Other senior care options in Virginia:

Best Independent Living in Virginia

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 154 independent living communities in Virginia using Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank independent living in VA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
154 homes
Other senior care options in Virginia:
Avg Walk Score: 44/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Virginia. 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: 95The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Virginia. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Independent Living around Virginia

Hickory Hill Retirement Community
IL
AL
MC
Burkeville
80
Facility 80
VA AVG 95
Rank #214 / 371
No
0
Facility 0
VA AVG 44
Rank #438 / 449
1 Bed / 2 BedMs. Laura D. Glasscock
91.3%
Facility 91.3%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #34 / 297
-17
41.2%
Facility 41.2%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #104 / 332
26
Facility 26
VA AVG 32
Rank #214 / 332
1.5
Facility 1.5
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #166 / 332
Brightview Fair Oaks
IL
AL
MC
Fairfax (Fair Lakes)
92
Facility 92
VA AVG 95
Rank #177 / 371
Yes
12
Facility 12
VA AVG 44
Rank #398 / 449
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedFranc Cooper
91.3%
Facility 91.3%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #34 / 297
-4
75%
Facility 75%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #259 / 332
9
Facility 9
VA AVG 32
Rank #132 / 332
2.3
Facility 2.3
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #227 / 332
AVIVA Baldwin Park
IL
AL
MC
RC
Staunton
75
Facility 75
VA AVG 95
Rank #230 / 371
No
29
Facility 29
VA AVG 44
Rank #313 / 449
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedMs. Kristi Piller
69.3%
Facility 69.3%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #173 / 297
-5
40%
Facility 40%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #87 / 332
3
Facility 3
VA AVG 32
Rank #85 / 332
0.6
Facility 0.6
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #97 / 332
The Virginian
IL
NH
AL
MC
Fairfax (Arlington Boulevard)
170
Facility 170
VA AVG 95
Rank #26 / 371
Yes
37
Facility 37
VA AVG 44
Rank #255 / 449
Private Rooms / Semi-Private RoomsMs. Jenna Ballard
58.8%
Facility 58.8%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #218 / 297
-19
68.4%
Facility 68.4%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #236 / 332
77
Facility 77
VA AVG 32
Rank #310 / 332
4.1
Facility 4.1
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #294 / 332
Brightview Dulles Corner
IL
AL
MC
Herndon (Hunter Mill District)
99
Facility 99
VA AVG 95
Rank #155 / 371
No
48
Facility 48
VA AVG 44
Rank #186 / 449
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedMs. Rehana Majeed
79.8%
Facility 79.8%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #111 / 297
-6
50%
Facility 50%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #124 / 332
9
Facility 9
VA AVG 32
Rank #132 / 332
1.5
Facility 1.5
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #166 / 332
The Ridge at Sterling
IL
AL
RC
Sterling
80
Facility 80
VA AVG 95
Rank #214 / 371
No
23
Facility 23
VA AVG 44
Rank #345 / 449
Studio / 1 BedMs. Mary Franck-Rolin
82.5%
Facility 82.5%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #89 / 297
-20
55%
Facility 55%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #161 / 332
33
Facility 33
VA AVG 32
Rank #240 / 332
1.7
Facility 1.7
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #179 / 332
Arleigh Burke Pavilion at Vinson Hall Retirement Community
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
RC
Mclean (Kirby Road)
32
Facility 32
VA AVG 95
Rank #341 / 371
No
52
Facility 52
VA AVG 44
Rank #161 / 449
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedMs. Analisse Vasquez Soto
