With a lively music scene and pleasant climate, Memphis is a great location for enjoying life at every age. Unique museums, botanical gardens, a thriving arts scene, and plenty of barbecue makes the Bluff City particularly attractive for seniors who maintain active, enriching lifestyles. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about senior apartment living in Memphis and all the city offers.
Because senior apartments are designed for active people and independent lifestyles, you may see different amenities or services at apartments versus long-term care facilities. Still, it’s vital to understand your rights as a renter in a senior apartment and the regulations that guide safe housing. This guide will also cover cost and payment options, transportation in the area, and the activities and amenities that make Memphis a fun place to live.
With a lively music scene and pleasant climate, Memphis is a great location for enjoying life at every age. Unique museums, botanical gardens, a thriving arts scene, and plenty of barbecue makes the Bluff City particularly attractive for seniors who maintain active, enriching lifestyles. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about senior apartment living in Memphis and all the city offers.Read more
Because senior apartments are designed for active people and independent lifestyles, you may see different amenities or services at apartments versus long-term care facilities. Still, it’s vital to understand your rights as a renter in a senior apartment and the regulations that guide safe housing. This guide will also cover cost and payment options, transportation in the area, and the activities and amenities that make Memphis a fun place to live.
I love it here. It is more than perfect for me. They don't provide meals, but all else is superb. The staff is all friendly. It's just great here.
The staff is really friendly. They just recently remodeled the lobby and several of the floors were updated as well. They have several different layouts for apartments and price points. We picked a 1...
The facility is always well kept. No funny smells and the director is outstanding. The negative side is the aids are sometimes not as helpful as they should be. For us the main reason we chose this place...
My mother has settled into this community very well, she loves it here ! It is a nice clean community, they do a good job with keeping the grounds, and community well maintained. The staff is very nice, they...
I think it was a good place. The staff seemed to sincerely care about my mom. I would recommend. I picked it because it wasn't huge, it was clean and we had a very positive feeling as we spoke to people that...
I don't have a lot of hands on experience with the place, but from what I have seen and what I have heard from my loved one they do a fine job here! It's a nice looking place, and the people all seem very...
I really need to give [Name removed] at hats off because , this is the best apartment complex in my life, I have live in and I been here going on 6 years and don't have any plans on moving period. I have...
Memphis offers senior apartments with varying ranges of amenities. While the most expensive option can cost about $3,300 per month, you’ll find that you have access to on-site maintenance, controlled access to the property, concierge services, and a pool. The most affordable options are gated properties that cost about $785 a month. These apartments include on-site maintenance and fitness rooms. Overall, according to proprietary data from A Place for Mom, the average cost of a senior apartment in Memphis, TN is $1,518 per month. This does not include additional fees such as pet rents or parking fees.[01]
These costs typically include utilities, home maintenance, and security costs but don’t include the amenities — such as dining or care services — you will find in assisted living or independent living communities.
The figures illustrated below represent the average baseline costs of Memphis senior apartments without additional fees.
Average monthly costs
Memphis, TN
Because senior apartments aren’t clinical settings and don’t provide health care, benefits like Medicaid, Medicare, and other forms of long-term care insurance won’t pay toward costs associated with renting a senior apartment.
However, it is possible to use benefits with other payment methods to support your lifestyle as you transition to senior apartment living. Here we will discuss how options like housing assistance, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, private pay options, Medicaid, and Medicare can all contribute to defraying your cost of living.
Private pay methods are often used to help fund a move into a senior apartment and can include sources like savings, pension plans, and investment returns. Beyond these options, you may also want to consider any of the following:
There are many VA benefits and local organizations in Memphis on hand to support veterans’ housing costs, all with different eligibility requirements. The first is the VA Pension, which veterans can use for housing or health-related needs as long as they are either disabled or over the age of 65 and were enlisted officers after 1980 with 24 months of active duty.
Similarly, if a veteran has a disability due to their service, the VA’s disability compensation may also be an option. This is a monthly tax-free payment you can apply for on the VA website that can be used for housing or health-related costs.
Another common benefit for disabled veterans is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which veterans can use toward anything that improves their quality of life and is often used for in-home health care services; this benefit is added to monthly VA Pension payments.
Beyond federal support, you can visit Shelby County Veteran Services and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 684, which both serve Memphis and offer support and advocacy for veterans in the area, including help in determining eligibility and claims for financial support.
