Senior apartments in Little Rock offer residential living space to active, independent older adults. Many senior apartment communities provide access to on-site or nearby recreational activities, such as tennis or pickleball courts, pools, clubhouses, and gyms. Because senior apartments are designed to be low maintenance, residents can enjoy retirement without the demands of being a homeowner, such as landscaping, maintenance, and repairs.
In this guide to Little Rock senior apartments, A Place for Mom offers helpful information on costs and payment options for senior apartments, Arkansas laws and regulations, local resources for seniors, and activities relevant to seniors. Our proprietary data and 20+ years of knowledge will help ensure you find the right place for your needs.
How do we rank Little Rock, Arkansas senior apartments?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality apartments that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
- Recent, high-quality reviews. We take into account reviews from the past two years. Then, we look for the apartments people prefer. Senior apartments that have mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities that have low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours, such as how pet-friendly and clean the apartments are.
- Facility transparency. Apartments that have robust information are prioritized over those that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
- Location. Options vary based on proximity to your desired location.
Senior Living Apartments in Little Rock, AR
Senior apartments in Little Rock offer residential living space to active, independent older adults. Many senior apartment communities provide access to on-site or nearby recreational activities, such as tennis or pickleball courts, pools, clubhouses, and gyms. Because senior apartments are designed to be low maintenance, residents can enjoy retirement without the demands of being a homeowner, such as landscaping, maintenance, and repairs.Read more
In this guide to Little Rock senior apartments, A Place for Mom offers helpful information on costs and payment options for senior apartments, Arkansas laws and regulations, local resources for seniors, and activities relevant to seniors. Our proprietary data and 20+ years of knowledge will help ensure you find the right place for your needs.
How do we rank Little Rock, Arkansas senior apartments?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality apartments that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
- Recent, high-quality reviews. We take into account reviews from the past two years. Then, we look for the apartments people prefer. Senior apartments that have mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities that have low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours, such as how pet-friendly and clean the apartments are.
- Facility transparency. Apartments that have robust information are prioritized over those that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
- Location. Options vary based on proximity to your desired location.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Little Rock, AR
I've so far been very pleased with Willow Grove. Of course, early on there was an adjustment period, but overall they have been very receptive and responsive to my concerns and desires. Their communication...
Pleasant staff and friendly residents. Lovely apartments. Clean grounds and are well kept. Very safe and quiet and first responders are fast and efficient. Great place to live but it is independent living...
Good morning to whom it may concern I want to give my experience about living at buffington towers I love this place and I think it's a wonderful place for someone to come and live but my problem is we only...
My name is [name removed] and I have lived at the Villas since November. There is no other place like this in town, I’ve looked. The developers, [names removed], have created an outstanding community here in...
My sister is doing wonderful here, it is a good community. We are very pleased, we know she is in a safe place. The staff is great, they are very kind and friendly. They do a very good job of keeping the...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Little Rock
- Costs of senior apartments in the Little Rock area
- How people pay for senior apartments in Little Rock, Arkansas
- Understand Little Rock laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
- What to expect from senior apartments in Little Rock, Arkansas
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Little Rock? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about senior apartments in Little Rock
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Little Rock
Buffington Towers in Little Rock, AR
Willow Grove of Sherwood
Courtyard Cottages Bryant
Costs of senior apartments in the Little Rock area
The average cost of senior apartments in Little Rock, Arkansas can vary, but we’ve found it to be about $566 per month.[01] Many factors can influence the lease rate for senior apartments in the area, including:
- On-site amenities. Built-in access to swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, restaurants, etc., can change the cost of a senior apartment.
- Safety features. Senior apartment communities that are gated or have extra security precautions might have higher costs than those with fewer safety amenities.
- Apartment layout. Senior apartments may be designed for one person, a couple, or multiple people. A larger apartment typically means a higher per-month cost.
- Add-ons. In some cases, a senior apartment community might offer residents the ability to add on amenities for an additional fee.
