Senior Living Apartments in Tallahassee, FL

Senior apartments in Tallahassee are not the same as assisted living or other senior care communities that provide additional services such as meals or personal care. Instead, they are considered general housing, and seniors often have to pay the same way they would pay for any other apartment: personal resources.

It’s important to note that Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance cannot be used to cover rent for senior apartments. They can, however, help seniors pay for medically necessary in-home care services at their senior apartments. There are also public housing assistance programs, veterans benefits, and disability benefits available that can help offset the costs for low-income seniors. Here, you can find more information about private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicare and Medicaid resources for seniors.

In Tallahassee, Florida, senior apartments don’t need to be licensed, as they are not care facilities. But they are subject to rental and/or housing laws. These laws include the Fair Housing Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, and Florida’s Landlord/Tenant Law.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits most housing discrimination on the basis of membership in seven protected classes, including disability. Leon County’s Fair Housing Ordinance goes further and prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of a dwelling based on a person’s membership in 13 protected classes.

Florida landlords are responsible for maintaining the dwelling and are required to comply with the requirements of applicable building, housing, and health codes. They must maintain the structure of the building, plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, and provide working smoke detectors.

According to the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. These accommodations may include allowing a person with a disability to mail their rent instead of delivering it to the office, assigning a parking space closest to the exit or unit to tenants with mobility disabilities, allowing people with disabilities to keep service or other assistance animals despite a general “no pets” policy, allowing a tenant to move to a more suitable unit when one becomes available, releasing a tenant who must move because of a disability from lease requirements, and more.

Rental properties that accept Housing Choice Vouchers must comply with this checklist that’s used during annual inspections required by the federal government. The Tallahassee Housing Authority is the local body required to carry out these HUD Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) inspections.

COVID-19 regulations for Tallahassee senior apartments communities

There are no COVID-19 regulations specific to senior apartments in Tallahassee, Florida. However, senior apartment communities may have their own guidelines, so it’s best to check with specific senior apartment communities for further information. Leon County provides COVID-19 information here.

Senior apartment communities are senior-friendly, with features such as elevators, wide doorways, and other accessibility options. Most senior apartments have a minimum age requirement of 62 or 65, though some go as low as 55.

No-frills housing option for seniors

No-frills senior apartments offer a basic housing option for active and independent seniors who don’t require assistance with tasks of daily living or health care services. These apartments typically feature senior-friendly amenities, such as elevators, wide doorways, and easy-to-reach cabinets. They often come in a variety of layouts, ranging from one- to four-bedroom apartments, which can accommodate singles, couples, or even roommates.

Senior apartment living can help seniors stay active and engaged, socialize with other residents, and enjoy a comfortable living environment. Seniors can choose from a range of affordable layouts and find a living situation that meets their specific needs and budget.

Luxury senior apartments designed for comfort and elegance

Luxury senior apartments are designed with comfort and elegance in mind, offering a range of one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. These apartments are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities that cater to the needs of discerning seniors who appreciate the finer things in life.

Most luxury senior apartments in Tallahassee feature spacious living areas with full kitchens equipped with stainless steel appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves. The units also usually come with washer and dryer sets, making laundry day a breeze. Most are cable-ready with high-speed internet connectivity, allowing residents to stay connected with loved ones and the world.

One of the most sought-after features of luxury senior apartments is the ample storage space that’s often provided. Walk-in closets are featured in most units, ensuring seniors can store their belongings conveniently. Personal patios or balconies are also common in senior apartments, providing residents with a private outdoor space to relax and enjoy the beautiful Florida panhandle weather.

Apartments tailored to help seniors age gracefully

Senior apartments are often located in communities with a vibrant social atmosphere. This creates an environment where seniors can interact with others who share similar interests and experiences. This social support can help seniors combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Senior apartments typically provide a range of amenities to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. For example, fitness centers, swimming pools, and walking trails are often available for residents to use at their leisure. Clubhouses and lounges are also popular amenities where residents can gather to socialize, play games, or watch TV.

Health care for seniors in Tallahassee

Transportation for seniors in Tallahassee

Getting around in Tallahassee will require a car most of the time. With a transit score of only 30 out of 100, the city has limited options for public transportation. Walking scores 30, meaning that most errands require a car. Biking doesn’t score much better with 45 due to the city’s minimal bike infrastructure. Walk Score incorporates walking routes, public density, biking routes, and public transit when computing these numbers.

The city’s public transportation system, StarMetro, provides bus services. It doesn’t offer reduced fares for seniors, but there is a veterans pass that you can apply for through Leon County Veteran Services. The veterans pass allows qualifying low-income veterans to ride the bus system for free. The buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and can accommodate mobility devices that are up to 48 inches long and 30 inches wide.

C & T Senior Transportation is a private service that offers door-to-door transportation for seniors who need a ride to medical appointments, banking, grocery shopping, and prescription pickups. C & T accepts various forms of payment, including cash, check, and online payments.

Senior activities in Tallahassee

Tallahassee has a wide variety of attractions and activities to offer seniors. Whether you enjoy exploring the great outdoors or taking part in engaging museums and indoor activities, Tallahassee has something for you.

Interested in classic cars? The Tallahassee Automobile Museum features one of the largest collections in the country — and it’s home to more than just automobiles. Visitors can also see rare sports memorabilia, pedal cars, and even antique boat motors. The parking lot has plenty of wheelchair-accessible parking, and the museum is fully accessible for motorized scooters and wheelchairs. The museum features wide aisles and an elevator. It’s possible to explore the entire museum without going up a single step. The museum also has two wheelchairs that are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals are welcome to join you during your visit.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Tallahassee, you can visit Goodwood Museum and Gardens. This former plantation is a historic site that will soon feature a memorial to all people who were enslaved on the property from 1832 to 1865. Goodwood features a museum with original furniture, art, and more, as well as 16 historic structures on the grounds. The carriage house, cafe, and roller rink are wheelchair-accessible and have designated accessible parking. An elevator is available to access the main house museum.

Cascades Park features a lively amphitheater for musical and theatrical shows, as well as the beautiful Imagination Fountain. By day, Imagination Fountain provides some fun in the sun for kids, with 73 jets that randomly shoot filtered water into the air. By night, the fountain is programmed to music and lights to provide visitors of all ages with a repeating seven-minute show. Visitors can also enjoy walking along — or just relaxing alongside — the park’s 2.3 miles of paved trails, and there are interesting memorials and historical features to explore throughout the park.

Dorothy B. Oven Park and House features over six acres of lush North Florida gardens filled with azaleas, camellias, palms, and other local flora. Lafayette Heritage Trail Park offers opportunities for fishing, exercise, bicycling, running, walking, and wildlife viewing. There are picnic shelters, restrooms, drinking fountains, a universally accessible fishing pier, and an outdoor shower. You can also explore Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, which features a picturesque brick walkway, a secret garden, a reflection pool, six miles of shared-use trails, and five miles of designated biking trails. This park offers an audio tour, non-slip wheelchair beach access mats, beach wheelchairs, golf cart tours (with advance notice), and motorized and manual wheelchairs.

If you’re a fisher, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is also a great place to cast out a line. You could also check out Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park or Lake Talquin State Park. Visit each park’s website for fee information. And keep in mind that a fishing license might be required. To learn more about fishing in Florida, visit the Florida Wildlife Commission website.

Another option for seniors who want to socialize is the Tallahassee Senior Center. Visit this location to participate in arts and crafts, yoga, bridge, music classes, and more — all while making new connections.