The Best Assisted Living in Atlanta

taylor shuman Taylor Shuman Senior Tech Expert & Editor

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From its vibrant culture to its mild climate, it’s easy to see why Atlanta is such a desirable location for older adults. Atlanta is also home to dozens of assisted living communities that allow seniors to continue living in the city they love while receiving the extra support they need.

But that abundance of assisted living communities means that choosing the right community for your needs can be challenging. Not only does a community need to be the right fit for your budget, it also needs to suit your requirements when it comes to care, amenities, services, and more.

Our senior housing team thoroughly researched the assisted living communities in Atlanta and selected the best results to help with your search. We’ve highlighted the must-know details about each community and also included some facts about senior living in Georgia. You’ll find plenty of tips to help you explore your options and choose the community that’s the best fit for your needs.

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Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in Atlanta

There are tons of great assisted living communities in Atlanta. So, narrowing it down to the best options required a detailed process. We spent over 50 hours researching and evaluating communities to decide which were the very best. We used the following factors to choose the best assisted living communities in Atlanta:

  • Cost: Cost can vary a lot between different communities, so we considered both cost and the value that each community offers. We also looked for extra fees, like entrance fees, so you have a better idea of what you’ll pay upfront. We tried to include communities at multiple price points to work with different budgets. Any prices listed below were gathered from community websites or conversations with staff members.
  • Types of care offered: We considered the types of care available, including whether a community could meet a resident’s evolving care needs over time. We also looked for safety features, like emergency alert systems and door alarms.
  • Available amenities: As we evaluated communities, we considered how each community’s amenities could enhance a resident’s wellness and happiness. For example, fitness centers and pools are particularly important for supporting resident wellness.
  • Location: We weighed how a community’s location would affect residents. Our team looked for communities with convenient access to local shopping destinations and medical resources. We also considered whether the facility offered transportation to those locations.
  • Staff: Staff can truly shape a resident’s experience at an assisted living community. So, we looked for communities that hired talented staff members who are personally invested in their work.
  • Reviews: We spent hours reading dozens of reviews to get a sense of what life in each community is really like. We looked for common themes that were repeatedly mentioned in reviews, and we noted those themes in our community writeups.
  • 1. Heartis Buckhead

    Extensive Amenities

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,200 per month

    ADDRESS

    2051 Peachtree St. NE, Buckhead, GA 30309

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Heartis Buckhead

    Source: Heartis Buckhead

    Highlights

    • Dining amenities include restaurant-style dining, an uptown bistro, a skyview lounge, a tower lounge on the 8th floor, and a grill and juice bar
    • Extensive amenities include an art studio, barber shop and salon, theater, library and reading room, fitness center, swimming pool, and spa
    • 24/7 emergency call system for resident safety
    • Calendar full of events like special celebrations, community trips, exercise classes, religious services, and movie nights
    • Pet-friendly community

    Overview

    Heartis Buckhead offers an excellent selection of amenities, so the community can meet residents’ individual needs and interests. Amenities like an art studio, library, reading room, and theater provide entertainment without the need to leave the community. We appreciate this for those with health issues or limited mobility. A fitness center, swimming pool, and spa support residents’ fitness needs. This is important because fitness may help to prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer for older adults. Exercise may also improve mental health and delay the onset of dementia.1 We love the easy access to these fitness amenities that give residents a convenient way to stay active.

    Learn more:

    Learn more: Fitness plays an important role in keeping older adults healthy. Explore workouts and exercises for seniors.

    The community also has multiple dining options, so residents can choose from different menus and locations for their meals. Residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining or a drink at the bar for some social time. The tower lounge serves chef-created meals on the eighth floor, while the uptown bistro features contemporary-style dining. The skyview lounge offers beautiful views, and the grill and juice bar have convenient snacks and help keep residents hydrated. After reviewing assisted living facilities across the country, we know just how important quality food is to residents. We love to see a community like this with a variety of options!

