10 Best Independent Living Communities in Elk River, MN

Independent Living

If you or your loved one would like the convenience of having your housekeeping handled while living your life the way you wish, you might consider the option of an Independent Living Community. Daily needs such as the scheduling of social activities and housekeeping are accounted for, which permits occupants more opportunities to live their lives as they see fit. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to live among peers, surrounded by others of similar ages and backgrounds. Residents’ quarters consist of private living spaces, each with their own kitchen. The independence of apartment life is still enjoyed, offering an opportunity to socialize with guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies vary between communities, numerous residences allow cats and dogs as well. If residents decide they would like to utilize the services of independent health care providers, they always have the option. There are an assortment of advantages and expenditures to consider while determining an independent living community. It is important to learn if these amenities are covered in your plan: laundry, parking, utilities, private phone, internet access, wellness program, field trips, and Waiting list deposit. The luxuries that pertain to independent living include game/TV room, healthcare center, beauty salon & barber shop, golf course, transportation, restaurant-style dining hall, laundry service, and security guards.

Demographics and Values

In Elk River, 72.8% participate in the labor force, 3.9% are widows, 3.9% do not have health insurance, and 9.0% have some form of disability. Elk River has a population density of 223 people per square mile. The total population of Elk River consists of 24,506 people. In Elk River, 6.8% of the population are veterans. Racially, the population of Elk River is 1.5% other or not specified, 2.2% black, 1.6% Asian, 0.3% Native American, 1.9% Hispanic, 2.2% mixed race, 92.1% white, and 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian. Based on gender, 50.1% are male and 49.9% are female. The median age of Elk River is 37 years old. In terms of education, 25.6% have a high-school diploma, 8.4% have a graduate degree, and 30.0% have a college degree.

Cost of Living

Cost of living can be a major influence in choosing which community is best for you or your loved one’s needs. Monthly, the median cost of rent in Elk River is about $1,498 and the median home value in Elk River is $225,500. The rent burden for Elk River is about 18.4% of the average person’s monthly income.

State Information

An overview of Minnesota

In terms of resources, Minnesota has a cost of living index of 101.5, a grocery index rating of 106.7, and a housing index rating of 88.3. 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. The natural beauty of Minnesota is ranked 3rd in the nation. In terms of personal well-being, Minnesota ranks 10th in healthcare and 3rd in quality of life compared to other states. In total, Minnesota has 140 general hospitals and 61 health centers that provide care for 5,654,535 citizens. The three highest ranked hospitals in Minnesota are Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Mayo Clinic Health System – Red Wing, and Alomere Health.

Social demographics of the state

In the last presidential election 46% of Minnesota residents voted Democrat and 45% voted Republican. The state has a median age of 38 and 29% of its population being over the age of 55. In terms of religion, 34% of Minnesota residents attend religious services among the 5,953 different congregations that are available in the state. 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-19%, Mainline Protestant-29%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. In Minnesota there are 170 masonic lodges. The state of Minnesota ranks 27th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly.

State-wide weather information

The most precipitation occurs in June with an average of 5.59 inches of precipitation a month. On average, the state receives 2.37 inches of precipitation a month. Minnesota experiences an average humidity rating of about 70%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of December at around 80%. During the summer, the average temperature in Minnesota is around 67F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 86F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 42F in the month of June. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 13F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 33F during the month of February. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around -11F in the month of January. The average air quality index rating in Minnesota is 34.5 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of May with a rating of 42.7 AQI. While residents of Minnesota mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Minnesota can include floods and earthquakes (high).

Wildlife to be found in Minnesota

The state of Minnesota has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of mountain ash, pin cherry, juniper, and balsam fir. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the horned lark, the trumpeter swans, the eastern phoebe, or the common loons. The state animal of Minnesota is the eastern timber wolf.