- Pet-friendly senior apartments often ask for a pet deposit and may charge more each month for each pet living in the apartment.
- Some senior apartment communities offer transportation services for free while some charge a fee.
When comparing senior apartments in Little Rock, always weigh the similarities and differences into the overall cost. A senior apartment that costs more per month but offers extra amenities could be more budget-friendly based on your desired lifestyle, activity expectations, and needs.
The chart below shows the average cost per apartment without additional fees.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Little Rock, AR vs. nearby cities
Little Rock, AR
How people pay for senior apartments in Little Rock, Arkansas
When considering moving to a senior apartment in Little Rock, you will want to explore ways to pay. Programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance will not cover the cost to live in a senior apartment. This is because senior apartments are not senior care communities and fall under the category of regular apartments.
Below are some of the payment options and resources that seniors use to help pay for senior apartments in Little Rock. These include private pay methods, housing assistance, veterans benefits, and federal programs.
The majority of people who choose to live in senior apartments in Little Rock cover their lease payments out of pocket with private pay methods. For instance, some residents live off their savings. Others might depend on their Social Security benefits or an employment-related pension to cover all or part of the costs.
Individuals or couples may also use the following methods to pay for a senior apartment:
Number of veterans who live in Little Rock
54% of Little Rock veterans are 65+
Being a veteran may entitle some individuals access to funding streams. Though these funding streams are not directly meant to cover senior apartment living, they may help a veteran pay for some expenses.
One program that could help individuals interested in senior apartments in Little Rock is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which may offer a monthly payment to qualified veterans, veteran spouses, and surviving spouses.
Veteran Pensions and VA Disability Compensations are other ways for veterans in the Little Rock area to receive aid for housing or health-related needs. Veterans considering a senior apartment in Little Rock should connect with local resourcesveteran services organizations, or the VA. These Little Rock area resources may help with the complex process of applying for benefits. Keep in mind that applying for VA programs may be a lengthy process.
Resources for Little Rock veterans
Little Rock Regional VA Office
2200 Fort Roots Drive, Building 65
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
501 Woodlane Drive, Suite 401N
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-683-2382
National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. Chapter #0108
Phone: 501-777-5421
George L. Douglas Post 1316
2304 S Arch St.
Little Rock, AR 72206
Phone: 501-615-8006
Carl Reed Post 9095
1121 Gamble Road
Little Rock, AR 72211
Phone: 501-225-9849
Pulaski County Veterans Services Officer
Al Harkins
3915 W 8th St., 3rd Floor
Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: 501-650-0311
Hours: Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Email: aharkins@pulaskicounty.net
Neither Medicare nor Medicaid programs covers the rent for a senior apartment. However, both programs can help cover fees associated with medically necessary in-home health care. So, while they can’t directly assist with housing costs, they can help lower your monthly out-of-pocket costs overall.
Medicare is federal health care coverage for people aged 65 or older that may cover some short-term medical necessities carried out in the home. This could include anything from temporary at-home nursing to limited occupational therapy sessions. To apply for Medicare, start with your local Social Security office.
Medicare recipients living in senior apartments in Little Rock can take advantage of the Arkansas Senior Health Insurance Information Program (AR SHIIP) initiative. AR SHIIP makes it possible for Medicare members to get in touch with certified counselors who can offer more insights into using Medicare and all its applicable plans, supplements, and parts. AR SHIIP includes the Arkansas Counselor Information Center. CareLink is also a great resource if you are looking for further assistance.
The Medicare Savings Program can provide supplemental support to help cover costs. Arkansas’s Prescription Assistance Program can help with medication costs.
Medicaid is different from Medicare and is a health care program for people with low-incomes. In Arkansas, the Medicaid program is referred to as Access Arkansas and many seniors will apply for Medicaid after exhausting their personal savings. In Arkansas, the program is run by the Department of Human Services and you can apply here. If you need help applying, watch this video for step-by-step instructions. Individuals on Medicaid can get prescription help through the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) as well.
