The Demonstration strives to improve service coordination, enhance quality of care, eliminate cost shifting between Medicare and Medicaid, and reduce costs for both the Texas and federal governments.
Eligibility criteria for the Demonstration includes the following:
- Have Medicare Parts A, B, and D, and receive full Medicaid benefits.
- Be enrolled in the STAR+PLUS program for a minimum of 30 days.
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Dual-eligible individuals should be automatically enrolled and may choose to opt out of the Demonstration after they receive a letter notifying them of their enrollment. For additional information, email Managed_Care_Initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
Understand Texas laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
In the state of Texas, all assisted living facilities must be licensed by Texas Health and Human Services (also known as HHS) in order to operate and house residents.
Texas Health and Human Services refers to assisted living facilities as ALFs and categorizes them into two types — A and B. Type A ALFs provide care to residents who don’t require routine attendance overnight and are capable of following directions in emergency situations. Type B ALFs care for residents who require nighttime attendance and assistance for evacuation during emergencies.[05]
All licensed assisted living facilities must pass a life safety code, physical plant inspection, and health inspection before they are officially licensed. After the initial inspection, facilities are inspected at least once every two years. The life safety code is used to ascertain whether the facility is built to safely house residents, and the health inspection helps confirm that a facility is equipped to protect residents’ health.[06]
Texas Health and Human Services inspections check for the following in a facility and more:
- Sufficient staff-to-resident ratios
- Compliance with employee background checks
- Management of the facility
- Facility construction
- Implementation of safety and emergency features
- Protection from hazardous areas
- Documented reports of fire drills, systems, checks, etc.[06]
To access a licensed assisted living facility’s most recent inspection report and general facility information, visit the Texas Health and Human Services Long-term Care Provider Search. To request any information not found on the site, email RSLTCR.RecordsMgmt@hhsc.state.tx.us.
Additional information and resources
- Summary of Texas assisted living regulations and records
- Texas assisted living laws
- Texas assisted living regulations
Texas Health and Human Services contact information
4601 W. Guadalupe St.
Austin, TX 78751
Phone: 512-424-6500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Houston assisted living facilities
Houston itself doesn’t have any COVID-19 regulations in place for assisted living facilities; however, the Harris County Public Health Department provides COVID-19 updates and general information regarding testing, vaccines, and more.
For the state, Texas Health and Human Services (also known as HHS) developed a COVID-19 response plan for assisted living facilities. They regularly provide updates through COVID-19 FAQs to help facilities stay up to date with practices.
HHS requires assisted living facilities to develop their own policies and procedures regarding masks, social distancing, and additional protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) to help ensure resident safety. They must also allow all residents to have visitors, as it is a resident right.
Texas COVID-19 guidelines include the following:
Vaccinations. COVID-19 vaccinations are voluntary for residents and not required for visitors.
Masking. Residents and visitors aren’t required to wear masks unless indicated in the facility’s infection control policies and procedures.
Facility cleanliness. Frequently touched surfaces must be disinfected often, alcohol-based hand sanitizers must be available, and sinks must be well-stocked with soap and paper towels.
Staff safety. Staff must wear personal protective equipment when necessary and follow infection control policies and procedures during an outbreak.
Unique assisted living features in Houston
Houston’s population of 2.2 million is quickly rising and contributing to the growth of the aging population because many seniors prefer to remain close to their families. Houston seniors often seek assisted living options in neighborhoods close to their loved ones. Luckily, the city has no shortage of options. From luxury communities downtown to traditional communities in suburban neighborhoods, seniors have a range of options to choose from. Check out some unique Houston, Texas, assisted living features below.
Robust on-site amenities and activities
Due to high temperatures in Houston, many residents prefer to have as many on-site activities, amenities, and conveniences as possible. Our in-network communities do a great job of this, as many of them offer everything from beauty salons and fitness centers to theaters and libraries. Texas regulations hold assisted living communities to a high standard, as they require communities to provide weekly social programming. Many communities take this a step further and provide a rotating calendar of events and activities on a monthly basis.
On-site medical care services
Many Houston families and residents feel safer when care is available on site. Especially when an on-site medical director oversees care plans and an on-call doctor is available to attend to any urgent needs. Approximately 35% of our in-network communities have an on-site medical director, while 80% of them have an on-call doctor. Several communities also have visiting dentists, nurses, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. These visits are covered by Medicare when medically necessary for residents.
Cultural and religious accommodations
More than half of our in-network communities employ staff members that speak at least one other language, with Spanish being the most popular one. A small number of our Houston partner communities also employ staff fluent in sign language, Mandarin, and French. Additionally, several communities enable residents to practice their faith by offering a place of worship, devotional services, religious study groups, or visiting chaplains. Some communities are even faith-based, enabling seniors to reside and practice their faith with like-minded individuals.