    While such luxury amenities can enhance your experience, they can drive up prices. Heartis Buckhead is one of the more expensive options on our list. If you’re worried about the cost of assisted living, you might want to take a look at a community with a lower starting price on our list, like Arbor Terrace at Cascade.

    » Related reading: Luxury assisted living

    Types of Care

    Heartis Buckhead offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Because the community offers multiple levels of care, residents can stay in the community, even if their care needs increase in the future. Moving to a new, unfamiliar place can be stressful and distressing, especially for those experiencing memory loss. For this reason, we always appreciate when facilities allow residents to age in one place. Heartis Buckhead also uses a 24/7 emergency call system to help keep residents safe. Transportation is available to local medical appointments for those who no longer drive.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Worried about falling when you’re alone? Explore our list of the best medical alert systems.

    Feedback and Reviews

    At the time of this guide’s creation, Heartis Buckhead had a 5-star Google rating based on several reviews. Many reviews describe the food as delicious. They praise the amenities, saying that they help create a community that feels like home. Reviewers frequently say that staff members are kind, friendly, and dedicated. It was difficult to find negative feedback about this community!

  • 2. Arbor Terrace at Cascade

    Assisted Living Minutes From Downtown

    STARTING PRICE

    $2,280 per month

    ADDRESS

    1001 Research Center Drive, Atlanta SW, GA 30331

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Arbor Terrace at Cascade

    Source: Arbor Terrace at Cascade

    Highlights

    • Convenient location minutes from downtown Atlanta
    • Concierge service available to help with any needs
    • Walking club and exercise classes available
    • Scheduled transportation services for errands or medical appointments
    • Busy calendar of events, trips, and activities

    Overview

    Located just off of Interstate 285, Arbor Terrace at Cascade is minutes from downtown Atlanta. This makes it perfect for older adults who want to be near the hustle and bustle of the city. Nearby stores like Kroger and Walmart mean residents can easily run errands, and scheduled transportation is available for shopping and local medical appointments.

    But there is plenty to do within this assisted living community, too. An on-site beauty salon and spa means residents can get a haircut or a pedicure without leaving the premises. The facility’s on-site library and cyber senior center, scheduled trips and activities, and community events provide an engaging and entertaining atmosphere. Arbor Terrace at Cascade also features a walking club and exercise classes to support residents’ physical health. The Dakim Brain Fitness Program, a clinically proven cognitive exercise program for senior living, supports residents’ cognitive health. All in all, we are big fans of the community’s approach to addressing both physical and mental health!

    » Related reading: Activities for seniors

    Similar to Heartis Buckhead, this community is pet-friendly, so your furry friend can move in with you. Most communities are pet-friendly, so this is fairly common. You’ll just want to ask about any pet deposits or fees. Weekly housekeeping is included at no additional charge, and the community’s concierge service can help you with any extra information or support you might need.

    Types of Care

    Arbor Terrace at Cascade offers assisted living and memory care services only. If you’re looking for a community that offers more care options, then a community like Heartis Buckhead might be the right fit. Still, if you’re looking for a place to call home that offers plenty of amenities and opportunities to socialize, Arbor Terrace is a solid choice. The inclusion of memory care is also excellent for those who may need it in the future.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Arbor Terrace at Cascade has received largely positive reviews. Several reviews describe the facility as clean and spacious, and the staff as being warm and welcoming. According to most reviews, residents are well cared for and encouraged to participate in the numerous activities offered. One negative review noted that parking can be challenging. Other negative reviews, apparently left by staff members or job applicants, expressed frustration at staff management and the hiring process.

