A Guide to University Retirement Communities
Reviewed by: Molli Grossman, PhD
Active seniors dedicated to lifelong learning may not be interested in bingo, shuffleboard and other traditional pastimes commonly found in some senior living settings. Instead, they prefer a more intellectually stimulating retirement environment where they can continue or maybe even begin the college education that they might have put on hold while raising their families. If the ideal retirement for you or your loved one includes engaging days spent on a college campus, hitting the books, learning new things and interacting with the younger generation, a university retirement community might be a perfect choice.
The Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine journal identified URCs as one of four promising Aging in Community models, which are the preferred way to age. Use the following guide to explore university retirement communities for seniors interested in continued education during retirement and the many other perks these communities offer. We discuss what URCs are, the advantages of choosing these types of retirement communities and what to look for when choosing one. This guide also provides a directory of URCs throughout the United States and the average cost of these retirement communities.
What Is a University Retirement Community?
University retirement communities offer a unique senior living option for adults aged 55 or 62 and older depending on the community. Unlike other senior housing models, URCS are built on or near top colleges and universities to create a multigenerational environment beneficial to seniors and younger college students alike.
Many URCs operate as Continuing Care Retirement Communities, also known as Life Plan Communities. Due to their formal or informal relationships with nearby colleges or universities, URCs offer residents educational benefits that other retirement communities can’t provide. These benefits include numerous opportunities for personal and intellectual growth through access to college courses, lectures and cultural and sporting events and a robust intergenerational connection.
Although the concept is relatively new, according to an AARP article, more than 100 such facilities were operating in 30 states by late 2022. Some of these facilities were sold out before construction was even completed, and many continually have waiting lists.
Andrew Carle is the Director of the Program in Assisted Living/Senior Housing Administration at George Mason University and a national expert on URCs. He developed the five criteria of URCs, which include:
- Being located within an accessible distance of core campus facilities
- Offering formalized programming to ensure integration between URC residents and the university’s students, faculty and staff
- Providing the full continuum of senior housing services
- Having a documented relationship between the university and the senior housing provider
- Having at least 10% of its community be alumni or former staff or faculty of the university
What Types of Housing Do URCs Offer?
Housing in URCs doesn’t feature the dorms seniors may have experienced in their younger college days. Instead, residents live in individual housing units often built with current or future mobility limitations in mind. Each URC is different, so some may feature luxury apartments of all sizes, while others may be designed more like neighborhoods with single-family homes, townhouses, villas or duplexes.
University retirement communities using the CCRC model generally have assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care centers within the community for residents with changing health care needs. For example:
- Legacy Pointe at the University of Central Florida has 32 cottages, 140 apartment homes, 48 assisted living apartments, 32 memory care suites and 48 skilled nursing care suites.
- Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame includes 38 independent living villas, 116 independent living apartments, 46 assisted living apartments and 52 long-term care, memory care and rehabilitation suites.
- Mirabella at Arizona State University is completely housed within a 20-story high-rise containing 252 independent living apartments ranging between 900 and 2,700 square feet and 52 suites providing long-term care.
What Level of Care Do URCs Offer?
Most URCs are CCRCs that provide a continuum of care within the community to ensure residents have the services they need as they age. A few only offer independent living without any personal care or medical support with plenty of enriching activities and social opportunities in a maintenance-free environment. This table outlines the various levels of care URCs operating as CCRCs typically offer beyond independent living.
| Type of Care | Level of Care Provided |
|---|---|
| Assisted Living | Supports non-medical activities of daily living to help residents who are generally still active but require increased supervision and assistance to retain their independence. Residents receive personalized care, such as help with bathing and dressing, and light household duties. |
| Skilled Nursing/Rehabilitation | Offers a higher level of medical care during recovery from a serious illness, injury or surgery. Short-term skilled nursing may include rehabilitative services, like physical, occupational and/or speech therapies, with the goal of improving a resident’s health or condition. |
| Long-Term Care | Provides long-term nursing care for residents requiring medical assistance 24 hours a day. Services include personal and nursing care to meet the non-medical and medical needs of residents with chronic illnesses or disabilities that make it impossible for them to continue caring for themselves independently. |
| Memory Care | Residents progressing through the stages of Alzheimer’s or other dementia may require memory care, with 24-hour supervision in a more secure environment to prevent wandering. Nurses provide personalized non-medical and medical care in a safe, structured environment to reduce anxiety. |
What Is the Difference Between Senior Living Communities and URCs?
