20 Full-Care Senior Living Near Me

Key Takeaways 💡

Is Medicare going to cover my parent’s assisted living? No. Medicare will not pay for long-term care, including assisted living and nursing homes, though it covers facility stays up to 100 days following severe injury or surgery.

What does full-care senior living actually cost in 2026? The estimated median cost is $6,313 per month, or $75,756 per year, as of February 2026, but memory care can easily push past $100,000 annually.

Which communities rank number one nationally? HumanGood’s Valle Verde in Santa Barbara, California, took the top spot for the third consecutive year in Newsweek’s independent rankings.

Does Medicaid help with assisted living costs? As of 2024, 46 states and Washington D.C. offer some level of Medicaid assistance for assisted living, but federal rules prohibit Medicaid from paying room and board.

How many new units does the industry need? Over 775,000 additional senior housing units will be needed by 2030 to maintain current market penetration rates, and construction is far behind schedule.

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🏆 1. The Community That’s Been Ranked Number One Three Years Running Isn’t the Most Expensive

Valle Verde by HumanGood in Santa Barbara, California sits on 63 acres of walking paths and mature gardens, and has dominated Newsweek’s national rankings since they launched. It earned a score of 93.05% in the 2025 rankings based on professional recommendations and resident ratings. What most articles won’t tell you is that this is a nonprofit community, meaning profits get reinvested back into resident care rather than shareholder pockets.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Address	900 Calle de los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
📞 Phone	(805) 883-4000
💰 Starting Cost	~$1,980 to $8,375/month depending on care level
⭐ Ranking	#1 Nationally (Newsweek 2024, 2025, 2026)
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
🐾 Pet Policy	Pet-friendly

💡 Pro Tip: Nonprofit communities like Valle Verde are legally required to reinvest surplus revenue into resident services. Always ask whether a community is for-profit or nonprofit before signing anything — this single distinction can dramatically affect care quality over time.

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🏅 2. The Pennsylvania Community That “Doesn’t Design for Seniors” and That’s Exactly Why It Works

Willow Valley Communities in Willow Street, Pennsylvania sits on a sprawling 210-acre campus in Lancaster County. Its CEO told Newsweek, the company doesn’t design for seniors but rather designs for people, which has allowed them to innovate outside the traditional CCRC model. This includes constructing multistory townhouses and a Denmark-inspired memory care facility.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Address	450 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584
📞 Phone	(717) 464-6800
⭐ Ranking	#2 Nationally (Newsweek 2025)
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
🎓 Accreditation	Type-A Lifecare Community

💡 Pro Tip: Type-A Lifecare means your monthly fees remain essentially the same even if you transition from independent living to skilled nursing. This is the gold standard of financial protection — and only a fraction of communities offer it.

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🌴 3. The Florida Community That Proves “The Villages” Isn’t Just Golf Carts and Pickleball

Freedom Pointe at The Villages in central Florida, managed by Life Care Services, consistently ranks in the top three nationally. It earned a score of 91.34% in Newsweek’s 2025 rankings. This community offers something rare — it’s embedded within America’s largest retirement community, giving residents access to over 200 weekly activities.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Address	1600 Freedom Pointe Trail, The Villages, FL 32159
📞 Phone	(352) 674-3950
⭐ Ranking	#3 Nationally (Newsweek 2025)
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Rehab
🏆 Awards	A Place for Mom Best of Senior Living

💡 Pro Tip: Ask any CCRC whether their entrance fee is refundable or non-refundable. Some communities offer 90% refund contracts, meaning your estate gets most of that buy-in back. Others keep every penny. This can mean a $200,000+ difference for your family.

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🌊 4. The Dallas Luxury Community Where Tuscan Architecture Meets Five-Star Medicare Ratings

Edgemere in Dallas’ prestigious Preston Hollow neighborhood has consistently ranked among the top CCRCs nationally. The community holds a 5-star CMS Medicare rating, putting it in the top 10% of all skilled nursing facilities reviewed by the federal government.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Address	8523 Thackery St, Dallas, TX 75225
📞 Phone	(214) 459-4500
⭐ CMS Rating	5 Stars (Top 10% nationally)
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, Rehab
🏗️ Style	Tuscan-inspired architecture

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❄️ 5. The Minnesota Community Ranked Number One in the Entire Midwest for Three Straight Years

Friendship Village of Bloomington is a nonprofit senior living community that Newsweek, in partnership with Statista, named the number one continuing care retirement community in Minnesota and ranked among the top ten in the nation for three years in a row.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Address	8100 Highwood Drive, Bloomington, MN 55438
📞 Phone	(952) 831-7500
💰 Starting Cost	~$3,000 to $5,000/month
⭐ Ranking	#1 in Midwest, Top 10 Nationally
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
🏊 Amenities	Indoor heated pool, walking paths, arts spaces

