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Albuquerque, New Mexico, is celebrated for its temperate climate, scenic mountain ranges, cultural diversity, and delicious Southwestern cuisine. Albuquerque is the hot air balloon capital of the world; in the warmer seasons, residents and visitors of Albuquerque can spot vibrant hot air balloons dotting the sky. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Albuquerque is a wonderful place to live and retire, with a number of senior living options and even more ways to stay active and engaged in the culture. Albuquerque independent living communities are typically luxurious, resort-style communities designed to make you feel like every day of your retirement is a well-earned vacation. Perhaps best of all, while independent living apartments are equipped with full kitchens, residents won’t need to use them often with restaurant-style dining on site daily.
A Place for Mom partners with 10 independent living communities within a 10-mile radius of the Albuquerque city center. We’ve created this guide to Albuquerque independent living communities based on our extensive senior living experience, proprietary data, and access to local senior living experts. In this guide, you’ll find information about payment options, health and safety regulations, and other resources for Albuquerque seniors.
Types of care available in Albuquerque, NM
Independent Living
A very home type welcoming atmosphere . From my observation very skilled caring staff, the handling of residents is gentle and careful. Yes, housekeeping is available. The extra curricular activities are great. They bring in families and residents seem to be comfortable and enjoy being there.
I'm currently a resident at Coronado Villa Retirement Resort and I am thrilled to be living here. I certainly made the right choice to move here. The staff and the residents are all VERY friendly and call me by my name. My apartment is comfortable and is the right size. The cleanliness is super. They have more activities than I have time for! This is a great place to live and the ONLY facility in Albuquerque in which I would live. If Coronado Villa had not been here, I would still be living in Tucson.
The staff was very welcoming. Any questions I had were answered promptly. The residents are friendly and inclusive. There are activities to satisfy the interests of almost anyone. There are two socials a week that are well attended. This is one of the cleanest independent living facilities I have seen. One advantage is that there is also an assisted living side of the building. These folks are integrated into the general population for meals, activities and socials. I love the layout of my apartment.
500 Paisano St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123
Welcome to Sandia Vista Senior Living, a Stellar Living community. Sandia Vista is an independent living community located in the heart of the 'Land of Enchantment' near the Sandia Mountains. It's a community filled with friendship, sunshine, and lots of ways to enjoy a life full of...
I'm happy to say that she really enjoyed her brief stay there. Unfortunately she didn't stay long because her disabilities caused her to be in and out of hospitals. Extremely positive and cheerful...
8301 Paloma Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
We believe that Paloma Landing Retirement Community is so much more than walls and windows - it's a place to enjoy home-cooked meals, game night, or a quiet evening with family and friends. It's where you always feel comfortable, safe, and secure.At Paloma Landing Retirement Community, our...
I would definitely and have recommended to others that Paloma Landing is the best place to live. Everyone is very friendly. This includes residents as well as all staff members. Everyone from Day 1 makes you...
1501 Tijeras Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
Albuquerque Grand Senior Living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offers what may be the state's finest senior living experience. Offering both independent and assisted living, Albuquerque Grand is dedicated to providing an active, vibrant senior lifestyle with a wide variety of activities to ensure...
Prior to moving to Albuquerque Grand I walked or relied on public transportation to get around. As I got older it became more difficult for me to get to the store or laundry mat. Since moving to Albuquerque...
10301 Golf Course Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
Palmilla Senior Living puts premium independent senior living within your reach. We offer Independent Living, Assisted Living and Alzheimer's and Memory Care in Albuquerque, New Mexico. All of our living options stress independence and autonomy, providing the assistance you need to live...
The staff is very caring & supportive, especially in times of death of spouse. My husband passed in February. The people that live here are friendly and supportive also I would recommend Palmilla Senior...
8810 Horizon Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87113
The Village at Alameda is and assisted living community located in Albuquerque, NM. Absolutely breathtaking to behold, this assisted living community has a look to it that draws the eye, and it commands attention. This community offers access to area attractions and to the natural beauty that...
The Village at Alameda is a very nice place. Mom and Dad really like it. The food is good. The staff is great. The place is clean. They keep the apartments clean. If extra cleaning is needed, it is taken...
