Independent Living in Grand Rapids, Michigan

When it comes to independent living in Grand Rapids, MI, families looking for senior care for their elder loved ones have a variety of options. Independent living allows seniors to maintain their...

When it comes to independent living in Grand Rapids, MI, families looking for senior care for their elder loved ones have a variety of options. Independent living allows seniors to maintain their independence while still having access to a supportive community. In Grand Rapids, independent living facilities provide a range of amenities and services tailored to meet the needs of seniors.

It's important to understand the difference between independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. Independent living is suitable for seniors who are still active and able to live independently but desire the convenience of community living and access to amenities. Assisted living is a step up from independent living, offering additional assistance with activities of daily living. Skilled nursing facilities, on the other hand, provide more intensive medical care for seniors with complex health needs.

In Grand Rapids, MI, the costs of independent living can vary. While some facilities may have higher costs, there are also options available that offer more affordable pricing. The average income in Grand Rapids, MI is relatively higher compared to the state average in Michigan. Moreover, Grand Rapids ranks among the top cities in Michigan in terms of its vibrant community, recreational opportunities, and quality of life.

Some of the top independent living facilities in Grand Rapids include:

Sunshine Village
Clark Retirement Community
Porter Hills
Beacon Hill at Eastgate

These facilities provide a range of amenities, including social activities, dining options, wellness programs, and transportation services, to enhance the independent living experience for seniors in Grand Rapids.

Rivertown Ridge

4.5

3555 Copper River Ave SW, Michigan 49418

Memory Care

Independent Living

Rivertown Ridge is a senior living community that feels more like a small neighborhood than a facility. The atmosphere is lively, with residents often out and about—some walking the landscaped paths, others chatting in the coffee corner or tending to raised garden beds.

Estimated Pricing

$2,327–$8,434 / mth

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Grand Brook Memory Care of Grand Rapids

4.4

5281 Wilson Ave SW, Michigan 49418

Memory Care

Independent Living

Grand Brook Memory Care of Grand Rapids stands out for its truly home-like feel and its focus on meaningful daily life for residents. Instead of a large, institutional building, the community is split into two smaller, residential-style homes—each with its own open kitchen, cozy living spaces, and easy access to a central park-like courtyard. Families often mention how the atmosphere feels warm and inviting, not clinical or overwhelming.

Estimated Pricing

$2,327–$8,434 / mth

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The Oaks at Belmont

4.3

6081 W River Dr NE, Michigan 49306

Memory Care

Independent Living

The Oaks at Belmont has a reputation for being genuinely warm and attentive, not just to residents but to their families too. People talk about the staff by name, which says a lot—there’s a sense that folks working here really get to know the people they’re caring for. Nurses are on-site 24/7, and families mention that staff check in often and keep them in the loop about health updates or changes.

Estimated Pricing

$2,626–$9,756 / mth

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Care Cardinal Wyoming

4.3

2482 Waldon Woods Dr SW, Michigan 49519

Memory Care

Independent Living

Care Cardinal Wyoming is a mid-sized senior living community that offers both assisted and independent living options, as well as memory care. The place has a reputation for a friendly, attentive staff—families often mention that caregivers are patient, genuinely get to know residents, and even remember little details like food preferences and routines. Meals are cooked on site every day, and residents can choose between studio and one-bedroom apartments.

Estimated Pricing

$2,327–$8,434 / mth

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Bayberry Farms Village

4.1

2520 56th St SW, Michigan 49418

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Bayberry Farms Village is a senior living community that offers independent and assisted living options. Residents talk about how quiet and well-kept the place is, and the staff get a lot of praise for being responsive and genuinely helpful without hovering. Lauren, the property manager, is mentioned by name in reviews—people say she's easy to work with and really looks out for residents, even going the extra mile when someone wanted to adopt pets.

Estimated Pricing

$2,327–$5,760 / mth

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Holiday Aurora Pond

3.9

2380 Aurora Pond Dr SW, Michigan 49519

Memory Care

Independent Living

Holiday Aurora Pond in Wyoming, MI, is one of those places that feels more like a lively apartment community than a traditional senior facility. Residents talk about the variety of activities—book clubs, walking groups, even carnivals and tie-dye events. There’s a real effort to keep things interesting, though not every activity clicks with everyone. Meals get mixed reviews: some folks love the home-cooked feel and variety, others find them just okay.