The primary difference between other senior living communities and URCs is URCs offer access to advanced educational opportunities, promoting lifelong learning and intergenerational activities. Because URCs partner with a college or university, educational offerings in these communities are much more prevalent than in other senior living situations. This relationship also allows URCs to offer more opportunities to get involved with other campus-related and community activities, such as concerts, live theater and sporting events.
Monthly fees in URCs greatly vary, often ranging between $1,800 to $10,000. In comparison, the median monthly cost of assisted living per Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey is $4,500 nationwide. Independent living is usually 30%-40% less than assisted living, so using Genworth’s national average for assisted living and subtracting 35%, the average cost of independent living should be around $2,925.
| Housing | Costs | Level of Care | Educational Offerings | Common Amenities & Services | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| URC | Apartments, single-family houses, condos, villas, duplexes, townhouses, suites | Entry fees range from $100,000 to over $8 million (percentage repayable), and monthly fees between $1,800 to $10,000, with extra fees for couples | CCRC with a mix of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory support | Credit and non-credit college courses, lecture series, class auditing, mentoring college students | Same as traditional retirement communities, plus access to student performances and exhibitions, multiple dining venues, collegiate fitness centers, collegiate sporting events, university-based health clinics, campus transportation systems, etc. |
| Traditional Retirement Community | Single-family houses, condos, townhouses or apartments | Estimated national average of $2,925 | Independent living | Lecture series, guest speakers and academic presentations covering various subjects | Chef-prepared meals, multiple dining venues, coffee shops, on-site spas and beauty parlors, fitness centers and classes, golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, entertainment, social activities, etc. |
| Assisted Living Community | Private or shared apartments or suites | National average of $4,500 | Assisted living with skilled and unskilled support | Brain games, current events discussions and classes covering arts, crafts, health, wellness, computers, etc. | Assistance with activities of daily living, medication management, chef-prepared meals, maintenance services, housekeeping, laundry and linen services, on-site beauty salons, entertainment, emergency call systems, social activities, transportation, etc. |
What Are the Benefits of URCs?
The National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing and Care Industry asserts that housing seniors on college campuses offers many benefits, from continuing their education to attending cultural and sports events. It also gives aging adults access to university health care, fitness facilities and pedestrian-centric campuses that help them lead more active and healthy lives. Some top benefits of URCs include the following:
- Academic engagement: Taking classes and attending guest lectures and educational seminars are great ways to engage in lifelong learning and help keep dementia at bay, as cognitive stimulation could improve seniors’ overall health and longevity.
- Convenient transportation: URCs typically include most of its residents’ daily activities within walking distance, which encourages physical fitness, and robust, often free campus shuttle and other transportation systems make it easy to get around when the distance is too far to walk comfortably.
- On-campus health and medical resources: Many URCs include a continuum of care, offering convenient access to providers and clinics for residents’ changing health needs, and college/university campuses with world-class academic medical centers or teaching hospitals provide access to cutting-edge research and higher levels of care.
- Life-enriching activities: Seniors living on college campuses have the same access to a wide range of activities as the younger college students, including performance arts, cultural, athletic and special events, with tickets offered at reduced or student prices.
- University recreational facilities: Many college and university campuses have numerous recreational facilities to encourage physical fitness, including fitness centers, indoor walking tracks, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, etc.
- Plenty of multigenerational interaction: Interaction between the generations is possible through many avenues, such as mentoring, taking part in research studies and volunteer activities, including students majoring in health care or hospitality volunteering to practice their skills in an authentic retirement community.
What Should You Look for in a URC?
One crucial aspect prospective residents should look at when comparing URCs is proximity to a college’s main campus. If the community isn’t close enough to the campus, seniors lose the primary benefit of living in a URC. Ideally, communities should be within walking distance of the campus. At most, they should be within 1 mile of the campus’s core facilities. The following offers a more detailed checklist of criteria a URC should meet to provide the ideal retirement environment.
How Much Does a URC Cost?
