About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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Senior Living Apartments in Pensacola, FL

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Who are you searching for?

Conveniently situated along the sandy shoreline of the Florida Panhandle, Pensacola, Florida, continues to attract older adults from around the country seeking a warm, comfortable, laid-back place to retire. If you’ve considered relocating to a senior apartment community where you can maintain an active lifestyle in a safe area with a rich heritage and plenty of recreational and social opportunities, Pensacola may be the perfect fit.

A Place for Mom partners with senior apartment campuses in appealing cities across the nation, like Pensacola, to help seniors like you find your next home. All the senior apartment listings in our Pensacola guides reflect communities within 10 miles of Pensacola’s downtown. Our guides show off a range of senior apartments from luxury to cozy accommodations, enabling you to choose the campus that resonates with your preferences and budget.

To help you imagine what it’s like to live in a senior apartment in Escambia County, Florida, we’ve included other information, such as how individuals, couples, and families pay for the cost of living in senior apartments, which types of health care and transportation are available in Pensacola, and the most popular things to do in this mid-sized beach town after you settle into your new lifestyle in the sunny shoreline city.

Senior Apartments Facilities near Pensacola, FL
Showing 6 communities
Last Updated: 3/27/24
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Best of Senior Living

The top senior living communities stand out for their exceptional care and support of seniors in independent living, assisted living, memory care, and in-home care. Our Best of Senior Living Award winners represent the top 1-2% of senior care providers nationwide based on reviews from those who matter most: residents and families.

Best Meals and Dining

Nutritious meals are one of the most important and valued benefits of senior living. Chefs and meal planners provide residents the right balance of vitamins and minerals – and so much more. The best make sure every dish is made with quality ingredients, tastes great and leaves diners excited for their next meal.

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Amenities
Providers
Types of care available in Pensacola, FL
Senior Apartments
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Assisted Living
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Nursing Homes
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Memory Care
Memory Care
Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Independent Living
Independent Living
Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Residential Care Home
Residential Care Home
Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Home Care
Home Care
Home care relies on trained aides to provide companionship and non-medical care for seniors living at home.
Recent reviews of Senior Apartments in Pensacola, FL
4 / 5.0

My loved one is currently a resident at Sodalis Milton and things have been good for her at this facility so far. The staff is very helpful and friendly. My loved one enjoys the food. The building does not smell like most other facilities do. The cleanliness, care services, activities and value for ...

4.8 / 5.0

Great experience, new management, Things are looking very progressive, and the experience will be good for everyone.

4.4 / 5.0

The food always looks good. There are a lot of residents there that are still very active and go out in the community in the van. I like that they get my loved one up and help her each morning. She likes to sit up front where everything is going on. She does not play Bingo but will participate in ch...

Photo of Sodalis Milton
2626 Photos available
9.6
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27 reviews
9.6
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27 reviews
5 star
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I had a horrible experience elsewhere and it is night and day difference. They really care. They treat her with respect. They are kind and loving to her. I know she is safe and her needs are being met. They...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Forsyth House is a 39 apartment Assisted Living in the heart of Milton Florida. Conveniently located close to military base and within 30 minutes of the beautiful emerald coast. Forsyth House offers a cozy feel with a family-like environment. Never worry about cooking with all meals provided...
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Photo of The Camellia at Gulf Breeze
1111 Photos available
8.0
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5 reviews
8.0
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5 reviews
5 star
40%
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I would recommend the Watermark. It is a good size, you could tell that the staff knew all the residents by name. The outdoor space is okay. It is a very clean place. We really liked the community and maybe...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
See details
Photo of Navarre Gardens North
1212 Photos available
7.5
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7 reviews
7.5
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7 reviews
5 star
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The staff is very friendly and understanding of the residents needs. The cleaning staff does an excellent job and are there for last minute unexpected cleanups I will ABSOLUTELY recommend them!!!
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Navarre Gardens North is a newly designed assisted living facility located in Navarre, Florida. We provide a safe, comfortable environment surrounded by the beauty and wonder of the Gulf Coast. Our staff comes highly recommended among the best in love and care. Our facility is equipped with...
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Photo of Fairfield Manor
1717 Photos available
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The staff at this community are nice and helpful. Fairfield Manor is clean and well taken care of. They do not offer a meal program at this independent living community. Mom does participate in some of the...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Fairfield Manor is a senior housing community situated in a quiet, upscale and unique neighborhood in Pensacola, Escambia County, FL. It is located near health care, shopping, dining, entertainment and just a few minutes from the Interstate 10. It offers carefree, comfortable and affordable...
Photo of Country Haven Apartments
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Katie Manor
11 Photo available
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Costs of senior apartments in the Pensacola area

