Page 5 of Best Independent Living in Ohio

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 208 independent living communities in OH using OH Dept. of Health data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in OH
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Ohio our team has analyzed — not a count of every independent living provider in Ohio.
208 homes
Other senior care options in Ohio:
Avg Walk Score: 42/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Ohio. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 75The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Ohio. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Ohio

Info below is compiled from the OH Dept. of Health, senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
A named contact for the facility. Hover the name to see their role — Administrator (state administrator of record or facility-provided administrator), Nursing Director, Medical Director, or Staff. The most authoritative available is shown.
A score out of 100 based on in-person interviews with residents, conducted by an independent third party on behalf of the Ohio Department of Aging. Residents are asked about staff, activities, meals, administration, and overall experience. <em>Source: Ohio Long-Term Care Quality Navigator</em>
Total count of citations (cited regulatory issues) recorded in the selected reporting period. Read alongside inspection counts for context.
The Village at Westerville
IL
AL
Westerville (Elmbrook Village)
-No
42
Facility 42
OH AVG 42
Rank #351 / 675
Studio / Suite / 1 BedA+Mustafa Ali
82
Facility 82
OH AVG 85.8
Rank #151 / 190
2
Facility 2
OH AVG 2
Rank #64 / 172
Independence Village of Avon Lake
IL
AL
MC
Avon Lake
-Yes
39
Facility 39
OH AVG 42
Rank #373 / 675
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedA+-
92
Facility 92
OH AVG 85.8
Rank #19 / 190
3
Facility 3
OH AVG 2
Rank #85 / 172
Willow Brook Christian Home
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Columbus (Olentangy High Bluffs)
50
Facility 50
OH AVG 75
Rank #213 / 307
No
25
Facility 25
OH AVG 42
Rank #503 / 675
--Mary Jane Jordan
84
Facility 84
OH AVG 85.8
Rank #123 / 190
2
Facility 2
OH AVG 2
Rank #64 / 172
Briarwood Village
IL
AL
HOS
NH
PC
RC
SNF
Coldwater
72
Facility 72
OH AVG 75
Rank #157 / 307
No
56
Facility 56
OH AVG 42
Rank #188 / 675
---
90
Facility 90
OH AVG 85.8
Rank #34 / 190
2
Facility 2
OH AVG 2
Rank #64 / 172
The Estates at Knightsbridge
IL
AL
MC
Columbus (Olentangy Commons)
-Yes
52
Facility 52
OH AVG 42
Rank #230 / 675
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedA+-
82
Facility 82
OH AVG 85.8
Rank #151 / 190
1
Facility 1
OH AVG 2
Rank #1 / 172
Brookdale Zanesville
IL
AL
MC
NH
SNF
Zanesville
-Yes
42
Facility 42
OH AVG 42
Rank #351 / 675
Studio / Alcove / 1 Bed-Debbie Mcclain
95
Facility 95
OH AVG 85.8
Rank #4 / 190
4
Facility 4
OH AVG 2
Rank #105 / 172
Ohio Living Swan Creek
IL
AL
NH
SNF
Toledo (Southwyck)
33
Facility 33
OH AVG 75
Rank #266 / 307
Yes
28
Facility 28
OH AVG 42
Rank #467 / 675
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed--
76
Facility 76
OH AVG 85.8
Rank #182 / 190
20
Facility 20
OH AVG 2
Rank #156 / 172
Kensington Place
IL
AL
MC
RC
Columbus (East Columbus)
83
Facility 83
OH AVG 75
Rank #121 / 307
Yes
30
Facility 30
OH AVG 42
Rank #448 / 675
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed-Erin Stucky
89
Facility 89
OH AVG 85.8
Rank #42 / 190
-
Vitalia Active Adult Community at North Olmsted
IL
AL
MC
North Olmsted
-Yes
39
Facility 39
OH AVG 42
Rank #373 / 675
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed--
87
Facility 87
OH AVG 85.8
Rank #63 / 190
2
Facility 2
OH AVG 2
Rank #64 / 172
Mcgregor at Overlook
IL
AL
HOS
NH
RC
SNF
East Cleveland
148
Facility 148
OH AVG 75
Rank #17 / 307
No
52
Facility 52
OH AVG 42
Rank #230 / 675
Studio / 1 Bed-Phyllis Tabbs--

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every OH community we track that reports that metric, not just the 208 on this page.

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Overview of The Village at Westerville

The Village at Westerville is a senior living community in the Elmbrook Village neighborhood of Westerville, Ohio, offering both assisted living and independent living. That combination lets a resident settle into an independent apartment and move to a higher level of support later without leaving a familiar building and staff. The community has been operating for about 47 years, a long tenure that reflects deep experience with both state regulation and the practical work of daily care.

The community is led by administrator Mustafa Ali, with Trina Vanmeter serving as director of nursing. Housing is set in a two story building, with studio, suite, and one bedroom options, and two bedroom floor plans are also listed. That range gives families room to match the space to a resident’s budget and to how much room they actually want to keep up with.

