Best Independent Living in Austin, TX

Westminster receives a 3-star CMS overall rating (7.4% above Texas average) supported by exceptional staffing: 4-star rating reflects 5 hours 9 minutes of adjusted nursing care per resident per day, ranking 18th of 289 Texas facilities and 42% above state average. Weekend staffing reaches 4 hours 20 minutes per resident daily. The facility maintains 15 registered nurses, 21 licensed practical nurses, and 81 certified nursing aides. Staff-to-resident ratio 2.03:1 is 37% better than the Texas average. Quality measures receive a 4-star rating (33.2% above state average). Health inspection earns 3 stars (27.6% below state average). One September 2024 penalty of $29,000 represents the sole enforcement action in three years; 64% lower than state average.

Located at 4232 Jackson Ave in Austin’s Military Heights neighborhood (3.5 miles from city center), Westminster is an 85-bed voluntary non-profit nursing home operated by Charles Borst. Occupancy reaches 72.4% (8.9% above Texas average). Current census 78 comprises 88.5% private-pay and 11.5% Medicare residents. The facility serves primarily Medicare short-stay rehabilitation (62% of admissions, typical 23-day stay) and private-pay long-term residents (38%, typical one year).

Walk score 26. Minimum age 62; pets allowed; smoke-free.

2023 gross revenue totaled $10.7 million with net income $2.7 million (25.6% profit margin). Total payroll reached $21.9 million (38.4% of revenue), below the typical 51–63% for well-run Texas facilities. The facility ranks #3 in Texas by revenue and #3 by total payroll. Staffing includes 158 total (100 employees, 58 contractors).

Long-stay quality shows functional preservation strengths: functional decline 12.4% (23% better than state); need for help with ADLs 13.0% (19% better); pressure ulcers 2.9% (35% better); depressive symptoms 0.0%. Notable deficits include urinary tract infection 1.8% (127% worse than state); weight loss 5.6% (61% worse); antipsychotic use 15.0% (91% worse).

Westminster provides nursing home, independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and respite care with 24-hour nursing staff, physical/speech/occupational therapy services, and amenities including dining, beauty services, transportation, housekeeping, fitness center, swimming pool, walking paths, outdoor patio, community room, and 24-hour emergency maintenance.

Westminster operates with strong staffing above state benchmarks and bifurcated clinical quality, exceptional functional outcomes offset by elevated infection and medication use rates, serving primarily Medicare short-stay rehabilitation admissions.

Overview of Longhorn Village

Longhorn Village is a skilled nursing facility in Austin, Texas, located in the Steiner Ranch area on Longhorn Parkway. The 60-bed community operates as part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). It is a nonprofit facility owned by Stacy Hibma and has been operating for 21 years. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay. Services include rehabilitation, respite care, memory care, and 24-hour staffing. CMS rates Longhorn Village at 5 stars overall, a perfect score across Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures. Nursing staffing averages 5 hours and 35 minutes per resident per day, roughly 48% above the Texas average of 3 hours and 47 minutes, placing the facility 10th out of 289 Texas SNFs. Across four Health Inspections since 2024, the facility recorded seven citations, a rate of 1.75 per inspection, compared with the Texas average of 3.67, with no fines or enforcement actions. Three abuse/neglect citations issued in late 2024 were all corrected. Amenities include a fitness center, library, outdoor spaces, and salon services, as well as the Lifelong Learning program. With 82% of admissions covered by Medicare and an average length of stay of 64 days, the facility’s care model mainly focuses on short-term post-acute rehabilitation. The occupancy rate is 45%, well below the Texas average of 63.5%, which indicates current availability. Longhorn Village fits Medicare-covered patients seeking short-term skilled nursing and rehabilitation in a well-staffed, nonprofit CCRC setting in northwest Austin, with immediate bed availability.

Overview of Maravilla at the Domain

Maravilla at the Domain unfolds as a meticulously designed senior living community, merging luxury and practicality. This haven offers a spectrum of services, encompassing assisted living places, memory care apartments, as well as senior apartments for independent living. The community’s allure is amplified within the three mid rise towers, each radiating a sense of refinement and offering both well-lit indoor and refreshing outdoor spaces.
Within its sophisticated environment, Maravilla caters to every need, gracing residents with a walkable village location and an enticing culinary experience boasting an extensive menu. The on-site amenities extend to a library, a cinema, and a full-service beauty salon and barbershop, enhancing the overall resident experience. Social interaction finds its haven with a full-service bar for engaging social hours, while the convenience of underground reserved parking ensures seamless accessibility. The commitment to well-being is also evident through the presence of a well-equipped fitness center and an inviting swimming pool.

