4 Best Independent Living Communities in Buena Vista, CO

Independent Living

Independent Living Communities offer seniors a balance between an opportunity to live an independent lifestyle and not having to worry about chores. Residents may live their lives as they desire while their meals are prepared by a professionall chef, housekeeping and laundry duties are handled by staff, and recreational activities are scheduled and organized. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to live among peers, in a community with others of similar ages and backgrounds. Typically consisting of a private living area and a full kitchen, these communities offer residences with many of the amenities of apartment life but without the hassle. Guests can be invited over and entertained, and there will be more time to spend with them with the basic maintenance of daily tasks out of the way. While policies vary between communities, a number of residences allow cats and dogs as well. Nursing and health care services may always be arranged for with independent care providers if desired. There are a variety of benefits and expenditures to balance while deciding on an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these services are included in the service plan: internet access, wellness program, initial assessment fee, laundry, move-in fee, Waiting list deposit, utilities, and housekeeping. The amenities that pertain to independent living include security guards, golf course, laundry service, private rental hall, game/TV room, transportation, fitness center & swimming pool, and beauty salon & barber shop.

Cost of Living

Cost of living is a big influence when deciding which community is the best fit for you or your loved one. Per month, the median price of rent in Buena Vista is $967 per month and the median value of a home in Buena Vista is $222,431. The rent burden for Buena Vista is around 20.5% of the average monthly income.

Demographics and Values

In Buena Vista, 13.3% of the citizens are veterans of the United States armed forces. Based on gender, 47.9% are male and 52.1% are female. The median age of Buena Vista is 46 years old. Buena Vista has a population density of 312 people per square mile. Demographically, Buena Vista is 2.1% Hispanic, 0.8% Asian, 0.0% Native American, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.0% mixed race, 98.9% white, 0.3% other or not specified, and 0.0% black. Of the population of Buena Vista 14.4% have a graduate degree, 27.1% have a high-school diploma, and 29.6% have a college degree. In Buena Vista, 62.8% participate in the labor force, 3.7% live in poverty, 7.4% are widows, and 7.9% do not have health insurance.

State Information

An overview of Colorado

Residents of Colorado enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 31st in the United States. Out of a national average of 100, Colorado has a cost of living index rating of 106, a grocery index rating of 103, and a housing index rating of 119. The state of Colorado has 92 hospitals and 162 health centers, providing care to a population of 5,776,356. Poudre Valley Hospital, Mercy Regional Medical Center, and Centura Health-Penrose St. Francis Health Services are among the top three highest ranked hospitals in the state. The quality of life enjoyed by the average Colorado citizen is ranked 10th nation-wide. Additionally, Colorado is ranked 12th by standards of healthcare.

Social demographics of the state

The state has a median age of 37 and 27% of its population being over the age of 55. The state of Colorado ranks 18th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly. During the latest presidential election, 43% voted for the Republican candidate while 48% voted for the Democratic candidate. Thirty percent of Colorado residents regularly attend a religious service from one of the state’s 4,188 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-26%, Mainline Protestant-15%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Colorado there are 148 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

On average, Colorado has an air quality index rating of around 44.4 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of July with a rating of 61.9 AQI. The most precipitation occurs in April with an average of 4.53 inches of precipitation a month. On average, the state receives 1.32 inches of precipitation a month. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 66F. The average high summer temperature is around 96F in the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 31F during the month of June. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 26F. The average high winter temperature is around 53F in the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around -8F during the month of January. Colorado experiences an average humidity rating of about 54%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of December at around 79%. While residents of Colorado mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Colorado can include earthquakes (moderate).

Wildlife to be found in Colorado

The state of Colorado has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of aspen, berry shrubs, conifers thrive, and berry shrubs. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the mountain lion, the mule deers, the salmon, or the bullhead deers. The state animal of Colorado is the the rocky mountain bighorn sheep.