59.4%
Facility 59.4%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #217 / 297
-6
33.3%
Facility 33.3%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #60 / 332
21
Facility 21
VA AVG 32
Rank #198 / 332
3.5
Facility 3.5
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #283 / 332
Brandermill Woods Healthcare Communities
IL
AL
MC
NH
Midlothian (Brandermill)
91
Facility 91
VA AVG 95
Rank #179 / 371
No
4
Facility 4
VA AVG 44
Rank #429 / 449
Apartment / Cottage / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 BedCarolyn L. Williams
60.4%
Facility 60.4%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #214 / 297
-8
62.5%
Facility 62.5%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #207 / 332
8
Facility 8
VA AVG 32
Rank #122 / 332
1.0
Facility 1.0
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #121 / 332
First Colonial Inn
IL
AL
MC
Virginia Beach (North Virginia Beach)
85
Facility 85
VA AVG 95
Rank #195 / 371
No
63
Facility 63
VA AVG 44
Rank #91 / 449
Private RoomsTina Marin
83.5%
Facility 83.5%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #81 / 297
-10
70%
Facility 70%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #243 / 332
34
Facility 34
VA AVG 32
Rank #244 / 332
3.4
Facility 3.4
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #280 / 332
Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
IL
AL
MC
NH
Virginia Beach (North Virginia Beach)
120
Facility 120
VA AVG 95
Rank #89 / 371
Yes
47
Facility 47
VA AVG 44
Rank #193 / 449
1 BedMs. Julia Fretwell
57.5%
Facility 57.5%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #223 / 297
A+9
77.8%
Facility 77.8%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #266 / 332
25
Facility 25
VA AVG 32
Rank #211 / 332
2.8
Facility 2.8
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #256 / 332
Bentley Commons at Lynchburg
IL
AL
RC
Lynchburg (Graves Mill Road)
135
Facility 135
VA AVG 95
Rank #61 / 371
Yes
26
Facility 26
VA AVG 44
Rank #332 / 449
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedMs. Shannon Rudelis
49.6%
Facility 49.6%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #255 / 297
A+41
68.3%
Facility 68.3%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #235 / 332
127
Facility 127
VA AVG 32
Rank #323 / 332
3.1
Facility 3.1
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #267 / 332
Westminster Canterbury Richmond
IL
NH
AL
HC
MC
NC
Richmond
214
Facility 214
VA AVG 95
Rank #15 / 371
No
16
Facility 16
VA AVG 44
Rank #374 / 449
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 2-4 BedMs. Susan Chrissley 60.7% A+5-00.0
The Fountains at Washington House
IL
NH
AL
Alexandria (Alexandria West)
215
Facility 215
VA AVG 95
Rank #14 / 371
No
66
Facility 66
VA AVG 44
Rank #77 / 449
Studio / 1 bed / 2 bedVictoria Baxter
32.6%
Facility 32.6%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #290 / 297
A+5
40%
Facility 40%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #87 / 332
6
Facility 6
VA AVG 32
Rank #108 / 332
1.2
Facility 1.2
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #138 / 332
Atlantic Shores
IL
AL
HC
MC
NH
Virginia Beach (Atlantic Shores Retirement Community)
50
Facility 50
VA AVG 95
Rank #306 / 371
Yes
8
Facility 8
VA AVG 44
Rank #412 / 449
1 Bed / 2 Bed-
71.5%
Facility 71.5%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #155 / 297
A+----
The Summit
IL
NH
AL
HC
MC
Lynchburg (Enterprise Drive)
50
Facility 50
VA AVG 95
Rank #306 / 371
No
56
Facility 56
VA AVG 44
Rank #143 / 449
1 Bed / 2 BedLisa T. Watson
84.0%
Facility 84.0%
VA AVG 70.8%
Rank #77 / 297
A+9
33.3%
Facility 33.3%
VA AVG 64.3%
Rank #60 / 332
54
Facility 54
VA AVG 32
Rank #284 / 332
6.0
Facility 6.0
VA AVG 2.3
Rank #315 / 332
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Overview of Paul Spring Community

