--- title: "Senior Apartments: What They Are and How to Find One" description: "Senior apartments explained: age-restricted rentals with fewer chores, how they differ from independent living, what to look for, and low-income options." url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/senior-apartments/ updated: 2026-10-09 site: Senior Transition Assistance --- Senior living options # Senior apartments: what they are and how to find the right one Senior apartments are rental homes for older adults, usually 55 or 62 and up. They're simpler than a house and quieter than a general apartment complex, but they usually don't include care. Talk it through with a person[ (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388) Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide. Quick answer Senior apartments are age-restricted rental apartments, usually for people 55 or 62 and older. They offer a smaller, easier home, often with an elevator, community room and on-site maintenance, but usually no meals or personal care. Some are market-rate; others are income-restricted housing for older adults with limited incomes. [(800) 614-8388](tel:+18006148388) and we'll help you find options near you. **Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently. **On this page** 1. [ Senior apartments vs. other options](#g-senior-apartments-vs-other-options) 2. [What to look for](#g-what-to-look-for) 3. [Income-restricted senior apartments](#g-income-restricted-senior-apartments) 4. [How to search in the Kansas City area](#g-how-to-search-in-the-kansas-city-area) 5. [Questions](#g-faq) ## Senior apartments vs. other options | Option | Meals and services | Care | Typical setup | |---|---|---|---| | Senior apartment | Usually none, or a few activities | No | Rental, age-restricted | | Independent living | Meals, housekeeping, activities included | No | Rental with services | | 55+ community | Usually none | No | Often owned homes | | Assisted living | Included | Yes | Apartment with daily help | If your parent needs meals or daily help, look at [independent living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/independent-living/) or [assisted living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/assisted-living/) instead. ## What to look for - Elevator, step-free entry, grab bars and good lighting. - Laundry in the unit or on each floor. - Parking, and bus or senior transportation nearby. - Close to family, doctors, groceries and church. - A community room or activities if company matters. - Lease terms, pet rules, and what happens if your parent later needs care. ## Income-restricted senior apartments Many senior apartment buildings are built with public funding and limit rent for people with lower incomes. The HUD Section 202 program, for example, serves very low-income households where at least one person is 62 or older. These buildings often have waiting lists. See [low income senior housing](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/senior-apartments/low-income-senior-housing/). ## How to search in the Kansas City area Start with your Area Agency on Aging (Johnson County Aging and Human Services on the Kansas side; MARC on the Missouri side), or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Ask about both market-rate and income-restricted buildings. Visit at different times of day. ### Looking for a simpler place to live? We'll help you compare senior apartments, independent living and other options near you. Free. [ (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form) ## Questions families ask ### What age do you have to be for senior apartments? Most are for people 55 and older or 62 and older, depending on the building and its funding. ### Do senior apartments provide care? Usually not. Residents can bring in home care if needed. ### Are senior apartments cheaper than independent living? Usually, because meals and services aren't included. Compare what each fee covers. ### Is there a waiting list? Income-restricted buildings often have waiting lists. Apply to several. ## Sources - [24 CFR Part 891, Subpart B: Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-24/subtitle-B/chapter-VIII/part-891/subpart-B) - [Eldercare Locator (U.S. Administration for Community Living), 1-800-677-1116](https://eldercare.acl.gov/) ## More guides in this section - [Low income senior housing](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/senior-apartments/low-income-senior-housing/) ## Related guides - [How we help](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/) - [Low income senior housing](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/senior-apartments/low-income-senior-housing/) - [Independent living](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/independent-living/) - [55+ communities](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/55-plus-communities/) - [Senior living options](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/senior-living-options/) - [Adult day care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/adult-day-care/) - [Life plan communities (CCRCs)](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/ccrc/) - [Geriatric care managers](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/geriatric-care-manager/) - [Respite care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/respite-care/) --- Canonical page: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/senior-apartments/