The average cost of a senior apartment in Pensacola, Florida, is $1,575, but the cost you’ll actually pay will be based on numerous factors.((citation:1}} There are a lot of things that can play into the price including everything from the campus amenities to location to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms in your chosen floor plan.

The following graphics show baseline costs for senior apartments in the Pensacola area before fees or add-ons are included.

Average cost comparisons near Pensacola, FL

Average monthly costs

Pensacola, FL

$2,319

How people pay for senior apartments in Pensacola

Adults in their retirement or near-retirement years who move to Pensacola senior apartments typically cover their monthly rent by tapping into their personal savings, using any private income streams they may receive (including pensions and veteran benefits), or making the most of public assistance programs for low-income individuals and households.

Although federally-funded programs like Medicaid and Medicare can’t be used to provide money to pay for senior apartment living, those programs can be beneficial in offsetting seniors’ health care-related financial obligations. That way, they have more disposable income to earmark for their senior apartment monthly rental fees and other costs of living.

Private pay methods

For the purposes of this guide, the term private pay includes any savings you may have put aside over the years, Social Security benefits, veterans benefits, or pension benefits. If you receive investment returns, those should also be considered as part of your private funds.

Depending upon your financial situation, you may be able to cover all or most of the monthly rent to live in a senior apartment community in Pensacola. You may even be able to increase your private wealth further if you have equity in a home or life insurance policy. Below are some guides on ways to tap into that equity through means such as selling your home or insurance policy, or entering into a reverse mortgage arrangement with a lender.

Caregiver Resources
Reverse Mortgages and Long-Term Care: The Pros and Cons
By Merritt Whitley, senior living writer and editor
VA benefits
4867

Number of veterans who live in Pensacola

About 46% of Pensacola veterans are 65+

There are many military-related landmarks and tourist attractions throughout the greater Pensacola and Escambia County, including the Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, and the Wall South Memorial located in The Veterans Memorial Park of Pensacola. Accordingly, you may feel supported and welcome in the area if you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran.

You may also discover that you are able to take advantage of many benefits available to some veterans, including ones that could be useful in paying for your senior apartment living. The first is the VA Pension. To be eligible for a VA Pension, you or your spouse must meet specific criteria. To learn more about eligibility requirements, consider speaking with a veterans services officer who serves the Pensacola region. Contact these trained volunteers at one of the many veterans services organizations (VSOs) or the VA office.

The second veteran-focused benefit that may be valuable in your situation is the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit can help cover household costs and can be combined with a VA Pension. Like the VA Pension, though, the Aid and Attendance benefit has strict eligibility parameters. Consequently, it can be confusing, especially if you’ve never investigated veterans benefits before or tried to receive financial benefits related to your or your spouse’s active military duty history.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program also extends support to veterans. This program supplies vouchers aimed at alleviating housing costs for homeless veterans or those facing the risk of homelessness. Eligibility criteria are available for reference on the program’s website.