URCs have entry fees and monthly fees that vary based on the community’s location, level of care, housing unit, programming, local demand for senior communities and many other factors.
Residents must pay entry fees upfront and can range from around $100,000 on the low end to more than $1 million for upscale communities such as Vi at Palo Alto, a community across the street from Stanford University. However, most of these funds cover future care needs if residents progress to assisted living or skilled nursing care. A percentage of the entrance fee may be refunded if residents move out or pass away before utilizing higher levels of health care.
Monthly fees cover amenities like campus access, home maintenance, housekeeping, meals and other services. These fees can range from around $1,800 to more than $10,000 for a single resident.
For example, Oak Hammock at the University of Florida has monthly fees ranging from $4,000 to $9,000 for single residents, with entry fees on standard Life Care contracts ranging from about $300,000 to more than $1 million based on the size of the residential unit and the type of insurance a resident uses.
Costs at Mirabella at ASU include an entry fee from $450,000 up to $2 million, with about 80% to 90% of this fee refundable to the residents’ estate. The monthly fee ranges from about $4,500 to $5,000 to cover amenities and services.
Although the monthly fees for URCs might sound expensive, the national average for a private room in a nursing home is $9,034 per month on Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. Assisted living averaged $4,500 per month nationwide and may require residents to move to another community should their health care needs exceed what’s provided in the assisted living community.
| Type of Care | Monthly Median Cost Nationwide |
|---|---|
| Home Care | $4,957 |
| Home Health Care | $5,148 |
| Assisted Living | $4,500 |
| Nursing Home - Semiprivate Room | $7,908 |
| Nursing Home - Private Room | $9,034 |
How to Pay for a URC
Like traditional retirement communities, URCs aren’t covered under Medicare or Medicaid. Neither of these federal programs pays directly for CCRCs or LPCs, so most seniors in URCs must fund their residency out-of-pocket. Seniors have limited options if they require financial assistance. The following table summarizes possible financing options.
| Financing Option | How the Financing Option Works | Important To Know |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse Mortgages | Reverse mortgages tap into the home’s equity, which borrowers receive as a lump sum or as needed. | Reverse mortgage rules state the home must be owner-occupied, so someone on the loan must continue living in the home. |
| Home Equity Lines of Credit | Seniors use their homes as collateral and borrow money against the equity, receiving funds as needed. | HELOCs don’t require someone to live in the home and have lower associated costs than reverse mortgages. |
| Home Care | Home Care | $4,957 |
| Bridge Loans | Bridge loans are short-term loans that provide quick cash flow while liquidating assets or waiting for homes to sell. | Seniors must be able to make payments on the bridge loan until their home sells and they repay the loan. |
| Life Insurance Settlements | Life insurance policyholders sell their right to collect the death benefit and stop making monthly premium payments in exchange for a lump sum settlement. | Life insurance settlements cancel the policy, so heirs won't receive funds to cover funeral expenses or settle debts the policyholder leaves behind. |
| Life Insurance Conversions | Life insurance conversions directly convert the value of a policy in exchange for senior care. | Life insurance conversions also cancel the policy, leaving heirs without funds upon their policyholder's death. |
| Family Members | Family members may have the resources to help pay for URCs if their parents don’t have sufficient funds. | Paying for URC costs long term could leave adult children in a financial jam that’s difficult to get out of if they signed a binding contract. |
| Private Pay | Private pay includes monies from pension payments, retirement accounts and personal savings. | Seniors may not receive enough funds from one or more of these options to cover the entry and monthly fees of a URC. |
Find a University Retirement Community
The following list of University Retirement Communities lets you compare your options and determine which URC best meets your retirement needs. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it gives you a robust starting place. However, each community’s offerings can change over time, so always contact the URC directly to confirm what’s currently available.
