San Antonio is often listed as a hot retirement destination on many “Best Cities for Retirement” lists. The city’s relatively low cost of living, warm weather, walkable downtown, and abundance of health care options make it a popular choice for retirement. Plus, the range of senior living options enables seniors to age in place. With 46 assisted living facilities to choose from in A Place for Mom’s network alone, seniors in San Antonio can easily find the most suitable option for their care needs.
In this guide to San Antonio assisted living, we use our 20+ years of experience in the senior living industry to help your senior loved one find their ideal assisted living community. We’ve used proprietary data to bring you information on local costs, how seniors pay, local assisted living features, senior demographics, and senior-specific resources and activities. With this hyperlocal data and helpful information, we can help you narrow your options. Below, you’ll be able to navigate assisted living communities by what matters most to you — highest overall ratings, affordability, dining options, amenities, services, and more.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in San Antonio, TX
San Antonio is often listed as a hot retirement destination on many “Best Cities for Retirement” lists. The city’s relatively low cost of living, warm weather, walkable downtown, and abundance of health care options make it a popular choice for retirement. Plus, the range of senior living options enables seniors to age in place. With 46 assisted living facilities to choose from in A Place for Mom’s network alone, seniors in San Antonio can easily find the most suitable option for their care needs.Read more
In this guide to San Antonio assisted living, we use our 20+ years of experience in the senior living industry to help your senior loved one find their ideal assisted living community. We’ve used proprietary data to bring you information on local costs, how seniors pay, local assisted living features, senior demographics, and senior-specific resources and activities. With this hyperlocal data and helpful information, we can help you narrow your options. Below, you’ll be able to navigate assisted living communities by what matters most to you — highest overall ratings, affordability, dining options, amenities, services, and more.
San Antonio Assisted Living Facilities | 1612 Reviews
Greenwood home is a very nice home. I would rate it on the highest level so far. Our loved one has just moved in recently so she is still getting adjusted but it seems to be a good fit for her. She is...
I think it's a good program. I think it's up at the very good to excellent range. I think it's good for elderly folks to interact and have activities. They do a little bit of everything. They do activities...
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- What families are saying about assisted living in San Antonio
- Costs of assisted living in the San Antonio area
- How people pay for assisted living in San Antonio
- Understand Texas laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in San Antonio
- What to expect from assisted living in San Antonio
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with San Antonio? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about assisted living in San Antonio
Recent reviews for assisted living in San Antonio
Heartis San Antonio
Sodalis Stone Oak in San Antonio, TX
Pecan View Senior Care AL in San Antonio, TX
Costs of assisted living in the San Antonio area
The cost of assisted living in San Antonio depends on many factors — location, floor plan, amenities, and your loved one’s required level of care. The median rent for partner assisted living communities is $3,635 per month in San Antonio, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data. This figure doesn’t include the cost of any service or amenity add-ons.Â
This price is higher than the average rent in San Antonio, but you’ll find that it’s for good reason. The cost accounts for rent as well as utilities and the following services and amenities, depending on your loved one’s chosen community and needs:
- Standard personal care services (personalized assistance with activities of daily living and medication management)
- A meal plan
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Transportation services
- Day trips and outings
- Maintenance and landscaping
- High-tech security systems
- Community-organized activities (parties, interest clubs, fitness classes, etc.)
- On-site amenities (fitness centers, crafts centers, pools, libraries, movie theaters, media centers, and more)
Below, you’ll find average starting costs for San Antonio assisted living before the cost of care and additional fees:
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in San Antonio, TX vs. nearby cities
San Antonio, TX
How people pay for assisted living in San Antonio
There are several means to pay for assisted living in San Antonio. Most families and seniors start their financial planning by looking at private income sources and insurance policies. They also turn to federal and state programs, such as the Veteran Affairs (or VA), Medicaid, and Medicare, to help offset some medical and assisted living costs. Here’s an in-depth look at some payment methods.
Your loved one’s available private pay methods depend on their current financial situation.
