Senior housing in Ann Arbor costs an average of $5,024 monthly, exceeding both Michigan’s state average of $3,713 and the national average of $4,089. The price difference reflects Ann Arbor’s dedication to delivering exceptional living experiences across its 22 distinct senior communities.
Ann Arbor’s senior living market continues expanding with luxury options in 2025. The upcoming $47 million Lockwood development will add 154 upscale apartments to the city’s offerings. Independent living facilities throughout Ann Arbor consistently receive high resident satisfaction scores between 8.1 and 9.9, confirming the superior quality of life these communities deliver.
This guide examines Ann Arbor’s premier senior living options, from resort-style independent living to high-end assisted care facilities. You’ll discover the amenities, services, and financial considerations that distinguish these communities in 2025.
The Evolution of Luxury Senior Housing in Ann Arbor
Senior housing in Ann Arbor began modestly in the mid-1960s when Dr. Ralph Piper and church leaders envisioned creating a community offering gracious living, health care, and security for older adults. This vision became reality in 1973 when the Lutheran Retirement Center opened with 226 apartments and a 70-bed nursing center. Lurie Terrace emerged during the same period as one of the first affordable senior housing projects proposed in the United States, featuring workshops, plant conservatories, and small dining halls to promote vibrant living.
From basic retirement homes to resort-style living
Ann Arbor’s early retirement homes focused primarily on providing basic care and shelter. These communities transformed dramatically as senior expectations shifted over decades. Glacier Hills changed its name from Lutheran Retirement Center in 1982 to emphasize its non-sectarian character. In 2016, the Glacier Hills Board formed an affiliation agreement with Trinity Health Senior Communities, expanding its service capabilities.
Senior health concepts have changed substantially since Medicare’s creation in 1965. While early communities concentrated on essential services, modern retirement communities Ann Arbor now feature wellness programs, fitness centers, and personalized health plans. Today’s seniors pursue opportunities to shop, visit museums, and maintain dynamic lifestyles unlike previous generations.
What defines luxury in today’s senior communities
Luxury senior living communities distinguish themselves through exceptional architecture, exemplary hospitality, premium programs, and industry recognition. These communities prioritize personalization—from dining experiences to wellness programs.
The hallmarks of luxury senior housing Ann Arbor now include:
- Restaurant-style dining with chef-prepared meals using locally sourced ingredients
- State-of-the-art fitness centers with personal trainers, heated indoor pools, and wellness programs
- Cultural and educational programs including university lectures, musical performances, and art classes
- Stylish residences with high-end finishes, full-size appliances, and spacious floor plans
Modern luxury communities emphasize comfort and style, featuring private apartments or suites that feel both inviting and sophisticated. These communities incorporate personalized care plans addressing individual needs while fostering independence.
Ann Arbor’s unique position in the luxury senior market
Ann Arbor has emerged as one of the nation’s most renowned retirement destinations, recognized worldwide for its academic tradition and cultural significance. This prestigious backdrop provides an ideal foundation for luxury senior housing Ann Arbor Michigan that integrates with the city’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage.
All Seasons Ann Arbor opened in 2021, specifically designing its community to combine “the essence of Ann Arbor’s prestige in medicine, academics, sports, music, art, and culture”. This 35-acre property overlooking the Huron River features Prairie architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, with one- and two-bedroom residences and private cottages adjacent to Parker Mill Park.
Communities like Balfour Ann Arbor offer luxury senior living with a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays. The emphasis on personalized assistance and upscale amenities, such as fine dining and concierge services, aligns with Ann Arbor’s reputation for excellence.
Ann Arbor stands apart from other markets due to its proximity to the University of Michigan, giving residents access to world-class educational resources, cultural events, and medical facilities. The city’s senior living communities capitalize on these connections, creating experiences that would be impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Top-Rated Independent Living Communities in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor features several distinguished independent living communities, each offering unique amenities for seniors seeking an elevated lifestyle. Three standout options have received exceptional recognition for their quality service and accommodations.