Alabama
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somerby at university park | 400 University Park Drive Ofc, Birmingham, AL 35209 | (949) 287-4600 | Somerby at University Park in Birmingham, AL, offers assisted living and continuing education. The University of Alabama's Birmingham campus is just minutes away with free classes for those aged 50 and above. Residents have access to direct transportation services and a 24-hour staff to assist with daily living activities. |
Arizona
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirabella at ASU | 65 East University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 317-4444 | Mirabella at ASU is a retirement community in Arizona that offers daily lectures, college courses and workshops at Arizona State University. Housekeeping and laundry are taken care of, leaving senior students to focus on their studies. Residents can join college classes as visiting instructors or guest learners and also have access to personalized care services, chef-prepared meals and a fitness center. |
| Academy Village | 13701 East Langtry Lane, Tucson, AZ 85747 | (520) 647-0900 | The Academy Villas is an assisted living community located in the Academy Village in Tucson. Comprised of studio and one-bedroom apartments, it features 24-hour staff to care for residents' needs, including grooming and dressing. Lifelong learning is encouraged through the Arizona Senior Academy, affiliated with the University of Arizona, offering classes, lectures and library access in Tucson. |
Arkansas
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| College Square Retirement Community | 2421 College Avenue, Conway, AR 72034 | (501) 327-6227 | College Square Retirement Community provides active independent living for seniors 55 and older on the University of Central Arkansas campus. Personal growth and lifelong learning opportunities are offered through access to classes, sporting events and theater performances. Residents enjoy special UCA privileges and access to campus amenities and medical facilities. |
| Butterfield Trail Village | 1923 East Joyce Boulevard, Fayetteville, AR 72703 | (479) 442-7220 | At Butterfield Trail Village, seniors can participate in art lessons and attend local performances and lectures at the arts center. Caregivers provide support with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning and medication management. Seniors can take part in exercise programs like deep-water aerobics and yoga to improve their balance, mobility and flexibility, and enjoy restaurant-style dining at The Lodge. |
| Harding Place Retirement | 801 Benton Avenue, Searcy, AR 72143 | (501) 305-3100 | Harding Place Retirement Living in Searcy, AR offers independent living accommodations for seniors on the Harding University campus. Residents receive VIP access to Harding University's facilities and events, including the pool, library and weight room. They can participate in classes, groups, and on-site activities, as well as community-based programs for an enriching lifestyle. |
California
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Village Thousand Oaks | 3415 South Campus Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 | (800) 671-8509 | The University Village in Thousand Oaks, CA, is a Type A Life Plan Contract community with 24/7 compassionate care staff to assist seniors in remaining independent. The community features an aquatic center, wood room, and fitness training. Across the street from Californian Lutheran University, residents can audit classes, attend theater performances, and sporting events. |
| Vi at Palo Alto | 620 Sand Hill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304 | (888) 926-1850 | Vi at Palo Alto, CA, is located near world-class academic institutions for seniors who wish to continue learning. Residents can explore their artistic side by taking lessons at the art studio or learning about the latest technologies by attending free classes at the computer center. Caregivers offer round-the-clock care and lend a hand with daily tasks, including bathing, dressing, and eating. |
| University Retirement Community | 1515 Shasta Drive, Davis, CA 95616 | (530) 747-7000 | University Retirement Community, in partnership with the UC Davis Institute, offers academically-oriented seniors the chance to attend lectures and classes while supporting local sports teams. Skilled nursing care is available short- and long-term, and a rehabilitation center on-site provides therapy services for residents recovering from illnesses or injuries. Residents can enjoy chef-prepared meals in the Craftsman-style dining area with various dietary options available. |
| Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood | 10475 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024 | (424) 401-0705 | Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood in Los Angeles, CA, was developed as a university-affiliated community in partnership with UCLA. Care options include independent living, assisted living, and memory care, along with a Circle of Friends program for seniors in the early stages of memory loss. A variety of on-site activities engage residents, providing enriching experiences. |
Florida
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Hammock | 5100 SW 25th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32608 | (352) 548-1000 | Oak Hammock in Gainesville, FL, partners with the University of Florida to offer learning and engagement opportunities for residents. Seniors can participate in classes, activities, and events at the university, with scheduled transportation provided. The community also has accommodations for assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care to accommodate changing needs. An on-site library and access to university libraries offer additional learning opportunities. |