Residents have access to transportation services along with fitness and recreation programming. Transportation is a practical detail worth weighing, since it shapes how easily someone can keep medical appointments and errands on their own terms. The community allows alcohol, honors do not resuscitate directives, and maintains a smoke free and pet free environment, so it suits a household that prefers a quieter residential setting.

The location sits about two miles from the center of Westerville, with Mount Carmel St. Ann’s hospital under two miles away, a meaningful convenience for anyone managing an ongoing medical condition. The neighborhood carries a Walk Score of 42, meaning a few errands can be handled on foot while most trips call for a car or the community’s transportation. For visiting family, the Westerville setting is easy to reach and close to everyday services, which tends to matter more over time than it does on a first visit.

Contact The Village at Westerville

Overview of Independence Village of Avon Lake

Ideally located in the beautiful city of Avon Lake, OH, Independence Village of Avon Lake is an exceptional senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Residents are guaranteed to enjoy a relaxing personal time or host families and friends in their graciously appointed accommodations, ranging from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. With 24-hour care and support provided by a licensed care team and emergency response systems installed within the community, residents are sure to receive assistance any time of the day.

Everyday moments are made more vibrant with a wide range of regularly planned activities, programs, and events. Menus and meals are curated to cater to residents varying nutritional needs and preferences, making sure everyone truly enjoys their dining experience. Residents will never get bored with a plethora of community spaces that provide relaxation and entertainment, such as a cozy atrium, salon, library, cafe, lobby, and fitness center.

Contact Independence Village of Avon Lake

Overview of Willow Brook Christian Home

At 94 days average length of stay and 85% occupancy, Willow Brook Christian Home sits in a clear middle range: longer than a short-stay rehab facility, shorter than a traditional long-term care placement. The 50-bed nursing home and assisted living community at 55 Lazelle Rd in Columbus’s Olentangy High Bluffs neighborhood is part of Willow Brook Christian Communities and operates in a faith-based context, 12 miles from the city center with Mount Carmel St. Ann’s about 3 miles out. The area is car-dependent (Walk Score 25).

Total nursing care runs 3 hours and 56 minutes per resident per day. Registered nurses account for 1 hour and 19 minutes of that; nurse aides cover 2 hours and 35 minutes. Rehabilitation services are available on-site, and the facility runs a Transitional Living program. Mental health service workers are part of the staff mix, which is not universal in nursing home settings of this size. An active Resident Council meets regularly.

State inspections have tended to center on medication management, infection control, and care planning and documentation. Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay are all accepted. Administrator Mary Jane Jordan and Director of Nursing Theresa Agyepong lead the clinical and operational side.

What shows is how Willow Brook Christian Home, a mid-sized faith-affiliated nursing home with a 3-month average stay and a staffing model that includes mental health support, is suited to individuals who need skilled nursing or post-acute care and whose families want access to all three major payment pathways.

Contact Willow Brook Christian Home

Overview of Briarwood Village

Owned by Madison Correll, Briarwood Village is a 72-bed skilled nursing home in Coldwater, Ohio. The community serves residents who need acute rehabilitation, ongoing nursing care, memory support, and palliative services. Families can choose from Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay to cover both post-acute recovery and longer-term care.

The facility has full occupancy. Residents stay an average of 82 days, including short-term rehabilitation residents and those requiring ongoing nursing support. The average daily nurse staffing is 3 hours and 22 minutes per resident. Care is provided 24 hours a day by licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse aides.

Rehabilitation is a major focus of the home. Outpatient rehabilitation services are available alongside general therapy, respite care, and palliative care. These services make the facility a practical option for residents recovering from surgery or illness, as it supports those with memory-related conditions or end-of-life care needs. The person-centered care approach focuses on each resident’s individual needs and preferences.

Coldwater has a Walk Score of 56, meaning the area is somewhat walkable. Some errands can be done on foot, but most will require a car. The area is accessible for families visiting their loved ones, and nearby services are readily available.

Contact Briarwood Village

Overview of The Estates at Knightsbridge

The Estates at Knightsbridge has operated from its address at 4590 Knightsbridge Blvd in Columbus’s Olentangy Commons neighborhood for 36 years. That kind of longevity in senior care is notable without being remarkable; what it signals is stability, not necessarily quality. The community spans three care levels: assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Families managing transitions or planning ahead for more complex care needs have a single address to work with.

Unit sizes run from 297 to 681 square feet, with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts available. That’s a wider footprint range than many communities offer, giving residents room to calibrate based on budget and what they actually need. Pets are not permitted.

On the services side, respite care is available. The amenity list covers the functional basics: housekeeping, transportation, exercise programming, and recreational activities.

Walkability is moderate. The community’s Walk Score of 52 means some errands are manageable on foot, but a car is useful for anything beyond the immediate area.

