Ohio’s capital city features a range of senior living options to meet the various needs and preferences of its older residents. Located along the Scioto River in the heart of the Buckeye State, Columbus is the second-most populous Midwestern city, behind only Chicago.
A Place for Mom partners with 29 independent living communities in the Columbus area. Independent living communities are designed for adults 55+ seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle with luxury amenities, including dining, on-site salon services, and recreational activities.
We’ve created this guide to Columbus independent living options based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Find cost information, payment tips, health and safety regulations, and other valuable resources for Columbus seniors below.
10 Best Independent Living Communities in Columbus, OH
Ohio’s capital city features a range of senior living options to meet the various needs and preferences of its older residents. Located along the Scioto River in the heart of the Buckeye State, Columbus is the second-most populous Midwestern city, behind only Chicago.Read more
A Place for Mom partners with 29 independent living communities in the Columbus area. Independent living communities are designed for adults 55+ seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle with luxury amenities, including dining, on-site salon services, and recreational activities.
We’ve created this guide to Columbus independent living options based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. Find cost information, payment tips, health and safety regulations, and other valuable resources for Columbus seniors below.
Columbus Independent Living Facilities | 1863 Reviews
My husband is doing very well here, he has settled into his apt and the staff has been very friendly and helpful. My husband likes going to the dining room and they have a nice menu for him to choose from...
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My mom has been here a little over 8 months. I was compelled to write a review since I saw the previous review from 2014 on here. My mom was not here at that time so I cannot speak to the accuracy of that...
This is a community I would recommend. My loved one used to stay there. I believe this community needs to be renovated and updated. Depending on the individual there may not be enough closet space. ...
Wish I could give it higher than a 5. We liked it because it was small and from the beginning form our first interaction with [name removed] , it was just very friendly welcoming, and helpful and we got a...
They were great. It's not real fancy, but it's homey. The meals were over the halfway mark. They treated my husband well, and his room was pretty nice. They had a full shower and bathroom and they were...
There are not enough good things I can say about Hoover Haus. They are top-notch in their care. They treat all their residents with such respect and dignity. They were essential in making my mother's last...
I feel good knowing my mom is in excellent care with the wonderful staff that are always available. The community is clean and taken care of. I like knowing that she is offered activities to help her be...
- What families are saying about independent living in Columbus
- Costs of independent living in the Columbus area
- How people pay for independent living in Columbus
- Understand Ohio laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Columbus
- Types of independent living in Columbus
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Columbus? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about independent living in Columbus
Recent reviews for independent living in Columbus
Capital City Hospice in Columbus, OH
Hilliard Assisted Living and Memory Care
Gates Junction in Columbus, OH
Costs of independent living in the Columbus area
Columbus independent living costs an average of $4,306 per month, according to A Place For Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This number represents the amount paid by real individuals referred to our partnered Columbus independent living communities. This cost includes rent plus optional add-ons, which may include things like the following:
- Parking and transportation fees
- Pet fees
- Room amenities
- Salon and spa services
- Special diets
- Concierge services
- Community social outings
The rates outlined below represent Columbus-area independent living community baseline monthly costs before any add-on fees. They are helpful to compare costs locally.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Columbus, OH vs. nearby cities
Columbus, OH
How people pay for independent living in Columbus
Columbus residents can combine several private and public assistance options to help pay for independent living. Take account of your own unique financial circumstances to determine the best way to pay for independent living and any additional personal care services you may grow to need.
Options like Medicaid and Medicare won’t help cover rent in an independent living community, but they may help you offset home health care costs. If you have a chronic health condition, disability, or another need for personal care, these programs may help cover the cost of home health care services in your independent living residence.
Private pay methods can include any income and asset sources. If you’re retired and no longer receive a paycheck, your income and assets may be enough to cover your expenses at an independent living facility. Depending on your resources, income and assets could include savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, investment returns, and any of the following:
If you are a U.S. military veteran or surviving spouse, you may be able to receive assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through pension benefits like Aid and Attendance. These benefits can enable senior veterans and their surviving spouses to improve their quality of life with supplemental income for costs of living and long-term care.
Start with veterans service officers
The application process for veterans benefits can be difficult. Even if you are eligible, you might be denied due to a mistake in the application process, so successfully applying usually requires assistance or advocacy. You can receive assistance and referrals from veteran service officers in your area by visiting one of the Ohio Department of Veterans Affairs field offices. As fellow veterans who are trained and certified in benefits offerings, veteran service officers are available to help Ohio senior veterans get the most out of their eligibility.
Additional assistance with VA benefits
For assistance with finding veterans benefits, you can visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services webpage or contact the local VA office. The Ohio Attorney General website offers information on additional community resources for veterans, including the following:
- Financial support
- Legal advocacy
- Housing assistance
- Rehabilitation
Ohio also has specialized advocacy groups for aiding veterans in attaining their due benefits through local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapters.