| Azalea Trace | 10100 Hillview Drive, Pensacola, FL 32514 | (855) 497-4117 | Azalea Trace is a senior living community located on Florida's Gulf Coast, across the street from the University of West Florida. Residents can take advantage of the public university's lifelong learning programs, which offer free noncredit classes for seniors aged 60 years and up. Health services are also available on the campus, making it convenient for seniors to get their medical needs met without having to make off-site trips. |
| College Harbor | 4600 54th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33711 | (727) 914-9756 | College Harbor, located in St. Petersburg, FL, is a retirement community ideal for seniors who want to continue their education by enrolling in classes at nearby Eckerd College. The community's friendly staff is available 24/7 to provide assistance with dressing, showering and mobility. In addition to rehabilitation services, residents have access to the wellness center for medical treatment from visiting health care professionals. |
| Legacy Pointe at UCF | 2110 Hestia Loop, Oviedo, FL 32765 | (407) 917-6418 | Legacy Pointe at UCF offers seniors access to cutting-edge health and wellness programs. The assisted living community is affiliated with the University of Central Florida and maintains a high standard of care. 24/7 staff helps residents remain independent while offering assistance as needed with daily activities. A daily itinerary includes hobbies, physical exercise and social activities, and residents can attend university classes as part of a lifelong learning program. |
Georgia
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Spires at Berry College | 600 Eagle Lake Trail, Rome, GA 30165 | (706) 368-9955 | The Spires at Berry College is a university retirement community situated on the shores of Eagle Lake. The community offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by 27,000 wooded acres with the vibrancy of college campus life just steps away. Residents have access to on-site amenities and unique opportunities for cultural, spiritual and intellectual enrichment. They can sit in on classes and lectures and attend plays, concerts and sporting events. |
Illinois
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Clare at Water Tower | 55 East Pearson Street, Chicago, IL 60611 | (312) 784-8100 | The Clare is a senior living community set on the Loyola University Chicago Water Tower Campus. Its downtown location places seniors in the midst of the city's top shopping, dining, and entertainment. The community provides a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor pool, a salon, and a health and wellness center on-site. A variety of planned social events and activities, lifelong learning opportunities, and intergenerational programming are also available. |
Indiana
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Place | 1700 Lindberg Road. West Lafayette, IN 47906 | (765) 268-5767 | Located in West Lafayette, IN, University Place has an affiliation with Purdue University to present enriching opportunities to residents. Seniors can participate in activities and programs within the community, which also has an on-site library. Residents can expand their skills and knowledge in the craft, hobby and woodworking rooms. The community offers independent living for seniors who don't need assistance, with additional support available through assisted living, skilled nursing or memory care. |
| Holy Cross Village | 54515 State Highway 933, Notre Dame, IN 46556 | (574) 287-1838 | Holy Cross Village in Notre Dame, IN, is located near the campuses of Holy Cross College, St. Mary's College, and the University of Notre Dame. Walking paths connect the community to the campuses, and transportation is provided for residents to attend on-campus performances. College students often volunteer at the senior community, fostering intergenerational relationships. The community offers a continuum of care, with independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing accommodations available. |
Iowa
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Hills Retirement Community | 2200 Hamilton Drive, Ames, IA 50014 | (515) 357-5000 | Green Hills Retirement Community in Ames, IA, is located minutes away from the Iowa State University campus, giving residents easy access to classes and campus events. The community offers a variety of activities and events, with a robust fitness center that includes a pool and fitness programs to enrich seniors' lives and well-being. Residents can choose from different levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care. |
| Eisenach Village & Eichhorn Haus | 1922 5th Avenue NW Waverly, IA 50677 | (319) 352-4540 | Located in Waverly, IA, Eisenach Village & Eichhorn Haus are independent living adult communities offering new learning opportunities for active seniors. Eisenach Village provides maintenance-free living with complimentary access to all sporting events, performances, and classes held by Wartburg College. Eichhorn Haus features accommodations with step-in showers and wide doorways, catering, housekeeping, maintenance, and transportation services, as well as a wellness and activities program. Close to Waverly's restaurants and retail stores. |
Maine