Keep in mind, long-term care insurance policies vary drastically on what they can cover. It’s best practice to consult with your policy provider to learn what assisted living costs are covered under your plan.
Also, the state of Texas has no personal income tax, meaning seniors don’t have to worry about paying additional taxes on their Social Security and/or pensions.[02,03]
Your loved one can use their income resources, such as savings, Social Security benefits, retirement pensions, and investment returns, to cover assisted living costs. Or, they can use a combination of the following:
While Houston’s Harris County is known as the county with Texas’ largest veteran population, San Antonio is known as the city with the highest vet population. In fact, San Antonio has one of the nation’s largest veteran populations due to its high number of military bases and job opportunities for military veterans. The city continues to provide a higher quality of life to its veteran population by offering over 200 veteran resources and support services.
To help you navigate the range of resources available, you can reach out to Texas Veterans Network — San Antonio, also known as TVN. There, a TVN staff member will recommend relevant support services after evaluating you or your loved one’s current situation and unique needs. They’ll even continue communicating with recommended veteran organizations to help ensure solutions work for your family.
Veterans pension and Aid and Attendance benefits
If a senior veteran is enrolled in VA health care and qualifies for a pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (also known as the VA), they can use those funds to cover some assisted living costs. In addition to their VA pension, seniors with disabilities may also apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can provide additional funds for assisted living.
A veteran must meet the criteria below to be eligible for the VA pension:
- Have an honorable discharge
- Have served at least 90 days of active duty (with at least one day during wartime)
- Meet low-income status, be over 65, or be disabled
In order to qualify for the Aid and Attendance benefit, veterans must meet one of the criteria below:
- Have limited eyesight
- Need assistance with activities of daily life
- Live in a nursing home due to physical or mental disability
- Be bed bound due to lack of health care services
The Military and Veteran Affairs Department supports and assists San Antonio veterans through service recognition and support services. The Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center can help San Antonio veterans apply for their veterans benefits, file for claims, and more. The Alamo Area Council of Governments works with nonprofit organizations and programs to support veterans. And, the Texas Veterans Commission advocates for Texas veterans and their families and surviving spouses. They offer eight programs dedicated to helping veterans obtain benefits, file claims, and more. Below, you’ll find addresses and websites to access these resources.
Number of veterans who live in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Nearly 42% of San Antonio veterans are 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Additional resources for San Antonio veterans
Military and Veterans Affairs Department website
100 W. Houston St., Suite 1008
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210-207-3995
Bexar County Military and Veterans Services Center website
1422 E. Grayson St., 4th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78208
Phone: 210-335-6775
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Read A Place for Mom’s Veteran Benefits Guide
Medicaid is a public health insurance program that is jointly funded by the state and federal governments. Texas Health and Human Services offers several long-term care services and disability programs to help seniors 60+, low-income seniors, and seniors with a disability receive Medicaid benefits.
STAR+PLUS Medicaid program
The state of Texas operates its own Medicaid program called STAR. Its managed care program specifically for seniors 65+ and individuals with disabilities is called STAR+PLUS. In addition to routine health care costs, the STAR+PLUS program covers long-term care services. These include nursing and personal care services, therapy extension services, nutrition services, and transportation services. Keep in mind that STAR+PLUS can only cover health care and long-term care services through agencies licensed and certified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
For additional services to be covered within an assisted living facility, seniors must be eligible for Home and Community Based Services (also known as HCBS) Medicaid waiver program. This waiver can be used in assisted living facilities contracted with the resident’s managed care provider. This HCBS waiver enables seniors to reside and receive care in a residential setting like an assisted living community rather than an institutional setting like a nursing home.[05] The STAR+PLUS Home and Community Based Services waiver program can help cover the following costs in assisted living:
- Personal care
- Medical supplies
- Nursing services
- Respite care
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapies
- Adaptive aids, such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, orthotic devices, and orthopedic shoes [06]
When a senior applies for Medicaid, Texas Health and Human Services will assess their need for the HCBS program. The senior must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be 65 years of age or older
- Require an institutional level of care, commonly found in a nursing facility
- Earn less than $2,525 per month as an individual or $5,046 as a couple[07]
Note for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) settings: Not all assisted living facilities in San Antonio will qualify as an HCBS setting. In order to qualify, a facility must:
- Be integrated into the greater local community
- Enable interested residents to seek work or volunteer opportunities
- Help the senior resident engage in local community life
- Allow the senior to control their own resources and finances
- Allow the senior to receive Medicaid care services[05]
For help understanding the Medicaid benefits you are eligible for, find a Texas Health and Human Services office near you, or search for local programs through their services search portal. You can also contact your local area agencies on aging (or AAAs) for assistance in accessing local programs. Below, you’ll find more resources to help you better understand Medicaid benefits for seniors along with search tools that’ll help you locate Medicaid benefits offices in San Antonio.