Arkansas also offers a program called ARChoices in Home Care that provides home and community-based services to people ages 21-64 with a physical disability or seniors 65 and older. ARChoices recipients may be eligible for care in a nursing home, but choose to live more independently. This program offers the services and support to allow them to do just that. You can read more about ARChoices in the DHS’s comprehensive Medicaid handbook.
The resources listed below, can provide additional support to help seniors better understand their entitlements and sort through costs, eligibility, and the ins and outs of both Medicare and Medicaid programs in Arkansas. The local ombudsman and Office of Public Guardian, for example, can offer advice and advocacy to seniors on how to handle their benefits. Organizations like the Arkansas Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services can also help seniors make better sense of how to use their Medicaid and Medicare benefits to get the most value.
Little Rock resident Medicare and Medicaid resources
Social Security Administration
Federal Building
700 W Capitol Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
617 Main St.
Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone: 501-682-1001
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Little Rock Ombudsman: Monica Tyler
706 W 4th St.
North Little Rock, AR 72119
Phone: 800-482-6359
Email: mtyler@carelink.org
Arkansas Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Service
Phone: 501-686-9164
Some public housing assistance programs may be available to you to help pay for a senior apartment. The first is through Social Security benefits, which can offset the costs of living. Social Security Retirement benefits are based on work credits and history. However, if you are disabled and have work credits, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance as well. Or, if you have no work history, Supplemental Security Income or a Social Security survivors pension may be a better fit.
For low-income seniors, the Housing Authority (HUD) in Little Rock offers residential properties, including some apartments. The Housing Authority also offers both general and veterans affairs housing programs. On the federal level, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program offers assistance in covering the cost of some utility bills for lower-income families.
Another organization aimed at helping low-income seniors in Little Rock is the Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC). The CADC strives to connect seniors with assistance in many forms, including transportation, energy costs, and housing needs.
There are multiple advocacy programs located in the Little Rock area that can help older adults navigate housing options and senior-related issues. These include CareLink, Disability Rights Arkansas, Central Arkansas Development Council, and more.
Little Rock resident public assistance resources
Little Rock Social Security Administration Office
RM 1201 Federal Building
700 W Capitol St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 866-593-0933
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
CareLink
Phone: 501-372-5300
400 W Capitol Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-296-1775
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Central Arkansas Development Council
5401 S University Ave., Suite 146
Little Rock, AR 72209
Phone: 501-603-0909
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Arkansas Department of Human Services
617 Main St.
Little Rock, AR 72203
Phone: 501-682-1001
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wanda C. Merritt, Field Office Director
425 West Capitol Ave., Suite 1000
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-918-5700
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
100 S Arch St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-340-4821
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Understand Little Rock laws and regulations for senior apartments communities
Because senior apartments are considered traditional rental properties, they must conform to all applicable state and local laws and regulations. This includes the Arkansas Fair Housing Act, which echoes the sentiments of the Federal Fair Housing Act. Both acts prohibit landlords from denying a tenant the right to live in an apartment based on discriminatory factors such as sex, age, race, or disability status.
Senior apartments must also be in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Senior apartments must offer reasonable accommodations for people who have disabilities. If a Little Rock senior apartment complex or community accepts Section 8, which is a type of Housing Choice Voucher, it must follow all Section 8 housing requirements.
All apartments in Little Rock are expected to be maintained for safety and kept up to code as part of the state’s landlord-tenant rights. Rental unit inspections are carried out by Little Rock’s Code Enforcement Division.
Arkansas Department of Health contact information
4815 W Markham
Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
Phone Number: 1-800-462-0599
COVID-19 regulations for Little Rock senior apartments communities
There are no mandatory COVID-19 guidelines or regulations governing Little Rock senior apartment communities. However, all individuals and housing complex owners are encouraged to promote some best practices outlined below.
