Best Independent Living in Texas

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 Mrc the Crossings

Mrc the Crossings is a nonprofit Life Care community in League City, Texas, providing independent living, assisted living, nursing, memory support, respite care, and rehabilitation, with a 48-bed capacity. Managed by Happy Harbor Methodist Home, Inc., a faith-based organization, the community’s mission is rooted in a spiritual commitment to honor and assist older adults as a reflection of religious devotion, creating a unique atmosphere of dedicated service.

The community is currently operating at an 88.1% occupancy rate, reflecting a high level of neighborhood confidence and local demand. The typical stay for residents is 47 days, with Medicare accounting for 46% of new arrivals, while temporary recovery and private funds are at 53%. This financial variety shows that the community’s population is a balanced combination of both short-term rehabilitation patients and those seeking a permanent home.

The community has achieved a top overall score of 5 out of 5 stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which is significantly higher than the Texas mean of 3.0 stars. Its health evaluation results earned a perfect 5-star rating compared to the state average of 2.9, and the employee ratio also received a full 5 stars against the state norm of 2.4. These figures demonstrate a history of excellent regulatory compliance and a deep investment in medical personnel. While clinical quality metrics received a 3-star score, which is a little below the state average of 4.0, the community’s overall performance remains exceptionally high.

Personnel levels represent a significant advantage at this community, with a total adjusted nursing time reaching 4 hours and 39 minutes for every resident daily, which is 23% higher than the Texas average. Registered Nurse presence is especially notable at 57 minutes per resident each day, exceeding the state average of 26 minutes by 119%. Coverage on the weekends is at 4 hours and 8 minutes daily, indicating that medical supervision remains steady all week.

Mrc the Crossings is a good option for older adults and their families looking for a spiritually guided nursing environment in the Houston region. Its premier federal ratings, exceptional professional nursing hours, and full spectrum of care options make it a standout choice for both temporary therapeutic needs and long-term residency.

Overview of C C Young Memorial Home

C C Young Memorial Home is a senior living community in Dallas, Texas, providing independent living, assisted living, memory care, professional nursing, and physical recovery. Independently managed by an organization of the same name, this non-profit community has a Type B license in the Dallas region and is CMS certified. It has also received a Best in Senior Living Award, which provides external validation of its quality. With a 129-bed capacity, the community is currently operating at 76.5% occupancy rate, which is higher than the state average.

A primary advantage of this community is its impressive personnel profile. Registered nurses deliver 48 minutes of attention to each resident daily, which is 85% higher than the Texas state mean of 26 minutes. Support from vocational nurses reaches one hour and 18 minutes per day, exceeding the state average by 37%, while nursing assistant time is 52% above the typical Texas level at over three hours daily. Furthermore, nursing hours during the weekend remain 58% above the state average, showing that the community provides steady care all week long. The availability of physical therapy is especially remarkable, offering 21 minutes per resident daily, which is more than four times the state average and a major benefit for those focused on post-hospital recovery.

This community also accepts Medicare, increasing the financial options for those eligible. Alongside its official Alzheimer’s certification, specialized memory assistance, short-term relief stays, home health services, and hospice care are provided. A medical clinic, varied dining choices, a gift shop, massage services, spiritual support, and cutting-edge technology are among the amenities available on-site.

Regarding regulatory oversight, the community documented six total findings across two evaluations, which is in line with the Texas state average of six. These findings are four health code deficiencies and two life safety code violations, specifically related to infection management, pest oversight, and food preparation, all of which were resolved within a few weeks. No enforcement actions were also reported.

C C Young Memorial Home is a good option for older adults seeking a wide variety of services in one setting, from an active retirement to high-level nursing and end-of-life care. The superior staff-to-resident ratios also make it an especially good choice for individuals with intricate health goals, particularly those undergoing rehabilitation.

Located in Bryan, Texas, Crestview Retirement Community is a nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Community operated by Jesse Brannen. The 48-bed community offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, long-term care, and short-term rehabilitation on one campus at 2505 E Villa Maria Road in Brazos County. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving residents access to multiple levels of care within the same community.

CMS rates Crestview with an overall 5-star designation, placing it 66% above the Texas average. Health Inspection drives that result in the facility scoring 73% above the state average in that category. An April 2023 inspection produced a single citation for a fire alarm and smoke detection system issue; no enforcement actions were taken. A clean compliance record by any measure.

Staffing is a strength. Total nurse staffing averages 4 hours and 38 minutes per resident per day, ranking Crestview 41st out of 289 Texas skilled nursing facilities and roughly 23% above the Texas average of 3 hours and 47 minutes. The facility maintains 24-hour staffing.

A rehabilitation team that includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, and a respiratory therapy technician supports short- and long-term residents. Dining centers on made-from-scratch cooking served in a formal dining room, with a Bistro for casual meals.