Brookhaven Manor: Amenities and resident experiences
Located in Ann Arbor’s 48103 zip code, Brookhaven Manor operates as a smoke-free community exclusively for adults 55 and better. This premier retirement community enjoys a strategic location near I-94, Briarwood Mall, art galleries, restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and the University of Michigan Hospital.
Dining excellence defines the Brookhaven experience, with culinary professionals incorporating fresh ingredients into traditional recipes. Residents enjoy flexible dining options seven days a week in either the main dining room or the Bistro, which offers lighter fare.
Brookhaven Manor has earned an impressive distinction as the only independent senior living community in Ann Arbor that has received the Best of Senior Living Award every year since 2013. The 2021 award places Brookhaven among the top one percent of senior care providers nationwide. Residents consistently praise the community for its:
- Welcoming staff who remember names after first introductions
- Excellent food quality and variety
- Clean, well-maintained premises
- Robust activity programming
Monthly costs at Brookhaven range from $2,900 to $4,100, with an average price of $3,500—considerably below the area average of $5,175.
All Seasons Ann Arbor: Resort-style living options
All Seasons Ann Arbor epitomizes resort-style independent senior housing Ann Arbor Michigan. Thoughtfully designed to “delight every one of the senses,” this luxury community offers rental senior living residences and cottages with no expensive buy-in fee.
The property boasts first-class amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor swimming pool, performance auditorium featuring a prestigious grand piano, hair salon, library, business center, art and projects room, and multiple game rooms. Residents particularly enjoy the chauffeured transportation service, which makes exploring Ann Arbor’s cultural attractions effortless.
Distinctive dining experiences elevate everyday living at All Seasons. Residents enjoy restaurant-style dining with special themed meals, classic dishes, chef-inspired creations, and delectable dessert options in an elegant setting. The community emphasizes both ambiance and service, creating opportunities to enjoy meals with neighbors, family, and friends.
StoryPoint Saline: Award-winning services and accommodations
StoryPoint Saline has been voted #1 in senior living “by those who matter most”—its residents. Located just outside Ann Arbor in nearby Saline, this community offers exceptional care in a resort-style setting.
The community features multiple thoughtfully designed common areas including a main lobby with fireplace, cafe, library, bistro, and formal dining room with chef-prepared meals. Unique spaces like the billiards room, fitness center, and “Wall of Honor” dedicated to recognizing resident veterans create a sense of community pride.
StoryPoint excels at creating engaging experiences through an activities schedule packed with programs tailored to residents’ interests and pace. From theme parties to excursions to area attractions, residents find their calendars consistently full with opportunities for connection.
Residents and families alike praise StoryPoint for its exceptional staff, high-quality food, well-designed living spaces, and vibrant community atmosphere. Special events like Waffle Wednesday and beer & wine crafting events add to the community’s appeal, keeping retirement living fresh and exciting.
Each of these communities exemplifies how retirement communities Ann Arbor have evolved to meet the sophisticated expectations of today’s seniors who desire both luxury and meaning in their golden years.
Premium Assisted Living and Memory Care Options
For seniors requiring more personalized attention than independent living provides, Ann Arbor offers premium assisted living and memory care communities that combine luxury with specialized support.
Atria Park of Ann Arbor: Upscale care services
Situated across from the University of Michigan’s North Campus, Atria Park of Ann Arbor creates an impressive first impression with its beautiful Victorian architecture. The community is thoughtfully designed for comfort and connection, featuring enhanced care services and a wellness center for physical therapy and physician visits.
Round-the-clock personalized care distinguishes this community, with nurses available 24 hours daily to provide continuous monitoring tailored to specific health requirements. Residents receive comprehensive support for activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, incontinence care, and medication management.
Atria’s memory care program—Life Guidance—sets new standards for residents experiencing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Every element of their memory care neighborhood is specifically designed to support cognitive well-being. The community recognizes that each person’s cognitive decline journey is unique, delivering individualized care based on specific needs, experiences, and symptoms.