  • 3. Orchard at Brookhaven

    A Busy Activity Calendar

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    1634 Afton Ln. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Orchard at Brookhaven

    Source: Orchard at Brookhaven

    Highlights

    • Onsite wellness partnerships make it easy for residents to access pharmacy, neurology, physician, podiatry, dental, massage therapy, physical and occupational therapy services, and more
    • 24/7 family care hotline means residents and families can always contact Orchard leadership team members
    • Room service meal delivery option
    • Monthly activity calendar includes music therapy, fitness classes, live entertainment, Bingo, and more
    • Biannual health and well-being assessments are performed for each resident

    Overview

    Orchard at Brookhaven features a busy activity calendar, making it ideal for older adults who want to stay active. Classes and events like basket weaving, jewelry making, socials, shopping outings, and trivia mean residents have plenty of entertainment options to choose from. The community also hosts lots of resident parties, including resident birthday parties and holiday celebrations. Music therapy, health classes, and walk-and-talk activities also support resident wellness. These various opportunities to stay social and engaged earn two thumbs up from us!

    » Learn more: Active senior living communities

    The community’s dining options also stand out from the common options at other senior care communities on our list. Notably, this community offers Grind Dining meal preparation specifically for residents with dementia or neuromuscular disorders. This meal preparation process grinds and reinvents meals so that they can be eaten by hand, including by residents with chewing disorders. We really appreciate these dining options that are accessible to those with various needs and health issues.

    Additionally, room service meal delivery is available, and the community hosts a monthly gourmet night for family and friends. While communities like Heartis Buckhead feature many attractive dining settings, Orchard at Brookhaven goes above and beyond in its willingness to customize its dining experiences to meet residents’ needs.

    Types of Care

    Similar to Arbor Terrace at Cascade, Orchard at Brookhaven offers assisted living and memory care services. The community maintains teams of clinical specialists who work together, including a dementia care specialist, music therapist, recreational therapist, RN, and LPN. Resident health and wellbeing assessments are revised biannually to ensure the community is meeting residents’ evolving care needs.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: The care you need can change as you age, and it’s important to meet those needs. Read our guide to learn more about changing health care needs.

    Feedback and Reviews

    At the time we wrote this guide, Orchard at Brookhaven had a 4.9-star Google rating based on over 100 reviews. Reviews frequently praised the staff for being attentive, warm, and kind. They described the food as delicious and called the community beautiful. Many reviewers said that their parents thrived while in the community. The few negative reviews we found were posted by job applicants who expressed frustration at the complexity of the interview process. This feedback won’t really impact residents, and it was difficult to find any other negative themes about the community — a major plus.

  • 4. Charter Senior Living of Vinings

    Introductory Short-Term Stays

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,995 per month

    ADDRESS

    2401 Cumberland Pkwy. SE, Atlanta, NC 30339

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Charter Senior Living

    Source: Charter Senior Living

    Highlights

    • Short-term stays available for potential residents and those needing care
    • Pet-friendly community
    • Emergency call system in each resident’s home for safety
    • Amenities include wellness and fitness center, chapel, library, reading lounge, beauty salon, and resident and guest parking
    • Dining menu includes an “always available” menu of favorite dishes

    Overview

    Choosing the right assisted living community for your needs can be a tough job. That’s why Charter Senior Living of Vinings promotes its short-term stays for potential residents. While these stays are available to any older adult needing short-term care, potential residents can use the stay to get a sense of what daily life in the community is like. This is a great way to test out a community and see if you think it’s the right choice before making a commitment. It’s not something we see at many locations, so we’d recommend taking advantage of it!

    Charter Senior Living of Vinings stands out for other reasons, too. Its dining services include a varied menu, along with a selection of “always available” favorites like BLTs and crispy chicken fingers. Additionally, residents can enjoy themed meals and a monthly residents’ choice selection. We love when communities find ways to include residents in the decision-making process like this. The little things can make a big difference!

    The community also delivers various types of resident support. Like Arbor Terrace at Cascade, Charter Senior Living of Vinings offers concierge service to help residents with their needs. Help with packing, downsizing, selling your home, and moving is also available, which can be particularly useful in addressing challenges surrounding transitioning to assisted living. Moving can be an emotional and taxing process for seniors, so we really appreciate this extra support. The community also offers specialized financial assistance to help you with the challenges of paying for assisted living.