Number of veterans who live in Columbus
About 62% of Columbus veterans are 55+.
Resources for Columbus veterans
Franklin County Veterans Service Commission
280 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-525-2500
Columbus Veteran Center
855 Bethel Road
Columbus, OH 43212
Phone: 614-257-5550
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
VFW — Ohio
Phone: 614-224-1838
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
DAV — Ohio
35 E. Chestnut St., Suite 503
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-221-3582
Columbus Medicaid coverage for senior care services
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 is simply referred to as Ohio 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 residents in independent living may be able to receive financial support with care services through home and community based services waivers.
Ohio has one home and community based services waiver that may be used for seniors’ long-term care within their own home — known as the PASSPORT waiver. This 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 or assisted living facility.
Ohio Medicaid PASSPORT waiver
The PASSPORT 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, including an independent living or other senior living facility, instead of moving into a skilled nursing facility.
The PASSPORT waiver can cover costs of care services, like the following:
- Personal care, such as assistance with activities of daily living
- Housekeeping
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Nutritional guidance
- 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]
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid
Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid offers coverage for seniors and individuals with qualifying disabilities. To qualify for Ohio ABD Medicaid, you must meet Medicaid’s basic eligibility requirements and meet one of the following criteria:
- Be aged 65 or older
- Be legally blind
- Have a disability as defined by the Social Security Administration
ABD Medicaid can be used to cover medical care, as well as some long-term care services.[05]
If you’re an Ohio Medicaid recipient, you can manage your care through the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline Member Portal. The Ohio Department of Aging has several Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) where you 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.
Columbus resident Medicaid resources
Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline
Ohio Medicaid Member Portal
Phone: 800-324-8680
Ohio Benefits Access
Ohio Department of Medicaid
50 W. Town St., Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging
3776 S. High St.
Columbus, OH 43207
Phone: 800-589-7277
Ohio Department of Aging
Seek an Ombudsman.
Medicare health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of independent living. It can, however, be used to cover medically necessary in-home health care services, as well as care for short-term medical conditions. 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
Qualified seniors may get help paying for Medicare deductibles and premiums through Medicare Savings Programs. You may also qualify for dual enrollment in Medicare and Medicaid, which will enable you to pay Medicare premiums using Medicaid benefits.
Medicare assistance in Ohio
You can find general information on Medicare costs and coverage by visiting the federal Medicare website. You can also reach out to one of your local Ohio Social Security Administration offices, Area Agencies on Aging, or long-term care ombudsman for more individualized advice.
Your local long-term care ombudsman can help you access benefits if you qualify and advocate for your rights in disputes. A long-term care ombudsman can investigate complaints against long-term care facilities and agencies to help ensure that seniors receive the quality care they require. Find links to these resources below.
Columbus resident Medicare resources
Lower-income residents can apply for assistance from the Columbus 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 independent living communities will accept Section 8 or other housing vouchers, so be sure to check with the community you have in mind.
You may also be able to offset the cost of your rent through Social Security benefits, such as the following:
- 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 (or SSDI) is an assistance program for individuals who have a work history but who are unable to continue working due to a disability. If you are receiving SSDI benefits when you reach full retirement age, your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits, in the same amount you were receiving previously.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is an assistance program for individuals who do not have a work history and are 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
- Social Security survivors pension assists the dependents, such as a spouse or children, of a deceased person who qualified for social security benefits.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked in jobs that qualified for social security and have a disability that meets Social Security’s specific parameters. If you qualify for these benefits, the income can be used toward any costs of living, like rent in an independent living community.
Columbus resident public assistance resources
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Apply for Housing Choice Voucher.
Local Housing and Urban Development Office
Columbus Field Office
Bricker Federal Building
200 N. High St., 7th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-469-5737
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Understand Ohio laws and regulations for independent living communities
Ohio independent living communities typically have an age minimum of 55, 62, or 65. Age minimums generally don’t apply to every tenant. Rather, one person in each apartment household must meet the age requirement.