Applying for benefits can be a long and complicated process, so it’s best to get in touch with a local organization that can help you through it.
Number of veterans who live in Memphis
Percentage of Memphis veterans that are 65+
Resources for Memphis veterans
Shelby County Veteran Services
1060 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 901-222-4237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Appointment only
VFW Post #684
3709 E. Raines Road
Memphis, TN 38118
Phone: 901-794-0696
Tennessee Department of Veterans Services
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-2345
Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for senior apartment rent, but you can use both to cover qualified in-home health care in a senior apartment.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors 65+, as well as people with disabilities. Medicare’s coverage focuses on medically necessary care and the treatment of medical conditions; services include:
Locally, several resources can support you in the claims process and, in some cases, provide funding for Medicare deductibles. The Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible people and their families. For financial aid, Tennessee’s Medicare Savings Program can help fund Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and prescription drugs.
Medicaid, known as TennCare in Tennessee, has more extensive coverage for people on lower incomes and covers mental health services, chiropractic care, home health care, occupational therapy, and medical supplies. Tennessee’s Commission on Aging and Disability is a helpful resource to guide applicants through the process and identify eligibility.
For those who want guidance on both Medicaid and Medicare, Tennessee’s Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) supports people over the age of 55 to provide access to in-home care so people can stay in the community as long as possible. These services typically include:
Medicaid and Medicare eligibility can be complicated; we recommend contacting any of the resources listed for support before applying for benefits. You can also contact Tennessee’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman for support and advocacy.
Memphis resident Medicaid and Medicare resources
TennCare
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Social Security Administration
3602 Austin Peay Highway
Memphis, TN, 38128
Phone: 800-772-1213
Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP)
1104 England Drive
Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: 877-801-0044
Tennessee Medicare Savings Program
Contact the 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.
ennessee Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Contact TennCare
310 Great Circle Road
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 800-342-3145
Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability
502 Deaderick St., 9th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 866-836-6678
Aging Commission of the Mid-South
160 N. Main St., 3rd Floor
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-222-4111
Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Memphis Delta
Zev Samuels
Phone: 901-529-4565
Email: zsamuels@mifa.org
Carlos Royston
Phone: 901-529-4562
Email: croyston@mifa.org
Several housing programs can assist with costs related to senior apartments. The Housing Choice Voucher Program (known as Section 8 housing), for example, can help pay for rent if the senior apartment is qualified and the applicant is eligible according to guidelines that include:
For people over the age of 62 who have low incomes, Section 202 housing provides affordable housing options and rent subsidies for people who want to continue to live independently.[02] Both of these programs are run through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Through the Memphis Housing Authority, public housing apartments are available to people who meet the income limits, are over the age of 62, and pass background checks.[03] However, the waitlists for these housing options can be long, so it’s recommended to get in touch as soon as you anticipate a move.
Social Security benefits are also available to offset living costs. Though eligibility will largely dictate what you’re entitled to claim, the following benefits can all be used for senior apartment living:
Memphis resident public assistance resources
Memphis Housing Authority
700 Adams Ave.
Memphis, TN 38105
Phone: 901-544-1100
Department of Housing and Urban Development
200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-544-3367
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Social Security Administration
3602 Austin Peay Highway
Memphis, TN 38128
Phone: 800-772-1213
In the state of Tennessee, senior apartments are not required to be licensed or regulated by the Health Department because they’re seen as rental accommodations as opposed to care facilities like assisted living or skilled nursing homes. There are, however, federal laws with which landlords of senior apartments must comply in order to maintain safe and equitable housing.
Like any house or apartment offered for rent, senior apartments must comply with local housing codes to ensure minimum standards are being met; apartments are also subject to inspections. You can request those public records here. The state Department of Health promotes and enforces the rules for maintaining minimum health standards in rental housing; tenants who have concerns about whether their landlords are meeting these standards may file complaints with their local building inspectors or county public health departments.
Requirements for people wanting to move into senior apartments will depend on the community itself, but in Tennessee, individuals typically must be at least 55 years old.
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.
People living in senior apartments are not required to follow any specific COVID-19 mandates. In fact, Tennessee doesn’t have any state requirements, but rather suggests that people follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for prevention.
