Often referred to as “Indy” by locals, Indianapolis has many appealing qualities, from an affordable cost of living and an enthusiastic sports scene to impressive attractions. Active seniors will find themselves right at home in one of Indianapolis’ independent living communities. Independent living communities are for independent seniors who don’t need assistance with daily tasks. These communities fit seniors who would like a more social and leisurely lifestyle, with all-inclusive amenities and services like housekeeping and chef-prepared meals.
A Place for Mom partners with 18 independent living communities within 10 miles of downtown Indianapolis. This helpful guide uses our 20+ years of experience in senior living and a proprietary rating system to paint the most accurate picture of what to expect from Indianapolis independent living communities. We break down the specifics of independent living in Indianapolis and cover the different types of communities, popular services, and ways people typically pay.
10 Best Independent Living Communities in Indianapolis, IN
Often referred to as “Indy” by locals, Indianapolis has many appealing qualities, from an affordable cost of living and an enthusiastic sports scene to impressive attractions. Active seniors will find themselves right at home in one of Indianapolis’ independent living communities. Independent living communities are for independent seniors who don’t need assistance with daily tasks. These communities fit seniors who would like a more social and leisurely lifestyle, with all-inclusive amenities and services like housekeeping and chef-prepared meals.Read more
A Place for Mom partners with 18 independent living communities within 10 miles of downtown Indianapolis. This helpful guide uses our 20+ years of experience in senior living and a proprietary rating system to paint the most accurate picture of what to expect from Indianapolis independent living communities. We break down the specifics of independent living in Indianapolis and cover the different types of communities, popular services, and ways people typically pay.
Indianapolis Independent Living Facilities | 549 Reviews
Crestwood West is a five star community! The friendly staff are so welcoming it makes your day - you feel special and just like family. The affordable price for all of the amenities makes this place an...
We're very pleased with how things have gone so far at Nora Commons! It's a very nice looking, well kept community, and the people all seem very friendly! I really appreciate how on top of things they are...
Loved the facility and the staff. Older community, very well kept and clean. Spoke with many residents as we toured who were visiting in the lobby and spoke very positive about their apartment and all the...
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- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
- What families are saying about independent living in Indianapolis
- Costs of independent living in the Indianapolis area
- How people pay for independent living in Indianapolis
- Understand Indiana laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Indianapolis
- What to expect from independent living in Indianapolis
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Indianapolis? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about independent living in Indianapolis
Recent reviews for independent living in Indianapolis
The Forum at the Crossing in Indianapolis, IN
The Oaks at Brownsburg
NeighborCare of Chapel Hill in Indianapolis, IN
Costs of independent living in the Indianapolis area
The average cost of independent living at our partner communities in Indianapolis is $3,100 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022 proprietary data. This amount incorporates any associated add-on fees like community entrance fees or deposits, pet rent, and monthly parking fees.
Most independent living communities have many different a la carte services for residents to pick and choose from. These typically cost extra per service as add-ons to your monthly rent. Some of these add-on services can include things like the following:
- Transportation
- Beautician services
- Housekeeping
- Dry cleaning and/or laundry services
- Pet care
Most communities start their pricing at baseline costs, which don’t always account for additional services or community fees. The numbers below are the average starting costs of Indianapolis-area independent living communities. They give a good general comparison of greater Indy-area costs of living relative to the city center.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Indianapolis, IN vs. nearby cities
Indianapolis, IN
How people pay for independent living in Indianapolis
The services and living costs of an independent living community aren’t covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance. As a result, many families and residents usually rely on private payment methods to cover the costs of independent living.
Medicare and Medicaid may chip in for in-home health care services if a person in an independent living community experiences a medical need for such services. Eligible veterans can also receive benefits that can be used to supplement the cost of an independent living community. We delve into different private and public payment methods that may be used to pay for the costs of an independent living community below.
