10 Best Independent Living Communities in Orono, MN

Independent Living

Independent Living Communities offer seniors a nice balance between an opportunity to live an independent lifestyle and not having to concern themselves with chores. Meals, recreational activities and housekeeping duties are taken care of while you are free to use your time as you wish. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to live among peers, surrounded by others of similar age groups and backgrounds. Within the individual units, residents have access to their own private living space and a full kitchen, and can even live with a companion if they choose. While policies differ between communities, numerous residences allow cats and dogs as well. If medical or nursing support is desired, residents may always enlist the services of independent caregivers. There are a number of expenditures and benefits to balance while determining an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these services are included in the care plan: utilities, meals, transportation, field trips, wellness program, initial assessment fee, move-in fee, and internet access. The conveniences that pertain to independent living include security guards, golf course, restaurant-style dining hall, game/TV room, healthcare center, community activities, fitness center & swimming pool, and laundry service.

Demographics and Values

In Orono, 9.3% of the citizens are veterans. Based on gender, 53.0% are male and 47.0% are female. The median age of Orono is 47 years old. Orono has a population density of 197 people per square mile. Currently, the population of Orono consists of 8,147 people. In Orono, 2.4% do not have health insurance, 62.7% participate in the labor force, 3.7% consider themselves widows, and 4.4% live in poverty. In terms of education, 22.7% have a graduate degree, 62.2% have a college degree, and 14.8% have a high-school diploma. Demographically, Orono is 0.4% black, 0.9% mixed race, 0.0% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 96.0% white, 1.6% Hispanic, 1.1% other or not specified, and 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living can be a major influence in determining which care choice is best for your family. The rent burden for Orono is around 16.6% of the average monthly income. The median home value in Orono is $566,136 and the median price for rent is $2,130 per month a month.

State Information

An overview of Minnesota

Overall, Minnesota ranks 3rd in quality of life and 10th in healthcare compared to other US states. Based on natural beauty, Minnesota ranks 3rd in the nation. 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. In total, Minnesota has 140 general hospitals and 61 health centers that provide care for 5,654,535 citizens. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Mayo Clinic Health System – Red Wing, and Alomere Health.

Social demographics of the state

In terms of religious values, 34% of Minnesota’s population regularly attend some form of service and there are in total 5,953 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-19%, Mainline Protestant-29%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. In Minnesota there are 170 masonic lodges. In terms of diversity, Minnesota ranks 27th in the nation and is considered LGBTQ friendly. The median age in the state is 38, and 29% of the population is over the age of 55. In the last presidential election 46% of Minnesota residents voted Democrat and 45% voted Republican.

State-wide weather information

On average, the humidity rating for Minnesota is around 70%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 80% in the month of December. The most precipitation occurs in June with an average of 5.59 inches of precipitation a month. The average monthly precipitation for the state of Minnesota is around 2.37 inches. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 13F. The average high winter temperature is around 33F in the month of February. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around -11F in the month of January. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 67F. The average high summer temperature is around 86F in the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 42F during the month of June. On average, Minnesota has an air quality index rating of around 34.5 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of May with a rating of around 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 juniper, wine, red, and black spine, paper, river, and yellow birch, and tamarack. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the American kestrel, the red-winged blackbird, the eastern phoebe, or the peregrine falcons. The state animal of Minnesota is the eastern timber wolf.