10 Best Independent Living Communities in Little Rock, AR

Because independent living communities are not considered health care-related communities, health insurance and federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid will not contribute to the rental cost. However, some insurance programs may be helpful for seniors who require occasional medically necessary care in their homes, such as physical therapy or home health.

Find out more about the many methods that seniors use to pay for Little Rock independent living below.

Three of our partner independent living communities are standalone facilities. If an independent living community does not offer care, it will be regulated like a regular apartment building in Arkansas.

Arkansas rental properties follow the rules and regulations listed in the Arkansas Fair Housing Act which protects tenants from discriminatory behavior from their landlords based on any of the following: sex, age, race, or disability status. The Americans with Disabilities Act must also be complied with. Landlords in Little Rock are also expected to abide by landlord-tenant rights.

All facilities are to adhere to safety codes as part of the Arkansas’ landlord-tenant rights. Inspections can be carried out by Little Rock’s Code Enforcement Division. Inspection reports are not available online, but you can reach out to the office at (501) 371-4748.

If care is provided, the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Office of Long-Term Care is responsible for annual inspections. Inspection reports are not available online, so you have to reach out to the facility itself or DHS.

Two of our partner independent living facilities also offer assisted living. Four others are a combination of independent living, assisted living, and memory care. These facilities have to be licensed as either “Level I” or “Level II” facilities. Level I provide a more basic level of assistance, while the Level II facilities offer a broader range of services including health care.

Arkansas Department of Health contact information

Arkansas Department of Health

4815 W. Markham

Little Rock, AR 72205

Phone Number: 800-462-0599

COVID-19 regulations for Arkansas independent living communities

Independent living communities in Arkansas aren’t required to follow any types of strict COVID-19 rules and regulations. However, governing entities recommend that all residents, including seniors in independent living situations, follow some best practices

As you look through our partner independent living community options in Little Rock, you’ll notice a great deal of variety. Every independent living community has its own distinctive attributes. This improves the likelihood that you can find the ideal independent living community for your needs.

Layouts Designed for Comfort

Independent living apartments, studios, and private rooms in Little Rock offer a wide range of architectural and room setups. Some feature accessibility-focused amenities, such as wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, lower countertops, and easy-to-use elevators. Whether you need a single bedroom or multiple rooms, you should be able to find an individual living solution that’s aligned with your preferred lifestyle.

Spaces to Socialize

One of the most appealing aspects of independent living communities in Little Rock is that they’re arranged to promote socialization and collaborative activities. In Little Rock, at least two-thirds of A Place for Mom-affiliated independent living facilities feature the following:

• Arts and crafts centers
• Barber shops
• Beauty salons
• Game rooms
• Movie rooms
• Private dining rooms
• Meeting rooms
• Common areas to congregate, meet new people, and be entertained

Built for Activity and Enjoyment

Many seniors want to stay active and healthy. For this reason, nearly all independent living communities across Little Rock offer fitness centers. Nearly 80% also provide complimentary transportation to local neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, and other destinations. If you own a dog or cat, you’ll appreciate that more than half of all independent living communities have pet-friendly policies in place.

Healthcare for seniors in Little Rock

Seniors who move to Little Rock will want to establish a relationship with trusted health care providers. In Pulaski County, many top-rated facilities, doctors, specialists, and other medical professionals are welcoming new patients.

Transportation for seniors in Little Rock, Arkansas

Getting around Little Rock is easiest by car. Its lower walkability score (33 out of 100) and limited number of bike lanes make it better suited for people who own vehicles or use taxi or rideshare services. However, since most of our partner independent living communities do provide some free transportation to places like the downtown district, seniors who live in those communities may find it fairly inexpensive to get around Little Rock even if they don’t have personal transportation.

Public transit options

The METRO bus line offers 15 bus routes that run on all days except for New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Each METRO bus is wheelchair accessible and includes bike storage racks. METRO provides fare discounts for riders with disabilities, who are on Medicare, or who are age 65+.

The METRO StreetCar runs on a more limited line. Nevertheless, it’s a scenic way to get around downtown and to nearby events.

Senior-friendly transportation services

Do you need non-emergency medical transportation to get you to and from the store or to medical appointments? CareLink could be right for you. It’s a service designed for people ages 60 and older who live in Little Rock. CareLink is especially appealing if you don’t have a car or can no longer drive.

If you prefer rideshare options, try ZTrip or KLW Transportation. ZTrip operates like Uber and promises that all vehicles are accessible to people with disabilities. KLW Transportation runs a 24-hour taxi service within a more traditional taxi payment format.

As a smaller metropolitan area, Little Rock features highways and roadways to transit the community. While individual neighborhoods may be walkable, the metropolitan area generally requires the use of a car. The walk score, transit score, and bike score from WalkScore.com all indicate that the Little Rock area does not strongly support walking or biking. Public transportation may be limited.

Senior activities in Little Rock

When it comes to activities for seniors, Little Rock has a bit of everything. From museums and parks to entertainment and shopping, the amenities offered in this charming state capital have widespread appeal.

On the go

It’s easy to spend a day exploring the city and all its nuances. The Little Rock River Market is a good place to start. At the River Market, you can shop, grab a bite to eat, and maybe even watch some live music performances by area musicians. No two days are ever the same at the Market, which is why it’s a favorite among local residents and travelers to Little Rock.

If you’re seeking a relaxing experience that combines a park environment with entertainment and education, visit the Little Rock Zoo. The zoo allows you to observe some of nature’s most amazing creatures in a relaxing, self-paced atmosphere.

For activity lovers

If you’re someone who enjoys biking, you’ll want to set aside some time to visit Big Dam Bridge. It’s known as America’s longest bikeable bridge, so bring healthy snacks and water to sustain you along your journey. This bridge also includes walkways and was designed for accessibility. If you prefer pickleball, golf, tennis, or swimming, the city offers many indoor and outdoor options for all of the aforementioned activities.

Is hiking more your speed? Go to Pinnacle Mountain. It’s located just west of Little Rock and features many trails, including the historical Trail of Tears. Be sure to check out the visitors center to get a better sense of what makes this mountain especially important to proud Arkansans.

The Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department also offers a plethora of activities for seniors throughout the year including day trips, game nights, and special entertainment.

Culture to spare

There is no shortage of museums in Little Rock, starting with the fully accessible William J Clinton Presidential Library. Another favorite is the Arkansas State Capitol. Though not a museum, per se, the Capitol allows you to immerse yourself in the historical architecture and happenings of Little Rock and Arkansas. The State Capital also offers virtual tours for anyone unable to make it in person.

For more educational offerings for independent seniors in Little Rock, visit the following:

• Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
• Museum of Discovery
• Arkansas Repertory Theater

Dining and fare for every taste

Little Rock has numerous must-visit restaurants with high ratings from residents and tourists. For instance, the Rock Town Distillery is ideal if you’ve ever wondered how adult beverages are made. It offers an on-site eatery, too.

Other classic Little Rock restaurants include the highly rated Kemuri, which features Japanese cuisine; the laid-back Whole Hog Cafe; and the aptly named Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken.

Like to place bets while you enjoy meals solo or with loved ones and friends? The Oaklawn casino is located just about an hour away from Little Rock by car in Hot Springs. At Oaklawn, you can play the slots, enjoy cocktails, indulge in the on-site dining, and watch horse races.