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🌊 6. Chicago’s Oldest Nonprofit Senior Community Is Steps from Lake Michigan

The Admiral at the Lake, founded in 1858, is Chicago’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to senior living. It sits on the city’s North Side, steps from Foster Avenue Beach, in one of Chicago’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Address	929 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
📞 Phone	(773) 433-1800 (Concierge, 24/7)
📞 Sales	(773) 433-1801
💰 Starting Cost	~$7,114/month
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
🐾 Pets	Small pets allowed

💡 Pro Tip: Nonprofit communities like The Admiral have a benevolent fund that supports residents who outlive their financial resources. Ask every community: “What happens if my money runs out?” The answer reveals everything about their values.

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🌿 7. The 114-Acre Lancaster County Campus Where Ducks Paddle Past Your Balcony

Landis Homes brings together the best parts of picturesque Lancaster County, with ducks paddling around wetlands outside living spaces with balconies, cyclists on winding paths, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. It’s CARF-accredited, confirming national standards for quality health programs and financial strength.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Address	1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543
📞 Phone	(717) 569-3271
📞 Admissions	(717) 381-3548
📧 Email	[email protected]
🏥 Care Levels	Independent (Cottages & Apartments), Personal Care, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
🏆 Recognition	U.S. News Best Nursing Home 2025

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🏖️ 8. The Naples Luxury Community Charging $239,000+ Entry Fees — And People Line Up for It

Moorings Park in Naples, Florida operates three campuses with residences ranging from one-bedroom garden apartments to penthouses exceeding 6,000 square feet. It ranked among the top 10 CCRCs nationally.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Main Campus	120 Moorings Park Drive, Naples, FL 34105
📞 Phone	(239) 643-9111
📍 Grey Oaks Campus	2591 Rue du Jardin, Naples, FL 34105
📞 Grey Oaks Phone	(239) 919-1711
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
💎 Amenities	Luxury dining, fitness centers, physician services

💡 Pro Tip: High entry-fee communities often offer lifecare contracts that lock in your healthcare costs at predictable rates even as your needs intensify. Run the math against paying month-to-month at a rental community — lifecare contracts frequently save $100,000+ over a decade of escalating care needs.

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🏔️ 9. The Blue Ridge Mountain Retreat That Survived Hurricane Helene and Came Back Stronger

Givens Estates in Asheville, North Carolina sits on a stunning 215-acre campus. This nonprofit Life Plan Community, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, was specifically highlighted in Newsweek’s rankings as having updated its programs after developing new core values and assessing overall resident and staff happiness.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Address	2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803
📞 Reception	(828) 274-4800
📞 Admissions	(828) 771-2910
🏥 Care Levels	Independent (51 floor plans!), Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
🏗️ Campus	8 distinct neighborhoods
🌿 Special Features	14 acres of managed meadows, on-campus physician, pharmacy

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🌉 10. The Riverdale, New York Community Where Manhattan Is a Train Ride Away

River’s Edge by RiverSpring Living in Riverdale, New York offers the rare combination of full-care retirement living with quick access to one of the world’s greatest cities. It earned a score of 86.50% in Newsweek’s initial CCRC rankings.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Address	5901 Palisade Ave, Riverdale, NY 10471
📞 Phone	(718) 549-8700
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Enhanced Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing

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💰 11. The Shocking Truth: Medicare Covers Almost Nothing for Senior Living

This is the single biggest misconception destroying families’ retirement plans. 56% of middle-income baby boomers believe Medicare will pay for their ongoing long-term care. It won’t. Period.

Since assisted living isn’t considered medically necessary, original Medicare does not cover its costs. Medicare covers short-term stays in a long-term care facility for up to 100 days following severe injury or surgery, with full coverage for only the first 20 days and then a $209.50 daily coinsurance kicking in for days 21 through 100.

💊 What Medicare Covers	❌ What Medicare Doesn’t Cover
✅ Hospital stays (Part A)	❌ Assisted living monthly fees
✅ Doctor visits (Part B)	❌ Room and board
✅ Up to 100 days skilled nursing post-hospital	❌ Memory care
✅ Short-term rehab	❌ Independent living
✅ Home health (limited)	❌ Long-term custodial care
✅ Hospice care	❌ Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing)

💡 Pro Tip: Start exploring Medicaid waiver programs in your state now, not when you need them. Not all assisted living facilities accept Medicaid, and those that do may only allow a certain number of beds for people on Medicaid. Wait lists can stretch for months or even years.