    Types of Care

    Charter Senior Living of Vinings offers assisted living and memory care, similar to many of the other communities on our list. An emergency call system in each apartment helps maximize resident safety. Transportation services are available to local medical appointments, and the Emory University Hospital Smyrna and Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital are nearby. We always recommend choosing a community with nearby hospitals and health-care centers.

    » Related reading: Transportation for seniors

    Feedback and Reviews

    Charter Senior Living of Vinings has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. According to reviews, the community is beautiful and clean, caregivers are knowledgeable and professional, and residents receive quality care. Many reviewers said that their parents were very happy in the community. Some negative reviews called the community understaffed, and several reviewers found the front desk staff to be impolite.

    Just remember not to take individual reviews at face value, as everyone will have a different opinion and experience. This is why it’s so important to go beyond reading reviews and visit communities in person so you can really get a feel for them.

  • 5. Renaissance on Peachtree

    Pet-Friendly Assisted Living

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,685 per month

    ADDRESS

    3755 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Renaissance on Peachtree

    Source: Senior Lifestyle

    Highlights

    • Pets are welcome
    • Amenities include a bar, fitness center, arts and crafts studio, beauty salon and spa, library and movie media center, and movie theater
    • On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy services
    • Activities like art and music classes, exercise and fitness classes, music and pet therapy, and social functions help keep residents active and engaged
    • Dining amenities include in-room dining service or a main dining hall

    Overview

    Renaissance on Peachtree offers an active assisted living setting. The community welcomes not only two-legged members, but also four-legged friends! This pet-friendly facility allows assisted living residents to bring a pet with them, and visits from family members with pets are also welcomed. This pet-friendly approach is important for several reasons. Owning a pet can fulfill critical needs for older adults, helping to reduce loneliness, giving adults a sense of purpose, and providing a companion to talk to.2 Knowing that a pet can come along can also help to ease the transition into assisted living.

    » Related reading: Pet-friendly senior living

    This community also features a robust events calendar and some great amenities to keep residents active. A movie theater, library and movie media center, arts and crafts studio, and fitness studio mean residents can enjoy activities on their own time. Structured activities, including art and music classes, pet therapy, music therapy, and social functions, also contribute to a vibrant lifestyle.

    Types of Care

    Renaissance on Peachtree offers independent living, assisted living, and short-term care. Medical services like medication reminders and transportation to doctor’s appointments help to ensure that residents’ needs are met. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are offered on-site, so it’s easy for residents to access these important services. While this community offers several lifestyle options, it is the only community on our list that doesn’t currently offer memory care. If you’re concerned that a loved one might progress to needing memory care services, a community like Charter Senior Living of Vinings might be better suited to meet your loved one’s needs.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Renaissance on Peachtree has received mostly positive reviews. According to reviews, the staff is warm and welcoming, the community hosts many events to help keep residents active, and the setting is beautiful. A few reviewers felt that their loved ones didn’t get the care they were promised.

  • Heartis Buckhead
  • Arbor Terrace at Cascade
  • Orchard at Brookhaven
  • Charter Senior Living of Vinings
  • Renaissance on Peachtree

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

While this list of the best assisted living communities in Atlanta is a great place to start your search, you’ll ultimately need to decide which community is the best fit for you. These tips can help you to narrow down your options and find the right community:

  • Identify the care you need. Consider the types of care that you need, such as medication management, assistance with bathing, and more. Additionally, try to anticipate what types of care you’re likely to need in the coming years. Then, look for a community that offers those specific care types.
  • Determine the right atmosphere. Think about the ideal atmosphere where you would like to live. Consider factors like whether you want a busy and social community, a more serene setting, or something in between.
  • Calculate your budget. Now it’s time to do some math. Creating a budget will help you determine how much you can comfortably spend on assisted living. Keep in mind that Medicare usually doesn’t cover assisted living costs, so you’ll need to rely on Social Security benefits, long-term care insurance, and retirement savings.
  • Think about location. Consider what type of location would be best for you. Think about any local destinations that are important, such as the option to continue seeing a medical specialist. If you have family nearby or who will be traveling in to visit, the community’s location can affect their travel.
  • Read some reviews. Reading reviews can give you some additional information about a community, but don’t put too much stock into any one review. Every assisted living community will have at least a few negative reviews, so read many reviews and look for themes that they repeatedly mention.
  • Make a visit. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential communities to just a few, go visit each community. Visits give you a chance to talk with staff and current residents, and to ask any questions you have. After your visit, listen to your gut instinct as you decide which community is right.

What Is Living in Atlanta Like for Seniors?

Atlanta is a large, vibrant city with a lot to offer to older adults. Here’s what it’s like for seniors living in Atlanta:

  • Climate: Atlanta has a mild climate, and the city’s average annual temperature is 61 degrees.3 July is the hottest month, while January is the coldest. Atlanta receives less than two inches of annual snowfall, so it’s ideal for outdoor activities.
  • Health care: Atlanta has a robust health-care system. Facilities include the Atlanta Medical Clinic and Atlanta Health & Medical Center, which help ensure older adults can get the care they need.
  • Cost of living: The cost of living in Atlanta is slightly less than the national average.4 While the cost of Atlanta’s health care is slightly above average, expenses like housing and utilities are well below average.
  • Activities: Thanks to Atlanta’s rich culture, older adults can participate in many activities, including seeing performances at the numerous theaters and concert halls, exploring museums, shopping at malls and antique stores, and dining at the many restaurants within the city.
  • Taxes: Georgia uses graduated individual income tax rates, so seniors with lower incomes will pay less in taxes than those with higher incomes. Income tax rates range from 1.00 to 5.75 percent.5 Georgia has no inheritance tax, so older adults don’t have to take tax rates into consideration when estate planning.6
  • Crime rate: Crime is a significant concern in Atlanta, but the city’s crime rates are dropping. In 2023, homicides declined by 21 percent, robberies decreased by 15 percent, and thefts from vehicles declined by 9 percent.7

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Atlanta?

According to Genworth, the median cost of assisted living in Atlanta is $4,202 per month.8 That’s significantly lower than the national median cost of $4,917 per month. Assisted living can be expensive, but several factors impact the rates that you’ll pay.

The type of care you need will have a significant impact on your rates. If you have minimal care needs, you can save money. However, costs will rise if you have increasing needs or if you need more specialized care. Try to find an assisted living community with a monthly fee that you can easily afford, so if rates increase, you have room in your budget to accommodate those higher costs.

You can also potentially save money by strategically choosing your room. Smaller rooms tend to cost less. If you’re looking for more space, sharing a two-bedroom unit with another resident can also help to keep costs down.

With so many assisted living communities in Atlanta, you’ll find some communities with starting rates that are lower than average. As you explore your options, consider your budget, what services are included with your monthly fees, and any services you might need to pay extra for.

Citations
  1. National Library of Medicine. (2018). The Importance of Physical Activity Exercise among Older People.

  2. Forbes. (2020). Pets Are Critical For Older Adults.

  3. DiscoverAtlanta.com. (2024). Weather.

  4. Axios. (2023). Cost of living in Atlanta cheaper than U.S. average, yet health care among the highest.

  5. Tax Foundation. (2024). Taxes In Georgia.

  6. Georgia Department of Revenue. (2024). Estate Tax – FAQ.

  7. Axios. (2024). Violent crime in Atlanta dropped during 2023.

  8. Genworth. (2024). Cost of Care Survey.

Written By:
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
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As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
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