6900 San Vincente Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Coronado Villa in Albuquerque, New Mexico is an independent living community that offers luxury apartments for your enjoyment. Albuquerque is a part of Bernalillo County. Living in an area where the sun shines 310 days of the year gives you the opportunity to pursue golf, tennis, and local...
I am blessed to be living here at Coronado Villa. I consider it my forever home. I know I made the correct choice when I decided to move here. If Coronado Villa had not been here, I would still be living...
1620 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
At Morada Albuquerque, you'll find a tightly knit community with the support you need to lead an independent life. Enjoy a family-style environment that fosters physical activity and social engagements, including yoga, bridge, educational seminars and a resident-led arts and crafts group. Morada...
What we like most about the Morada Albuquerque community is that I know my mother is well looked after. I know the regular assessments are accurately tracking her progression and the staff keeps in touch...
4910 Tramway Ridge Drive Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87111
Exceptional Senior LivingNew Mexico families looking for a more personalized senior living experience can find it here, at our luxurious senior living community that offers assisted living and Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Known for its vibrant arts and culture...
My loved one was previously a resident at Brookdale Tramway Ridge and the overall experience was good. The friendliness was great. The staff and care services were good. Based on our experience, I would...
8051 Palomas Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
What we like the most about the MorningStar Assisted Living community is the cleanliness of the community as well as the friendliness of the staff. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would maybe...
4440 Morris Street Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87111
Bear Canyon Estates provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Situated on beautiful grounds in the Northeast Heights of Albuquerque, you'll love the splendor of the rugged landscape, the coziness of our facilities and the nearby city's convenience. We're just...
Great place! Food is great the have a lot of activities! Mom wishes for more transportation! Maybe with the new management that will change! Thank you for all your helping my mom find a place as there is so...
920 Riverview Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Fairwinds - Rio Rancho offers luxurious apartment homes in a fun and active retirement community. We are proud to be managed by Leisure Care who leads the industry in the development and management of elegant retirement communities that are all about Five-Star Fun. At Fairwinds - Rio...
Of all the facilities that I previewed online (I wasn't able to make in-person visits), I was most impressed with the friendliness of the people that I talked to. Others tried to "sell" me, while Fairwinds...
7101 Eubank Blvd, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Choose Morada Quintessence for Small-Town Senior Living & Big-Time Value. Our flat rate pricing ensures full care and amenities with no surprise charges.At Morada Quintessence, we provide a range of onsite medical and therapy services for our residents. This includes but is not limited to...
My mother was showing signs of needing more help, and could no longer live alone. She was not happy with the idea of moving to an Assisted Living community, but she has been at Quintessence for a few months...
2331 Westside Boulevard Southeast, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
At The Rio Grande, we have an abundance of heart, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Our caring management team is here for you any time, day or night, because we live here too. We participate in activities +pour coffee at mealtime and take time to get to know each of our residents. Plus,...
Managers are always available and more than willing to help with whatever one needs. Staff members are friendly and very efficient. Many residents are very friendly and willing to help new residents get...
1000 Riverview Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Avamere at Rio Rancho offers residents the full spectrum of senior living options including independent, assisted living and a secure memory care community. Located on Albuquerque's west side, close to both Cottonwood mall and scenic Corrales, we are conveniently located near Presbyterian Rust,...
From the moment of first contact, [name removed] was absolutely amazing in sending me everything that I needed. Following up most appropriately. And providing other suggested resources to help. She...
7201 Prospect Place Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87110
Pricing promotion
The Woodmark at Uptown: The Woodmark at Uptown is a senior living community in Albuquerque, New Mexico offering assisted living and memory care services for senior citizens. The Woodmark at Uptown is ideally located in Albuquerque's Uptown neighborhood, with fantastic sunsets and awesome views...
Based on our families experience, we were frustrated that all the required paperwork had to be completed by hand rather than a word doc to edit. There were a lot of duplicate questions on many different...
2301 Golf Course Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
They just increased monthly 10k a month for memory care. They do have church and communion. They sit and watch TV in the main room most of the time. Have difficulty getting her compression socks. Employee...