Overview of Buckner Villas

Buckner Villas is a vibrant senior living community located in the heart of Austin, Texas. Nestled in a picturesque setting, our community offers a welcoming and engaging environment where residents can enjoy a fulfilling retirement lifestyle. From spacious and beautifully appointed residences to a variety of amenities and activities, Buckner Villas provides everything residents need to thrive. With a commitment to personalized care and support, our dedicated team ensures that each individual receives the attention they deserve to live life to the fullest. Come discover the warmth, companionship, and joy that define life at Buckner Villas.

Overview of Brookdale Gaines Ranch

Awarded #1 in Customer Satisfaction, Brookdale Gaines Ranch provides exceptional service for seniors of independent living and assisted living. Brookdale Gaines Ranch Strives to provide a dedicated approach to enhancing the quality of life for their seniors in need of quality assistance by providing options that specifically cater to each individual’s needs while still maintaining a level of independence and individuality. As a member of the Brookdale Senior Living Group, the Gaines Ranch community is guaranteed to provide a resident-centered atmosphere for its seniors, promoting a comfortable and secure living situation for them.

Life at Brookdale Gaines Ranch is designed to make lives safe and convenient for everyone; with the all-inclusive amenities and services provided by management, seniors are able to live hassle-free. They pride themselves on their approach to modern assisted living care which is unparalleled with their remarkable care staff that offers compassionate care with their service.

Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Continuing Care Retirement Communities in 2025, Querencia at Barton Creek combines independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing within one Austin campus. The nonprofit community, located on Barton Creek Boulevard, includes 42 skilled nursing beds and accepts Medicare and private pay, but not Medicaid. Querencia holds a 5-star CMS overall rating, the highest available, driven by top marks in Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures. Nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 49 minutes per resident per day, about 27% above the Texas average, ranking the facility 26th among 289 Texas skilled nursing facilities. Weekend staffing averages 37% above the state benchmark. Occupancy stands at 94%, well above the Texas average of 63.5%, reflecting consistent local demand. Since 2022, the facility has received 16 health citations across 4 inspections, 38% fewer than the Texas average of 25.9. No fines have been reported in the past three years. A September 2025 inspection resulted in one serious Quality of Care citation, which has now been corrected. Residents have access to rehabilitation services, dining, health and wellness programming, clubs and social groups, and organized resident and family engagement through an active Resident Council. Querencia at Barton Creek’s continuum of care, above-average staffing, and short-term rehabilitation capacity fit residents seeking post-acute recovery or a planned transition across care levels in southwest Austin.

Overview of The Village at the Triangle

The Village at the Triangle is a premier residential assisted living community located in their area of Austin, Texas. Here, they are also committed to providing exceptional memory care services that cater to the unique needs of seniors. The team takes pride in its comprehensive memory care programs that are tailored to meet the specific challenges of memory loss. With a compassionate staff and specialized services, they strive to create a nurturing and safe haven for the residents.

From beautifully appointed living spaces to stimulating activities, they create an environment where residents can thrive and enjoy life to the fullest. The goal is to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like home, fostering a sense of belonging and community among the residents. If you’re seeking exceptional memory care in your area, look no further than The Village at the Triangle.

Overview of Brookdale Westlake Hills

Located in Austin, TX, Brookdale Westlake Hills is a senior living community, offering independent living and assisted living options, along with comprehensive medical services such as short-term and long-term care, ensuring peace of mind for residents at every stage. Surrounded by landscaped grounds, residents can relax by the outdoor pool or stroll along beautiful walking paths, all within minutes of Austin’s top shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Known for its lively music scene and cultural diversity, Austin provides an enriching backdrop for residents to explore local galleries, museums, and culinary delights.

Brookdale Westlake Hills is committed to creating a luxurious yet comfortable environment that feels just right. The community offers spacious accommodations and inviting common areas that encourage relaxation and social engagement. With a focus on personalized dining experiences featuring healthy, delicious meals and special community events like festive holiday buffets, residents enjoy culinary delights that cater to their preferences. The jam-packed calendar of activities includes everything from shopping excursions and cooking classes to card games and fitness sessions, ensuring there’s always something exciting to participate in and opportunities to foster holistic well-being.