10 Best Independent Living Communities in Harrisonburg, VA

Independent Living

For many seniors, the financial burden of home ownership might deter them from living an independent lifestyle. Independent Living Communities provide a solid remedy. Basic needs such as meal planning and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and leisure activities is maintained, allowing residents an opportunity to use their time as they see fit, free from daily obligations. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to live among peers, in a community with others of similar ages and backgrounds. Typically comprised of a private living area and a full kitchen, these communities offer residences with many of the amenities of apartment life but with none of 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 communities, many residences allow pets as well. If residents decide they would like to employ the services of private medical professionalls, they may always do so. There are an assortment of benefits and expenditures to balance while deciding on an independent living community. It is important to learn if these amenities are included in the plan: private phone, cable TV, Waiting list deposit, laundry, field trips, housekeeping, wellness program, and initial assessment fee. The conveniences that pertain to independent living include community activities, transportation, laundry service, concierge services, game/TV room, fitness center & swimming pool, beauty salon & barber shop, and healthcare center.

Demographics and Values

In Harrisonburg, 3.1% of the population are veterans. Out of the total population of Harrisonburg, 29.0% live in poverty, 60.9% participate in the labor force, 15.9% do not have health insurance, and 7.2% have some form of disability. Racially, the population of Harrisonburg is 7.0% black, 82.4% white, 4.0% Asian, 0.1% Native American, 0.0% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 18.7% Hispanic, 1.6% other or not specified, and 4.9% mixed race. Based on gender, 47.9% are male and 52.1% are female. The median age of Harrisonburg is 25 years old. Harrisonburg has a population density of 1,207 people per square mile. In terms of education, 14.4% have a graduate degree, 34.9% have a college degree, and 26.0% have a high-school diploma.

Cost of Living

The community in which a care community is based can have a large influence on the cost of care. Cost of living is a big influence when deciding which destination is the best fit for you or your loved one’s needs. The rent burden for Harrisonburg is about 15.7% of the average monthly income. Monthly, the median price for rent in Harrisonburg is around $939 and the median home value for Harrisonburg is around $196,166.

State Information

An overview of Virginia

Based on natural beauty, Virginia ranks 18th in the nation. Out of a national average of 100, Virginia has a cost of living index rating of 102, a grocery index rating of 96, and a housing index rating of 108. There are 147 general hospitals and 98 health centers that provide care for 8,570,488 Virginia residents. Central Health Inc., Inova Loudon Hospital, and Inova Fairfax Hospital are among the top three highest ranked hospitals in the state. Virginia is ranked 7th in quality of life and 18th in healthcare.

Social demographics of the state

In Virginia, 28% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 38. In terms of diversity, Virginia ranks 12th in the nation. In terms of religion, 44% of Virginia residents attend religious services among the 10,088 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-30%, Mainline Protestant-16%, and Historically Black Protestant-12%. In Virginia there are 519 masonic lodges. In the most recent presidential election, 44% of Virginia residents voted Republican and 50% voted Democrat.

State-wide weather information

The most precipitation occurs in September with an average of 6.34 inches of precipitation a month. On average, the state receives 3.65 inches of precipitation a month. During the winter, the average temperature in Virginia drops to around 37F. The average high winter temperature is around 55F in the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 17F during the month of January. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 74F. The average high summer temperature is around 91F in the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 52F in the month of June. On average, Virginia has an air quality index rating of around 31.6 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of April with a rating of around 40.4 AQI. On average, the humidity rating for Virginia is around 69%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of August at around 75%. While residents of Virginia mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Virginia can include hurricanes, floods, and and earthquakes (moderate).

Wildlife to be found in Virginia

The state of Virginia has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of trailing arbutus, basswood, diverse azaleas, and persimmon. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the snowshoe hare, the whitetail deer, the black bears, or the gray and red foxes. The state animal of Virginia is the the bat.