10 Best Independent Living Communities in Essex, CT

Independent Living

Many seniors may be capable of living without assistance, but cost of owning a home and the maintenance of daily tasks and chores might be a deterrent to an independent life. Independent Living Communities offer a convenient alternative to this situation. Seniors may continue to use their free time as they wish while their food is cooked by a professionall chef, housekeeping and laundry duties are handled by staff, and social activities are organized and scheduled. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to be among peers, surrounded by others of similar ages and interests. Within the individual units, residents have access to a private living space and a full kitchen, and can even live with a companion if they prefer. While policies vary between locations, a number of residences allow cats and dogs as well. If medical or nursing assistance is desired, residents may always utilize the services of private health care professionalls. There are a variety of advantages and expenses to consider while selecting an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these services are included in the care plan: move-in fee, laundry, field trips, transportation, Waiting list deposit, initial assessment fee, meals, and housekeeping. The benefits and amenities that pertain to independent living include healthcare center, game/TV room, concierge services, restaurant-style dining hall, fitness center & swimming pool, transportation, security guards, and laundry service.

Demographics and Values

Out of the total city population, 51.9% are male and 48.1% are female. The median age of Essex is 54 years old. Demographically, Essex is 92.6% white, 2.6% mixed race, 0.0% other or not specified, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 3.3% black, 3.6% Hispanic, 0.0% Native American, and 1.4% Asian. In Essex, 2.5% do not have health insurance, 5.8% are widows, 62.1% participate in the labor force, and 5.0% live in poverty. The total population of Essex consists of 6,588 people. Essex has a population density of 244 people per square mile. In Essex, 12.9% of the citizens are veterans. In terms of education, 15.9% have a high-school diploma, 55.5% have a college degree, and 21.3% have a graduate degree.

Cost of Living

Cost of living is a major influence when determining which location is the best fit for you or your loved one’s needs. The rent burden for Essex is about 19.3% of the average person’s monthly income. Per month, the median cost of rent in Essex is about $1,624 and the median home value in Essex is around $358,784.

State Information

An overview of Connecticut

There are 38 hospitals and 121 health centers that service a population of 3,571,450. St Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Sharon Hospital, and Lawrence and Memorial Hospital are among the top three highest ranked hospitals in the state. 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. Overall, Connecticut ranks 21st in quality of life and 3rd in healthcare compared to other US states.

Social demographics of the state

In the most recent presidential election, 41% of Connecticut residents voted Republican and 55% voted Democrat. The median age in the state is 41, and 32% of the population is over the age of 55. In terms of religious values, 28% of Connecticut’s population regularly attend some form of service and there are in total 2,597 different congregations. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-3%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-13%, Mainline Protestant-17%, and Historically Black Protestant-5%. In Connecticut there are 109 masonic lodges. The state of Connecticut ranks 14th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly.

State-wide weather information

On average, the humidity rating for Connecticut is around 69%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of September at around 70%. On average, the state receives 4.15 inches of precipitation a month. The most precipitation occurs in March with an average of 5.47 inches of precipitation a month. During the summer, the average temperature in Connecticut is around 70F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 86F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 52F in the month of June. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 29F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 44F during the month of December. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 12F in the month of January. On average, Connecticut has an air quality index rating of around 41.2 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of July with a rating of around 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, summersweet, mountain laurel, and white-tailed deer. The state animal of Connecticut is the the sperm whale.