Many families pay for independent living out of pocket with assets they have available from a savings account, investment returns, and sources of retirement income like pensions or Social Security benefits. You might also consider these other common private payment methods that seniors often put towards their independent living expenses:
Almost half of Indianapolis’ veteran population is made up of seniors age 65 and older.[02] Eligible veterans or their surviving spouses can receive benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Some of these benefits can be used to pay for life at an independent living community or any other expenses that improve a veteran’s quality of life.
The Aid and Attendance benefit is one type of VA benefit that provides a substantial amount of supplemental monthly income to qualifying veterans or their surviving spouses. There are many disabilities that may qualify veterans for VA benefits. This is why it’s best to reach out to a veterans benefit advisor to learn more about eligibility before applying. Reach out to your local, VA-vetted veterans services organizations (VSOs) to learn more about VA benefits that may be available to you or your loved one.
The VA benefits system and eligibility requirements can be daunting, and working with your local VSO is the best way to make sure you don’t miss out on benefits you may be eligible for. You’ll find the Indianapolis VA Regional Office has several VA-accredited VSOs located in their building that can provide benefits navigation and assistance. You can find those resources and more listed below.
Number of veterans living in Indianapolis in 2021
Currently, about 48% of Indianapolis veterans are age 65+.
Resources for Indianapolis veterans
The American Legion
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 325
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3605
AMVETS
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 314
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3613
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 324
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3615
The Military Order of the Purple Heart
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 312
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3623
Paralyzed Veterans of America
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 313
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3626
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
575 N. Pennsylvania St., Room 319
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3629
VA Indianapolis Regional Office
575 N. Pennsylvania St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-916-3736
Indiana Medicaid won’t pay for room and board costs at an independent living facility, but some in-home health care services are covered if there’s an established medical need for them. These services are available through Indiana’s home and community based services (also known as HCBS) waiver programs.
HCBS programs benefit seniors who meet a nursing home level of care that don’t want placement in a nursing home. HCBS waivers are for individuals that would rather receive care services from their current place of residence or community. There is an Indiana Medicaid HCBS waiver specifically designed for aging or disabled individuals — called the Aged and Disabled waiver. Read on to learn more about this waiver.
Aged and Disabled (A&D)
The Aged and Disabled (A&D) waiver is among the different home and community based services (HCBS) programs available through Indiana Medicaid. To qualify for the A&D waiver, a person must meet the following eligibility requirements:[03]
- Be aged, blind, or disabled
- Require a nursing home level of care
- Prefer to live in a private home or community setting instead of a nursing home
- Not have income greater than 300% of the maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) standard
This particular HCBS program is designed to help seniors and disabled individuals receive care services from within their chosen setting, like their home or community. The specific care services available through this waiver program can include the following:[03]
- Transportation
- Medical supplies
- In-home caregiver services
- Homemaker services
- Home-delivered meals
- Health care coordination
- Specialized medical equipment
- Personal emergency response systems
- Vehicle modifications
You can apply for Indiana Medicaid online or in person by visiting the nearest Division of Family Resources (DFR) office. Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can help you with the process of applying for waiver services. Additionally, Indiana has certified health care navigators available in every county to assist with the Medicaid application process and answer any questions you may have.
Indiana Medicaid resources
Seniors age 65 and older are eligible to enroll in Medicare, the federal health insurance program. Medicare can’t be used to pay room and board costs at independent living communities, but it can pay for certain short-term medical care costs like an inpatient hospital stay.
Some in-home health care services may also be covered by Medicare Part A and/or Part B plans. These services are available for individuals who need part-time skilled care services and are homebound because of an illness or injury. Take a look at some home health care services you may qualify for through Medicare:[04]
- Medically necessary skilled nursing care
- Medical supplies and equipment for the home
- Physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy
- Intermittent home health aide (if also receiving skilled nursing care)
Medicare resources for seniors in Indianapolis
Seniors can access free Medicare counseling services through the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). SHIP counselors are trained to provide wide-ranging supportive services that include help with applying for Medicare assistance programs, evaluating Medicare plans, and filing claims.
Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can also be a tremendous resource to get help with Medicare, which is the CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions in Marion County. You can visit the Indiana Area Agencies on Aging website to look up Indiana AAAs in other counties throughout the state.
Indianapolis Medicare resources
Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Find a SHIP location near you
Central office phone: 800-452-4800
CICOA — Marion County Area Agency on Aging
Online request referral form
4755 Kingsway Drive, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46205-1560
Phone: 317-254-5465
Understand Indiana laws and regulations for independent living communities
In Indiana, independent senior living facilities are not legally considered care facilities, meaning they don’t provide medication administration and nursing care. Because they’re not care facilities and are more like apartment communities, they aren’t required to be licensed by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH).
However, several of our partner independent living communities also offer assisted living or memory care on the same campus. Therefore, the areas of campus that provide assisted living or memory care need to be licensed and regulated by the IDOH. Assisted living and memory care areas may be subject to stricter regulations by the IDOH. To learn more about these kinds of regulations, visit our Indianapolis pages on assisted living and memory care facilities.
Independent living community general rental regulations
Stand-alone independent living communities or designated independent living areas don’t offer direct care services, like those at an assisted living facility, but they may partner with third-party agencies to offer some home care services on-site. So, aside from an age requirement, these communities generally follow state laws for landlords and tenants, similar to those in place for senior apartments.
Community landlords are accountable for keeping the facility in a safe, livable condition. Residents — or tenants — are primarily responsible for paying their rent on time and keeping the property in good condition by preventing any unnecessary damages. Leases may have different clauses depending on the property, so it’s always important to read it thoroughly to understand your rights and responsibilities while renting at any community.
We outline some of the general regulations you can expect to apply to independent living communities below. These regulations are in place to minimize housing discrimination and ensure living spaces are accessible to people with disabilities.
The Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
To start, all independent living facilities have to comply with the federal Fair Housing Act. This law prevents landlords from denying a person to live in a community because of the following:
- Disability
- National origin
- Family status
- Race
- Religion
- Sex
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is another federal law that requires rental communities to make reasonable accommodations and modifications for people with disabilities. This can look like many things. For example, a community should make an exception to a pet policy and allow service animals if a resident requires one. Or a tenant with a wheelchair should be granted an assigned parking space close to an entrance.
Independent living communities are also required to let residents make their own reasonable modifications to units that help them live safer in their home. Here are some examples of reasonable modifications:
- Lowering countertops
- Removing carpet
- Installing ramps
COVID-19 regulations for independent living communities in Indianapolis
Indiana doesn’t currently have any statewide COVID-19 restrictions or mandates in place for independent living communities. This doesn’t mean that communities won’t have their own policies that may be stricter than those set at the state and local levels.
It’s always best practice to reach out to a community directly about their specific policies. For updated information on Indiana’s COVID-19 public policies, please refer to Indiana’s COVID-19 website. We detail some of their general guidance practices below.
Vaccinations. The Indiana Department of Health encourages everyone that can get a vaccine to get one when it’s available to them.
Masking. Residents, staff, and visitors are encouraged to wear masks in public indoor settings.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities should frequently clean and disinfect all high-touch surface areas.
Quarantining. Anyone who tests positive for or was exposed to COVID-19 should follow isolation guidance set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Get to know independent living in Indianapolis
What to expect from independent living in Indianapolis
Indianapolis independent living communities come in several shapes and sizes. Some of these operate as stand-alone independent living communities, while others offer more extensive care types at the same facility. We take a look at what these different types of communities look like and what types of amenities you can expect at most independent living communities in Indianapolis.
Different care options
A few of our partner communities in Indianapolis are stand-alone independent living facilities. These stand-alone independent communities offer convenient services like housekeeping, meals, and transportation. They provide comfortable amenities and convenient services, but don’t provide the extent of care services available at an assisted living or memory care facility. Some of our in-network stand-alone independent living communities do have third-party access to health care services. Some communities even host visiting podiatrists and physical therapists.
