10 Best Independent Living Communities in Wadena, MN

Independent Living

An Independent Living Community provides residents the chance to live active lives while guaranteeing their basic needs are being met. Daily needs such as the scheduling of social activities and housekeeping are accounted for, which permits residents more free time to live their lives as they 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 interests. 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 vary between locations, numerous residences allow cats and dogs as well. If medical or nursing care is desired, residents may always enlist the services of private care providers. There are an assortment of expenses and benefits to consider when choosing an independent living community. It is important to determine if these services are included in the service plan: move-in fee, private phone, parking, wellness program, utilities, meals, internet access, and field trips. The benefits that pertain to independent living include private rental hall, security guards, game/TV room, healthcare center, concierge services, transportation, restaurant-style dining hall, and laundry service.

Demographics and Values

In terms of education, 2.1% have a graduate degree, 8.1% have a college degree, and 36.6% have a high-school diploma. In Wadena, 10.4% of the population are veterans of the United States armed forces. Demographically, Wadena is 1.4% Native American, 1.4% black, 0.0% Asian, 95.7% white, 0.0% other or not specified, 1.6% mixed race, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 2.2% Hispanic. Based on gender, 46.3% are male and 53.7% are female. The median age of Wadena is 37 years old. In Wadena, 61.7% participate in the labor force, 20.4% have some form of disability, 6.9% do not have health insurance, and 11.5% are widows. Currently, the population of Wadena consists of 3,915 people and in total the Wadena metro area has a population of 4,075. Wadena has a population density of 291 people per square mile.

Cost of Living

The neighborhood in which a community is based might have a large impact on community price. Cost of living can be a major factor in determining which community is best for you or your loved one. The rent burden for Wadena is about 14.7% of the average monthly income. Wadena has a median home value of about $95,584 and the median cost of rent is $599 per month per month.

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 quality of life enjoyed by the average Minnesota citizen is ranked 3rd nation-wide. Additionally, Minnesota is ranked 10th by healthcare standards. 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. The natural beauty of Minnesota is ranked 3rd in the nation.

Social demographics of the state

In Minnesota, 34% of the population attend some form of religious service and there are 5,953 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-19%, Mainline Protestant-29%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Minnesota there are 170 masonic lodges. The state has a median age of 38 and 29% of its population being over the age of 55. In the most recent presidential election, 45% of Minnesota residents voted Republican and 46% voted Democrat. In terms of diversity, Minnesota ranks 27th in the nation and is considered LGBTQ friendly.

State-wide weather information

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. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 42F during 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. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around -11F during the month of January. 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. 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. 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 balsam fir, hemlock, juniper, and black cherry. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the timber wolves, the eastern phoebe, the American kestrel, or the common loons. The state animal of Minnesota is the eastern timber wolf.