10 Best Independent Living Communities in Darien, CT

Independent Living

If you want the convenience of having housekeeping and chores managed while living the way you desire, you might consider the option of independent living. Basic tasks such as meal preparation and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and social activities is provided, allowing residents an opportunity to use their time as they wish, free from daily obligations. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to be among peers, in a community with others of similar ages and interests. Typically consisting of a private living area and a full kitchen, these communities offer homes with many of the amenities of apartment life but with none of 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 chores out of the way. While policies vary between communities, numerous 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 an assortment of expenses and benefits to consider when choosing an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these amenities are included in your service plan: wellness program, meals, housekeeping, private phone, move-in fee, laundry, transportation, and internet access. The benefits that pertain to independent living include private rental hall, concierge services, transportation, laundry service, security guards, restaurant-style dining hall, community activities, and beauty salon & barber shop.

Cost of Living

The neighborhood where a community is located can have a big effect on the overall price. Cost of living can be a big influence when deciding which community is the best fit for you or your loved one’s needs. The rent burden for Darien is about 19.1% of the average person’s monthly income. The median home value in Darien is about $1,383,532 and the median rent is around $3,983 a month.

Demographics and Values

Of the population of Darien 81.0% have a college degree, 7.4% have a high-school diploma, and 34.8% have a graduate degree. Out of the total city population, 51.9% are female and 48.1% are male. The median age of Darien is 39 years old. Racially, the population of Darien is 0.1% other or not specified, 0.7% black, 91.1% white, 0.1% Native American, 3.1% Hispanic, 1.6% mixed race, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 6.3% Asian. Darien has a population density of 663 people per square mile. The total population of Darien consists of 21,742 people. In Darien, 4.4% of the citizens are veterans of the United States armed forces. In Darien, 5.8% have some form of disability, 4.1% consider themselves widows, 3.7% live in poverty, and 61.8% participate in the labor force.

State Information

An overview of Connecticut

The state of Connecticut has 38 hospitals and 121 health centers, providing care to a population of 3,571,450. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be St Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Sharon Hospital, and Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. The quality of life enjoyed by the average Connecticut citizen is ranked 21st nation-wide. Additionally, Connecticut is ranked 3rd by healthcare standards. In terms of resources, Connecticut has a cost of living index of 128.8, a grocery index rating of 114.2, and a housing index rating of 144.7. These index ratings are based on a system where 100 is considered the national average and anything above 100 is considered more expensive than said average. Based on natural beauty, Connecticut ranks 6th in the nation.

Social demographics of the state

In Connecticut, 32% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 41. The state of Connecticut ranks 14th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly. In the last presidential election 55% of Connecticut residents voted Democrat and 41% voted Republican. Twenty-eight percent of Connecticut residents regularly attend a religious service from one of the state’s 2,597 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-13%, Mainline Protestant-17%, and Historically Black Protestant-5%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-3%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Connecticut there are 109 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

The average monthly precipitation for the state of Connecticut is around 4.15 inches. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of March at around 5.47 inches. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 70F. The average high summer temperature is around 86F in the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 52F during the month of June. During the winter, the average temperature in Connecticut drops to around 29F. The average high winter temperature is around 44F in the month of December. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 12F during the month of January. Connecticut experiences an average humidity rating of about 69%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 70% in the month of September. On average, Connecticut has an air quality index rating of around 41.2 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of July with a rating of 53.7 AQI. While residents of Connecticut mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Connecticut can include hurricanes and tornadoes.

Wildlife to be found in Connecticut

The state of Connecticut has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of white oak, mountain laurel, kingcup or marsh marigold, and summersweet. The state animal of Connecticut is the the sperm whale.