Most of our in-network independent living communities in Indianapolis offer a continuum of care services from assisted living and memory care to skilled nursing care. Some of these communities are referred to as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Seniors often choose to move into a CCRC for independent living at first, so they don’t have to transition into a different community if their care needs change. These communities typically have an age requirement of 55 or 62 and older and usually have an entrance fee, which can vary in cost depending on a facility’s location, amenities, and included services. These fees can be substantial, and some seniors use the proceeds from the sale of a home to pay.
Five-star amenities and services
Resort-style amenities and services await at many of our Indianapolis independent living communities. For starters, most of our partner communities provide meals and over half have a professional chef on-site to create culinary masterpieces, which can be tailored to meet specific dietary requirements.[01] Whether you prefer restaurant-style dining, anytime dining, or room service, you can expect to find quality dining selections at our partner communities. Most of our partner independent living communities also have a range of convenient services available that can usually be added to the baseline rental costs, which can include the following:
- Housekeeping
- Concierge services
- Personal laundry and/or dry cleaning
- Help with grocery shopping or errands
- Complimentary transportation
- Pet care services
Media centers, beauty salons, barbershops, libraries, and fitness centers are just a few of the on-site amenities you can expect to find at many of our partner Indianapolis independent living communities. Many communities take it even further with luxe amenities, such as the following:
- Putting greens
- Heated swimming pools and whirlpool spas
- Billiards lounges
- Movie theater rooms
- Massage therapists
- Woodworking shops
- Courtyards and gardens
- Private patios, decks, and balconies
Ample activities
You can expect nearly all of our partner independent living communities to have an on-site activity director who arranges and plans a range of social activities. Many independent living communities offer a range of programs and clubs for residents to participate in, like those listed below:
- Card clubs
- Cooking classes
- Book clubs
- Art classes
- Gardening clubs
- Stretching and yoga classes
Most Indianapolis independent living communities also have on-site devotional activities and several have Bible study groups for residents to join. Independent living communities present seemingly endless opportunities to socialize with other residents with activities like the following:
- Wine tastings
- Happy hours
- Barbecues and picnics
- Wii Bowling matches
- Holiday parties
Explore senior care with confidence
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Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
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Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Indianapolis? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors aged 65 and older living in Indianapolis
Percentage of Indianapolis seniors aged 65 and older who are retired
Average household earnings for Indianapolis seniors age 65+
Health care for seniors in Indianapolis
Indianapolis hospitals rank among the best in the Midwest. These hospitals offer wide-ranging services from emergency care to innovative medical treatments. Explore Indianapolis’ top three hospitals below.
Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Indianapolis
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis is a full-service hospital with national recognition for specialties like stroke care, cardiovascular services, and critical care. Ascension St. Vincent’s Indianapolis campus specializes in minimally invasive procedures, advanced imaging services, and transplants. The hospital is equipped to treat a range of injuries and conditions with round-the-clock emergency care and a Level-I trauma center.
Kindred Hospital Indianapolis
Kindred Hospital Indianapolis is a long-term acute care hospital capable of treating patients with serious injuries or chronic conditions. The hospital offers round-the-clock clinical care services seven days per week. Kindred Hospital Indianapolis can provide specialized care for patients with complex medical needs, like organ transplant care, advanced wound care, and post-trauma care.
Indiana University Health – IU Health Methodist Hospital
Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital is part of Indiana University Health and is considered one of the top hospitals in the state. As a designated magnet hospital, IU Health Methodist Hospital provides patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials and treatments that aren’t available at other hospitals. IU Health Methodist offers a range of cutting-edge cancer therapies and surgeries, as well as advanced treatments for complex heart and lung conditions.