Independent living communities are subject to the same regulations as any other Ohio rental units, with tenants and landlords each having their own requirements and rights. However, independent living communities with assisted living or memory care on-site may be more strictly regulated, at least in the units where medical care services are provided. For more information on the assisted living or memory care unit regulations of your potential community, visit our guide to Columbus assisted living.[09]
Ohio apartment regulations
Landlords of apartments in Ohio are required to maintain standards of maintenance, safety, and cleanliness for their tenants. Landlords are required to do the following:
- 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 (if the landlord is overseeing four or more dwelling spaces within one building)
- Supply running water and heat
- Make any repairs needed to keep the building safe and usable
- Maintain compliance with building codes for health and safety purposes
- Keep common areas clean, sanitary, and safe[06]
Tenants are required to do the following:
- Avoid disturbing other residents with excessive noise
- Keep the premises clean and safe
- Use plumbing and electrical equipment appropriately
- Dispose of waste properly
- Comply with state and municipal drug laws on the premises
- Comply with health and safety codes for housing[07]
ADA compliance
Independent living communities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by making reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities. Owners of housing facilities are prohibited by federal law from denying residency to individuals who have disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations are defined as adjustments to rules or policies, granting residents with disabilities access to the same activities and benefits offered to the other tenants. Some examples of such accommodations may include the following:
- Provide convenient parking for those with mobility issues
- Provide equal access to the complex’s communal areas or activities for tenant with disability
- Adjust rent payment due dates to correspond with tenant’s disability payments
- Allow a service or therapy animal when a no-pet policy is in place
Modifications can mean making construction changes to the apartment complex and unit in order to make the space more accessible to individuals with disabilities. This could mean building a wheelchair ramp, adding a hands-free entrance, or installing handrails in bathrooms. The costs of these modifications are the responsibility of the property owner, rather than of the tenant with the disability.[08]
Regulations for Ohio senior care communities
Independent living communities that offer multiple care types on the same campus may have more strict regulations in their care units or wings. Some of these regulations include staff requirements, minimum staff-to-resident ratios, and service offerings like the following:
- Medication administration assistance
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Recreation and social activities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Providing three meals per day or a food safe storage for residents to take care of their own food.
Assisted living facilities, or residential care facilities as they are designated in Ohio, must be licensed by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). The ODH performs facility inspections before licensing the facility and a minimum of every 15 months after licensure.
To view Ohio senior care facility inspection reports, you can use the Health Care Provider Search tool. Look up a particular facility’s inspection report by selecting the category of care provider from the drop-down menu. Then, you can narrow your search by entering the county, city, organization’s name, or any information you have for the corresponding fields. To search and compare nursing home facilities, use the Medicare nursing home search tool. You can find more information on related Ohio tenant-landlord laws below.
- View the 2021 Ohio Tenant-Landlord guide.
- View the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Housing Guide for Seniors and Individuals Who Have a Disabilities.
Ohio Department of Health contact information
Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-466-3543
COVID-19 regulations for Columbus independent living communities
As most COVID-19 restrictions in Ohio have been lifted, there are no specific COVID-19 regulations required for Ohio independent living communities at this time. However, communities that include assisted living are recommended to implement precautionary measures in accordance with CDC guidelines. Individual communities may have their own rules in place, so make sure to call prospective communities ahead of time to learn about their specific guidelines. The general guidelines are as follows:
Testing. Staff and residents should be tested if they have come into contact with someone who has tested positive or if they are experiencing symptoms.
Masking. Masks should be worn by individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, by health care workers working with COVID-positive patients, and by individuals who are immunocompromised.
Quarantining. Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 should be placed in isolation or in rooms with other COVID-positive patients.
Get to know independent living in Columbus
Types of independent living in Columbus
Columbus independent living offers seniors worry-free retirement, where you can shed the responsibilities of home ownership. Live without worry of lawn care and maintenance, and gain access to many other convenient on-site amenities and services.
As a resident of Columbus independent living, you can get the most out of your retirement with the community’s many service offerings dedicated to improving your quality of life. The services available at our partner independent living communities generally include the following:
- Restaurant-style dining
- Maintenance services
- Housekeeping services
- Management staff on-site
- Transportation services
- Laundry and dry cleaning
- Planned events and recreational activities
- Grocery and errand services
On-site amenities at our Columbus independent living partner communities generally feature communal leisure areas and on-site conveniences like the following:
- Beauty salons/barber shops
- TV and movie lounges
- Swimming pools
- Spas
- Fitness centers
- Libraries
- Dining areas
- Cafes/bistros
- Pubs/bars
At our Columbus independent living community partners, you can enjoy private apartments with convenient features like the following:
- Private balconies or patios
- High-speed internet
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Wheelchair-accessible showers
- Multiple floor plan options
Multiple tiers of care on one campus
Out of our partner Columbus communities offering independent living, over 65% feature some combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care, all in the same community. This type of integrated community enables residents to easily transition to a support level that fits them if their needs change, making it ideal for aging in place.
Multiple care types together also offer more variety among residents, often giving more opportunity for friendships and community engagement, regardless of an individual’s specific level of need.
Social opportunities in and around Columbus independent living communities
Independent senior living communities also provide social opportunities, either through formal activity schedules or resident-run groups. With most residents being retirees, they typically share a common interest in fun and leisure.