With its mild climate and low cost of living, roughly 15% below the national average, Memphis is an attractive place to settle into a new phase of life. Senior apartments are one of the most independent forms of living and are ideal for people who want the freedom of living independently, while still enjoying amenities such as on-site maintenance and secure properties that make daily life more convenient.
Senior apartments in Memphis are designed with accessibility in mind (think features like wider doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, complimentary transport, and elevators) and typically include the cost of utilities, home maintenance, and security in your monthly rent.
One service consistent across senior apartments is the number of on-site community areas where you can enjoy your favorite hobbies while getting to know your neighbors. So whether you like to work out, spend some time on arts and crafts projects, or challenge a friend to a game of pool, there are plenty of ways to meet people with similar interests.
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.
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Memphis
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Memphis population
Median annual income for Memphis seniors 65 and older
Memphis has a handful of high-performing medical centers and hospitals for those with care needs. Because senior apartments don’t offer on-site healthcare (though you may be able to receive some in-home care through Medicare or Medicaid), the following hospitals are all great options in case of an emergency or care needs arise that a specialist or general practitioner can’t provide:
Situated to the east of downtown Memphis, Baptist Memorial is a teaching medical and surgical facility that’s been rated as high-performing in 12 procedures and conditions. This hospital is an excellent option for those with heart conditions and COPD, and it is highly ranked for its hip and knee replacement surgeries.
With five locations in Memphis, Methodist Hospital has a sprawling care network for those who need it. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the second-best regional hospital in Memphis, this hospital is well-known for its cancer care.
Created to serve the veteran community, Memphis VA Medical Center provides both primary care and specialty health services. In addition to hospital care, this center also offers treatment for mental health, women’s health services, and palliative care.
Like many cities in the U.S., Memphis is a location where many rely on cars to get them around. However, neighborhoods like East Midtown, Idlewild-East End Historic, and Barry F. Homes are a great fit for those who don’t want to use a car and would prefer to walk or bike.
The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) operates 26 bus lines and several additional services, including fixed-route, express buses, and trolleys. Trolleys are only available downtown but are a unique way to see the city and all that Memphis has to offer.
While Memphis doesn’t have a substantial number of public transportation options, additional services are available to seniors or people who can’t use fixed-route buses due to disability.
Memphis has a reasonably low walk score of 35; this score rates on a scale of 0-100 how walkable a city is based on public transport, availability of walk and bike lanes, and public density. While some neighborhoods are easy to navigate, Memphis is largely spread out, meaning that, more often than not, a car is required for travel beyond the downtown area.
Memphis is a vibrant city with various activities for people to participate in day or night. Music lovers will know Memphis as a haven for fans of soul, rhythm and blues, rock ‘n roll, and, of course, the King of Rock and Roll himself. Elvis Presley fans can take in Graceland, an expansive estate that offers guided tours of Elvis’ home, planes, vintage cars, and music memorabilia. If live music is what you’re looking for, a stroll down Beale Street is a must. Located in downtown Memphis, bustling Beale Street has a lively music scene and plenty of bars and restaurants. You don’t want to miss out on the famous BBQ, like Rendezvous, that Memphis has to offer!
Sports fans have plenty to do here, too. Memphis is home to the NBA’s Grizzlies, who can be seen regularly at the FedExForum in downtown Memphis, where senior discounts are offered on select games. For those who’d rather be playing sports than watching it, consider visiting Shelby Farms Park, which provides several outdoor activities – from hiking to fishing – and is wheelchair accessible.
The Mississippi River, which serves as the border between Tennessee and Arkansas, is home to several attractions. A dinner cruise in an authentic riverboat is a great way to entertain friends and family, or head over to Memphis River Parks with beautiful views of the Mississippi and outdoor concerts, walking tours, and other activities specifically for seniors. Just across the river in West Memphis, you’ll find Southland Casino Hotel for anyone who loves to try their luck on the gaming floor.
If you want to connect with others in the area, socialize, and make new friends, there are also a number of senior centers, all offering different activities and types of programs:
The Elevation at Autumn Ridge, King's Reserve Memphis and American House Bartlett are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Memphis, TN. 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 Memphis is 1689.87 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Section 202: Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program. HUD.
Memphis Housing Authority. (2022). Public Housing. Memphis Housing Authority.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Methodist Hospitals of Memphis.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Section 202: Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program. HUD.
Memphis Housing Authority. (2022). Public Housing. Memphis Housing Authority.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Methodist Hospitals of Memphis.