Taking the next steps

It’s not hard to get overwhelmed when you’re first looking into everything related to veterans benefits because of all the guidelines. At the same time, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to bring in more financial assistance, such as through one of the many one-time financial grants offered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

To get more information on navigating everything involved in the world of veterans affairs, you can call the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA), which is the state counseling center for all veterans benefits. You may also want to check in with the Escambia County Veterans Services Office, the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) office, the Frank Marston American Legion, or the American Legion Post 240 as well. Be sure to take time to look at the A Place for Mom veteran-specific guides linked below to round out your knowledge of the many veteran funding options available federally and through Florida.

Resources for Pensacola veterans

Government offices

Regional VA Benefits Office
9500 Bay Pines Blvd.
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 800-698-2411
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Escambia County Veterans Services Office
221 Palafox Place
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850-595-2409
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Contact: Martin Merillat, Escambia County Veterans Services Officer
Phone: 850-595-1479
Email: mrmerillat@myescambia.com

VSOs and veteran resources

VFW Post 706
5000 W. Lillian Highway
Pensacola, FL 32506
Phone: 850-455-0026
Email: vfwpost39+ContactUs@gmail.com

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Office
4504 Twin Oaks Drive
Pensacola, FL 32506
Phone: 727-319-7444

Frank Marston American Legion Post 33
1401 W. Intendencia St.
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850-359-4260
Email: media.post33@outlook.com

American Legion Post 240
8666 Gulf Beach Highway
Pensacola, FL 32507
Phone: 850-455-6111

Medicaid

Medicaid is a program generally used by seniors who have exhausted most or all of their personal savings and meet specific low-income guidelines. Medicaid is focused on covering the costs of both short-term and long-term health care needs, such as visits to doctors, select surgical treatments, and skilled nursing. However, Medicaid can’t be used to directly pay a landlord, property manager, or other owner-operator running a senior apartment campus in Pensacola.

This doesn’t mean that Medicaid can’t benefit you, especially if you don’t have the private funds to cover the cost of living at a senior apartment community in Florida. The Agency for Health Care Administration handles all Florida Medicaid inquiries. If you qualify to enroll in Medicaid after becoming an official Florida resident, you can find the application online through the Florida Department of Children and Families. Be sure to submit your application promptly, as it can take months to hear back on an approval decision.

One of the benefits available through Medicaid aside from those related to health care is the possibility of receiving a home and community based services (HCBS) waiver. An HCBS waiver, often referred to as a 1915(c) waiver in some contexts, can help pay for health care delivered to you in your senior apartment if a doctor says it is medically necessary.

If you feel overwhelmed at any point in the process of applying, try contacting the Northwest Florida Area Agency On Aging, Inc., which offers SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders). You can meet with free counselors who can help discuss your potential benefits. The local long-term care ombudsman serving the Pensacola region can also help answer questions.

Pensacola resident Medicaid resources

Local Medicaid assistance

Department of Children and Families Escambia County Service Center
33 Brent Lane
Pensacola, FL 32503
Phone: 866-762-2237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Northwest Florida Area Agency On Aging, Inc.
5090 Commerce Park Circle
Pensacola, FL 32505
Phone: 850-494-7101
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
160 W. Government St., Suite 514
Pensacola, Florida 32502
Phone: 850- 595-0469
Fax: 850- 916-6722

Medicare

Medicare is designed to provide short-term medical care needs to seniors ages 65+. This means it’s not a way to directly pay your rent after you move to a Pensacola senior apartment community. Nevertheless, Medicare may free up more of your disposable income or savings so you can afford to live in a senior apartment campus of your choosing.

Like private health care insurance, Medicare helps lower your out-of-pocket costs for everything from visits to your primary care provider to medically necessary treatments you may need in your home on a temporary basis. Through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, you can also apply for deeper Medicare savings programs through ACCESS Florida if you’re having financial difficulty paying Medicare premiums or copayments to hospitals, providers, and pharmacies, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration can help in this capacity through Medicare Savings Programs. Additionally, you may want to check out pharmaceutical assistance programs like the Florida Discount Drug Card program.

For help navigating Medicare, consider talking with a trained counselor at the state’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which is called SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) in Florida. You can also go in person to apply and talk to someone at the local Pensacola Social Security Administration (SSA) Office or the long-term care ombudsman serving Escambia County’s senior population.