The three-tier care model is the defining feature here. For families who want their relative settled in one place without the prospect of a disruptive move if needs escalate, The Estates at Knightsbridge offers that continuity. The strongest case for this community comes from its longevity and its memory care offering for families navigating cognitive decline.

Contact The Estates at Knightsbridge

Overview of Brookdale Zanesville

Set in the quiet, residential neighborhood of Zanesville, OH, Brookdale Zanesville is a lively senior living community, offering assisted living and memory care. Offering a continuum of care between the two care types, the community offers residents seamless transition should their care needs evolve. A care team collaborates closely with the residents in creating individualized care plans, which often includes extra help with a wide range of daily needs like dressing, hygiene, mobility and medication management, complemented with 24/7 on-site team available to provide support during emergencies.

At Brookdale Zanesville, you’ll find a relaxed lifestyle full of life-enriching activities, fewer worries and less stress. Residents can enjoy cardio drumming, trivia and bus rides and several dementia-friendly activities for memory care residents. A culinary team carefully prepares nutritious meals that residents enjoy in an elegant dining room with others, fostering nourishment and socialization. Amenities include beautiful common areas such as a library, a cafe, an arts & crafts studio, a game room, and a chapel, offering plenty of opportunities for socialization, entertainment, and devotion.

Contact Brookdale Zanesville

Overview of Ohio Living Swan Creek

Tucked away in the quiet area in Lucas County, Toledo, Ohio, Ohio Living Swan Creek is a charming senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation and skilled care. Residents feel at home in luxurious three-bedroom villas, one-bedroom, and studio apartments designed for sophisticated living with expansive spaces and high-end finishes that cater to their every need. The community provides individualized care plans tailored to residents’ individual needs, encompassing assistance with daily activities, medication management, and regular health assessments.

The community also offers top-notch rehabilitation and skilled care services designed to help residents achieve optimal recovery and maintain their highest level of functioning. An array of social activities, fitness, and wellness programs are available to make residents’ days as full and productive as possible. Meals and menus are made to cater to residents’ preferences and dietary needs, providing them with the sustenance they need to stay energized and healthy. With 24-hour emergency, safety and security systems, round-the-clock nursing services, and a wide array of supportive services like laundry and housekeeping, residents are guaranteed to live a comfortable and convenient retirement life.

Contact Ohio Living Swan Creek

Overview of Kensington Place

Kensington Place Retirement Community offers a simplified lifestyle based on your terms. With an emphasis on memory care, the community provides a lifestyle based on the terms of its residents. The elegant retirement home offers a vibrant and enriching lifestyle that includes a list of living options with customized care created to fit the needs of each individual. 

Kensington Place is equipped with memory care amenities to help the resident’s mental and physical stimulation to remain active– an art studio, library, music room, walking paths, and courtyards, to name a few of the community’s offerings. The well-trained staff on duty tend to your needs for worry-free living– housekeeping and maintenance, cleaning, and transportation services.

Contact Kensington Place

Overview of Vitalia Active Adult Community at North Olmsted

Set in the harmonious neighborhood of Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH, Vitalia Active Adult Community at North Olmsted is an esteemed senior living community offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Select among a wide array of purposely built and snug residences including studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments to maximize comfort and convenience. Moreover, the community works closely with seniors to craft a care plan that best matches their special needs and preferences.

Focusing on residents’ interests and wellness, the community orchestrates a variety of enriching activities and fun events to keep them happy and active. With delightful and nutritious meals catering to dietary needs and tastes, residents eat well and feel their best. Vitalia Active Adult Community at North Olmsted is ideal for seniors looking to enjoy an active and blissful retirement with its serene campus filled with incredible amenities.

Contact Vitalia Active Adult Community at North Olmsted

Overview of Mcgregor at Overlook

Mcgregor at Overlook in Cleveland, Ohio, prioritizes successful aging. Their focus on holistic wellness empowers residents to thrive and embrace a fulfilling new lifestyle. Gracious senior living practices ensure a comfortable and enriching environment. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including an activity center, outdoor areas, and housekeeping services. The convenient location near healthcare facilities, retail stores, and houses of worship provides easy access to everyday needs.

Mcgregor at Overlook takes a comprehensive approach to resident well-being. Their philosophy goes beyond basic care, incorporating programs and services that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Mcgregor at Overlook offers a variety of living options to suit individual needs. These include assisted living, independent living, memory care, and nursing care. With costs ranging from $2,190 to $7,189 per month, they have a variety of budgets.

Contact Mcgregor at Overlook

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Ohio

What is independent living?

Independent living communities are residential settings for active older adults — typically with private apartments or cottages, shared amenities (dining, fitness, activities), and no built-in medical care.

How many independent living communities are listed on this page?

This page features 208 independent living communities in Ohio. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right independent living community in Ohio?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Ohio, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting independent living communities in Ohio?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.