The facility’s occupancy rate is 94%, with 45 of 48 beds filled. It is well above Texas’s average of 63.5%, which signals consistent demand for the community’s model.

The continuum of care at Crestview, from independent living through memory support and skilled nursing, serves residents and families planning for multiple levels of care under one roof in the Bryan–College Station area.

Overlooking the beautiful setting of Atascocita, TX, Fountainwood at Lake Houston is a premiere senior living community that provides upscale independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. Residents indulge in elegance and comfort with stunning accommodations built with their comfort and safety in mind. Ensuring residents are well cared for and comfortable, the community features a highly-trained team of professionals that boast excellent skills and knowledge in senior care.

Most of the residents’ chores and daily responsibilities are handled to give them more time to spend on the community’s vibrant activities and events. Delicious and nutritious meals are served restaurant-style in the elegant dining room for an enjoyable dining experience. With its convenient services and vibrant programming, residents here are bound to enjoy a fulfilling living experience.

Overview of Clearwater at the Heights

Clearwater at the Heights is a 267-bed luxury senior living community at 1245 W 18th St, Houston, TX, in the Northside neighborhood. Veronica Weathers administers the community on behalf of Cre-Hcw The Heights Trs Llc. Licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the facility opened in March 2022 and offers assisted living and memory care with 21 dedicated Alzheimer’s units.

A large high-rise community, Clearwater at the Heights sits 7.7 miles from downtown Houston in a very walkable neighborhood (walk score 74) with nearby shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The Fetal Center at Children’s Memorial Hermann is 6.3 miles away. Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments range from 369 to 1,492 square feet. Amenities include a saltwater heated pool, fitness center, spa services, chef-prepared dining through the Savor Culinary team, wellness programs, and a calendar of social events and outings.

The community is pet-friendly and offers short-term stays and therapy services.

Staffing composition, RN, LPN, and CNA hours per resident per day, and weekend-to-weekday breakdowns are not publicly disclosed. The facility confirms 24-hour staffing, Alzheimer’s certification, and personalized care plans but does not provide staffing metrics or state-average comparisons. Families should request specific staffing data, caregiver training credentials, and weekend and evening coverage during tours.

Administrative offices operate Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., which may limit after-hours accessibility.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is the regulatory body overseeing this facility.

Pricing information is not available on the facility’s public profile.

Families evaluating Clearwater at the Heights should request inspection records directly from HHSC and verify staffing composition and protocols.

Mackenzie Court is a senior living community under 12 Oaks Senior Living, located in Lubbock, TX. They offer pet friendly studio and one bedroom living options, equipped with kitchenette and private bathrooms, and generous closet space. Their living options also come with carpeting, individual heating and air conditioning, and emergency systems like smoke detectors and sprinklers. Part of the services they provide in assisted living includes personalized care plans with 24/7 support from full time registered nurses, medication management, and assistance with daily living activities.

The residents of Mackenzie Court also enjoy a variety of amenities such as social and wellness programs that fosters engagement and camaraderie, grooming services, meal provisions prepared with consideration to dietary needs, and access to facilities like lounges, and activity rooms. This senior living community is also dedicated not just to provide the care their residents need, but also the comfort of living a worry-free life, offering housekeeping and laundry services to remove the stress of doing energy consuming chores.

Overview of Brazos Tower at Bayou Manor

Part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community campus in Houston’s Braeswood neighborhood, Brazos Tower at Bayou Manor provides nursing home care, assisted living, and memory care services within a nonprofit setting. The community is operated by Brazos Presbyterian Homes, Inc. and includes 33 skilled nursing beds. The facility does not accept Medicaid but does accept Medicare and private pay.

The facility holds a 5-star CMS overall rating. Its Health Inspection record is among the strongest in the state: 5 total citations over the past three years, ranking 6th out of 292 Texas SNFs, with a per-inspection citation rate of 1.67, compared with a Texas average of 3.67. None of those citations were critical or serious, and all five were moderate. Eight civil money penalties totaling $57,000 were assessed in 2023, roughly 29% below the Texas average for penalized facilities; no payment denials have been issued.

Staffing stands out. Nurse staffing averages 5 hours and 47 minutes per resident per day, and the staff-to-resident ratio of 2.86:1 is nearly double the Texas average of 1.48:1, a meaningful figure for residents with complex care needs. Occupancy is 80.2%, about 26 points above the state average, indicating consistent demand. The payer mix is 72% Medicare and 28% private pay, with a 26-day average Medicare stay, reflecting a short-term rehabilitation orientation.

Amenities include an indoor pool, wellness and fitness center, a bistro for casual gourmet dining, and a 180-seat event and performance center. The facility does not accept Medicaid.

Brazos Tower suits residents seeking short-term post-acute rehabilitation or longer-term assisted living and memory care within a well-resourced, nonprofit CCRC campus in Houston’s Braeswood corridor.

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.