10 Best Senior Apartments Near Me Under $1,000

Key Takeaways: Your Quick-Reference Cheat Sheet 💡

Can I really find senior apartments under $1,000? Yes — through subsidized programs, nonprofit housing networks, and faith-based communities in nearly every state.

What’s the single most important program to know? Hud Section 202 — it caps your rent at 30% of your adjusted income, regardless of market rates.

Are waitlists unavoidable? Almost always, yes — but applying to multiple programs simultaneously dramatically improves your odds.

Do I need to be 65+? Not necessarily. Many programs accept residents as young as 50 or 55, depending on the organization.

What if I’m a veteran? You unlock additional housing pathways through organizations like Volunteers of America that prioritize veteran applicants.

Are these apartments actually safe and well-maintained? Federally subsidized properties must meet Hud inspection standards, and many nonprofits go well beyond minimum requirements.

Can my spouse or partner live with me? Yes, but household income is calculated jointly, which may affect eligibility thresholds.

Is there a catch with faith-based housing? Generally no — organizations like Good Samaritan Society do not require church membership.

What documents do I need to apply? Social Security award letters, tax returns, government-issued identification, and proof of any disability status.

Should I consider a Housing Choice Voucher instead? Absolutely — a Section 8 voucher lets you rent from any qualifying private landlord, not just senior-specific complexes.

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🏠 1. Hud Section 202 Properties: the Government Program That Caps Your Rent at 30% of Your Income

This is the program that changes everything, yet most seniors have never heard of it by name. The Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program is a federal housing program designed to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable housing options for low-income older adults, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Here’s the critical detail that separates Section 202 from every other option on this list: your rent is mathematically tied to what you actually earn, not to what the landlord wants to charge. Rental assistance is based on Fair Market Rents, with tenant contribution of 30% of income. So if your adjusted gross income is $1,200 per month, your rent would be approximately $360 — well under the $1,000 threshold.

To qualify, applicants must be at least 62 years old with income below 50% of the area median income.

Feature	Details	💡 Insider Tip
Age requirement	62 and older	Apply the moment you turn 62 — waitlists can take 6-24 months ⏰
Income cap	Below 50% of area median income	Check your local Hud office for exact thresholds since they change annually 📊
Rent calculation	30% of your adjusted gross income	This means your rent adjusts downward if your income drops 🔄
Contact	Your local Public Housing Authority	Visit hud.gov and select your state to find your nearest office 📞

💡 Pro Tip: You can learn about available Section 202 properties in your area by reaching out to your local housing authority or contacting your local area agency on aging through the Eldercare Locator. Don’t limit yourself to one application — submit to every Section 202 property within a reasonable radius.

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🤝 2. Volunteers of America: One of the Largest Nonprofit Senior Housing Networks in the Country

Most people associate Volunteers of America with disaster relief or food drives. What they don’t realize is that this organization is one of the biggest nonprofit affordable housing developers in the entire United States, operating across 42 states with roughly 500 properties.

As one of the nation’s oldest and largest developers of affordable housing, Volunteers of America has provided safe shelter for nearly 20,000 seniors, veterans, and families in need.

Their senior apartments frequently use federal subsidies like Section 8 project-based vouchers and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, which means rents routinely land well below $1,000 per month — and sometimes under $500.

Feature	Details	💡 Insider Tip
Properties nationwide	~500 across 42 states	Check your regional VOA branch — each state operates independently 🗺️
Age requirement	Typically 55+ or 62+ depending on location	Some locations accept residents as young as 50 with disability documentation 🧾
Veteran priority	Yes — veterans often receive expedited placement	Bring your DD-214 to every appointment 🎖️
Contact (Indiana example)	(812) 232-8752 or (219) 951-0534	Call your state’s VOA branch directly for current openings 📱

💡 Pro Tip: VOA properties aren’t just apartments. On-site coordinators are available to assist with access to community services and Medicare and Medicaid issues. This wraparound support is something most private landlords will never offer.

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⛪ 3. Good Samaritan Society: Faith-Based Housing That Doesn’t Require Church Membership

Here’s a misconception that stops many seniors cold: they assume faith-based housing means mandatory religious participation. You do not have to be a member of a Lutheran church to use these services, but you will have to show proof of income.

Good Samaritan Society, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, operates communities across multiple states with housing that includes independent living apartments, townhomes, duplexes, and cottages — many of which accept residents starting at age 50.

