10 Best Independent Living Communities in Richfield, MN

Independent Living

An Independent Living Community permits residents the chance to continue to live an active life while assuring their basic needs are met. Basic chores such as meal preparation and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and leisure activities is provided, allowing residents an opportunity to use their time as they wish, free from daily responsibilities. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to live among peers, surrounded by others of similar age groups and interests. 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 vary between locations, many residences allow pets as well. If medical or nursing care is desired, residents may always utilize the services of private care providers. There are a variety of expenditures and advantages to keep in mind while deciding on an independent living community. It is important to learn if these amenities are included in the care plan: field trips, private phone, meals, internet access, initial assessment fee, housekeeping, wellness program, and cable TV. The benefits associated with independent living include community activities, restaurant-style dining hall, private rental hall, security guards, concierge services, healthcare center, beauty salon & barber shop, and laundry service.

Demographics and Values

In Richfield, 8.4% do not have health insurance, 12.7% have some form of disability, 6.3% are widows, and 71.4% participate in the labor force. The total population of Richfield consists of 36,151 people. Richfield has a population density of 2,076 people per square mile. In terms of education, 20.8% have a high-school diploma, 38.6% have a college degree, and 12.5% have a graduate degree. Based on gender, 49.9% are female and 50.1% are male. The median age of Richfield is 37 years old. In Richfield, 6.9% of the population are veterans. Demographically, Richfield is 4.5% mixed race, 7.4% Asian, 15.8% Hispanic, 0.6% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 6.1% other or not specified, 10.5% black, and 70.9% white.

Cost of Living

The total cost of living is a big influence when determining which care option is the best fit for your family. The median home value in Richfield costs around $197,563 and the median price for rent is $1,262 a month. The rent burden for Richfield is about 20.5% of the average monthly income.

State Information

An overview of Minnesota

The state of Minnesota has 140 hospitals and 61 health centers, providing care to a population of 5,654,535. The three highest ranked hospitals in Minnesota are Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Mayo Clinic Health System – Red Wing, and Alomere Health. The quality of life enjoyed by the average Minnesota citizen is ranked 3rd nation-wide. Additionally, Minnesota is ranked 10th by standards of healthcare. Residents of Minnesota enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 3rd in the United States. 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.

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 most recent presidential election, 45% of Minnesota residents voted Republican and 46% voted Democrat.

State-wide weather information

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. The average high winter temperature is around 33F in the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around -11F during the month of January. The average air quality index rating in Minnesota is 34.5 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of May with a rating of around 42.7 AQI. On average, the state receives 2.37 inches of precipitation a month. The most precipitation occurs in June with an average of 5.59 inches of precipitation a month. On average, the humidity rating for Minnesota is around 70%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of December at around 80%. 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, black and white spruce, mountain ash, and wine, red, and black spine. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the black bears, the horned lark, the trumpeter swans, or the American kestrel. The state animal of Minnesota is the eastern timber wolf.