303 San Mateo Blvd NE, Suite 101, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Not sure why someone would give this place a 1 star. Obviously they have not seen other places. I have my relative in this place for about 2 months and all I can say is that the caretakers, yes they are a...
6600 Los Volcanes Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87121
Thank you for your interest in Westwind House. Welcome to Westwind House! Westwind House offers an independent living as well as an assisted living environment. It is our pleasure to provide a secure, healthy and happy home. We encourage an atmosphere where family members of all ages are...
When we walked in for the first time Westwind felt like home! The food is great, residents have choices and can ask for something different that matches their taste, like a sandwich with certain...
12101 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112
Camino Retirement Apartments has served the community since 1972, when it became Albuquerque's first Retirement Center. We have remained at the same convenient location just east of Juan Tabo, with great views of the East Mountains, the spectacular sunsets and brilliant city lights. Camino...
The staff are accommodating and kept us informed of what was going on with my loved one (my brother in law moved out for a year and just moved back last week). I would recommend Camino Retirement Apartments...
6901 San Vicente Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Introducing Élan Santa Monica in Albuquerque, NMStep into the unexpected. Stunning, but casual. Elegant, yet comfortable. More like an urban lodge or boutique hotel than a traditional senior living community. At Élan Santa Monica you’ll discover concierge-style services, resort-quality amenities,...
I chose this community mainly because the room sizes were good, the price was in the medium range, and the staff ratios were good. They have had a lot staff turnover. The food is good and they are trying ...
1001 24th Street SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124
Life Spire has been in business for over 6 years. We provide a warm and homelike atmosphere within a secured setting. We started our line of work by assisting adults and children with disabilities to live at home and be active in the community. Our strong commitment to our mission lead the phone...
We brought my Mom here in May of 2018. The arrangements had to be rather spur of the moment due to hospital discharge schedule. Life Spire was very accommodating when it came to moving my Mom in. The...
10127 Guadalupe Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
Casa de Rosa Assisted Living is a gorgeous assisted living community situated in the picturesque Albuquerque, New Mexico. Nestled in expansive grounds complete with local plant life and wildlife, Casa de Rosa offers all the best that the New Mexico landscape has to offer. The dry climate leaves...
For my parents, they have a little apartment outside the main property, so the staff has been very accommodating to them for that and I would rate the cleanliness of that higher than the building of the main...
10500 Academy Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111
The Montebello on Academy is a Retirement Community located in the prestigious Northeast Heights. Within its elegant setting, you will find Independent & Assisted Living with all-inclusive rates, 24-hour Assisted Living team and a Rehabilitation Therapy department. A variety of planned adult...
Everyone we meet has been friendly and helpful It's a beautiful facility and grounds Convenient to shopping The corner 2 bedrooms are spacious Other two bedroom good Didn't look at one bedroom Assisted...
3051 Twin Oaks NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
Ravenna Assisted Living is a mid-sized, privately owned and operated senior living community in Albuquerque's West Side. In operation since 2014, we continue our passion for providing a safe and caring environment for our residents. We focus on compassion and engaging interactions and activities...
The day after my brother began his stay at Ravenna they went into pandemic CDC status. Just unbelieveably difficult for all of us. When we got to the release of rules by the state I was able to visit him....
13101 Constitution Ave, Albuquerque, NM 87112
Brio Assisted Living’s focus is creating a home for each and every resident. It is where we started, and what we strive to do each day. We are an independently owned assisted community in the northeast heights of Albuquerque NM with a vision of enriching lives by providing individualized care...
Albuquerque independent living averages $3,451 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This rate includes rent, care services, and meals as well as costs of any optional add-ons at A Place for Mom partner communities. Independent living costs can vary depending on the chosen unit size, amenities, services, and location.
The costs of independent living include rent and amenities that allow seniors to live active and independent lives without the responsibilities of owning a home, such as maintenance, repairs, and lawn care. Most independent living communities even offer dining services, so that residents can socialize and enjoy daily meals without the hassle of cooking and washing dishes. Baseline monthly costs, depending on the community, include access to the following on-site amenities, ranked from most common to the most high-end:
Many independent living senior communities also host activities and events for their residents. Some facilities have an on-site activity and event coordinator, while others have resident-run groups. The following are some activities and events common to senior living communities:
The cost for an independent living community can also differ depending on the types of add-on services a senior chooses:
The figures outlined below illustrate a baseline of Albuquerque-area independent living costs before add-on fees.