Pensacola resident Medicare resources

Medicare assistance offices

Social Security Administration Office
411 W. Garden St.
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs (SHINE) program
4040 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-494-7100; 800-414-2000
Email: information@elderaffairs.org

 

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
160 W. Government St., Suite 514
Pensacola, Florida 32502
Phone: 850-595-0469

Public assistance

Seniors who qualify for special monetary assistance from government agencies due to their limited personal finances may be able to pay to move to a senior apartment community with the help of the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Program. This program is handled by the City of Pensacola Housing Department and was formerly known as Section 8. You can find the application online.

Remember that not all landlords, property managers, or senior apartment campus owners or operators accept HUD vouchers from residents. Therefore, if you are considering applying for a voucher, ask potential senior apartment communities if they honor them.

Another possibility to receive housing assistance is through the Social Security Administration. Many seniors receive monthly Social Security retirement benefit funds. These include benefits if you had an appropriate work history, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you are disabled and worked for enough years before retiring, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you are disabled and never worked or didn’t work long enough. If your spouse is no longer living but has enough work credits built up, you can apply for a Social Security survivors pension.

Any of these Social Security benefit programs can be useful if you’re struggling with financial gaps making it difficult to move to a senior apartment in Pensacola. Apply for benefits on the Social Security Administration website.

For more information on your public assistance options, consider speaking with someone such as a representative of the Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc. or someone from The Council on Aging of West Florida.

Pensacola resident public assistance resources

Government agencies offering public assistance

City of Pensacola Housing Department
420 W. Chase St.
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850-858-0350
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Pensacola Social Security Office
411 W. Garden St.
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 877-505-4550
Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Senior advocacy

Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
5090 Commerce Park Circle
Pensacola, FL 32505
Phone: 850-494-7101
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Council on Aging of West Florida
875 Royce St.
Pensacola, FL 32522
Phone: 850-432-1475
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Understand Florida laws and regulations for senior apartment communities

Senior apartments across Florida are treated the same as other types of residential apartment spaces in that they do not have to be licensed. The only exception is that senior-only residential communities can only rent to those 55 and older.

The reason for this is simple: Senior apartment communities do not provide residents with any type of regulated medical care. However, this doesn’t mean that landlords, property managers, and owners don’t have to follow any laws or rules. The City of Pensacola Development Services Department handles building inspections. Regular inspections are made of rental properties in Escambia County, and you can check on any property’s record after downloading an app called Ask MyEscambia.

All senior apartments must comply with standards set forth by the Fair Housing Act. These standards make sure that no senior is refused housing because of their race, national origin, religion, or other protected classes. The Fair Housing Act also ensures that housing is designed and built to be accessible and safe based on reasonable accommodations as put forth in the  Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Standards. Additionally, all senior apartments are expected to follow established structural guidelines, including those related to the Americans WIth Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design, per the Florida Building Code. This holds true whether you’re moving to a downtown Pensacola studio senior apartment or a two-story senior living condo along the Gulf.

If you have a service animal or an emotional therapy support animal, you’ll want to note that landlords in Pensacola are required to honor any reasonable accommodation requests related to your companion. Just be aware that you may be asked to supply information to support your medical need for the animal. And if the landlord cannot safely accommodate the animal, you may be denied approval for residency.

It’s your responsibility to uphold any contractual agreements you sign with your landlord or a property management company. At the same time, the landlord or property manager must make sure to follow any laws and keep the property maintained. The state has a special landlord-tenant guide that may help you understand your rights as a resident of a senior apartment community in Escambia County.

Florida Department of Health contact information

Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Pensacola senior apartments communities

In the Pensacola region, the spread of COVID-19 continues to be low, according to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, residents of Escambia County are encouraged to not only remain up to date with changing health situations but to protect themselves by following recommended guidelines as put forth by the CDC.