Vaccinations. Seniors who can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters are encouraged to get them. Beginning on September 14th, 2023, the Arkansas Department of Health will implement COVID-19 Smart Health Cards. These virtual cards will store all records of your current vaccination status with a QR code that can be scanned from an app on your smartphone or printed on paper for anyone without a smartphone.
Masking. The use of masks is strongly encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in cases where individuals cannot maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between each other.
Social distancing. Health officials around Arkansas advise social distancing as one of the measures to limit exposure to contagious diseases.
What to expect from senior apartments in Little Rock, Arkansas
Although senior apartments are not meant for people who need assisted living, many senior apartments are equipped with features that make them more accessible to residents with limited mobility or other functional needs. For example, a senior apartment layout might include extra-wide doorway frames or safety-forward grab bars in the bathrooms.
In Little Rock, however, senior apartments are not very common, so many seniors opt for independent living instead. Independent living communities in the area offer similar benefits as senior apartments, providing hassle-free living to residents and plenty of opportunities for activities and community-building. The limited senior apartment options in Little Rock offer the following benefits.
Surrounded by nature
Many senior apartment communities in Little Rock are surrounded by trees and are in close proximity to parks and ponds. Many senior living communities also offer transportation for seniors wanting to travel to nearby nature centers for a relaxing afternoon away. The climate in Little Rock experiences warm winters and hot summers. This can be perfect for residemts who enjoy outdoor activities and want to escape extended periods of snowy winter weather.
Opportunities for socialization
Some locations host events to help residents get to know each other, and many have indoor and outdoor areas or courtyards where seniors can gather. Some senior apartments also include access to swimming pools and allow for dogs and cats so even your pets can socialize.
Accommodating layouts
The layout of every senior apartment is going to be distinct, but most will be single story. Some offer one-bedroom layouts while others may have several bedrooms that can be used for guests, family members, and home offices. Others may be more minimally outfitted, but all will have full kitchens and on-site maintenance to take care of any issues that might arise. In addition, most senior apartments in the area offer washer and dryer connections so laundry can be done in the apartment.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Little Rock? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Little Rock
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Little Rock population
Average high temperature in January in Little Rock
Health care for seniors in Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock’s health care facilities serve Pulaski County residents and people throughout and beyond the state. Some of the top-rated facilities in Little Rock are noted below.
Baptist Health Medical Center rates highly as a general medical and surgical healthcare provider, and it’s the No. 2 hospital in the state.
CHI St. Vincent Infirmary receives accreditation as the third best hospital in the state, and is rated high in seven adult procedures and conditions.
John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans’ Hospital
John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans’ Hospital is the main VA hospital in Little Rock that provides both primary and specialty care services.
Transportation for seniors in Little Rock
Little Rock and the surrounding areas have limited walkability few bike lanes, and minimal public transportation options. It is worth noting that some neighborhoods are more walkable and bikeable than others, including Downtown, Hillcrest, and Heights. In those areas, it is easier to walk to coffee shops, restaurants, and eateries than it is in other parts of the city.
Little Rock has 26 bus lines and a single light rail line. The METRO provides 15 bus routes that run year-round except during major government holidays. METRO vehicles are accessible. Vehicles also offer bike racks for easy storage for recreational cyclists. Seniors who have disabilities, are on Medicare, or who are age 65 and up may qualify for discounts.
Another form of public transit unique to Little Rock is the METRO Streetcar. The Streetcar runs through downtown and may make specialty runs to big annual events.
As a senior living in Little Rock, you may be able to take advantage of CareLink. This transportation service is meant for people age 60 and up living in Little Rock who need non-emergency medical transportation for doctor’s visits, grocery store trips, or trips to a senior center.
The zTrip is another service that operates as a third-party rideshare driving resource like Lyft. All zTrip vehicles are wheelchair accessible and can be booked online. As an alternative to zTrip, KLW Transportation is a 24-hour taxi service available for anyone to use in Little Rock.