Located on 12 acres just south of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, Paul Spring is a family-owned senior living community offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services. Serving the Mount Vernon area since 1988, Paul Spring combines lush surroundings with proximity to Washington, D.C., ensuring residents enjoy the best of both worlds. Paul Spring is committed to offering outstanding hospitality and customized programs that meet the various requirements of its residents.

With the provision of exceptional social, emotional, physical, and cognitive support, residents flourish in a secure and cozy setting. Paul Spring offers a variety of services such as housekeeping, a lively Life Enrichment Program, and professionally cooked meals made by an on-site chef. These features guarantee that residents feel comfortable from the time they arrive. The Paul Spring Retirement Community provides the ideal balance of comfort and convenience, whether one is looking for a carefree retirement or specialized care.

Contact Paul Spring Community

Overview of Elancé at Old Town Alexandria

Elance at Old Town Alexandria is an outstanding senior living community set in the peaceful North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA, offering assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Live a relaxing and sophisticated retirement within the meticulously crafted and elegant accommodations of Elance at Old Town Alexandria in various studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. A responsible and well-trained team strives to deliver world-class care and assistance for seniors to have the finest retirement within its premises.

The community promotes a vibrant and welcoming environment, ensuring seniors thrive in the best way they can. Moreover, signature programs are utilized to enhance seniors’ quality of life. Have a delightful dining experience with well-balanced meals that satisfy dietary needs and tastes. Elance at Old Town Alexandria is an incredible community that provides a safe place for seniors to spend every moment of their golden years gracefully within its scenic spaces and fabulous amenities.

Contact Elancé at Old Town Alexandria

Overview of Colonial Harbor Gracious Retirement Living

Offering independent living, Colonial Harbor is an invigorating senior living community in Yorktown, VA, offering a warm and inviting space for spending your golden years leisurely. Featuring an array of conveniently designed apartments, ranging from studios to one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, the community guarantees residents will find the one that best fits their needs. Support and assistance are available 24/7 with the help of a compassionate management team and emergency alert systems throughout the community for added security.

The community conducts an array of social and recreational activities, supported by convenient services like housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and maintenance services for a vibrant and carefree living experience. Amenities like a fitness center, billiard lounge, library, game room, full-service salon, chapel, computer rooms, and gorgeous outdoor areas, provides residents plenty of opportunities to explore, stay engaged and live a fulfilling life.

Contact Colonial Harbor Gracious Retirement Living

Overview of The Reserve at Greenbrier

Meet new friends and pursue your passions at The Reserve at Greenbrier, a welcoming senior living community in Chesapeake, VA, that offers exceptional independent living to active seniors. The community warrants a comfortable and secure residence with their wide range of floor plans, including one and two-bedroom apartments. A dedicated team is available 24 hours to provide residents with various assistance. The community’s ideal location provides easy access to shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and the Chesapeake Regional Medical Center.

The community’s trusted partnership provides residents access to various rehabilitative services and fitness solutions right at the community clinic. Residents also revel in an array of amenities, such as a dog park, fitness center, gazebo, basic cable, and well-curated library. At The Reserve at Greenbrier, residents are freed from everyday chores and errands, ensuring they have more time to spend with their friends and family.

Contact The Reserve at Greenbrier

Overview of Brightview Northfax

Brightview Northfax is a retirement community in Fairfax, VA, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care. With a lively, resort-style setting, the community ensures older adults find a home away from home. Residents also experience a maintenance-free lifestyle, as exceptional services, including chef-prepared meals, transportation, and household services, are provided. The community also works closely with residents to meet their needs and preferences through personalized care plans.

Light exercises, fun gatherings, and various recreational activities encourage residents to make friends and continue learning. Residents also have plenty of spaces to relax and connect with their surroundings, including the movie theater, art studio, and spa. Restaurants, shops, and public transportation also surround the area, providing residents with quick access to necessities and leisure. This retirement community has comprehensive care options dedicated to older adults’ welfare, making it one of the best options for senior living in Virginia.

Contact Brightview Northfax

Chancellor’s Village

12100 Chancellors Village Ln, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Overview of Chancellor’s Village

Situated in the heart of Fredericksburg, VA, the Chancellor’s Village is a prominent senior living community providing independent living and assisted living services. A wide array of cozy and spacious accommodations with several floor plans ranging from one-bedroom to two-bedroom are available. Having a highly equipped and compassionate team, this community offers an emergency response team and round-the-clock personalized care services.

As an award-winning senior living community, residents can enjoy a wide range of top-tier amenities and other services including delightful and healthy meals and snacks daily, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, in-house maintenance services, and free local transportation services. Participate in diverse social activities and community events. Meet new companions and share meaningful memories within the beautiful spaces of this community. With the Chancellor’s Village, seniors are assured of a worry-free retirement.

Contact Chancellor’s Village

Brightview Alexandria

6940 S Kings Hwy Suite 206, Alexandria, VA 22310
Overview of Brightview Alexandria

Brightview Alexandria is a top-rated retirement community in Alexandria, VA, that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Featuring 167 specially designed apartments in a nurturing and welcoming environment, the community ensures older adults are comfortable and safe. Residents can also maintain their independence with ease, with exceptional services like chef-prepared meals, household services, and recreational programs. Through customized care plans, residents also receive the utmost attention and care based on their needs and habits.

Fitness programs, art activities, and social events ensure residents can stay active and explore new hobbies. A movie theater, a wellness spa, and a beautiful walking trail leading to Franconia Recreation Center are among the many amenities dedicated to residents’ leisure and wellness. Set in the peaceful residential area of Alexandria, the community guarantees a laid-back retirement. As one of the finest options for senior living in Virginia, this retirement community provides comprehensive care to help older adults age gracefully.

