Within the scenic heart of Tennessee, Nashville allures retirees with its distinct fusion of Southern charm, lively culture, and a leisurely rhythm of life. With a temperate climate graced by mild winters and an abundance of sun-filled days, Nashville presents an enticing setting for retirees searching for cozy living. Moreover, Music City more than lives up to its name with its thriving music and arts scene ensuring seniors have ample chances for social engagement and nurturing their cultural spirits.
Independent living caters to individuals who maintain an active lifestyle, yet seek a more comfortable living environment surrounded by their peers. In Nashville, Tennessee, A Place For Mom has six partnered independent living facilities within 10 miles of downtown Nashville.
To make your search easier, we have organized information on the best independent living facilities, their rules and regulations, and how to pay for them. Additionally, we have included the top attractions in Nashville and the transportation options to best get around town.
10 Best Independent Living Communities in Nashville, TN
Within the scenic heart of Tennessee, Nashville allures retirees with its distinct fusion of Southern charm, lively culture, and a leisurely rhythm of life. With a temperate climate graced by mild winters and an abundance of sun-filled days, Nashville presents an enticing setting for retirees searching for cozy living. Moreover, Music City more than lives up to its name with its thriving music and arts scene ensuring seniors have ample chances for social engagement and nurturing their cultural spirits.Read more
Independent living caters to individuals who maintain an active lifestyle, yet seek a more comfortable living environment surrounded by their peers. In Nashville, Tennessee, A Place For Mom has six partnered independent living facilities within 10 miles of downtown Nashville.
To make your search easier, we have organized information on the best independent living facilities, their rules and regulations, and how to pay for them. Additionally, we have included the top attractions in Nashville and the transportation options to best get around town.
Nashville Independent Living Facilities | 887 Reviews
The staff and facility were very accommodating to my brother, who moved here from California to live with us. He fell the first night in our new house and ended up in the hospital. It was then that we needed...
I would recommend Chippington Towers I for individuals that can care for themselves. They are not equipped as an Assisted Living Facility. My brother enjoys living there. He says that the staff is excellent....
The Trevecca Towers has been great. It is very clean. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. The value is great as well. They have many activities such as Bingo and movie night. My loved one is very happy here....
I'am enjoying my time here at this community. It is a very nice community with kind people. The community is very well maintained. I have no problems, or concerns about this community. I'am very pleased with...
My mother was there for rehab. The food was very very good. We expected the food would be similar at the next place we move her but it wasn't. The rehab part is good but you don't get individual care. We had...
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It is a very great place to live. It's affordable. It's clean. We love the apartments. My loved one likes everybody. Really the only room for improvement is the front desk could be a little bit easier...
This is a review for Abe's Garden, the brand new addition to Park Manor specializing in Alzheimer's and Dementia memory care. They have a progressive philosophy and mission. They keep the residents busy with...
I was at a loss as to where to place my 61yr old husband. The dr suggested Lakeshore Heartland and I knew it was the right placement for him when I walked through the door. I had such a strong feeling of...
The staff is great and easy to communicate with. I enjoy that he is able to make his own meals and we can join him for meals. The Dandridge Tower offers activities for the residents to enjoy. The community...
In the Summer of 2015, my Father passed away after 3 months of hospitalization. He was my Mother's true love, soulmate and caregiver as he was 86 and she was 92. At the time, Mother had Neuropathy in her...
My father has been in 3 hospital and 3 nursing homes in 3 months and this one twice and I just love it here.. If you have a problem the staff all works hard to help solve your issues and its really a...
- What families are saying about independent living in Nashville
- Costs of independent living in the Nashville area
- How people pay for independent living in Nashville
- Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Nashville
- Types of independent living in Nashville
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Nashville? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about independent living in Nashville
Recent reviews for independent living in Nashville
Southern Care Inc in Franklin, TN
Legacy Village of Hendersonville
Brookdale Franklin (Independent Living)
Costs of independent living in the Nashville area
Our network of partners’ average independent living cost in Nashville is $2,296 per month.[01] This amount takes into account the various floor layouts, amenities, and other factors to represent an average total cost paid each month.
The following graph shows Nashville and the surrounding areas’ baseline costs for comparison and does not include any add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Nashville, TN vs. nearby cities
Nashville, TN
How people pay for independent living in Nashville
Because independent living facilities aren’t recognized as senior care homes, seniors can’t take advantage of Medicaid, Medicare, or a long-term insurance carrier to pay for their stay. However, they can use public funds to pay for in-home care services they bring to their independent living facility.
We’ll go over how seniors can pay for their independent living stays in this section. Here, you can find resources for seniors on private financing, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Residents of independent living facilities can pay for their accommodations using various private payment options. Personal savings, investment returns, pensions, and Social Security income are just a few of the suitable methods for seniors to finance their stays.