Additional San Antonio resident Medicaid resources
Find answers to questions about your Medicaid benefits
Read our guide to Medicare, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to 65+ adults and individuals with disabilities. It cannot be used to cover room and board costs in an assisted living facility, but it can help cover some medically necessary care costs within an assisted living facility. The following Texas programs can help you save on Medicare costs and apply for Medicare benefits:
- The Texas Medicare Savings Program covers some Medicare Parts A and B premiums, deductibles, copayments, and/or coinsurance. 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 preventive services.
To qualify for this savings program, seniors mustn’t exceed a monthly income of $1,133 as an individual or $1,526 as a couple.[08]
- The Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (commonly referred to as HICAP) is a Texas program that offers legal advice, referrals, and assistance to Texans who are 60+ or qualify for Medicare.
For assistance with your eligible benefits and enrollment, contact your local long-term care (LTC) ombudsman. An LTC ombudsman advocates for the health care rights of assisted living residents and helps families learn about senior living options and payment methods. The Alamo Area Council of Governments also helps San Antonio seniors access the long-term care they need. It provides benefits counseling, care coordination, caregiver support, and more to aging San Antonio residents.
Additional San Antonio resident Medicare resources
Long-term care (LTC) ombudsman
Cindy Boyum, Managing Local Ombudsman at AAA of Bexar County
2700 NE. Loop 410, Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78217
Phone: 210-362-5236
Email: cboyum@aacog.com
Dial 2-1-1, or visit the federal Medicare website.
If a Texas resident qualifies for both Medicare and Medicaid, they can receive dual coverage through one Medicare-Medicaid Plan (MMP). This program is called the Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration Project and is commonly referred to 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. To qualify for the Demonstration, a senior must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Have Medicare Parts A, B, and D and receive full Medicaid benefits
- Be enrolled in the STAR+PLUS program for at least 30 days
Dual-eligible individuals should be automatically enrolled and may choose to opt out of the Demonstration after they receive an enrollment notification letter in the mail. To request additional information on this program, email Managed_Care_Initiatives@hhsc.state.tx.us.
Understand Texas laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
In Texas, all assisted living facilities must be licensed and certified 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 Type A and Type B. Type A ALFs house residents who don’t require routine attendance and are capable of following directions in an emergency situation. On the other hand, Type B ALFs provide care to residents who require nighttime attendance and assistance for evacuation during emergencies.[09]
All Texas ALFs must pass a life safety code, physical plant inspection, and health inspection before they are officially licensed. The life safety code examines a facility’s ability to safely house residents, while the health inspection can help ascertain whether it’s equipped to protect resident health. After an initial inspection, facilities are inspected at least once every two years.[10] During an inspection, Texas Health and Human Services checks for the following in an ALF:
- General facility construction
- Management of the facility
- Sufficient staff-to-resident ratios
- Compliance with employee background checks
- Implementation of safety and emergency features
- Proper protection from hazardous areas
- Documentation of fire drills, system checks, etc.[10]
The general public can use the Long-term Care Provider Search to access each licensed assisted living facility’s most recent inspection report and general facility information. To request any additional 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 (HHS or HHSC) 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 San Antonio assisted living facilities
The city of San Antonio doesn’t have any COVID-19 regulations in place for assisted living facilities; however, the city offers regular updates and resources on its City of San Antonio COVID-19 website. Visitors are allowed on-site at assisted living facilities, but they must follow any protocols set forth by the community. Facilities are currently required to develop their own infection prevention and control measures regarding masks, physical distancing, and additional protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE) to help ensure resident safety during any active serious infection and/or outbreaks.