Feature	Details	💡 Insider Tip
Minimum age	As young as 50	One of the lowest age thresholds among major senior housing providers 🎂
Religious requirement	None	Open to all faiths and backgrounds — this is a common misconception 🙏
Housing types	Apartments, townhomes, duplexes, cottages	Ask specifically about income-based units, not just market-rate options 🏡
Contact	(855) 268-7745	Also visit good-sam.com/locations to find your nearest community 📞

💡 Pro Tip: Good Samaritan Society communities offer what’s called a continuum of care — meaning if your health changes, you can transition from independent living to assisted living or skilled nursing without relocating to an entirely different facility. That’s an enormous advantage that standalone apartment complexes simply cannot match.

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🏢 4. HumanGood: 100 Communities Across Five States With Rents That Actually Make Sense

HumanGood flies under the radar compared to bigger names, but this nonprofit operates approximately 100 affordable senior housing communities across California, Oregon, Washington, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, serving around 8,880 residents.

This nonprofit runs 100 affordable senior housing communities in California, Oregon, Washington, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, with around 8,880 residents, and the minimum age requirement is 55.

What makes HumanGood particularly valuable is their concentration in high-cost states like California, where market-rate rents can easily exceed $2,500 per month for a basic apartment. Their income-based pricing model means qualifying seniors often pay a small fraction of that.

Feature	Details	💡 Insider Tip
States served	California, Oregon, Washington, Delaware, Pennsylvania	Especially valuable in CA where market rents are devastating 🌊
Minimum age	55+	Younger than many government programs require 📋
Pricing model	Income-based at many properties	Ask explicitly about LIHTC-funded units — they’re often the cheapest 💰
Contact	(925) 924-7100 (corporate)	Request a list of all income-restricted properties in your state 📱

💡 Pro Tip: If you live in California and feel priced out of the entire state, HumanGood should be your first call, not your last. Their properties in less competitive submarkets (think inland California, not San Francisco) often have shorter waitlists and faster move-in timelines.

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❤️ 5. Mercy Housing: Affordable Communities With Built-in Health and Wellness Support

Mercy Housing takes a different approach than most affordable housing providers. Rather than simply offering a roof and four walls, they integrate resident services directly into their housing model — including health and wellness programs, community involvement activities, and financial stability resources.

Mercy Housing offers affordable housing communities to low- and moderate-income populations, including seniors and veterans, and the majority of properties offer resident services and resources, including health and wellness support, community involvement, and financial stability.

This is critically important for seniors who may be dealing with chronic health conditions, social isolation, or difficulty navigating benefits systems. Having a service coordinator in the same building where you live eliminates transportation barriers that keep many seniors from accessing the help they need.

Feature	Details	💡 Insider Tip
Population served	Low- and moderate-income seniors, veterans, families	Dual-eligible for senior and veteran priority placement 🎯
On-site services	Health, wellness, community involvement, financial stability	This is the closest thing to a one-stop-shop for senior needs 🏥
Geographic reach	Nationwide presence	Strongest presence in Western and Midwestern states 🗺️
Contact	(303) 830-3300 (Denver headquarters)	Ask about their service coordinator — they can help navigate Medicaid too 📞

💡 Pro Tip: Mercy Housing properties often partner with local health clinics and social service agencies. When you tour a Mercy Housing community, ask specifically: “What partnerships do you have with local healthcare providers?” The answer might surprise you with how much free or low-cost medical access comes bundled with your apartment.

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🎖️ 6. Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8): the Portable Ticket That Follows You Anywhere

Unlike every other option on this list, a Housing Choice Voucher isn’t tied to a specific building or community. It’s portable — meaning you choose the apartment, and the government pays the difference between 30% of your income and the actual rent.

If you qualify for a voucher, you pay no more than 30 percent of your adjusted income on rent and utilities, and the government pays the rest.

This is powerful for seniors who want to stay in their current neighborhood, live near family, or avoid the institutional feeling of a large senior housing complex. You’re renting from a private landlord, in a regular apartment, with your voucher quietly covering most of the cost.

Feature	Details	💡 Insider Tip
Your rent	Maximum 30% of adjusted income	Total out-of-pocket often lands between $300-$600/month 🎉
Where you can live	Any qualifying private rental	Not limited to senior complexes — complete geographic freedom 🏘️
Age requirement	None specific (income-based)	Seniors and disabled individuals often receive priority placement ⚡
Contact	Your local Public Housing Authority	Search “Public Housing Authority” + your county name 📍

💡 Pro Tip: Here’s what nobody tells you — elderly and disabled applicants frequently receive priority on Section 8 waitlists. Even if you’ve heard the waitlist is “years long,” that timeline applies to the general population. Ask your local PHA specifically about elderly preference categories, because you may move to the front of the line far faster than you’d expect.