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wardell Retirement | 43 Middle Street, Saco, ME 04072 | (207) 284-7061 | The Wardell Retirement Community in Saco, ME, collaborates with colleges to enhance life for senior residents who choose between independent living and assisted living programs. Senior residents can volunteer in the Geriatrics Practicum through the University of New England, offering medical students experiential learning. On-site college classes are available through York County Senior College, customized for learners ages 55 and older. |
Maryland
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collington | 10450 Lottsford Road Mitchellville, MD 20721 | (888) 257-9468 | Collington in Mitchellville, MD, offers levels of care including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. Learning opportunities abound, starting with a library of over 5,000 books and periodical rooms housing more than 100 publications. On-site activities, including lectures, interest groups and recreation, offer additional enrichment. Collington's Artists in Residence program, in conjunction with the University of Maryland School of Music, places two college students within the senior community to connect generations. |
Massachusetts
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lasell Village | 120 Seminary Avenue, Auburndale, MA 02466 | (617) 663-7000 | Lasell Village in Auburndale, MA, prioritizes lifelong learning. Residents commit to 450 hours of learning, selecting a goal-oriented education program. The campus is shared with Lasell University, providing access to college courses, lectures, and events. Residents can teach, mentor, tutor, or volunteer in the community while also participating in clubs, outings, and community activities. |
| Lathrop Communit Town Homes | 100 Bassett Brook Drive, Easthampton, MA 01027 | (413) 586-0006 | Lathrop Community Town Homes in Easthampton, MA, offers independent and supported living near UMass Amherst campus. Residents participate in volunteer opportunities to connect with the community. Local campuses offer continuing education on topics of interest to senior residents. Culinary quality is a focus, with restaurant-style dining and gourmet meals made with seasonal and local ingredients. |
| Sweetwood of Williamstown | 1611 Cold Spring Road Williamstown, MA 01267 | (413) 458-8371 | Sweetwood of Williamstown is an independent and assisted living community in Williamstown, MA. Located near Williams College, seniors can pursue educational and cultural opportunities. The community's fitness center has personal trainers who help seniors improve strength and balance to lower the risk of falling. Residents have access to nursing care, day or night. |
Michigan
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Commons | 817 Asa Gray Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105 | N/A | University Commons is an independent living community in Ann Arbor, MI, for seniors aged 55 and up. It's adjacent to the North Campus of the University of Michigan and surrounded by scenic forests and wetlands. The community consists of 92 condominium units, and many residents are university employees. Amenities include a fitness center, library, and woodworking room, while the Brass Rail Café provides a social gathering space. Outdoor space is available for barbecues. |
New Hampshire
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kendal at Hanover | 67 Cummings Road Hanover, NH 03755-1263 | (603) 643-8900 | Kendal at Hanover, NH, is an assisted living community near Dartmouth College. Seniors can attend lectures and audit college courses, while the community provides around-the-clock nursing care, assistance with daily chores, and access to the on-site Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic. An indoor swimming pool and exercise room are available to improve cardiovascular health and physical fitness. |
New York
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers Run Cottages | 50 Fairwood Drive # 100, Rochester, NY 14623 | (585) 248-3400 | Rivers Run Cottages in Rochester, NY, is home to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at RIT, providing educational opportunities to seniors over 50. The community's partnership with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf allows residents to access its library, social programs, hearing tests, and academic events. Amenities include landscaping care, snow removal, and weekly garbage pickup for low-maintenance living. Seniors can enjoy fun activities and the on-site fitness center. |
| The Kendal at Ithaca | 2230 Triphammer Road Ithaca, NY 14850 | (800) 253-6325 | The Kendal at Ithaca is a senior living community on a 105-acre campus in New York's Finger Lakes region, close to Cornell University and Ithaca College. Residents enjoy comprehensive on-site health care services, well-appointed accommodations, and upscale amenities such as an indoor pool, tennis courts, and art studio. Proximity to campus provides access to cultural, educational, and recreational activities, including fitness classes, art programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. |
| Longview Senior Living Community | 1 Bella Vista Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850 | (607) 375-6300 | Longview Senior Living Community in Ithaca, NY, offers independent and assisted living services in a disability-friendly environment. The community features accessible homes and apartments of various sizes, with seniors receiving assistance with household tasks and activities of daily living as needed. Longview's association with Ithaca College provides seniors with the chance to engage in lifelong learning opportunities. |