Get to know assisted living in San Antonio
What to expect from assisted living in San Antonio
San Antonio has an increasing senior population. In fact, the 60+ population is projected to grow by approximately 20% by 2040.[11] The city aims to accommodate this aging population and has implemented a Senior Services Strategic Plan to evolve senior support services. This plan outlines efforts to rebrand city senior centers, expand medical services, and generally support local seniors. You’ll also find that San Antonio has expanded its senior living scene, especially the assisted living market, to accommodate seniors’ care needs and unique lifestyles. See what our in-network San Antonio assisted living communities have to offer:
Aging in place
When searching for senior living, many seniors look to age in place. Luckily, this is made easy with our in-network assisted living communities as they offer tiered levels of care. Seniors with minimal assistance needs can move in to the independent living unit and then transition to assisted living once their care needs increase. And, if memory impairments arise, many in-network communities also offer a secured memory care unit, suitable for individuals with dementia and memory loss.
Most partnering communities even provide on-site nursing care, including medication management, hospice care, and rehabilitative care. These services enable seniors to receive care within a comfortable setting, as many of these services can be provided within the resident’s unit or in an on-site clinic.
Veteran recognition and celebration
Seniors account for over 40% of the veterans in San Antonio.[04] That is precisely why many of our in-network assisted living communities find ways to recognize and celebrate veterans. Many communities have a memorial wall in their lobby or common areas to commemorate veteran residents’ years of service.
Communities are also known to go all-out for Veterans Day celebrations. Many will host a well-planned barbecue, party, or a multitude of events. The city of San Antonio also hosts many Veterans Day celebrations, which can be enjoyed during scheduled outings or while visiting with friends or loved ones.
Accommodations to beat the heat
Many seniors choose San Antonio for their retirement due to its year-round, warm weather and access to the glorious Texas Hill Country terrain, including beaches, woodlands, and caverns. In the summer, temperatures tend to get high, but that’s no problem for seniors living at our in-network assisted living communities. Our partner communities are one step ahead of the southern heat. They provide indoor and outdoor accommodations with comfortable levels of AC.
Some communities provide amenities like shaded pools, patios, and walking paths, while others provide a wide array of indoor activities. Some indoor activities and amenities include on-site game rooms, movie theaters, fitness centers, lounges, and more. So, on days when venturing outside isn’t an option, there’s plenty to keep anyone entertained on-site.
Devotional services reflect the resident population
Religion is very important to many seniors, so many of our in-network communities try to provide a peaceful, devotional space for residents to practice their respective faiths. Some communities even have an on-site chapel, a Bible study group, and visiting pastors. If a large number of residents practice the same faith, a community may even partner with a local religious leader who will host on-site devotional services.
Assisted living in the surrounding San Antonio suburbs
Assisted living near San Antonio allows for more peace and quiet. Seniors from around the area are likely to stick to their favorite locales when searching for a community. Some of the most popular affluent assisted living options can be found towards the outskirts of San Antonio, including Stone Oak and Alamo Heights. These suburban areas reflect similar city amenities to San Antonio, with a range of shopping centers, restaurants, and other attractions. Local senior residents can explore museums, sample wine at wineries, and visit historic sites. Suburban areas also tend to have less congestion and more open spaces, allowing for more parks, golf courses, and scenic walking trails.