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🏗️ 7. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: Brand-New Buildings With Below-Market Rents

LIHTC properties represent one of the best-kept secrets in affordable senior housing. These are often newly constructed or recently renovated buildings that were funded through tax credits, requiring the developer to keep a percentage of units affordable for a set number of years — typically 15 to 30 years.

The rents aren’t income-based like Section 202 (meaning they don’t automatically adjust to 30% of what you earn), but they’re set well below market rate. In expensive metros, LIHTC rents can be $500-$900 for units that would normally cost $1,500-$2,500.

Feature	Details	💡 Insider Tip
Building quality	Often brand-new construction or major renovation	You may get a nicer apartment than market-rate tenants pay double for 🏢
Rent structure	Set below market rate (not income-based)	Compare LIHTC rents to your area’s average — the savings can be dramatic 📉
Income requirement	Typically below 60% of area median income	Slightly higher threshold than Section 202, so more people qualify ✅
How to find them	National Housing Preservation Database or your state housing finance agency	Many states list LIHTC properties online — search “[your state] housing finance agency” 🔍

💡 Pro Tip: LIHTC properties have one massive advantage over most subsidized housing: they look and feel like market-rate apartments. Modern appliances, updated finishes, community amenities, and professional management. If the “stigma” of subsidized housing has been holding you back, LIHTC properties eliminate that concern entirely.

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🌟 8. Palacio Del Sol Senior Apartments (San Antonio, Texas): Under $530 Per Month

Let’s get specific. Currently the most affordable senior apartment in San Antonio is at Palacio Del Sol I and II Senior Apartments listed at $529. San Antonio consistently ranks as one of the most affordable large cities in America for seniors, and this property exemplifies why.

San Antonio offers a combination that’s rare in 2026: low cost of living, excellent healthcare infrastructure (including a robust VA medical center), mild winters, and a deep cultural identity that makes life genuinely enjoyable.

Feature	Details	💡 Insider Tip
Starting rent	~$529/month	Among the lowest senior rents in any major U.S. metro 💵
Location	San Antonio, Texas	No state income tax — your Social Security goes further here 🤠
Average area rent for seniors	~$1,432/month	You’re saving roughly $900/month versus the city average 📊
Contact	Call the leasing office directly	Search the property name + “apply” for current availability 📞

💡 Pro Tip: Texas has no state income tax, which effectively gives your retirement income an instant raise. Combined with sub-$600 rent, a senior on average Social Security of $2,071 per month could have over $1,400 remaining for food, healthcare, transportation, and savings. That kind of financial breathing room is nearly impossible to find in states like California or New York.

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🏠 9. Estates at Shiloh (Dallas, Texas): Starting at $556 With Room to Breathe

Currently the most affordable senior apartment in Dallas is at Estates at Shiloh listed at $556. Dallas presents a slightly different calculus than San Antonio — it’s a bigger job market (relevant if you’re a “young senior” still working part-time), has more extensive public transit, and offers a wider range of healthcare specialists.

Feature	Details	💡 Insider Tip
Starting rent	~$556/month	Comparable to San Antonio pricing with a larger metro footprint 🏙️
Average area senior rent	~$1,673/month	You’re saving over $1,100/month versus Dallas average 💰
Average unit size	~641 sq ft	Enough for comfortable one-bedroom living 📐
Contact	Property leasing office	Apply early — Dallas properties with these prices fill quickly ⚡

💡 Pro Tip: Many people are looking for a roommate to share expenses, and these arrangements can increase opportunities for more desirable and larger spaces. If you’re open to a shared living arrangement with another senior, you could split a two-bedroom unit and each pay under $350 per month — while enjoying more space and built-in companionship.

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🌴 10. Houston’s 35+ Senior Properties Under $1,000: the Affordable Housing Capital of the South

Houston deserves its own category because no other major American city offers this level of sheer volume in affordable senior housing. There are 35 senior rental properties in Houston, Texas, available under $1,000. That’s not a typo — thirty-five separate properties, all under your budget threshold, all in the same metro area.

Houston’s massive geographic footprint means there’s a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from, each with distinct character, proximity to medical centers (including the world-famous Texas Medical Center), and varying levels of walkability and transit access.

Feature	Details	💡 Insider Tip
Properties under $1,000	35+ options	More affordable senior properties than most entire states 🎯
State income tax	None	Another Texas advantage for retirement income 💵
Healthcare access	Texas Medical Center nearby	One of the world’s largest medical complexes — invaluable for aging in place 🏥
Contact	Houston Housing Authority: (713) 260-0500	Also check affordablehousing.com filtered for Houston senior housing 📞

💡 Pro Tip: Houston’s property market is so large that even if you’re rejected from or waitlisted at one community, there are dozens of alternatives within the same metro. Create a spreadsheet, apply to at least 10 properties simultaneously, and treat the process like a numbers game. The more applications you have active, the sooner you’ll land a placement.