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Albuquerque residents can choose from several private and public assistance options to help pay for independent senior living. Assessing your own unique financial situation will help determine the best way for you to pay for a senior apartment and any personal care services you may require.
While public assistance options will not cover the cost of rent in an independent living community, they may help you offset costs in other areas. If you need personal care services or have a disability or other chronic health condition, public assistance may help cover care, freeing up your personal income for rent and add-on services.
Most people pay with private funds rather than Medicaid or Medicare, since these won’t cover rent for independent living. However, if you need medical care in your community, they may cover some costs.
Below, you’ll find some of the most common ways seniors pay for independent living in Albuquerque. You’ll also learn how public assistance or veterans benefits may help cover the expenses of an independent living community.
Of our partnered independent living communities in Albuquerque, 40% are stand-alone independent living communities. This means they don’t offer care services you’d find in an assisted living or memory care community. Stand-alone communities fall under the regulations of any other type of apartment.
Independent living communities that are part of senior living facilities that offer multiple care types may have more strict regulations, such as direct care staff requirements, minimum staff to resident ratios, and service offerings which must include the following:
Skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities in New Mexico are required to be licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Department of Health’s Division of Health Improvement, Health Facility Licensing and Certification Bureau. Licenses of all of these facilities are renewed yearly.
Inspection reports on New Mexico senior care facilities can be viewed through a search of the Health Care Provider Survey Reports. To look up a particular facility’s inspection report using this tool, select the category of care provider from the drop-down menu, then narrow your search by entering the county, the city, or the name of the specific organization you’re searching for. For more information on assisted living regulations in the area, visit our Albuquerque assisted living page.
Landlords of apartment communities in New Mexico, including independent senior living, are required to uphold standards of maintenance, safety, and cleanliness for their tenants. Such standards include the following:
Apartments are also required to comply with state housing codes, including the following:
View the full New Mexico Renter’s Guide.
Independent living communities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by making reasonable accommodations and modifications for individuals with disabilities. Owners of housing facilities are prohibited by federal law from denying residency to individuals who have disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations are defined as adjustments to rules or policies so that residents with disabilities are included in the same activities and benefits offered to the rest of the tenants. Accommodations can include offerings such as the following:
Modifications can mean making construction changes to the complex and unit that make the space more accessible to those with disabilities, such as adding a wheelchair ramp or hands-free entrance or installing handrails in bathrooms. The costs of these modifications are the responsibility of the property owner, rather than of the resident with the disability.
As most COVID-19 restrictions in Albuquerque have been lifted, there are no COVID-19 regulations in place for Albuquerque independent living communities at this time.
However, some Albuquerque senior living communities offer independent living alongside assisted living and other care types. As assisted living communities continue to have a few guidelines in place, some multi-tiered senior communities that include independent living may also adhere to these rules.
Testing. Assisted living communities in Albuquerque must not admit visitors who have tested positive for COVID-19 until 10 days past their positive test, provided that they have no symptoms at that time.
Masking. Visitors are encouraged to wear a face mask, especially if they are visiting a resident who has tested positive for COVID-19.[06]
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
Albuquerque independent living is designed for seniors who are ready to spend less time worrying about home maintenance and more time enjoying the best of their retirement years. Residents of Albuquerque have access to some of the best sightseeing, outdoor activities, arts and culture, and culinary experiences the Southwest has to offer.
Albuquerque has many luxury independent living options, which are typically resort-style communities. Albuquerque independent living combines maintenance-free apartment life with a vacation-like lifestyle, where seniors can do what they love with others in their same stage of life.
Common features of luxury independent living communities in Albuquerque include the following:
Many of Albuquerque’s senior living communities feature multiple levels of senior living support all on one campus. Out of our partnered communities offering independent living, 60% feature some combination of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. This type of integrated community is ideal for aging in place, as residents can easily transition to a support level that fits them if their needs change. Multiple care types together also offer more variety among residents, often giving more opportunity for friendships and community engagement, regardless of an individual’s specific level of need.
