Norfolk Independent Living

Norfolk--Virginia's second largest city--offers seniors dozens of assisted living options, especially with nearby Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Chesapeake. And with its rich heritage, the city provides residents plenty to keep them busy. Below is a snapshot of Norfolk assisted living costs and things to do.

Compared to other Virginia cities like Arlington and Alexandria, Norfolk is a bargain. Norfolk's overall cost of living is 10% above the national average or about 30% less than its sister-cities to the north, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A private, one-bedroom in a Norfolk assisted living facility averages $3,995 a month, according to a recent Genworth Financial survey on long-term care. A private room in a nursing home averages $207 a day--a semi-private averages $183.

To read inspection reports on assisted living facilities, nursing homes and special care units in Norfolk, click here. You'll be redirected to the Virginia Department of Social Services.

For seniors who want to continue their education, socialize and keep busy, there's Norfolk's Prime Plus Senior Center. Here you'll find classes in crafts, art history, foreign language, computers, investment clubs, book clubs, singing groups, bingo, dances, yoga, Tai Chi, regional field trips, and many more activities.

Norfolk offers plenty for seniors who want to get outside and stretch their legs. The Elizabeth River Trail offers walkers, joggers and cyclists the chance to see ships at work in Hampton Road's waters, dozens of bird species like cormorants, skimmers and ducks and historic Fort Norfolk, commissioned by George Washington in 1794.

Other attractions include the 155-acre Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the Virginia Zoological Park, the Douglas MacArthur Memorial, and Nauticus, a celebration of Norfolk's naval heritage with tours of the Battleship Wisconsin, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and many educational exhibits. Norfolk is also home to a yearly jazz festival, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and the Virginia Opera.

Now that you have a little taste of what to expect from Norfolk, start your search for the area's assisted living options. With our advanced search, you can narrow your choices by type of care and specific location. Some facilities are even rated by residents.