Number of veterans who live in Nashville
About 46% of Nashville veterans are 65+
Veterans can fund independent living facilities through their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pensions if eligible. Wartime veterans who qualify can also make use of the Aid and Attendance benefit, which is paid out alongside the VA Pension and can be used for anything to improve living quality.
Individuals with service-related disabilities or preexisting conditions made worse by military service are also eligible for VA Disability Compensation. This tax-free payment can cover the cost of housing and medical care, according to your disability rating.
For those wanting to upgrade their living facility, the Temporary Residence Adaptation grant can be used. Veterans can also check the VA grant and per diem program to gain further financial support. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also offers financial grants of up to $1,500 through the Unmet Needs program to military families experiencing financial hardship due to their service.
Applying for benefits can be complicated, so ensure you take advantage of all the resources Nashville offers. Contact a veterans services officer for help answering all of your questions. Get in touch with these trained professionals at a veterans services organization (VSO), such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) clubs, Disabled American Veterans offices, American Legion posts, or the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services.
Resources for Nashville veterans
110 Ninth Ave. S
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
Nashville Field Office
1310 24th Ave. S, Rooms G116, G117, G118
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-741-2345
Contact: Jacquline Bumpas, veterans service officer
Phone: 615-982-5181
Contact: Ben Welch, veterans service officer
Phone: 615-981-9956
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1291
1907 Lebanon Pike Pass
Nashville, TN 37210
Phone: 615-889-9755
Email: vfwnashville@outlook.com
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1970
7220 Charlotte Pike
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: 615-352-9933
Disabled American Veterans Nashville Chapter
110 Ninth Ave. S, Suite C166B
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-695-6384
The American Legion Department of Tennessee
318 Donelson Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 615-391-5088
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
223 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Suite 301
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 615-782-7226
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, provides health care to those who qualify because of a low income. Although Medicaid doesn’t cover the rent costs of a senior’s independent living, it can help offset in-home care and other medical costs if necessary. Check the eligibility reference guide to make sure you can use TennCare Medicaid for various needs.
Use this application form to apply for TennCare. Creating an account on the self-service portal called TennCare Connect allows you to easily apply for benefits, report changes, check your status, and much more.
Seniors who need help with daily activities can seek a home and community based services (HCBS) waiver. These waivers encompass a diverse array of personalized in-home care services.
For additional guidance on the Medicaid application process, seniors can contact the local Area Agency on Aging or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Ombudsmen are trained volunteers who can answer your Medicaid-related questions and concerns. Seniors can also connect with the Greater Nashville Regional Council Area Agency on Aging and Disability or Mid-Cumberland for ombudsman services.
Nashville resident Medicaid resources
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Greater Nashville Regional Council Area Agency on Aging and Disability
501 Union St., Sixth Floor
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone: 615-862-8828
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Greater Nashville Regional Council
44 Vantage Way, Suite 450
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 615-862-8828
Fax: 615-862-8840
Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency
1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37217
Phone: 615-850-3918
Email: mlunday@mchra.com
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
502 Deaderick St., Ninth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-253-5412
Fax: 615-741-3309
Email: teresa.teeple@tn.gov
Medicare is a federally funded health care program for seniors who are at least 65 years of age. While Medicare doesn’t pay for rent in an independent living community, it does cover certain medically necessary in-home care for short-term medical needs.
There are a few additional resources available to Medicare-eligible individuals that can help seniors. Tennessee Medicare Savings Programs, for example, assist low-income seniors in paying their Medicare deductibles and copayments. Seniors can get started by filling out an application on TennCareConnect.
CoverRx, a Behavioral Health Safety Net program of Tennessee (BHSN of TN), assists those without prescription pharmaceutical coverage in Tennessee who need extra help paying for medications.
Apply for Medicare benefits by reaching out to your nearest Social Security Administration office or submit your application online. The Tennessee State Health Insurance Help Program (TN SHIP) provides free support and counseling for anyone with Medicare-related questions. Seniors can look for Medicare counseling sites on this interactive map to find out where certified SHIP counselors will be and when. You can also contact your local Social Security office or the long-term care ombudsman if you have questions.
Nashville resident Medicare resources
Nashville Social Security Administration Office
120 Athens Way
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 877-808-5461
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nashville Social Security Administration Office
221 Cumberland Bend
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 877-583-4103
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Greater Nashville Regional Council (SHIP)
44 Vantage Way, Suite 450
Nashville, TN 37228
Phone: 615-862-8828
Fax: 615-862-8840
Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency
1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37217
Phone: 615-850-3918
Email: mlunday@mchra.com
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
502 Deaderick St., Ninth Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-253-5412
Fax: 615-741-3309
Email: teresa.teeple@tn.gov
Understand Tennessee laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living facilities are intended for self-sufficient seniors who don’t require daily support. As a result, residents in these facilities must be capable of living independently and managing their care. This is why stand-alone independent living facilities in Nashville don’t need to be licensed as a senior care community.