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📊 12. The Real Cost Breakdown That Brochures Conveniently Leave Out

Here’s what the industry doesn’t want on a single page — the true annual cost comparison that shows exactly where your money goes:

🏠 Care Type	💵 Monthly Median (2024)	💵 Annual Cost	📈 Year-Over-Year Increase
🏡 Home Health Aide (8hrs/day)	~$6,483	~$77,792	+3%
🏢 Assisted Living	$5,900	$70,800	+10% 😱
🧠 Memory Care	$7,000–$8,500	$84,000–$102,000	+8-12%
🏥 Nursing Home (Semi-Private)	$9,277	$111,325	+7%
🏥 Nursing Home (Private)	$10,646	$127,750	+9%
🏠 24/7 Home Care	$15,000+	$180,000+	Varies

The hidden fee trap: Some communities offer an all-inclusive fee while others follow an a la carte pricing model. The base price they advertise might cover only your room and meals. Medication management, laundry services, transportation, and personal care assistance get stacked on top as separate charges. Always request the “all-in” monthly estimate for your specific care needs.

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🏗️ 13. Why Finding a Bed Will Only Get Harder: The Coming Senior Housing Crisis

The population of adults 65 and older is expected to reach nearly 90 million by 2050, and the industry is nowhere near ready.

Only about 5,000 new senior housing units were being constructed per quarter in 2023, while demand projections show the industry needs 775,000 additional units by 2030. If the current construction trend continues, a significant shortfall of around $300 billion could emerge by 2030.

📅 Timeline	🏗️ Units Needed	💰 Investment Required
By 2025	200,000+	Tens of billions
By 2028	500,000+	$200B+
By 2030	775,000+	$400 billion 😱

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re planning ahead (and you should be), get on wait lists now at your preferred communities. Many top-rated CCRCs have wait lists spanning 1 to 3 years. Some families secure spots when they’re in their early 60s, knowing they won’t move in until their 70s or later.

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🌊 14. The Hearthstone at Green Lake — Seattle, Washington

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Location	Seattle, WA (Green Lake neighborhood)
📞 Phone	(206) 517-2213
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
⭐ Ranking	Top 10 Nationally (Newsweek 2024)

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🏡 15. Brookdale Senior Living — National Presence (Headquarters: Brentwood, Tennessee)

The largest senior living operator in the U.S. Brookdale received 116 “Best” community recognitions in the 2025 U.S. News ratings, the most of any single operator.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Headquarters	111 Westwood Place, Brentwood, TN 37027
📞 Phone	(615) 221-2250
🌐 Locations	675+ communities nationwide
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing

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☀️ 16. Sunrise Senior Living — National Presence (Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina)

Sunrise topped its 2024 total by 14 communities in the 2025 “Best” rankings, making it one of the fastest-improving operators.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Headquarters	Charlotte, NC
📞 Phone	(888) 434-4648
🌐 Locations	240+ communities in the U.S., Canada, UK
🏥 Care Levels	Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing

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🏖️ 17. Atria Senior Living — National Presence (Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky)

Atria earned 83 “Best” community recognitions in the 2025 U.S. News ratings.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Headquarters	Louisville, KY
📞 Phone	(502) 719-2468
🌐 Locations	200+ communities across the U.S. and Canada
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Supportive Living

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🏡 18. Brightview Senior Living — Eastern U.S. (Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland)

Brightview had over 90% of its communities recognized in the 2025 U.S. News “Best” rankings. Its president attributed this to a focus on maintaining happy, engaged associates.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Headquarters	Baltimore, MD
📞 Phone	(410) 962-6800
🌐 Locations	40+ communities in the Mid-Atlantic & Northeast
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Enhanced Care

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🌲 19. Benchmark Senior Living — New England (Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts)

Benchmark earned 48 “Best” community recognitions in 2025, making it one of the strongest regional operators in the Northeast.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Headquarters	Waltham, MA
📞 Phone	(781) 489-8800
🌐 Locations	60+ communities across New England
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing

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🌾 20. Americare Senior Living — Midwest (Headquarters: Sikeston, Missouri)

Americare received 65 “Best” recognitions in the 2025 U.S. News ratings, an impressive number for a primarily Midwest-focused operator.

🏠 Detail	📋 Info
📍 Headquarters	Sikeston, MO
📞 Phone	(573) 472-4080
🌐 Locations	90+ communities across the Midwest and South
🏥 Care Levels	Independent, Assisted, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing

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🔎 The 5 Red Flags That Scream “Walk Away” During a Senior Living Tour

Here’s what industry insiders look for when evaluating a community, and what families consistently miss:

🚩 Red Flag #1: High staff turnover. Ask directly: “What is your annual staff turnover rate?” The national average for assisted living hovers around 50-60%. Communities below 30% are exceptional. High turnover means your loved one constantly sees unfamiliar faces, which is particularly devastating for residents with dementia.

