Nestled between dozens of clear freshwater lakes, Alexandria is ranked among the best places to retire in Minnesota due to its accessibility and affordability. The city is home to 13,822 people and has a very high senior population of 22.1%. It gets relatively extreme temperatures, with hot summers and cold winters with lots of snow. Residents of Alexandria can take advantage of quick access to a wide selection of lakes for fishing, boating or sunbathing on the beach. Seniors living here can also visit cultural and historical attractions like the Runestone Museum and the Legacy of the Lakes Museum. Alexandria hosts a variety of festivals each year where residents can enjoy local food and live entertainment.
In Alexandria, assisted living costs an average of $2,723 per month, although actual prices vary depending on the location and amenities available.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Assisted living in Alexandria costs an average of $2,723. This is less than state and national averages, which come to $4,283 and $4,300, respectively. Rates in nearby states are more than in Alexandria but still lower or near the national average: South Dakota, $3,638; North Dakota, $4,096; Iowa, $4,073 and Wisconsin, $4,400.
The Alexandria area has Minnesota’s lowest assisted living prices. Duluth is a little more expensive, at $3,221. Mankato has the state’s highest assisted living prices, at $4,968. In Minneapolis, assisted living costs an average of $4,797. Nearby Rochester is much more affordable at $3,105. Lower assisted living prices can be found just over the South Dakota border in Grand Forks, where assisted living costs $2,600.
Note: Data for Alexandria was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, St. Cloud, was used instead.
Residents of Alexandria’s assisted living communities who are 65 or older can apply for the Elderly Waiver offered by Minnesota Medicaid. This waiver pays for assisted living and skilled nursing, respite and emergency response systems. Visit our Assisted Living in Minnesota page to read more about the Elderly Waiver and its application process.
Contact | Description | |
Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging | (320) 253-9349 | This Area Agency on Aging helps operate the Senior LinkAge Line. Older adults can get information about Medicare and referrals to local services. Here, elders can also access educational programs such as fraud awareness classes. This agency also offers healthy aging programs to help seniors stay fit and prevent falls. |
Alexandria Senior Center | (320) 762-2087 | Here, older adults can access leisure and learning opportunities as well as assistive services. These include regular health clinics and driver safety classes. Seniors can participate in games like billiards and bingo or arts like metalsmithing and rock polishing. |
Minnesota Department of Human Services | 1 (800) 333-2433 | This agency runs the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, which helps residents of assisted living communities resolve concerns about their care. It also offers specialized referral services for deaf and blind adults. Here, seniors can access a variety of financial aid programs, including a prescription drug assistance program. |
Douglas County Veterans Service Office | (320) 762-3883 | Veterans can get help navigating the appeals process for a variety of state and federal benefits programs. This organization can also help submit and track appeals. A transportation service helps veterans get to VA medical facilities throughout the state and dental and optical vouchers make health services more affordable. |
Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota | (320) 762-0663 | This pro-bono law firm offers free assistance with common senior issues, including creating care directives and wills. It can also help with cases of public benefits and health care denial. Seniors can also get help with consumer issues such as predatory debt collection and fraud. |
The Minnesota Department of Health is responsible for regulating Alexandria’s assisted living facilities. This organization works to ensure that residents of long-term care homes are treated with dignity and respect. Learn more about the state’s assisted living laws by visiting our Assisted Living in Minnesota page.