There isn’t any specific type of COVID-19 regulation governing the operations of senior apartment communities in Florida. Nevertheless, adults 55 and older who are living on senior living campuses may want to take extra precautions such as masking or social distancing while in crowded indoor spaces. Those who haven’t received an approved COVID vaccine yet can receive one for free by registering online.

Florida has also set up a special program whereby seniors who are unable to leave their homes and want the COVID vaccine can have a medical provider come to their homes and administer the vaccine there. This can be arranged by emailing HomeboundVaccine@em.myflorida.com.

What to expect from senior apartments in Pensacola

Senior apartments in Pensacola offer various features and amenities catering to the unique needs of older adults. Residents can expect spacious, well-designed apartments specifically tailored to promote comfort and convenience. Many senior apartments in Pensacola also offer maintenance services, providing residents with hassle-free living and peace of mind.

Luxurious living

Pensacola’s senior apartments are designed to provide a high standard of living for their residents. Upscale finishes, modern appliances, and elegant interior design are common features found in these apartments. Residents can enjoy crystal blue swimming pools lined with palm trees and beautifully landscaped common areas. With attention to detail and a tropical atmosphere, Pensacola’s senior apartments offer a taste of luxury seniors can truly savor.

Endless activities

Senior communities understand the importance of staying socially active and engaged. Many senior apartment facilities offer a variety of on-site activities and events tailored to the interests of their residents. From fitness classes in state-of-the-art gyms and game nights to group outings and educational workshops, there is always something to do and new friendships to forge. In addition, Pensacola’s vibrant community offers plenty of attractions such as art galleries, shopping centers, and pristine beaches, ensuring seniors always have exciting options for entertainment and exploration.

Accessibility and comfort

Accessibility and comfort are key priorities in Pensacola senior apartment facilities. Designed to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for seniors, they include open floor plans, grab bars in bathrooms, and step-free entryways, ensuring easy accessibility and mobility. Furthermore, many senior apartments in Pensacola are located near health care facilities, pharmacies, and other essential services, making it convenient for seniors to access the care they need. These apartment facilities offer a supportive and nurturing environment where seniors can age gracefully and enjoy a worry-free lifestyle.

Unfamiliar with Pensacola? Highlights for seniors

10,519

Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Pensacola

20%

Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Pensacola population

$50,045

Median annual income for Pensacola seniors 65 and older

Health care for seniors in Pensacola

A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

Baptist Hospital

For primary care, general medicine, and emergency care in Pensacola, Baptist Hospital continues to be a standout option. Named a high-ranking health care choice for cardiovascular care, knee replacements, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care, and other treatments, Baptist Hospital remains a leading medical facility serving patients of all ages. Currently, the campus is in the stage of building a new main hospital structure not far from its existing location.

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A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola Hospital

Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola Hospital is well-known in the area as a full-service hospital. However, it’s especially regarded for its specialty care in the areas of cardiovascular and neurosurgical medicine. This facility performs well in the areas of colon cancer treatment, heart failure and heart attack treatment, diabetes treatment, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease care.

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A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

HCA Florida West Hospital

Seniors and other patient populations experiencing heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may find the help they need from a provider at HCA Florida West Hospital. Notable as a regional general medical and surgical option, the hospital has received high marks in the aforementioned practice areas.

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Transportation for seniors in Pensacola

Although Pensacola’s walkability score isn’t bad at 36 out of 100, it’s generally not considered a place where most people walk to their destinations. The ranking is based on Walk Score, which measures the walkability of any address in comparison to other cities.[05]

In fact, the majority of the city’s residents rely on their personal vehicles, public transportation, or third-party transit services providers like rideshares and taxis to get around. Accordingly, if you plan to bring a car when you relocate to a senior apartment community in Pensacola, be sure to ask about parking accommodations. That way, you can be sure you get a spot either in front of your building or in a nearby lot or garage as part of your monthly rental fee or add-on fee.