Transportation for seniors in Indianapolis
Almost 90% of our partner Indianapolis independent living communities have complimentary transportation services.[01] This is especially convenient for seniors who choose to sell their car upon moving into an independent community, though most of our partner communities have on-site parking available for residents as well. Many communities provide transportation to and from appointments, as well as errands and nonmedical destinations.
Additionally, for visiting friends and family, over half of our in-network independent living communities are located near public transit.[01] IndyGo is Indianapolis’ public transit service with a fleet of over 200 buses navigating throughout the metro. All IndyGo buses are ADA-compliant and seniors can travel for a reduced fare with a valid Medicare card or Half Fare ID card.
While a car or ride service is an ideal way to get around Indianapolis, some of the neighborhoods are quite walkable. You can get a general idea of how the full city of Indianapolis ranks for walkability, public transit, and bikeability below. Ratings are based on information from Walk Score and rated out of 100.[07]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Indianapolis
With so many activities and amenities already available in independent living communities, why would you ever want to leave? Well, Indianapolis — known colloquially as Indy — has much for seniors to experience with fellow residents or visiting loved ones. Check out the Visit Indy website to learn about some local favorites, can’t-miss experiences, and attractions. We highlight some of the options for seniors and their families below.
Catch a sporting event
As the annual host of the legendary Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis is an exciting destination for motor enthusiasts. But that’s not all! Indy has multiple major sporting events to look forward to each year. The city has several professional sports teams, so it’s easy to catch an exciting game year-round, from Colts football and Pacers basketball to Indy Eleven soccer. Indianapolis also regularly hosts Big Ten championships for college basketball and football. You might even catch a Final Four game held there during March Madness!
Wander through the city’s lush parks
Indianapolis is anything but short on opportunities to enjoy some outdoor activities — from golf courses to running and biking trails. The White River State Park is regularly hailed as Indy’s urban escape, and it’s the site of several popular attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo and NCAA Hall of Champions. The park also hosts several marathons, performances at the TCU Amphitheater, and special food truck events.
Enjoy some Indy-licious dishes
While many may think Chicago and Kansas City dominate the Midwest food scene, Indianapolis is not one to be underestimated. Indianapolis has been called the most underrated U.S. food city by Condé Nast Traveler — making it to Food and Wine’s list of “America’s Next Great Food Cities.” Naturally, the city is rich in steakhouse staples. But you’ll also find diverse culinary selections that range from signature pizzas and German fare to Cajun and Creole dishes, among other local favorites.
Pay a visit to Indianapolis’ museums
It’s easy to get lost in Indianapolis’ cultural scene with an array of museums, monuments, and galleries scattered throughout the city. Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in history, art, or a live performance, Indy’s thriving arts and culture scene has something everyone can enjoy. Check out some of the following cultural hot spots:
Experience Indianapolis’ theaters
Indianapolis has a vibrant theater scene for seniors who love to get lost in performing arts. These venues offer a range of performances from magic shows and cabarets to Broadway productions. You can even enjoy dinner and a show at venues like Beef and Boards in downtown Indianapolis. Take a look at some of the other impressive performing arts venues located in Indianapolis below.
Senior centers and community programs
Senior centers and programs are a great way for older adults to get out in the community and stay active. Some local Indy senior community centers, like Heritage Place of Indianapolis, even host events like line dancing and bridge clubs exclusively for seniors aged 55 and older. There are also local volunteer programs for seniors who want to make an impact on their community, like the Senior Companion Program, which connects seniors to other older adults in the area who would benefit from companionship or light help around the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Five Star Residences of Clearwater, Traditions at North Willow and Independence Village of Zionsville West are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Indianapolis, IN. 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 Indianapolis is 3126 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): Indianapolis. [Data set]. American community survey.
Indiana Medicaid. Aged and disabled waiver.
Medicare. Home health services. Medicare.gov.
Indiana Department of Health. (2022). Residential care facilities.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Indianapolis. [Data set]. American community survey.
Walk Score. (2022). Living in Indianapolis.
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