7 Best Independent Living Communities in Bennington, VT

Independent Living

For many seniors, cost of owning a home and the upkeep of daily tasks and chores might deter them from living an independent lifestyle. Independent Living Communities offer a great solution. Seniors can use their free time as they desire while their meals are cooked by a professionall chef, housekeeping and laundry duties are handled by staff, and recreational activities are scheduled and organized. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to be among peers, surrounded by others of similar age groups and backgrounds. Residents’ quarters consist of private living spaces, each with their own kitchen. The independence of apartment life is still enjoyed, offering opportunities to entertain guests and visitors in a private and personal setting. While policies vary between communities, many residences allow cats and dogs as well. If medical or nursing assistance is desired, residents may always utilize the services of private care providers. There are an assortment of expenditures and benefits to consider when selecting an independent living community. It is important to determine if these amenities are included in the service plan: laundry, utilities, internet access, wellness program, cable TV, transportation, parking, and meals. The conveniences associated with independent living include golf course, security guards, transportation, fitness center & swimming pool, concierge services, healthcare center, laundry service, and beauty salon & barber shop.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living can be a major factor when selecting which care choice is best for you or your loved one. The rent burden for Bennington is about 21.3% of the average monthly income. The median home value in Bennington costs around $166,195 and the median rent is about $1,081 a month.

Demographics and Values

Out of the total population of Bennington, 21.3% have some form of disability, 5.4% do not have health insurance, 8.1% consider themselves widows, and 57.8% participate in the labor force. Of the population of Bennington 32.6% have a college degree, 11.7% have a graduate degree, and 32.2% have a high-school diploma. Demographically, Bennington is 2.5% mixed race, 2.3% Hispanic, 0.1% Native American, 0.4% other or not specified, 1.7% black, 94.5% white, 0.1% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 0.6% Asian. Out of the total city population, 49.3% are male and 50.7% are female. The median age of Bennington is 43 years old. In Bennington, 8.5% of the people are veterans of the United States armed forces. The total population of Bennington consists of 15,239 people. Bennington has a population density of 139 people per square mile.

State Information

An overview of Vermont

Based on natural beauty, Vermont ranks 7th in the nation. There are 17 general hospitals and 54 health centers that provide care for 628,078 Vermont residents. The three highest ranked hospitals in Vermont are Central Vermont Medical Center, Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, and And Northwestern Medical Center Inc.. In terms of resources, Vermont has a cost of living index of 118.7, a grocery index rating of 111.3, and a housing index rating of 126.7. 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. In terms of personal well-being, Vermont ranks 11th in healthcare and 5th in quality of life compared to other states.

Social demographics of the state

The median age in the state is 43, and 35% of the population is over the age of 55. During the latest presidential election, 30% voted for the Republican candidate while 57% voted for the Democratic candidate. In terms of religious values, 21% of Vermont’s population regularly attend some form of service and there are in total 854 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-11%, Mainline Protestant-19%, and Historically Black Protestant-1%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-2%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Vermont there are 88 masonic lodges. The state of Vermont ranks 48th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly.

State-wide weather information

On average, the state receives 3.64 inches of precipitation a month. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of August at around 7.76 inches. The average air quality index rating in Vermont is 36.3 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of May with a rating of around 43.9 AQI. During the summer, the average temperature in Vermont is around 65F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 84F during the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 46F during the month of June. During the winter, the average temperature in Vermont drops to around 20F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 37F during the month of December. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around -1F in the month of January. The average humidity across the state is 72%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 72% in the month of December. While residents of Vermont mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Vermont can include earthquakes (moderate) and floods.

Wildlife to be found in Vermont

The state of Vermont has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of ash, poplar, sugar maple (the state tree), and white pine. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the moose, the eastern bobcat, the black bear, or the river otter. The state animal of Vermont is the the morgan horse.