Estimated Pricing

$2,327–$8,434 / mth

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Bailey'S Grove Retirement Community

3.9

5252 Bailey's Center Drive SE, Michigan 49512

Memory Care

Independent Living

Bailey's Grove Retirement Community is more of a practical, budget-friendly spot than a fancy senior living campus. It's run in partnership with HUD, so it's designed for older adults who need affordable housing. This means rent is income-based, which can be a huge relief if you're watching costs. The apartments are simple but have the basics covered—one-bedroom layouts, individual climate control, and some are even furnished.

Estimated Pricing

$3,711–$8,493 / mth

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Brentwood Village

3.9

201 60th St SE, Michigan 49548

Independent Living

Brentwood Village in Kentwood isn’t your typical retirement complex—it’s a mobile home community that leans toward independent living, so it’s best suited for seniors who don’t need daily hands-on care but still want a sense of community. Residents live in their own homes, so there’s a lot more privacy and autonomy than you’d find in assisted living. The grounds are kept clean and safe, and families often mention how well the management team responds to maintenance requests.

Estimated Pricing

$3,711–$5,746 / mth

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Wellington Woods

3.6

4550 N Breton Ct SE, Michigan 49508

Independent Living

Nursing Home

Wellington Woods is a senior apartment community in Kentwood that’s known for its affordable rents and a tight-knit group of residents. Folks who live there mention the strong sense of community—neighbors look out for each other, and it’s not unusual for residents to pitch in when someone needs a hand. The property manager, Jamie, comes up again and again in reviews. Residents and their families describe her as approachable, transparent, and genuinely caring.

Estimated Pricing

$3,711–$8,493 / mth

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Re-Purposed Assisted Living

3.5

1260 Cricklewood St SW, Michigan 49509

Memory Care

Independent Living

Re-Purposed Assisted Living is a small, home-like senior care residence tucked into a residential neighborhood in Wyoming. What stands out most is how hands-on the owners are—families consistently mention that 'the ladies who own/run it were awesome' and that they 'truly have a heart for this work.' Residents get help with daily routines like bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, but the atmosphere feels more like a family than an institution.

Estimated Pricing

$2,327–$8,434 / mth

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Medilodge of Wyoming

3.5

2786 56th St SW, Michigan 49418

Memory Care

Independent Living

Medilodge of Wyoming is a nursing home and rehab center that serves older adults needing both short-term and long-term care. Families say the building is usually clean, but some rooms could use updating. Staff friendliness gets mentioned, but reviews are mixed on how attentive they are—some families felt their loved ones didn’t get enough help, especially with things like walking or bathroom needs. The facility offers skilled nursing, short-term rehab, wound care, IV therapy, and respite stays.

Estimated Pricing

$2,327–$8,434 / mth

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Ambrose Ridge

1501 Woodworth St NE, Michigan 49525

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Ambrose Ridge feels more like a neighborhood than a typical senior facility. The place is known for its tidy grounds and a pond out back, where geese and ducks wander around—some folks love the view, others could do without the noise. The apartments themselves are described as comfortable, though not huge, and the whole place is kept pretty clean.

Estimated Pricing

$2,328–$4,865 / mth

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Baldwin House Senior Living Grand Rapids

2619 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Michigan 49507

Memory Care

Independent Living

Baldwin House Senior Living Grand Rapids isn’t the flashiest spot in town, but it’s quietly become a go-to for families who want something practical and friendly. The building sits near MacKay-Jaycees Park, so there’s a bit of green around, and the apartments are surprisingly roomy for the price. Residents can pick from one- or two-bedroom units with full kitchens—handy for those who still like to cook now and then.

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Beacon Hill At Eastgate

1919 Boston St SE, Michigan 49506

Memory Care

Independent Living

Beacon Hill at Eastgate is one of those places locals talk about when they want something more than just a roof and a meal for their loved ones. It’s a nonprofit community that’s grown steadily over the years, now offering everything from independent apartments to memory care and skilled nursing, all on one leafy campus.

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Important things to know about Independent Living

Independent Living: A Guide to Choosing Ideal Communities for Seniors

Added: Jun 1, 2023

4 min read

Last modified: Nov 26, 2023

Seniors in independent living manage their day-to-day lives on their own. There is no staff to help with personal care

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