10 Best Independent Living Communities in Oak Ridge, TN

Independent Living

Independent Living Communities provide individuals with a convenient balance between living an independent lifestyle and not having to concern themselves with the basic tasks of housekeeping and chores. Frequent needs such as the scheduling of social activities and housekeeping are taken care of, which permits seniors more free time to live life as they desire. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to be among peers, surrounded by others of similar ages and backgrounds. Residents’ quarters consist of private living spaces, each with their own kitchen. The independence of apartment life is still enjoyed, offering an opportunity to entertain guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies differ between locations, a number of residences allow pets as well. If medical or nursing assistance is desired, residents may always enlist the services of private health care professionalls. There are a variety of costs and advantages to consider when selecting an independent living community. It is important to determine if these amenities are included in your plan: field trips, initial assessment fee, utilities, housekeeping, move-in fee, meals, Waiting list deposit, and private phone. The conveniences that pertain to independent living include private rental hall, transportation, community activities, restaurant-style dining hall, healthcare center, game/TV room, security guards, and laundry service.

Cost of Living

The total cost of care for a community is influenced by the community in which it is located. The median home value in Oak Ridge is about $146,925 and the median rent is around $755 a month. The rent burden for Oak Ridge is around 13.3% of the average monthly income.

Demographics and Values

Racially, the population of Oak Ridge is 4.5% mixed race, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 0.2% Native American, 6.7% Hispanic, 6.8% black, 3.3% Asian, 1.7% other or not specified, and 83.4% white. In Oak Ridge, 11.2% of the population are veterans of the United States military. Of the population of Oak Ridge 18.4% have a graduate degree, 24.1% have a high-school diploma, and 38.6% have a college degree. Oak Ridge has a population density of 131 people per square mile. The current population of Oak Ridge consists of 29,096 people. Out of the total city population, 47.8% are male and 52.2% are female. The median age of Oak Ridge is 41 years old. In Oak Ridge, 7.1% consider themselves widows, 15.2% live in poverty, 18.4% have some form of disability, and 10.2% do not have health insurance.

State Information

An overview of Tennessee

The state of Tennessee has a cost of living index of 89.5 where a score of 100 is the national average, and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. The state has a grocery index rating of 93.3 and a housing index rating of 80.2. Tennessee is ranked 30th in quality of life and 43rd in healthcare. In total, Tennessee has 124 general hospitals and 157 health centers that provide care for 6,831,785 citizens. Williamson Medical Center, Unity Medical Center, and And Baptist Memorial Hospital are among the top three highest ranked hospitals in the state. Based on natural beauty, Tennessee ranks 37th in the nation.

Social demographics of the state

The state of Tennessee ranks 32nd in the country for diversity. In the most recent presidential election, 61% of Tennessee residents voted Republican and 35% voted Democrat. In Tennessee, 51% of the population attend some form of religious service and there are 11,542 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-52%, Mainline Protestant-13%, and Historically Black Protestant-8%. In Tennessee there are 505 masonic lodges. The state has a median age of 39 and 29% of its population being over the age of 55.

State-wide weather information

On average, the state receives 4.46 inches of precipitation a month. The most precipitation occurs in May with an average of 6.69 inches of precipitation a month. During the summer, the average temperature in Tennessee is around 76F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 92F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 55F in the month of June. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 39F. The average high winter temperature is around 56F in the month of February. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 22F in the month of January. The average humidity across the state is 69%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of August at around 75%. The average air quality index rating in Tennessee is 36.5 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of June with a rating of around 46.5 AQI. While residents of Tennessee mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Tennessee can include earthquakes (moderate), tornadoes, and and floods.

Wildlife to be found in Tennessee

The state of Tennessee has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of sycamore, black crappie, pine, and ash. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the songbirds, the largemouth bass, the paddlefish, or the rough green snake. The state animal of Tennessee is the raccoon.