| Broadview Senior Living at Purchase College | 6 International Drive, Suite 120 Rye Brook, NY 10573 | (914) 417-4201 | Broadview Senior Living at Purchase College is a university senior living community with independent living, assisted living, and memory care options in Westchester County, NY. The Learning Commons connects seniors and college students for a multigenerational opportunity to experience classes, lectures, and social interactions. Seniors have access to college programs, performances, and volunteer opportunities. |
North Carolina
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Pines at Davidson | 400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC 28036 | (704) 896-1100 | The Pines at Davidson in NC is a senior living community that allows seniors to age in place while enjoying the amenities and activities of the small college town. Residents can access campus trails and gardens, libraries, lounge areas, and a variety of dining venues. A wellness center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a therapy pool, and a whirlpool is also available. Seniors have opportunities to participate in lectures, cultural performances, and sporting events at nearby Davidson College. |
| The Forest at Duke | 2701 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705 | (919) 490-8000 | The Forest at Duke in Durham, NC, provides growth and self-discovery opportunities for residents through on-site classes coordinated with Duke University. More than 400 offerings each month include lectures, classes, clubs, workshops, and off-campus excursions. Independent living accommodations include apartments, cottages, and standalone homes, all easily accessible to programming and amenities. Personalized services are available through The Forest at Home program. |
| Blakey Hall | 501 Blakey Hall Lane, Elon, NC 27244 | (336) 506-2300 | Blakey Hall in Elon, NC, is a senior living community within walking distance of Elon University. Seniors can take advantage of learning opportunities through classes and entertainment with various campus events. The community hosts on-site activities that meet mind, body, and spiritual needs, including lectures and concerts. Civic and volunteer opportunities keep seniors engaged and active, and residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, and memory care. |
Ohio
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Otterbain Granville | 2158 Columbus Rd Granville, Ohio 43023 | (740) 321-0400 | Otterbein Granville in Granville, OH, partners with Denison University to provide opportunities to residents. The Community Scholar Program allows residents to take noncredit college courses, and seniors can attend a range of campus events, including plays, concerts, lectures, and sporting events. On-site amenities such as a ceramic studio, woodworking shop, and library encourage exploration and learning. The village-style community offers apartments, cottages, and villas with independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and rehab. |
| Kendal at Oberlin | 600 Kendal Drive Oberlin, OH 44074 | (440) 775-0094 | Kendal at Oberlin is situated next to Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music, affording residents rich learning experiences. Residents over 65 can take free classes at the college, and the college offers additional classes through its Experimental College. Performances at the college are open for seniors to attend. On the senior living campus, residents have access to lectures, clubs, classes, and performances. Levels of care include independent living, assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. |
| The Knolls of Oxford | 6727 Contreras Road Oxford, Ohio 45056 | (513) 524-7990 | The Knolls of Oxford in Oxford, OH, is affiliated with Miami University, providing social, recreational, and educational enrichment. Residents can partake in learning through the Institute for Learning in Retirement, and through the Scripps Gerontology Center, they can participate in research studies related to aging. Miami University students can also connect with residents, creating multigenerational connections. Seniors with care needs can embrace the lifelong learning environment through independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing options. |
Oregon
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cascade Manor | 65 West 30th Avenue Eugene, OR 97405 | (541) 342-5901 | Cascade Manor in Eugene, OR, encourages seniors to pursue various learning opportunities at the nearby University of Oregon and attend performances at the Oregon Contemporary Theater. This continuing care community provides skilled nursing care and around-the-clock staff to handle housekeeping chores, assist with daily activities, and schedule medical appointments. On-site dining options include the Rogue Bistro for lighter fare, such as sandwiches, and the Columbia Dining Room for intimate meals. |
Pennsylvania
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kendal-Crosslands Community | 1660 East Street Road Kennett Square, PA 19348 | (610) 388-1441 | Kendal-Crosslands Community in Kennett Square, PA, encourages lifelong learning for its residents, equipped with an auditorium for lectures and presentations. The senior community partners with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware, Lifelong Institute at Immaculata University, and Chester County Night School to offer a range of classes. Residents can volunteer and teach others to enrich their lives. Care levels include independent living, personal care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. |
Rhode Island
