Warm summers and mild winters make Huntsville a popular choice for active seniors who enjoy outdoor pursuits and like to explore their surroundings. Of the city’s 215,000 inhabitants, 16.4% are adults aged 65 and older who take advantage of Alabama’s senior-friendly property tax laws and Huntsville’s low cost of living. Although Huntsville retains a small-town community feel, residents have access to this large town’s many amenities, such as shops, museums, restaurants and medical facilities, including Huntsville Hospital and Crestwood Medical Center.
When Huntsville seniors find themselves requiring help carrying out everyday tasks, they may want to consider moving into an assisted living facility. These communities provide assistance to help retirees live as independently as possible while giving them access to a variety of amenities, meals and organized classes, events and activities. Assisted living in Huntsville costs an average of $3,345 per month, $1,155 less than the national average.
This guide compares the cost of assisted living in Huntsville with the rest of Alabama and lists a variety of resources that help and support seniors in their retirement.
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 >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Alabama. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021, assisted living facilities in Huntsville charge an average of $3,345 per month.
Assisted living in Huntsville is very affordable when compared to the U.S. average of $4,500. Huntsville seniors also pay approximately $158 less per month than those residing in other parts of Alabama.
Costs vary greatly across Alabama. For example, just 75 miles west of Huntsville, Florence seniors pay $4,150 per month, but 75 miles south, those in Gadsden pay just $2,803. Seniors in western Alabama spend more than those in the north, with Anniston assisted living communities charging $4,771, the highest rate in the state. Costs are more in line with the state average in Montgomery, where seniors pay $3,500, while Birmingham residents can expect to spend $4,028. The most affordable assisted living in the state is found in the southern city of Dothan, where seniors pay a monthly fee of just $2,150, which is $1,195 less than in Huntsville.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Alabama.
Resource |
Contact |
Service |
Top of Alabama Regional Council Of Governments (TARCOG) Area Agency on Aging |
(800) 243-5463 |
TARCOG’s Area Agency on Aging serves seniors in Huntsville and northeast Alabama, connecting them with community-based resources and services to improve their quality of life. It provides information and advice on benefits, administers a case management program and acts as an ombudsman, advocating for the rights of seniors living in assisted living communities and other long-term care facilities. |
(256) 532-1662 |
Huntsville seniors who have served their country can find support from the Madison County Veterans Service Office. It helps vets and their families access the federal and state benefits they’re entitled to, including health care, pensions and VA Aid and Attendance. | |
(256) 880-7080 |
Huntsville-Madison County Senior Center brings together the region’s older residents through a range of programs and events. Adults aged 55 and older can take part in recreational and educational activities, such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, technology classes, a senior softball league and games. The center also looks after the wellness of members, offering blood pressure and blood sugar screening, Medicare counseling and support groups. | |
211 |
Huntsville seniors who would like to give back to the community can find volunteer opportunities through The Volunteer Center of Madison County. Operated by the United Way of Madison County, the center connects residents with local organizations that need assistance. Seniors can search for opportunities on the website and filter the list for the most suitable volunteer position for their age and abilities. | |
(256) 427-6857 Access Service: (256) 427-6811 |
The City of Huntsville operates a number of fixed bus routes in and around the city and offers discounts to adults aged 65 and older. It also runs Access, a door-to-door transportation service for seniors and disabled individuals who live in more remote areas and don’t have easy access to public transportation. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Huntsville area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.