The property encompasses exceptional outdoor spaces, including a private lake, two wraparound patios, and scenic walking paths. Atria has garnered recognition from U.S. News & World Report for excellence in safety, staff and hospitality, management, homey atmosphere, and enrichment activities.
Glacier Hills: Comprehensive care in an elegant setting
Operating for more than 50 years, Glacier Hills continues to impress residents with stunning new accommodations, luxurious amenities, and a vibrant activities calendar. Located on a tranquil 34-acre campus, the community features gardens, gazebos, and spacious assisted living apartments.
The Manor’s third floor is dedicated entirely to assisted living residents, offering various floor plans from studios with kitchenettes to two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens. Residents benefit from encouraging, supportive professionals who provide enhanced services as needed.
Eva’s House at Glacier Hills offers specialized memory care following the Anam Cara model, accommodating up to 44 seniors. This program delivers care strategies for residents with varying degrees of dementia—from higher-functioning individuals who thrive on social interaction to those with advanced conditions who may have difficulty articulating their needs.
Beyond residential services, Glacier Hills has been recognized for excellence in short-term rehabilitation, receiving Five Stars for Quality from CMS and being named among “America’s Best” by U.S. News & World Report in 2024. The community has established itself as a comprehensive care destination where seniors can age gracefully with appropriate support at each stage.
Both communities illustrate how luxury senior housing Ann Arbor extends beyond independent living to include specialized care services that maintain dignity and quality of life regardless of changing health needs.
Luxury Amenities Transforming Ann Arbor Senior Housing
Luxury living extends far beyond basic accommodations in Ann Arbor’s premier senior communities. Today’s upscale facilities feature remarkable amenities that foster vibrant, fulfilling lifestyles for residents seeking the finest retirement experience.
Gourmet dining experiences and chef-prepared meals
The culinary revolution in senior housing Ann Arbor appears through extraordinary dining options. All Seasons Ann Arbor offers six distinct dining venues including The Oak Dining Room, The Mill Pub, The Garden Dining Room, private dining spaces, and in-home delivery. Their executive chef and culinary team focus on preparing fresh, seasonally appropriate entrées made from scratch.
Glacier Hills elevates dining through elegant venues like the Renaissance Room and glass-enclosed Heritage Room. Their flexible meal plans include wine with dinner and popular Friday wine and cheese receptions. Unlike institutional cafeterias of the past, many communities now feature chef-prepared meals that “rival Ann Arbor’s finest restaurants” with menus combining nutrition and culinary creativity.
Wellness centers and fitness programs
Health-focused amenities have become central to retirement communities Ann Arbor. Many properties now feature state-of-the-art fitness facilities offering specialized programs like balance training, yoga, tai-chi, and movement classes tailored to varying mobility levels.
The Turner Senior Wellness Program provides high-quality, low-cost wellness activities led by U-M faculty and community experts. These programs yield tangible benefits—increased bone density, improved balance, reduced fall risk, and enhanced ability to perform daily activities.
Social and cultural activities unique to Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor senior housing Michigan capitalizes on the city’s rich cultural landscape. Residents at All Seasons enjoy world-class musical and theater performances in their state-of-the-art Performance Auditorium featuring a prestigious grand piano. Beyond on-site programming, residents participate in cultural, historical, and culinary day trips throughout the month.
Technology integration in modern senior communities
Technology has transformed senior housing Ann Arbor MI. Today’s communities utilize passive monitoring systems with no cables or cameras to ensure resident safety. Predictive technology now warns of potential health emergencies before they happen.
For personal use, smartwatches and fitness trackers allow seniors to monitor health metrics and stay connected. Voice-activated assistants help with daily tasks such as setting alarms, playing music, and controlling lights and appliances. Video conferencing tools reduce isolation by enabling regular check-ins with family and healthcare providers without requiring physical visits.
Investment Considerations for Luxury Senior Housing
Investing in premium senior living requires careful financial consideration beyond finding the perfect location. What should potential residents expect when budgeting for luxury accommodations in Ann Arbor?