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Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Albuquerque population
There are several reputable medical centers in Albuquerque, many of which specialize in long-term acute care and rehabilitative stays. These types of facilities strive to minimize the risk of re-hospitalization, which can be vital to the health and wellness of seniors.
Ranked No. 1 in Albuquerque according to U.S. News and World Report, Presbyterian Hospital is the largest hospital in the state of New Mexico. Presbyterian offers a full range of medical and surgical procedures.
AMG Specialty Hospital Albuquerque strives to lower the risk of re-hospitalization by offering extended critical care and recovery stays. AMG Specialty has higher staff-to-patient ratios than many hospitals and offers the same level of care as an intensive care unit (ICU), but for extended stays in order to foster a more full recovery.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque offers inpatient rehabilitation for an array of medical conditions, including traumatic brain injury and stroke, orthopedic injury or surgery, illness, and more. Encompass Health is typically able to accept Medicare and Medicaid.
Kindred Hospital Albuquerque offers long-term acute care. Kindred Hospital’s patients can receive the same comprehensive care found at a standard hospital but for a longer period of time for a more complete recovery.
All of our Albuquerque independent living partners offer complimentary transportation to residents. While some of them may require an additional fee for on-demand transport outside of the community’s regular transportation schedule, Albuquerque seniors in independent living should have no problem getting around.
While the neighborhoods and residential areas are walkable, the commercial areas like shopping and dining generally require vehicle access. However, for residents who choose not to own a vehicle, the city does have public transportation options available.
Albuquerque’s main transit bus system, ABQ RIDE, offers monthly passes, assistance with planning your route, and a Guaranteed Ride Home system. Guaranteed Ride Home is ABQ’s “commuter insurance,” and it ensures that in the case of an emergency, such as a passenger missing the last ride, ABQ will make sure that the passenger is safely picked up and driven home.
For residents aged 60 and over, Albuquerque has transportation services for seniors. Seniors can take advantage of the city’s curb-to-curb van transport to medical appointments, meal sites, activities, and shopping, with wheelchair accommodations available for those who need it. Many of these services require reservations, which can be made by calling 505-764-6464.
WalkScore has assessed Albuquerque’s transportation options, city layout, and population density to determine these ratings out of 100:
43
29
61
With over 300 days of sunshine per year and colorful mountain range landscapes, Albuquerque is an oasis amid the desert. Albuquerque is a foodie destination, with top-notch restaurants of every variety. Old Town Albuquerque is a great place to explore restaurants, artisan boutiques, and craft libations. Albuquerque’s visitor page even has a menu of discounts and coupons so you can enjoy the city’s attractions and specialty eats without breaking the bank.
Albuquerque has several senior and multigenerational centers where older adults can forge friendships with others in the area, enjoy concerts and lectures, participate in lifelong learning classes, and take up hobbies like pottery and other art forms. The city’s senior centers also offer rigorous indoor and outdoor sports including skiing, hiking, and aerobics.
With its mountainous terrain and sunny skies, Albuquerque is ideal for hiking, biking, sightseeing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. For seniors who enjoy the nightlife, Albuquerque has a myriad of resort-style casinos. Albuquerque also features an array of family-friendly activities, so you can keep the grandkids busy when they visit.
Albuquerque is the hot air balloon capital of the world, and in the summertime the skies behind gorgeous mountain vistas are frequently dotted with bright colors. Residents of all ages can enjoy the views of the marvelous annual International Balloon Festival. If you’d rather enjoy the sights from up above, climb aboard with the Rainbow Ryders.
Sandia Vista Senior Living, Fairwinds - Rio Rancho and Paloma Landing are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Albuquerque, NM. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Albuquerque is 4,081 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022-2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Albuquerque [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Medicaid Long Term Care. (2022, December 27). New Mexico Medicaid / Centennial Care long term care programs, benefits and eligibility requirements.
New Mexico Legal Aid, Inc. (2018). Renter’s guide.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2022). Reasonable accommodations and modifications.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 Years and Over in the United States (S0103): Albuquerque [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Albuquerque.
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