Assisted living in the surrounding Houston suburbs
As seniors age, many of them prefer to move away from Houston traffic. Luckily, there are several suburbs nearby with a range of assisted living options. In recent years, Sugar Land and Katy have become some of Houston’s most popular suburbs and retirement destinations. These suburban cities come with a lot of open space, enabling seniors to live in large, nationally recognized, and award-winning assisted living communities that house unique amenities and multiple care types under one roof.
Houston assisted living services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Houston assisted living
Availability of select dementia care services in Houston assisted living
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Houston assisted living
Availability of select dining options in Houston assisted living
Availability of select programs and activities in Houston assisted living
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
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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.
Unfamiliar with Houston? Highlights for seniors
Number of 65+ seniors in Houston, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of 65+ Houston seniors that speak a language other than English at home
Percentage of 65+ Houston seniors who have a disability
Percentage of 65+ seniors that are not in the workforce
Health care for seniors in Houston
Houston is a health care hub for veterans and seniors. The city is home to two nationally ranked hospitals and the top-ranked hospital in Texas. Take a look at some information on the top hospitals in Houston:
Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston Methodist Hospital is the No. 1 hospital in Texas and Houston, according to U.S. News and World Report. It nationally ranks in 10 specialties, including No. 22 in the nation for geriatrics, No. 11 for orthopedics, and No. 15 in neurology.
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center
Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is the No. 2 hospital in Houston, and it nationally ranks in six specialties, including No. 43 in the nation for geriatrics, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Memorial Hermann Hospital
Memorial Hermann Hospital is No. 3 in Houston, and it’s high performing in seven specialties, including diabetes, orthopedics, and cardiology, according to U.S. News and World Report.
MD Anderson Cancer Center
MD Anderson is the No. 1 cancer center in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s the largest cancer center in America and is also nationally ranked in geriatrics, diabetes, and urology.
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is a popular veteran hospital in Texas. It is known for offering a wide array of services, including health, legal, and caregiver resources.
Transportation for seniors in Houston
Assisted living facilities are home to seniors with a range of mobility needs. Some seniors are wheelchair users or require transfer assistance, while others just need some safety accommodations like grab bars, ramps, etc. To accommodate these various needs, most assisted living facilities provide their own complimentary transportation, at-cost transportation services, or easy access to public options.
Houston public transportation options include METRO, which offers buses, rails, and paratransit services to Harris County residents. Another option is RIDES, offered through Harris County Transit, for residents who aren’t able to access METRO services. RIDES service is provided to qualifying individuals with disabilities and 65+ adults.
For active seniors who’d like to explore Houston with friends and families, the following scores from WalkScore may be useful. They’re each out of 100 and are based on Houston’s public density, walking routes, transportation services, biking trails, and more:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Houston
As Texas’ largest city, the saying “everything’s bigger in Texas” stands true in Houston. The city expands over 426,000 acres and is home to a large number of attractions and activities. Because mobility levels and interests vary in assisted living residents, we’ve compiled a range of activities suitable for a variety of seniors below.
- Museums. Seniors interested in lifelong learning will love Houston’s selection of museums. One of Houston’s top attractions is Space Center Houston, where adults can learn about the wonders of space exploration and view historic artifacts. Other museums include Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. All of these museums provide accommodations and resources for individuals with disabilities.
- Theaters. Seniors who enjoy cultural activities and events love the Theater District in downtown Houston. It spans 17 blocks and houses several of Houston’s performing arts centers, where seniors can attend plays, ballets, symphonies, and more.
- Outdoor activities. Nature-loving seniors can enjoy visits to the Houston Zoo or Houston Botanic Garden, where they can view flora and fauna from around the world. Both the zoo and garden are wheelchair accessible. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department also maintains several parks, trails, tennis courts, and pickleball courts for active seniors to enjoy.
- Shops and restaurants. There are an abundance of malls to shop and foods to try in Houston. From antique malls to designer boutiques, the Houston shopping scene has it all. Known as the Cultural Capital of the South, Houston is also a fantastic foodie scene. You can even browse Houston dining options based on any food preference — cuisine, location, dietary restrictions, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atria Westchase, Cinco Ranch Alzheimer's Special Care Center and Loving Care Cottages are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Houston, TX. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Houston is $4,828 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
TurboTax. (2022, December 1). States with the lowest taxes and the highest taxes.
Fritts, J. (2020, August 9). Does your state tax social security benefits? Tax Foundation.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). STAR+PLUS, STAR+PLUS Client FAQs.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2016, March 1). A-3300, Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs. In Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities Handbook.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022).Assisted living facilities (ALF).
Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Health Facilities § 247.001 (2021).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
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