Senior Living Apartments in Asheville, NC

Because senior apartments are considered general housing and not senior care communities, long-term health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare don’t cover the costs of senior apartment communities as they might with independent or assisted living. As such, personal, private funds are most commonly used to pay for senior apartments in Asheville.

However, there are other payment options and benefits available that make living in a senior apartment more affordable. Medicare and Medicaid, for example, can help seniors pay for in-home health care services.

Here you will find information and resources on private pay options, housing assistance, veterans benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid so that you can financially plan for the best senior apartments in Asheville.

In North Carolina, senior apartments are regulated to ensure they meet basic standards of safety, accessibility, and quality of life to ensure safe and comfortable living environments for residents. While these communities are not licensed by the state, they are still subject to rental and housing laws that mandate compliance with health and safety regulations, building codes, and disclosure requirements.

Applicable laws and regulations

Senior apartment communities in North Carolina must comply with various laws and regulations, including:

• Fair Housing Act compliance: Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability is prohibited.
• Accessibility requirements: Communities must meet certain accessibility requirements, such as having wheelchair ramps, handrails, and other features to accommodate residents with disabilities in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
• Health and safety regulations: Communities must comply with health and safety regulations, such as ensuring that buildings are up to code, common areas are well-maintained, and emergency plans are in place.
• Disclosure requirements: Communities must provide certain disclosures to prospective residents, such as information about fees, services, and amenities.
• Lease requirements: Communities must comply with North Carolina’s landlord-tenant laws, which include provisions regarding leases, security deposits, and eviction procedures.
• HUD laws for Section 8 housing: Senior apartment communities that participate in the Section 8 housing program must comply with additional HUD regulations.

Requirements for living in a senior apartment

Senior apartment communities in North Carolina typically have an age restriction of 55 years or older. This ensures that the community is primarily composed of older adults.

Renters’ guide and inspections

The City of Asheville Inspections Department is responsible for conducting inspections of rental properties to ensure compliance with state regulations and housing codes. For example, all rental properties must obtain an occupancy permit before tenants are allowed to move in, ensuring that the property meets health, safety, and building standards. Rental properties might also be subject to random inspections to ensure they remain compliant with housing codes and standards. In addition, tenants can request inspections of their rented apartments if they believe there are any code violations or safety hazards.

You can review permit information here and contact the Development Services Department for specific inspection reports.

COVID-19 regulations for Asheville senior apartments communities

While there are no COVID-19 regulations specifically set for senior apartments in Asheville, North Carolina, the state continues to provide residents with general information and resources related to the pandemic. Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 testing sites, vaccination clinics, and health guidelines by visiting the Buncombe County website. This website also provides answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19, helping residents stay informed about the ongoing situation. While Asheville doesn’t have any local regulations, they follow CDC best practices and those set by the state of North Carolina.

Living in a senior apartment in Asheville offers a multitude of benefits for older adults. With its beautiful scenery, vibrant community, and mild climate, Asheville is a welcoming city that provides a comfortable and enjoyable living experience for seniors. In this section, we’ll explore the unique features of senior apartments in the Asheville area, what amenities you can expect from senior apartments in the area, and any additional options that may be available in the surrounding suburbs.

Amenities at Asheville senior apartments

Asheville’s senior apartments provide various amenities to ensure residents’ comfort and convenience. These apartments often include shared spaces like recreation centers, fitness centers, spas, dog parks, and swimming pools for residents’ enjoyment. Some complexes also provide meal programs or feature full-service dining rooms for residents. Additionally, Asheville senior apartments may offer services such as transportation, housekeeping, and laundry facilities to make life easier for residents.

The Asheville area offers a variety of senior apartment types, from luxury to rustic to resort-like. Suppose you want to live in an area surrounded by nature. In that case, some apartments are tucked away in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest, providing easy access to trails and other outdoor activities as well as the downtown area and conveniences of the city.

Unique features of Asheville senior living

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a city known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene, making it an attractive destination for retirees looking for an active lifestyle in a peaceful setting. One unique feature of senior living in Asheville is the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, with miles of hiking and biking trails, scenic parks, and stunning mountain views.

Asheville is also home to a thriving downtown area with various restaurants, galleries, museums, and shops, making it easy for seniors to stay engaged and connected with the community. So, whether you’re looking for an active retirement or a quiet retreat in the mountains, Asheville offers a unique and fulfilling senior living experience.

Exploring the surrounding areas

While Asheville has a number of senior apartment options within the city limits, there are also several surrounding suburbs that offer additional options. Seniors looking for a quieter, small-town lifestyle while still having access to the amenities of a larger city may find what they’re looking for in the surrounding suburbs of Fletcher and Black Mountain (a city well-known for its art scene). These areas offer more peaceful and secluded lifestyles with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views but are only a short trip away from the metropolitan area of Asheville while still providing easy access to the amenities and attractions of Asheville.

Health care for seniors in Asheville

Transportation for seniors in Asheville

While walking is the preferred mode of transportation for exploring downtown Asheville, residents will need a car if they plan on going outside of downtown and want easier access to the surrounding outdoor activities.

For seniors, Mountain Mobility offers a free monthly bus pass for people aged 65 or older that can be used throughout the Asheville Rides Transit (ART) bus system. ART bus services allow more flexible travel, and reservations are not required. Additionally, seniors can enroll in the RIDE voucher program, which provides transportation services for disabled and elderly residents at a significant discount.

Asheville’s walkability and public transportation scores can help seniors determine the ease of getting around the city, whether on foot, by bike, or by public transit. Scores are out of 100  and are determined by the city’s density, transportation system, walking routes, and biking infrastructure.

Senior activities in Asheville

Home to a diverse, welcoming, and engaged community of seniors, Asheville offers a fulfilling senior living experience. Combining outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and various recreational activities, Asheville caters to seniors with a wide range of interests and preferences.

Asheville provides numerous opportunities to stay active and connect with the outdoors. Join the Green Thumb Garden Club, the Senior Hike Trail Club, or the Story Trail Bird Watching Club to explore the scenery. Disc golf and pickleball courts are also available in the area for seniors who enjoy a bit of light-hearted competition.

Of course, the scenic Blue Ridge Mountain range is a popular attraction in Asheville, and the highest (and oldest!) peaks of the mountain are in the area. There are a variety of trails, picnic spots, bird-watching areas, scenic drives, and more within the Asheville area. Asheville is also only an hour and a half drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park — a perfect day trip for seniors in the area!

For indoor activities, Asheville has no shortage of options. Seniors can join the Senior Strykers Bowling League or play a game of TGIF Bingo. For those interested in the arts, the Folk Art Center and Lexington Glassworks offer a chance to observe and learn about different crafts. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino offers a fun night out for those who enjoy gambling, while the Carl Sandburg Home and Hendersonville Brewery Tour is a great way to experience local history and craft beer. Lastly, the annual Senior Games provides an opportunity to compete and connect with others.

Asheville’s senior centers host a variety of activities to suit different interests, such as art classes, bridge tournaments, fitness sessions, woodworking, and sports leagues. These popular events are perfect for seniors seeking community in either active or leisure activities. The below list consists of popular senior and community centers in Asheville:

• Burton Street Community Center
• Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center
• Grove Street Community Center
• Harvest House Community Center
• Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
• Murphy-Oakley Community Center
• Stephens-Lee Community Center
• Tempie Avery Montford Community Center

Regardless of interests, Asheville has something to offer seniors looking to stay active and engaged. Many attractions are eager to accommodate seniors with disabilities — simply inquire about each location and activity when planning your visit.