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📋 Master Contact Reference Table

#	Organization/Property	Contact	Min. Age	Price Range
1️⃣	Hud Section 202 (nationwide)	Local Public Housing Authority via hud.gov	62+	30% of income
2️⃣	Volunteers of America	Regional branches (e.g., 812-232-8752)	55-62+	Varies, often under $700
3️⃣	Good Samaritan Society	(855) 268-7745	50+	Income-based
4️⃣	HumanGood	(925) 924-7100	55+	Income-based
5️⃣	Mercy Housing	(303) 830-3300	Varies	Income-based
6️⃣	Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)	Local PHA	Any age	30% of income
7️⃣	LIHTC Properties	State housing finance agency	Varies	Below market rate
8️⃣	Palacio Del Sol (San Antonio)	Property leasing office	Senior (55/62+)	From ~$529
9️⃣	Estates at Shiloh (Dallas)	Property leasing office	Senior (55/62+)	From ~$556
🔟	Houston senior properties (35+)	Houston Housing Authority: (713) 260-0500	Varies	Under $1,000

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🔑 The Application Strategy Nobody Teaches You

Most seniors apply to one property and then wait. This is the single biggest strategic mistake in affordable senior housing.

Here’s how to dramatically accelerate your timeline. First, apply to every qualifying program simultaneously — Section 202, Section 8 vouchers, LIHTC properties, and nonprofit networks. There’s no rule against having multiple active applications. Second, keep immaculate records of every application date, confirmation number, and contact person. Third, follow up by phone every 30 days. Properties that see active, organized applicants tend to prioritize them when units open up.

Many areas have waitlists, so to improve your odds, apply to multiple programs or properties at once.

Documents you’ll need for virtually every application:

Proof of age (government-issued photo identification), Social Security award letter showing your monthly benefit amount, most recent federal tax return or proof that you’re not required to file, documentation of any disability status if applicable, and landlord references from your most recent two residences.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long are waitlists, realistically?

It depends heavily on your location. Waitlists typically range from 6 months to 2 years, depending on location and demand. Rural areas and smaller cities tend to have dramatically shorter waitlists than major metros. If you’re flexible about location, you can often cut your wait time in half.

What if I have a criminal record?

Previous eviction from a Hud property or a record of prior criminal activity can affect eligibility. However, many nonprofit providers evaluate applications individually and may be more lenient than government programs. Be transparent during the application process — honesty paired with evidence of rehabilitation goes a long way.

Can I bring my pet?

Many senior communities are pet-friendly, but policies vary wildly. Always ask before applying. Some properties allow small dogs and cats with a modest pet deposit, while others maintain strict no-pet policies. Emotional support animals with proper documentation are generally accommodated under federal fair housing law.

What happens if my income changes after I move in?

In income-based programs like Section 202 and Section 8, your rent adjusts accordingly. If your income drops, your rent drops. If your income increases significantly, your rent may increase — but it’s still capped at 30% of your adjusted gross income, which remains far below market rates.

Are these apartments accessible for people with mobility limitations?

Features like ramps, handrails, and elevators make moving around easier and safer. Federally funded properties are required to comply with accessibility standards. However, the level of accessibility varies — always tour the specific unit (not just the model apartment) before signing anything.

What’s the difference between “affordable” and “subsidized” housing?

Subsidized housing means the government or a nonprofit is actively paying a portion of your rent. Affordable housing is a broader term that includes properties with below-market rents that may not involve direct subsidies. Both can result in rents under $1,000, but subsidized units — particularly Section 202 and Section 8 — offer the greatest financial protection because your rent is pegged to your actual income.

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🧠 the Bottom Line: Your Next Steps This Week

The affordable senior housing crisis is real and worsening. Fully 58 percent of older renters were burdened in 2023, representing 4.5 million households. The number of cost-burdened older homeowners rose to 7.9 million, an increase of over 1.7 million since 2019. Waiting for the “perfect” apartment is a luxury most seniors on fixed incomes cannot afford.

This week, do three things. Call your local Public Housing Authority and ask about both Section 202 properties and Housing Choice Vouchers in your area. Then contact at least two nonprofit providers from this list — Volunteers of America, Good Samaritan Society, HumanGood, or Mercy Housing — and request applications. Finally, gather your documents (Social Security award letter, identification, tax returns) into a single folder so you’re ready to submit the moment an opportunity opens.

The apartments exist. The programs exist. The funding exists. What’s usually missing is a senior who knows exactly where to look and refuses to settle for just one application in one place. Now you have both the map and the strategy. Use them.