However, they still have to follow city, state, and federal guidelines. The Metro Codes Department must inspect Nashville properties to ensure the Metro Code of Ordinances is being followed. Seniors can put in a public record request online to see inspection reports.
Independent living facilities are also expected to follow the Fair Housing Act, as well as the Tennessee Human Rights Act to guarantee seniors have access to housing. Stand-alone independent living communities in Nashville must also follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. The ADA ensures that landlords are prohibited from discriminating or denying housing to any one person based on disability status.
Independent living combined with care
Licenses may be required if the community is combined with other senior care facilities, such as assisted living and memory care units, or if it is part of a continuing care retirement community. In that case, the Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Facilities’ Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities licenses what Tennessee calls Assisted-Care Living Facilities. There are also residential homes for the aged, which are smaller facilities that are for seniors who just need a small amount of help in addition to room and board.
Inspections take place — at a minimum — every 15 months to ensure that the Standards for Assisted-Care Living Facilities are being met. The inspections cover several areas including fire safety, staffing levels, medication management, infection control, and resident rights. Facility inspection reports are made available online.
Tennessee Department of Health contact information
Tennessee Department of Health
710 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-3111
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Tennessee independent living communities
Nashville has no required regulations that independent living facilities have to follow. However, the city does provide a general guidance list to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and raise awareness.
Vaccinations. Vaccines are available by appointment at Metro Public Health Department health clinics and are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Masking. Anyone with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask but it isn’t required.
Staff safety. High-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Staff should wash their hands often with soap and water.
Get to know independent living in Nashville
Types of independent living in Nashville
Considered a favorite retirement haven among seniors, Nashville captivates with its inclusive community, storied cultural heritage, and genuine Southern warmth. The Nashville area has various independent living communities, from budget layouts to luxurious living. The gentle, golden hues and rustic charm found in numerous residential facilities evoke a soothing countryside ambiance, enveloping residents in a comforting embrace of rural serenity. Senior independent living facilities provide several convenient services and amenities to make retired life easier — from planned social events to complimentary transportation to dining services.
Various facilities available
Six of our partner independent living institutions within a 10-mile radius of the heart of Nashville include three stand-alone facilities. The other three facilities are combinations of assisted living, independent living, and memory care.
If you expand your search area to a 25-mile radius of downtown Nashville, there are plenty of additional options:
- 3 stand-alone independent living facilities
- 3 combination assisted living and independent living facilities
- 12 combination assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities
Multiple transportation mode accessibility
Public transportation, called WeGo in Nashville, is close by for all residents living in our partner independent living communities. For those who like to drive themselves, all our partner facilities also offer resident parking. Seniors can also use the community’s transportation services (at-cost or complimentary) to run errands. Of our Nashville partner communities, 83% offer free transportation. There are so many ways to get out and enjoy all the Country Music Capital has to offer.
Multiple amenities offered
Most of our partner facilities provide arts and crafts studios and exercise centers for seniors who lead active lifestyles. For those who prefer staying close to home, there’s a library and a game room available in all our partner communities. All of our partners also have personal care services, such as barber shops and beauty salons available, too.[01]
Numerous Nashville independent living communities offer an array of amenities that ensure a comfortable lifestyle. From indulgent resort-style pools and serene community gardens to inviting outdoor patios ideal for leisurely barbecues, these amenities prioritize comfort. Many independent living facilities in Nashville offer chef-prepared meals to give residents a taste of finger-lickin’ Southern fare. Others go the extra mile by providing breakfast and coffee concierge services, adding a touch of luxury to residents’ daily routines.
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Unfamiliar with Nashville? Highlights for seniors
Median annual income for Nashville seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Nashville
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Vanderbilt University Medical Center ranks at the very top in all procedures and conditions. It’s Tennessee’s premier hospital, ranking first in the region and 19th in the U.S. It’s a teaching hospital that provides superior care for the most challenging patients and their health conditions.
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital
Regarding medical facilities, Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital is well regarded, at No. 2 in the state, and among the top 12% nationally. It’s considered excellent in working with 15 adult procedures and disorders, including stroke transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), joint replacements, cancer therapies, and surgeries related to the heart.
TriStar Centennial Medical Center
TriStar Centennial Medical Center provides comprehensive medical and surgical services and satisfies patient needs. It has received top ratings for performing exceptionally well in various adult procedures and illnesses, including colon cancer, heart attack care, heart failure treatment, stroke care, and both hip and knee replacement.