Riding on the ECAT

When taking buses in Pensacola — including those days when you don’t feel like driving — you’ll be making use of the Escambia County Area Transit system, which is referred to as ECAT. With ECAT, you’ll be able to take advantage of 22 different bus lines that crisscross the city. Though not all of the bus lines run seven days a week, enough of them have weekend routes to give you plenty of options to get to the store, find a beach or green space to relax, or head out with friends for dining and entertainment.

If you need accessibility because you use an assisted device, ECAT has you covered. All of the ECAT buses are wheelchair accessible and have accommodations for all passengers. They also have bike racks. Since Pensacola’s bikeability score is a decent 47 out of 100, you can easily use an ECAT bus route to get to a favorite biking path in the region, such as the 9.1-mile route along Pensacola Beach.

What if you have a disability and find it difficult to ride on the ECAT even though ECAT’s buses are accessible? Try the ECAT ADA. It’s a specialty curb-to-curb or door-to-door service that’s offered through ECAT.

Senior-specific transportation

You can find a couple of senior-specific transportation choices geared toward the retirement-age population. For example, there’s a Go Seniors! Transportation Program offered by the Escambia County Medical Society Foundation. This program is arranged in conjunction with local physicians and allows seniors who receive a health care voucher from their doctors to get transportation to Pensacola-based medical appointments for a $20 flat fee.

Another program that can cover your trips, whether they’re medical or not, is run through ECCT Paratransit Services. You’ll need to schedule a trip at least one day in advance, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll get a ride since the complimentary services are organized on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ultimately, you’ll find that you have many ways to get from your new home in a senior apartment community to wherever you want to go in the city and broader county. Remember that you can always make use of app-based rideshares like Uber and Lyft as well. You won’t get a senior discount, but you’ll be able to pick and choose your driver and maintain your independent, active lifestyle.

Transportation card image
36

Walk Score

Transportation card image
47

Bike Score

Senior activities in Pensacola

There is no shortage of activities to keep you going from morning until night, 365 days a year in coastal Pensacola. Though the city is a magnet for those who can’t get enough of the sports and recreation of its lengthy, attractive shoreline, Pensacola is much more than just watersports, fishing, and basking under an umbrella in the surf. From its popular downtown with shops and eateries to pristine golf courses and entertainment venues, this smaller city of 52,000 residents makes it hard to decide what to do next.

After moving into your senior apartment of choice and getting settled, you’ll want to explore all the facets of Pensacola that make it unique. A great place to begin is along any of its waterfront areas.

Beachside happenings and opportunities

Does Pensacola tend to be hot and humid? Yes, but its warmth is tempered by winds blowing over the Gulf waters. Any of Pensacola’s top beaches can be a welcome place for respite or relaxation. Try Pensacola Beach as your first stop along the approximately 50 miles of shore in this part of Escambia County. The beach itself is very sunbather- and swimmer-friendly. Plus, the water is notoriously warm because it’s not very deep. If you’re into fishing, consider hanging out on the nearly 1,500-foot pier with other anglers looking for a bite.

Other beaches can be found along the Gulf Island National Seashore, including the quiet Perdido Key Beach. Gulf Island is actually to the west of the city, but it’s worth the time to go there if you’re looking for a beach experience that’s less bustling and more natural beauty. The Gulf Island maintains a protected shoreline, which is perfect if you prefer beaches with untamed appeal. As a note, Perdido Key Beach doesn’t have a lifeguard. However, Johnson Beach on the same island does.

One notable type of beach that’s distinctive to Pensacola — and beloved by pet parents — is Dog Beach. There’s Pensacola Dog Beach West and Pensacola Dog Beach East. The westernmost beach is near Fort Pickens, which is a military fort in the area that’s become a must-see landmark. The eastern beach sits on Via de Luna Drive. Both beaches have amenities for both humans and their four-legged companions. Spending time in either place could be a wonderful chance for you to meet other seniors in the area who also play mom or dad to at least one pooch.