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laurelmead | 355 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI 02906 | (401) 273-9550 | Laurelmead is a senior retirement community that offers maintenance-free independent living in a luxurious environment. Seniors can take advantage of access to a variety of amenities, including a pool, fitness room, and spa. Restaurant-style dining options are offered, and apartments are fully equipped with their own kitchens. Brown University and the Rhode Island Institute of Design are nearby, welcoming Laurelmead residents to participate in lifelong learning programs on their respective campuses. |
South Carolina
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Woodlands at Furman | 1500 Trailhead Court, Greenville, SC 29617 | (864) 371-3100 | The Woodlands at Furman University in Greenville, SC, is a vibrant community where adults aged 50 and older have plenty of opportunities to take university courses, attend lectures, and enjoy athletic events. Residents receive help with daily chores, and licensed nurses provide medical care when needed. Chef-prepared meals are served in the restaurant-style dining room, with special dietary requirements accommodated. |
Texas
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Place | 7480 Beechnut Street, Houston, TX 77074 | (713) 541-2900 | University Place offers seniors the opportunity to attend lectures, visit art exhibits, and access a variety of recreational services at the nearby Houston Christian University. The community has various care services, from skilled nursing at the University Place Nursing Center to assistance with daily living activities. Each pet-friendly apartment includes an emergency call system, smoke detectors, and individually controlled heating and air conditioning. |
Vermont
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastview at Middlebury | 100 EastView Terrace, Middlebury, VT 05753 | (802) 989-7500 | Eastview at Middlebury offers independent living cottages and apartments, residential care and memory care, and is located next to Middlebury College. Residents can audit a class at the college, attend performances, lectures and campus events or intern with students. On-site lectures, groups and classes provide additional ways for residents to stay engaged. |
Virginia
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge | 250 Pantops Mountain Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911 | (434) 972-2622 | Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge is a unique senior living community located near the University of Virginia campus. The community offers a full continuum of care services and a rich selection of fitness programs, cultural events, and intellectual opportunities. Residents are welcome to participate in lecture series, on-campus exhibitions, and special events and can enjoy access to a fitness center, aquatic facilities, a chapel and a library. |
| The Colonnades | 2600 Barracks Road, Charlottesville, VA 22901 | (434) 333-7161 | The Colonnades is a safe and comfortable continuing care community that offers seniors a full schedule of on-site activities, including bridge, canasta, and mahjong groups, a play reading group, and seated exercise classes. The community also offers on-site presentations from the University of Virginia. Friendly staff provides assistance with daily living activities, including dressing, bathing and medication. Dining, housekeeping, and laundry service are all provided. |
| Kendal at Lexington | 160 Kendal Drive, Lexington, VA 24450 | (540) 463-1910 | Kendal at Lexington, located in Lexington, VA, embodies the core value of lifelong learning through the resident-created Kendal College for Lifelong Learning. This community offers a range of learning opportunities including lectures and hands-on classes covering various topics like philosophy, fine arts, technology, and current events. Other nearby institutions offer additional opportunities, including auditing classes at Washington and Lee University. Independent living, assisted living, long-term care, skilled nursing, and memory support options are all available. |
Washington
| Community | Address | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrill Gardens at The University | 5300 24th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105 | (206) 926-9738 | Merrill Gardens at The University of Washington is a retirement community that offers seniors access to medical centers, lectures, games and events at the university. Caregivers provide help with managing prescriptions and daily living chores. The community offers anytime dining, so seniors can eat nutritious meals at their convenience. All cleaning and yard work is done by staff. |
| University House Issaquah | 22975 SE Black Nugget Road, Issaquah, WA 98029 | (425) 600-4816 | University House Issaquah in Issaquah, WA, partners with the University of Washington Retirement Association to provide an academic feel. The community works with different departments of the university, including the School of Social Work, to provide counseling and support when seniors transition into assisted living. The Schools of Nursing and Pharmacy offer innovative wellness programs. Life enrichment programs, a fitness center with a pool, and an auditorium provide additional resources for residents. |
| University House Wallingford | 4400 Stone Way North, Seattle, WA 98103 | (253) 765-0435 | University House Wallingford partners with the University of Washington Retirement Association to provide seniors with access to certain university programming. Staff is readily available to provide companionship and assistance with daily living tasks, as well as to accompany residents to and from medical appointments and errands. Seniors can participate in exercise programs with a personal trainer at the fitness center and enjoy chef-prepared restaurant meals on-site. |