10 Best Independent Living Communities in Gonzales, LA

Independent Living

Many seniors may be physically and mentally capable of living without assistance, but cost of owning a home and the upkeep of the property might deter them from an independent life. Independent Living Communities provide a great solution. Occupants may live their lives as they desire while their food is prepared 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 an opportunity to live among peers, surrounded by others of similar ages and backgrounds. Typically comprised 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 more time can be spent with them with the basic maintenance of daily chores out of the way. While policies differ between locations, many residences allow cats and dogs as well. If residents decide they would like to enlist the services of independent medical professionalls, they always have the option. There are a variety of expenses and advantages to consider when selecting an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these services are included in the service plan: wellness program, internet access, initial assessment fee, Waiting list deposit, parking, field trips, move-in fee, and cable TV. The benefits associated with independent living include transportation, concierge services, restaurant-style dining hall, community activities, game/TV room, fitness center & swimming pool, security guards, and golf course.

Cost of Living

Cost of living can be the motivating factor in choosing what community works best. The rent burden for Gonzales is around 14.3% of the average monthly income. Gonzales has a median home value of $154,213 and the median cost of rent is around $773 per month.

Demographics and Values

Demographically, Gonzales is 44.3% black, 9.1% Hispanic, 0.0% Native American, 46.7% white, 3.9% mixed race, 3.5% other or not specified, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 1.5% Asian. In Gonzales, 7.3% of the citizens are veterans. Gonzales has a population density of 455 people per square mile. Currently, the population of Gonzales consists of 10,771 people. Of the population of Gonzales 8.5% have a graduate degree, 19.8% have a college degree, and 35.7% have a high-school diploma. Based on gender, 46.4% are male and 53.6% are female. The median age of Gonzales is 36 years old. Out of the total population of Gonzales, 16.0% live in poverty, 5.6% consider themselves widows, 12.8% do not have health insurance, and 12.0% have some form of disability.

State Information

An overview of Louisiana

Louisiana is ranked 50th in quality of life and 45th in healthcare. Out of a national average of 100, Louisiana has a cost of living index rating of 94, a grocery index rating of 100, and a housing index rating of 87. The state of Louisiana has 158 hospitals and 178 health centers, providing care to a population of 4,649,163. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be Mercy Regional Medical Center, Park Place Surgical Hospital, and Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital. Residents of Louisiana enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 50th in the United States.

Social demographics of the state

In the most recent presidential election, 58% of Louisiana residents voted Republican and 38% voted Democrat. In terms of diversity, Louisiana ranks 23rd in the nation. In Louisiana, 28% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 37. In terms of religious values, 46% of Louisiana’s population regularly attend some form of service and there are in total 5,841 different congregations. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-27%, Mainline Protestant-8%, and Historically Black Protestant-22%. In Louisiana there are 421 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

The average air quality index rating in Louisiana is 37.2 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of May with a rating of around 48.3 AQI. During the summer, the average temperature in Louisiana is around 81F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 94F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 66F in the month of June. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 51F. The average high winter temperature is around 67F in the month of February. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 31F in the month of January. On average, the state receives 4.95 inches of precipitation a month. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of June at around 8.58 inches. Louisiana experiences an average humidity rating of about 74%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 78% in the month of July. While residents of Louisiana mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Louisiana can include hurricanes and floods.

Wildlife to be found in Louisiana

The state of Louisiana has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of hybrid Louisiana iris, gulf coast yucca, Louisiana phlox, and bald cypress. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the muskrat, the nutria, the waterfowl, or the bears.