Of course, those aren’t the only beach hotspots to be found in Pensacola. However, they’re some of the best to begin your life in this seaside cityscape. After visiting them, try a few other public beaches like Langdon Beach, Quietwater Beach, and Opal Beach.

The chance to live your best life

Is staying active and fit important to you? Pensacola gives you quite a few chances to enjoy your favorite activities and try new ones. Take golf, for example. GolfPass rates the public greens and overall play high at The Club at Hidden Creek, Lost Key Golf Club, Cypress Lakes Golf Club, and Stonebrook Golf Club, among others.[06]

Looking for outdoor racket sports opportunities? For tennis and pickleball courts, you’ll find many at both apartment communities and neighborhood parks. Consider joining the Pensacola Panhandle Pickleball Facebook group to find other players or join a team. And on rainy days, you can always work out at the Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA downtown if you join as a member. In addition to pickleball, the YMCA offers many exercise programs, from aquatics to indoor cycling and cardio and strength-training exercise programming.

Highpoints and happenings in Northwest Florida

It would be challenging to list all the potential ways to spend your days when you’re living in a senior apartment campus in Pensacola. Just be sure to see all the landmarks and highlight spaces first. This includes the Blue Wahoos Ballpark, home to minor league baseball. Even if you’re not a baseball fan, you’ll still be able to enjoy attending year-round celebrations and events at this multi-purpose venue. The facility hosts concerts and other types of live entertainment. Plus, it’s situated right on Pensacola Bay, making it a scenic spot to visit.

For an in-depth look at Pensacola’s naval history, make plans to check out the Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. It’s on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, which means you’ll need to book a public access tour online unless you have a Department of Defense badge ID to allow entry into the secure facility. Once in the museum, you’ll find lots of artifacts and exhibits. While only the first floor is accessible for those who need accommodations, it’s still worth the experience. If possible, try to go on a weekday when there’s less chance of being turned away because the Naval Air Station parking lot is full.

What could be a better way to breathe in some fresh air and sightsee than to take a ferry ride? Pensacola Bay City Ferry leaves from several places around the city. These ferry cruises vary in length and theme. Try a Jazz Cruise or Sunset Cruise. Alternatively, watch the Blue Angels Airshow on a specialty cruise during these summer mini-excursions.

Finally, to make sure you manage to see as much as possible in Pensacola, take an air-conditioned 1930s Ford transit bus ride around on a tour of Pensacola’s landmarks. This is ideal for all ages, so bring your relatives and grandkids when they visit. The tour includes lots of education about Pensacola, courtesy of a tour guide who’s eager to explain the importance of every monument, building, or location.

Organizations devoted to seniors

You can find numerous senior centers and organizations in Pensacola. These allow you to connect with your generational counterparts and engage in your favorite — and soon-to-be favorite — pastimes. Case in point: The Bayview Senior Resource Center offers fun for those ages 50 and older in the form of drafts, bingo, and group educational programs and outings. You can stay on top of their programming schedule online.

The PSC Senior Citizens Club is yet another resource. Members meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Pensacola State College campus student center. You don’t actually have to be a member of the club. Just being a member of the senior community in Pensacola is all you need to attend their ice cream socials, picnics, and holiday festivities.

All in all, if you’re looking for a particular thing to do, look up what Pensacola has to offer. Whether you want fine dining at a waterfront eatery or laid-back hiking along a rustic trail, you can find it in this popular historic town and tourist destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sodalis Milton, The Camellia at Gulf Breeze and Navarre Gardens North are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Pensacola, FL. 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 Pensacola is 2319.33 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

References

  1. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  2. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

  3. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

  4. U.S News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Pensacola.

  5. Walk Score. (2023). Living in Pensacola.

  6. GolfPass. (2023). Pensacola.

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1.

A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

2.

United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

3.

United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.

4.

U.S News & World Report. (2023). Best Hospitals in Pensacola.

5.

Walk Score. (2023). Living in Pensacola.

6.

GolfPass. (2023). Pensacola.