Price ranges for different luxury options
The cost spectrum for upscale senior housing in Ann Arbor varies significantly based on care level and amenities. Independent living at Clarendale Ann Arbor starts at $5,300 monthly, while their assisted living begins at $8,700 and memory care at $9,700. This aligns with the city’s average independent living cost of $5,024 per month.
Across the spectrum, luxury senior living typically costs 30% more than standard options, with monthly fees ranging from $6,000 to over $12,000. For budget-conscious seniors, Lockwood of Ann Arbor offers more affordable luxury with rents from $864 for a one-bedroom to $2,750 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Understanding value beyond the monthly fee
What truly distinguishes luxury communities is their comprehensive financial model. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) often structure payments through entrance fees plus monthly costs. Although the upfront investment might seem substantial, these arrangements typically include:
- Predictable costs for future care needs
- Partially refundable entrance fees that preserve wealth for heirs
- Bundled services eliminating separate bills for maintenance, dining, and utilities
Rather than viewing monthly fees in isolation, compare them against your current combined expenses for housing, utilities, food, and entertainment.
Financial planning strategies for luxury senior living
To afford premium senior housing, consider these approaches:
First, examine how portions of entrance fees and monthly payments may qualify as tax-deductible medical expenses. Next, evaluate whether selling investment properties or converting them to rental income better supports your financial goals.
For those with substantial assets, strategic withdrawals from retirement accounts can minimize tax implications while funding luxury accommodations. Finally, explore entrance fee models offering refundable options that protect assets for inheritance purposes while still providing access to high-end amenities and services.
Conclusion
Ann Arbor stands apart as a premier destination for luxury senior living, offering exceptional value through diverse housing options. While the average monthly cost of $5,024 exceeds state and national averages, residents receive unmatched access to world-class amenities, cultural experiences, and healthcare services.
The city’s senior communities have transformed dramatically over decades, evolving from basic retirement facilities into sophisticated living spaces that rival high-end resorts. Modern technology, gourmet dining experiences, and comprehensive wellness programs now define these communities, creating environments where seniors thrive rather than simply reside.
Financial planning remains crucial when considering luxury senior housing options. Though initial costs might seem substantial, the included amenities, services, and healthcare benefits often provide better value than maintaining a private residence. Strategic financial planning, tax considerations, and various payment models make luxury senior living more accessible than many realize.
Looking ahead, Ann Arbor’s commitment to exceptional senior living continues growing stronger. The upcoming Lockwood development and other planned communities will add more choices for seniors seeking premium accommodations. These new additions will enhance the city’s reputation as a leading destination for sophisticated senior living.
FAQs
Q1. What makes Ann Arbor a unique destination for luxury senior living? Ann Arbor offers exceptional value through diverse housing options, world-class amenities, and access to cultural experiences and healthcare services. Its proximity to the University of Michigan provides unparalleled educational and cultural opportunities for seniors.
Q2. How have senior living communities in Ann Arbor evolved over time? Senior communities in Ann Arbor have transformed from basic retirement facilities into sophisticated living spaces resembling high-end resorts. They now feature modern technology, gourmet dining experiences, and comprehensive wellness programs designed to help seniors thrive.
Q3. What types of luxury amenities can seniors expect in Ann Arbor’s premium communities? Luxury amenities in Ann Arbor’s senior communities include gourmet dining venues with chef-prepared meals, state-of-the-art fitness centers, cultural and educational programs, and advanced technology integration for safety and convenience.
Q4. How much does luxury senior living in Ann Arbor typically cost? Luxury senior living in Ann Arbor generally costs about 30% more than standard options, with monthly fees ranging from $6,000 to over $12,000. However, some communities offer more affordable luxury options starting from around $5,300 per month.
Q5. What financial strategies can help seniors afford luxury living options in Ann Arbor? Strategies to afford luxury senior living include exploring tax deductions for medical expenses, evaluating property sales or rentals, strategic withdrawals from retirement accounts, and considering entrance fee models with refundable options. It’s also important to compare monthly fees against current combined living expenses.