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Unfamiliar with San Antonio? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in San Antonio, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of San Antonio seniors 65+ that speak a language other than English at home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual retirement income for San Antonio seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Approximate percentage of San Antonio seniors 65+ with a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Health care for seniors in San Antonio
San Antonio has many health care options for seniors and veterans. Learn more about some of the city’s top-rated medical care facilities:
Methodist Hospital — San Antonio
This hospital is No. 1 in San Antonio and No. 13 in Texas, according to U.S. News and World Report. It is high performing in 11 procedures and conditions, including diabetic care, kidney failure, and post-stroke care.
Baptist Medical Center
This hospital is No. 2 in San Antonio. It’s high performing in nine procedures and conditions, including some cancer surgeries, heart failure, and diabetes.
Brooke Army Medical Center
This hospital is the largest and most robust military health care organization in the U.S. It serves military service members, veterans and their families, and civilian emergency patients. It is known for its exceptional patient-centered care and for treating combat causalities and trauma victims.
Transportation for seniors in San Antonio
The average age of seniors entering San Antonio assisted living facilities is 81,[01] so their safest, most ideal mode of transportation is likely not the public transit system. To minimize any safety risk while getting residents from place to place, 84% of our San Antonio partner assisted living communities offer their own at-cost or complimentary transportation service.
If your senior loved one is more on the independent side or if you’re a visiting family member looking to take them around downtown, you may want to look into VIA Metropolitan Transit options, including buses, ride share, and paratransit services throughout the city. Seniors ages 62+ can ride for only a quarter Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and receive free rides on Saturday and Sunday. Seniors must obtain a VIA Reduced Fare ID to receive their senior discounts.
These scores from WalkScore might also prove useful to understand the area. Keep in mind that this data reflects downtown, not the entire city. Each score is out of 100 and is based on downtown’s public density, transportation system, walking and bike routes, and other city information:[13]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Popular senior activities in San Antonio
San Antonio is the ideal retirement destination for seniors seeking a little bit of everything. From museums and parks within San Antonio to Texas Hill Country and coastal beaches within two hours of the city — seniors and their families can enjoy a variety of Texas landscapes and activities. Take a glimpse at some favored senior activities:
- The Alamo. Famous for the 1836 Battle of the Alamo, this historic fortress compound is now open to tour. Visitors enjoy exploring the historic buildings, priceless artifacts, and memorials set against beautiful gardens full of solemn, old-growth oak trees.
- Museums. San Antonio is home to several museums, including art, history, and specialty. View famous artworks at San Antonio Museum of Art, learn about natural history at Witte Museum, or spend an afternoon surrounded by all things Texas at The Buckhorn Saloon and Texas Ranger Museum.
- Parks. San Antonio is home to many gorgeous parks where locals can enjoy live performances, picnics, leisurely strolls, or simply relax in the sun. One of the city’s most popular parks is Brackenridge Park due to its many offerings — the San Antonio Zoo, an 18-hole golf course, picnic areas, walking trails, and musical events.
- Texas Hill Country. This Texas region is about an hour and a half from San Antonio, and it’s filled with picturesque ranches and natural wonders — springs, caverns, canyons, and stony hills. It’s popular among families and ideal for weekend outings. Take a hike in the scenic hills, a dip in one of the swimming holes, or a walking tour of the magnificent caverns. Visitors looking to relax can sit back and sip on some wine at one of the popular Texas Hill Country wineries or birdwatch against majestic views on a river cruise.
Many of our in-network assisted living communities in San Antonio also take residents on outings and day trips. Outings include visits to local parks, museums, and performing arts theaters, among other attractions that match residents’ interests. Note that many of these local San Antonio attractions offer accommodations for individuals with disabilities, so be sure to inquire with the attraction when planning a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in San Antonio, Bulverde Assisted Living and Serenity Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near San Antonio, 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 San Antonio is 4209.11 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
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.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
Texas Health and Human Services. (2022). Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
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, June 1). Appendix IX, Medicare Savings Program information. 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).
City of San Antonio, Department of Human Services & The University of North Texas. (2019). 2019 senior services strategic plan.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Downtown San Antonio.
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