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Independent Living

If you’re exploring independent senior living options, you may have discovered that many retirement communities today feel a lot more like resorts than what you’d pictured prior to your research. 

But there’s more to independent living than meets the eye.

Independent living facilities are communities where seniors have a built-in social network and can fully enjoy the next phase of their retirement, thanks to the low-maintenance lifestyle the communities offer.

Each of the links below takes a deeper dive into some of the most popular topics around independent living. 

Two women sit and look at a map together.

What is independent living?


Independent living communities: You may know them as senior living communities, retirement communities or retirement homes. Also classified under this term are 55+ communities or active adult communities. Finally, independent living is also one part of the continuum of care in a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

These communities are designed to help seniors thrive, encouraging them to make new friends, enjoy new activities, and embrace a sense of freedom to see the world and enjoy retirement as they see fit.

A woman washes berries at a sink while a man cuts them next to her.

Benefits of independent living


Making the move to an independent living community comes with some major perks — including low-maintenance living that frees you up to enjoy life more.

Your utilities and other bills are covered under a single monthly fee. Home maintenance and landscaping are handled by the pros. Meals are prepared by trained chefs.

All that opportunity to spend time with friends and cross things off your bucket list is just the start of the benefits of life in a senior living community. 

A man sits in front of a cafe in a senior living community.

Independent living costs


There’s no fixed dollar amount when it comes to independent living costs. It depends on your location, the size of your residence, and the services and amenities on offer at the community.

However, your monthly fee will always include the cost of your home, utilities, lifestyle activities, meals and support from a staff that includes housekeeping, maintenance and landscape, and resident services employees. 

So is the cost worth it? That all depends on your priorities and what you want out of the next phase of your retirement.

Independent living at Vi


Vi’s 10 Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer the highest level of luxury to enjoy the next phase of your retirement.

From golf courses to movie theaters, from pickleball courts to art studios, you’ll find unique amenities at each of our communities designed to engage you in your favorite activities — or help you find new hobbies.

We also offer gourmet chef-prepared meals in restaurant-style dining rooms, and services like complimentary valet and concierge.

Plus, you’ll have access to the rest of our continuum of care — assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care — with little to no increase in your monthly fee.