Independent living communities are senior housing options designed with active adults in mind. These communities can come in a variety of forms, usually private apartments or villas, and allow older adults to live independently within a residential community with like-minded neighbors.

Unlike assisted living communities that provide support for those who need help with activities of daily living, independent communities offer a range of amenities and services for active, older adults that make it easier and more enjoyable to live on their own.

Benefits of Independent Living Communities

• Maintenance-free living: A move to independent living eliminates the burdens of homeownership. With lawn care, home repairs, housekeeping and snow shoveling taken care of for you, you have more time for the things you love in retirement.
• Services and amenities: In addition to maintenance-free living, independent communities also offer a host of amenities and services, like salons, fitness centers and complimentary transportation—all available at your fingertips. Dining services on campus allow residents to enjoy delicious, healthy meals from a variety of venues, like restaurant style dining and grab-and-go bistros or cafes. 
• A sense of community: Independent living communities offer meaningful ways to connect with friends and neighbors. Whether it’s a quick cup of coffee at the campus bistro or a game of cards in the common area, residents can be involved in as little or as much as they’d like. Most independent communities offer a wide range of classes, events, activities and other social functions that help foster friendship and a strong sense of community.  
• Safety and security: With neighbors close by, staff onsite around the clock and emergency call systems in place, older adults can enjoy the security and peace of mind that comes with living alone in an independent residential community.
• Assistance when you need it: Some independent living communities also offer personal care assistance when it’s needed. These programs allow adults to remain independent for as long as possible before transitioning into assisted living communities.

Is Independent Living Right for Me?

Today’s independent living communities, such as Antebellum Arlington Place in Macon, GA, are designed to enhance your life so that you have more time to do what you love while pursuing new hobbies and passions.

Independent living may be right for you if:

• You can live independently and don’t require assistance with personal care, such as dressing, bathing or medication management.
• You look forward to downsizing your living space and letting someone else take care of home maintenance and repairs.
• You can drive your own car, but like the option of using complimentary transportation services for shopping, errands and appointments.
• The peace of mind that comes with living in the safety of a residential community is appealing to you.
• You enjoy privacy, but you also desire new opportunities to socialize with other people your age.

The goal of independent living is to help active, older adults remain self-sufficient with private residential apartments or villas and onsite services like transportation, fitness centers, daily social activities and diverse dining options.

If you’re interested in learning more about independent living options, start by locating communities in your area and schedule a tour. You'll find several premier independent living communities below to get you started:

• Antebellum Arlington Place in Macon, GA
• Ashbrook Village Senior Living in Villa Rica, GA
• LaGrange Heritage Senior Living in LaGrange, GA
• Azalea Estates of Gonzales in Gonzales, LA
• Azalea Estates of Monroe in Monroe, LA
• Azalea Estates of New Iberia in New Iberia, LA
• Azalea Estates of Shreveport in Shreveport, LA
• Azalea Estates of Slidell in Slidell, LA
• Clemson Heritage in Clemson, SC
• Carriage House Inn in Shelbyville, TN
• River Oaks Place Lenoir City in Lenoir City, TN
• The Marsh at Carolina Park in Mount Pleasant, SC