Contact Brightview Alexandria

The Chesapeake

955 Harpersville Rd, Newport News, VA 23601
Overview of The Chesapeake

Virginia Baptist Homes Inc operates The Chesapeake, a 644-bed continuing care retirement community in the Newport News suburbs. The nonprofit, faith-affiliated facility provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing home care in a large-scale setting. Residents are predominantly private-pay (87.5% of current census), with Medicare and Medicaid comprising 8.3 and 4.2% respectively.

Occupancy has declined from 66.2% in 2022 to 55.1% in 2023. Average stays run 140 days across all care levels.

The facility earns five-star CMS ratings in health inspection, staffing, and quality measures; each category exceeding benchmarks.

Staffing investment reflects this designation: nurses and aides deliver 5 hours 9 minutes of combined care/resident/day, ranking 19th statewide. Registered nurses provide 1 hour 6 minutes of daily coverage, 61% above state norms. The staff-to-resident ratio reaches 2.04:1, outperforming the average by 23%. Physical therapist hours at 10 minutes/resident/day, are double state averages, indicating emphasis on rehabilitation infrastructure.

The facility’s most recent inspection was January 2022. That inspection identified 23 citations from an eight-year window: no critical or serious deficiencies, 21 moderate, two minor. Resident Rights concerns comprised 35% of findings. No federal penalties have been assessed.

2023 net income was negative $1.1 million, though this represents improvement from negative $2.3 million in 2022. Annual revenue totals $29.5 million. Payroll consumes 46.9% of revenue; a reasonable level for nonprofit operations but below the typical 51–60% range.

Functional decline scores of 37.5 rank 90% worse than average.

Walking ability worsened in 56.1% of residents, 184% above the average. Unintended weight loss affected 18.0% of long-stay residents, 206% above the baseline. Falls resulting in major injury occurred in 6.6% of long-stay residents, 82% above state norms. Urinary tract infections appeared in 2.3% of residents, 51% above state incidence.

High-risk clinical events score 22.3, representing 120% worse performance than average.

Measurable strengths include depressive symptoms at 3.1% (79% better than average) and antipsychotic use at 5.2% (60% better). Influenza vaccination compliance reaches 100%.

Short-stay rehabilitation residents show zero antipsychotic medication initiations versus the average of 1.2%, and zero major-injury falls versus 0.8% statewide. Successful community return reached 58.2%, 15% above baseline. Emergency department visits ran 54% lower than state norms.

The Chesapeake presents as a highly-resourced facility optimized for post-acute rehabilitation with infrastructure that does not translate into sustained functional maintenance for long-term residents.

Contact The Chesapeake

Atlantic Shores

1200 Atlantic Shores Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Overview of Atlantic Shores

Atlantic Shores is a 55+ retirement community in Virginia Beach, VA, that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. The community promotes a supportive and welcoming environment to ensure older adults can keep their peace of mind during their stay. Exceptional services, including housekeeping, well-balanced meals, and concierge services, are also provided, so residents have a maintenance-free lifestyle. Focusing on residents’ holistic wellness, the community also creates care plans tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

Dance, board games, and pet-friendly outings are just some of the activities that residents can participate in to stay active and have fun. Residents can also lounge and interact with their surroundings through state-of-the-art amenities, including the indoor pool, fitness center, and beautifully maintained gardens. With its scenic setting near Lake Redwing and various leisure sites, residents are guaranteed a stress-free retirement. This retirement community has high standards of care, making it one of the best choices for senior living in Virginia.

Contact Atlantic Shores

Overview of Chesterfield Heights

Enjoy a gracious retirement lifestyle at Chesterfield Heights, an impressive senior living community set in Midlothian, VA, offering independent living. Get welcomed into cozy and inviting living spaces in a variety of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments–all equipped with 24-hour emergency pull cords for added safety and comfort of knowing help will be easily accessible. Managers live within the area so residents can easily reach them for their needs and inquiries.

Committed to creating inspiring experiences for all its residents, the community conducts an array of invigorating activities and programs. In addition, residents enjoy access to a variety of amenities, including a library, fitness center, chapel billiards & card room, and comfortable common rooms. Services like housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and transportation services, let residents live a carefree lifestyle. Residents also enjoy three delicious daily meals and all day coffee, fruits and snacks to ensure they have the energy to live their everyday life to the fullest.

Contact Chesterfield Heights

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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Living in Virginia

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 154 independent living communities in Virginia. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

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

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 Virginia, 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 Virginia?

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.