9 Best Independent Living Communities in Columbus, NE

Independent Living

Independent Living Communities offer seniors a nice harmony between an independent lifestyle and not having to concern themselves with the maintenance of basic tasks and responsibilities. Basic chores such as meal preparation and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and leisure activities is provided, allowing residents the autonomy to use their time as they choose, free from daily obligations. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to live among peers, surrounded by others of similar ages and backgrounds. Typically comprised of a private living space 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 tasks out of the way. While policies differ between locations, a number of residences allow cats and dogs as well. If residents decide they would like to utilize the services of independent health care providers, they may always do so. There are a variety of advantages and expenses to consider while choosing an independent living community. It is important to determine if these services are included in the care plan: move-in fee, private phone, laundry, utilities, parking, cable TV, initial assessment fee, and internet access. The benefits associated with independent living include healthcare center, laundry service, restaurant-style dining hall, fitness center & swimming pool, community activities, private rental hall, transportation, and beauty salon & barber shop.

Cost of Living

The total cost of living is a major factor when deciding which community works for your loved one’s needs. The rent burden for Columbus is about 14.7% of the average person’s monthly income. Monthly, the median rent in Columbus is around $817 and the median value for a house for Columbus is $131,877.

Demographics and Values

Currently, the population of Columbus consists of 23,123 people and in total the Columbus metro area has a population of 23,128. Columbus has a population density of 874 people per square mile. In terms of education, 21.9% have a college degree, 6.5% have a graduate degree, and 30.3% have a high-school diploma. In Columbus, 73.5% participate in the labor force, 7.6% do not have health insurance, 7.4% are widows, and 10.2% have some form of disability. Racially, the population of Columbus is 0.6% Asian, 94.7% white, 0.5% Native American, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.4% black, 1.2% mixed race, 22.4% Hispanic, and 2.7% other or not specified. Out of the total city population, 49.1% are female and 50.9% are male. The median age of Columbus is 37 years old. In Columbus, 8.5% of the citizens are veterans.

State Information

An overview of Nebraska

In terms of resources, Nebraska has a cost of living index of 93.3, a grocery index rating of 95.5, and a housing index rating of 80.9. These index ratings are based on a system where 100 is considered the national average and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. Based on natural beauty, Nebraska ranks 27th in the nation. There are 93 hospitals and 42 health centers that service a population of 1,941,032. The three highest ranked hospitals in Nebraska are Columbus Community Hospital, Chi Health Nebraska Heat, and Methodist Hospital. Overall, Nebraska ranks 9th out of all states in quality of life and 27th in healthcare.

Social demographics of the state

The state of Nebraska ranks 26th in the country for diversity. The state has a median age of 37 and 28% of its population being over the age of 55. In terms of religion, 39% of Nebraska residents attend religious services among the 2,860 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-25%, Mainline Protestant-24%, and Historically Black Protestant-2%. In Nebraska there are 147 masonic lodges. In the most recent presidential election, 59% of Nebraska residents voted Republican and 34% voted Democrat.

State-wide weather information

On average, Nebraska has an air quality index rating of around 31.5 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of August with a rating of 40.9 AQI. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 72F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 47F during the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 6F during the month of January. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 72F. The average high summer temperature is around 92F in the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 49F during the month of June. Nebraska experiences an average humidity rating of about 66%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 74% in the month of December. On average, the state receives 2.10 inches of precipitation a month. The most precipitation occurs in May with an average of 5.31 inches of precipitation a month. While residents of Nebraska mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Nebraska can include tornadoes, floods, and and earthquakes (high).

Wildlife to be found in Nebraska

The state of Nebraska has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of columbine, yellow (ponderosa) pine, wild rose, and big bluestem. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the sandhill cranes, the peregrine falcons, the monarch,grey hairstreak,and orange sulfur butterflies, or the bald eagles. The state animal of Nebraska is the the white-tailed deer.