🚩 Red Flag #2: Vague pricing. If they can’t give you a detailed written breakdown within 24 hours, something’s off. When initially moving into an assisted living facility, you’ll encounter a fixed fee ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 on top of monthly rent. Some communities bury this information.

🚩 Red Flag #3: No state inspection reports available. Every licensed community is inspected. If they hesitate to show you results, check your state’s Department of Health website directly.

🚩 Red Flag #4: They rush you. “This unit won’t be available next week” is the senior living equivalent of “another buyer is very interested.” Good communities have wait lists for a reason. Pressure tactics suggest they’re desperate to fill beds.

🚩 Red Flag #5: Weekend ghost town. Visit on a Saturday or Sunday evening without calling ahead. The community that sparkles during a scheduled Tuesday tour but feels empty and understaffed at 7pm on Saturday is showing you its true face.

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🧠 How to Actually Pay for Senior Living Without Going Broke

Some families liquidate investments, settle with a life insurance company, utilize previously purchased long-term care insurance, apply for wartime veteran benefits, or work with banks on reverse mortgages. But here’s the insider playbook most financial advisors won’t lay out clearly:

💰 Funding Source	✅ Pros	❌ Cons	💡 Insider Tip
Long-Term Care Insurance	Designed specifically for this purpose	Premiums can be steep; must purchase before needing care	Buy in your 50s when premiums are lowest 📉
Medicaid Waivers	State assistance for qualifying individuals	Income and asset limits; wait lists common	Apply 3-6 months before anticipated move-in
VA Aid & Attendance	Up to $2,431/month for qualifying veterans/spouses	Complex application process	Use an accredited VA claims agent, never pay upfront fees
Reverse Mortgage	Converts home equity into monthly income	Reduces inheritance; complex terms	Only consider if staying in home or funding a move
Life Insurance Conversion	Some policies convert to long-term care benefit	You lose the death benefit	Check if your policy offers an “accelerated death benefit” rider
Bridge Loans	Short-term financing while selling a home	Interest accumulates quickly	Some senior living communities offer proprietary bridge loan programs

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What the Industry Hopes You Never Figure Out 🔍

New regulations require all senior living communities to have a registered nurse on premises 24/7, providing residents with a minimum of 0.55 hours of registered nurse care and 2.45 hours of nurse aide care daily. That sounds reassuring until you do the math: for a 100-resident community, that’s roughly 10 nurse aides per 8-hour shift. Ask every community you tour: “How many direct care staff are on duty per shift, and what is your resident-to-caregiver ratio?” If they dodge this question, consider it your answer.

U.S. News analyzed data from nearly 450,000 resident and family survey responses at more than 3,800 senior living communities in 2025. Their findings revealed that moving into senior living significantly improved social well-being: 61% reported reduced loneliness, and 85% made new friends. The right community isn’t just a healthcare decision. It’s a quality-of-life decision that can genuinely transform your parent’s final chapter.

Start touring now. Get on wait lists today. And bring this guide with you.

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Frequently Asked Questions 💬

“My mom’s Social Security check is only $1,800 a month. Is assisted living even possible?” It’s extremely difficult on Social Security alone. Social Security can be used to pay for assisted living, but it’s usually not enough to cover the full cost. Combine it with Medicaid waiver programs, VA benefits if applicable, and explore communities with income-based sliding scale pricing. Some nonprofit communities maintain dedicated benevolent funds for residents who exhaust their resources.

“What’s the difference between a CCRC and regular assisted living?” CCRCs provide multiple levels of care at a single location, allowing residents to stay in the same place as their needs change over time. Regular assisted living is a single tier of care, meaning if your parent develops dementia or needs skilled nursing, they may have to move again — often to a completely different facility.

“Are entrance fees refundable?” Most CCRCs charge an initial entrance fee that can range widely but averages between $200,000 and $500,000. Some offer partial or full refund contracts (50%, 80%, or 90% refundable upon departure or death). Others are non-refundable. This is the single most important financial question to ask before signing any CCRC contract.

“How do I check if a community has violations?” Use Medicare’s Care Compare tool at medicare.gov for skilled nursing ratings. For assisted living, contact your state’s Department of Health or Department of Social Services. Every state maintains inspection records and complaint histories.

“Can I negotiate senior living pricing?” Absolutely. Especially in communities with lower occupancy rates. Ask about move-in specials, discounted first months, reduced community fees, or waived entrance fees. The worst they can say is no — and many families report saving thousands simply by asking.

“What happens if my parent needs more care than their current level provides?” At a CCRC with a lifecare contract, they transition seamlessly to higher levels of care — often at the same or a predictable monthly rate. At standalone assisted living or rental communities, your parent may need to transfer to a completely different facility, which is emotionally devastating and logistically exhausting. This is why we emphasize CCRCs for anyone who can afford the entry fee.