The following walk, transit, and bike scores are measurements based on a number of factors including safety, convenience, and public usage.[05]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Little Rock
Living in Little Rock, Arkansas means being able to enjoy indoor and outdoor social, recreational, educational, and entertainment experiences. Because Little Rock is the capital of the state, it holds many special treasures, from museums to natural features, that have put this city on the map. Little Rock also has many senior-specific activities such as organized day trips, crafts, game nights and special entertainment options that are facilitated by Little Rock Parks and Recreation.
Outdoor Excursions in Little Rock
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the outcropping that gave Little Rock its name. You can see La Petite Roche in person along Riverfront Park. If you are interested in hiking, you may want to visit Pinnacle Mountain located on the outskirts of Little Rock. Pinnacle Mountain has many walking trails, rivers, a nearby arboretum, and plenty of educational and historical programs, making it ideal for a day trip solo or with visiting friends and family.
For biking, head to the Big Dam Bridge, the longest bikeable bridge across America with walkways designed for accessibility. If you prefer golfing, tennis, or pickleball, you can find plenty of courses and courts dotted throughout the city.
Entertainment and Shopping
The Little Rock River Market has earned a place of distinction as a location to grab something to eat, peruse vendors’ shops, and listen to live music and other performances. Because the events are ever-changing at the River Market, it is worth checking out the Market’s website to stay up to date on all the happenings. Public parking is available at the River Market as well as METRO Streetcar access for anyone not wanting to navigate parking.
Another place to sit back and indulge in theatrical performance is at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. From plays to concerts, the Rep showcases some of the finest performing artists in and outside of the area. The great thing about the theatre is their accessibility policies. The theatre is wheelchair and scooter accessible with designated accessible parking nearby. For people with hearing impairments, the Rep has assistive listening devices available upon request.
For a bit of indoor-outdoor pleasure, check out the Little Rock Zoo. Offering self-paced tours and lots of spots to relax and enjoy the sights, sounds, and antics of the animals, the Zoo remains a must-see Little Rock mainstay. The zoo is perfect for seniors, who want to get out and about without the constant noise, as they have designated quiet spaces for visitors wanting to take a break from the excitement and cool off. Heifer Village is another fun outing where you can investigate the agricultural heritage of Little Rock.
Quench your thirst after sightseeing by dropping by the Rock Town Distillery. It’s a fun place not only to learn about how adult beverages are made, but also to sample those beverages with pub fare.
Museums and History
Do you enjoy immersing yourself in the history of your hometown? After moving to a senior apartment community in Little Rock, make plans to see the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum. Like all presidential libraries, it’s a testament to this former president’s life and occupational path. The museum is also ADA compliant and fully accessible with wheelchairs available upon request and free of charge. To round out a politically themed museum trip, go next to the downtown Arkansas State Capitol for a tour.
The Museum of Discovery and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts present self-paced spaces. At each destination, you can learn more about science, artistry, and everything in between. The Museum of Discovery provides accommodations for accessibility, and the Museum of Fine Arts has programs and areas, such as the Art Garden, for guests who may need more space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Willow Grove of Sherwood, Buffington Towers and Lakewood House are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Little Rock, AR. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Little Rock is 1199.39 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 State Census Bureau. (2020-2021). Little Rock city, Arkansas.
Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. (2023). Weather & Average Temperatures.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Little Rock, AR.
WalkScore. (2023). Little Rock.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- Sherwood, Arkansas
- Maumelle, Arkansas
- North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Benton, Arkansas
- Bryant, Arkansas
- Jacksonville, Arkansas
- Gold Creek, Arkansas
- Haskell, Arkansas
- Alexander, Arkansas
- Hensley, Arkansas
- Fairman, Arkansas
- Pleasant Valley, Arkansas
- Mayflower, Arkansas
- Warsaw, Arkansas
- Fourche, Arkansas
- Natural Steps, Arkansas
- Detonti, Arkansas
- Shaw, Arkansas
- Gold Lake Estates, Arkansas
- Preston, Arkansas