Because many of our partner independent living communities in Columbus are centrally located in the downtown area, residents have easy access to the city’s best dining and entertainment venues. Downtown Columbus is easy to traverse on foot or through public transportation. Dubbed “everyone’s neighborhood” for its inclusivity and its variety, downtown Columbus offers events at the Columbus Commons, beautiful views at popular rooftop restaurants, and lovely riverside parks on the Scioto Mile.
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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 Columbus? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Columbus
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Columbus population
Median annual income for Columbus seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Columbus
Columbus is home to two state-of-the-art teaching and general medical hospitals.
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Wexner Medical Center is ranked No. 1 in Columbus and No. 2 in the state of Ohio, according to U.S. News and World Report. As a general medical facility and teaching hospital, Wexner is nationally ranked in nine adult specialties, including cardiology and cancer treatment.
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
Riverside is OhioHealth’s largest hospital and is outstanding in neuroscience, cardiovascular care, and cancer treatment. OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 2 in Columbus, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Transportation for seniors in Columbus
Of A Place for Mom’s partnered independent living communities, 77% offer complimentary transportation services to residents. For residents in communities without transportation, Columbus is highly walkable and bikeable, and it has great public transportation options.
Columbus boasts an award-winning public transportation system, the Central Ohio Transit Authority, or COTA. The American Public Transportation Association awarded COTA its Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award in 2018 and 2020. With buses serving an area spanning over 1.2 million people, COTA has innovative trip planning tools, multiple services like Bike and Ride or Park and Ride, and a free Emergency Ride Home system to make sure Columbus residents don’t get stranded.
You can find information on free and low-cost transportation specifically for seniors and individuals with disabilities in the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAA) comprehensive Transportation Guide.
Most errands in the downtown Columbus area can be accomplished on foot. The city has a bike share system called CoGo in addition to other public transportation options. Further outside of downtown, however, Columbus residents are more likely to need a car to get around easily.[11]
Walkscore.com has ranked downtown Columbus as “very walkable” with the following transportation ratings out of 100:
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Columbus
Columbus boasts a wealth of events for its residents and its growing senior population. Below, you will find highlights of area attractions, family-friendly fun, continuing education opportunities for seniors, and more.
Columbus dining
Columbus has eateries to suit any taste, whether you’re a meat lover, an herbivore, or seeking the comfort foods of the Midwest or the exotic delicacies of Spain, Italy, or Germany. Find distilleries, breweries, bistros, coffee shops, delicatessens, and food truck gatherings, all in the Experience Columbus restaurant guide.
Columbus attractions
Columbus offers unique experiences for all ages, both educational and entertaining. Family favorites include the following:
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Franklin Park Conservatory
- Columbus Museum of Art
The city also has miles of trails for hiking, and professional sports for any season and preference. When you’ve had your fill of activity, enjoy a meal at one of Columbus’ many rooftop restaurants.
Columbus cultural experiences
For lovers of the performing arts, Columbus is abundant with experiences. The Columbus theater district has four large theaters:
The Columbus Symphony features breathtaking orchestral performances. For the music lovers with more modern tastes, the Columbus Theater site will direct you to local concerts, as well as plays, musicals, stand-up comedy, and more. Columbus also hosts a myriad of festivals, from Pride festivals to celebrations of various cultures, as well as art, music, and literature festivals.
Columbus 55+
Columbus Recreation and Parks offers social opportunities for residents age 55 and over, including fitness programs and arts and special interest classes. Grandparents and grandkids aged 8-12 can get some quality time at Gram and Gramp Camp, where all can participate in structured activities and enjoy quality time together.
The city features multiple community centers where residents can participate in various activities and enjoy numerous membership benefits, such as priority registration for classes, activities, vacations, and educational trips. Members also get a Leisure Card which gives them access to community centers and swimming pools. Columbus’ six golf courses offer an unmatched golfing experience for putters of any skill level.
If you’re a senior artisan, you can also sell your wares at Golden Hobby Gift Shop, an arts and consignment shop that sells quilts, pottery, paintings, and other one-of-a-kind goods made by Columbus seniors. The Golden Hobby Gift Shop is itself a Columbus older resident, with over 50 years of selling members’ handmade products.
Ohio State University Program 60
Ohio State University’s Program 60 offers tuition-free educational opportunities for Ohio residents aged 60 and over. For the empty nester who is eager to continue learning, you can enroll in university credit courses. Seniors are welcome to attend classes on a part-time or full-time basis, paying only for their textbooks and any applicable lab costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carroll Place, Middleton Senior Living and StoryPoint Pickerington are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Columbus, OH. 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 Columbus is 3315.01 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): Columbus [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.
Ohio Department of Medicaid. Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD) Medicaid.
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04 (2012).
Landlords and Tenants, Ohio Revised Code § 5321.05 (2012).
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Residential Care Facility, Ohio Revised Code § 3701.16 (2018).
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Columbus. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Columbus.
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