Transportation for Seniors in Nashville
Nashville is a big city, and it is primarily car-dependent. However, it does have several walkable neighborhoods. To rate the neighborhood’s walkability, Walk Score uses a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the most walkable. The city’s total walk score is 29, while its bike score is 30. Its transit score also ranks fairly low at 22.[07]
The outlying suburbs around the city center are significantly less walkable, and public transportation is scarce. However, East End, Downtown, and Cameron Trimble are the most walkable parts of Nashville.[07]
Most of our nearby Nashville independent living facility partners also offer transportation services for seniors. More than 80% of our partners provide complimentary transportation, whereas 50% offer at-cost transportation.[01]
Nashville’s public transportation service, WeGo Public Transit, has 34 bus routes and one train route starting from Lebanon. There’s a discount of 85 cents for seniors over 65 and disabled people, which can be purchased by either showing a driver’s license, Medicare, or a Seniors-MTA Golden Age card. Fill out the discount card application online.
WeGo Access Program provides door-to-door van service for disabled people who can’t use the regular WeGo service. It costs $3.70 per ride, runs on set routes, and riders may require a personal care assistant.
Senior Ride Nashville provides services for those 60 and above with a round-trip fare of $6. Its yearly membership fee is $25. All volunteer drivers are trained and vetted. This service can support multi-stop trips up to three hours long. Eligible residents will be notified when they can join after they pre-register. There’s a waitlist for those wanting to use this service.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Nashville
Nashville’s long history with country music provides many of the city’s best tourist attractions. Even if you’re not a fan of Waylon and Willie, seniors can enjoy various other attractions and activities, including indoor and outdoor outings.
Because Nashville is regarded as the birthplace of country music, it’s natural that it’d also be home to one of the largest museums in the world devoted to the genre. Curated exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame showcase iconic memorabilia, including stage costumes, instruments, and personal belongings of legendary country music artists. Seniors can revisit cherished classics and discover new favorites as they explore interactive displays, engage in audio tours, and even catch live performances. Assistive listening devices, large print guides, and wheelchair rentals are available to guests. Country music lovers can’t miss the famous Johnny Cash Museum. You can also stop in for some beer or barbecue at Johnny Cash’s Bar and BBQ.
For those who wish to experience live country music, the Grand Ole Opry features prominent country artists as well as upcoming stars. This venue also provides assistive listening devices and wheelchair-accessible features useful for disabled residents. The Ryman Auditorium is also an iconic music venue in Nashville, and it offers a full range of accessibility options.
The General Jackson Showboat is a massive showboat where you can experience famous Nashville singers playing on board. You can even enjoy a meal, sail down the Cumberland River, and take in breathtaking city views.
To all animal lovers, the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere invites you to embark on a journey through the animal kingdom. Seniors can watch their favorite animals in well-maintained habitats. The zoo’s tranquil atmosphere and well-shaded seating areas provide the perfect place for seniors to reconnect with nature. Wheelchair rentals start at $12, although you can bring your own for free.
Centennial Park has beautiful walking trails and a sunken garden to enjoy more scenic views while being active. There’s an art center, an activity center, and historical sites perfect for family activities. The park has a scheduled events list that you can also peruse to plan your next outing.
The Nashville Farmers Market is a terrific place for elders to engage with the local community and shop for fresh produce and artisanal food. The venue has two covered open-air sheds, a 24,000-square-foot garden center, a culinary incubator center, and a food hall. It’s open all year long!
Sports fans in Nashville will be delighted by the variety of sports teams the city offers. If you love football, you’ll want to stop by Nissan Stadium where the NFL’s Tennessee Titans play. For professional ice hockey, catch the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. If you want hotdogs and Cracker Jacks, the Nashville Sounds minor league baseball team might be who you want to root for.
For more senior-specific activities, The Metro Parks Senior Recreation Program has visual arts, dance, crafts, and other leisure activities for people over 55. It has three primary locations (East, Elizabeth, and Hadley) and nine satellite locations.
Nashville and the neighboring communities boast an array of senior centers where individuals can relish their golden years. Among these, FiftyForward Donelson Station and FiftyForward Knowles stand out for their enjoyable activities. These centers cater to various interests and passions, from yoga and tai chi sessions to bead weaving and choral singing. Moreover, Nashville takes pride in its senior dining program, which offers communal meals exclusively for individuals aged 60 and above. With four conveniently located venues open from Monday to Friday, seniors can savor not only nutritious meals but also partake in nutrition sessions and weekly doses of fun and fitness activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rutland Place, Vitality Living Hendersonville and The Bridge at Hickory Woods are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Nashville, TN. 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 Nashville is 4032.21 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.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). TriStar Centennial Medical Center.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Nashville-Davidson.
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