Best Independent Living in Albuquerque, NM

Average Cost of Independent Living in Albuquerque

Although the pricing data on independent living specifically isn't well documented in Albuquerque, according to the Genworth Cost of Care survey, the average monthly cost of...

Average Cost of Independent Living in Albuquerque

Although the pricing data on independent living specifically isn't well documented in Albuquerque, according to the Genworth Cost of Care survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living for Albuquerque is $4,750. Independent living is usually about the same price but slightly less.

Top Independent Living Facilities in Albuquerque

The top memory care agencies in Albuquerque include:

Sandia Vista Senior Living
The Watermark at Cherry Hills
The Montebello on Academy

What to Expect in Independent Living (And How Does it Compare to Assisted Living)

Independent living communities are designed for seniors who are capable of living on their own but prefer the convenience of assistance with some tasks and the social aspect of community living.

Assisted living facilities on the other hand offer a higher level of service, assisting with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management for those who cannot live independently.

Is Financial Assistance Available for Independent Living?

While Medicare generally does not cover long-term care, such as independent living, memory care, and assisted living, various options, such as long-term care insurance, veterans' benefits, or Medicaid, may help cover costs.

Amaran Senior Living

4.3

9100 Holly Ave NE, New Mexico 87122

Memory Care

Independent Living

Amaran Senior Living provides assisted living, independent living, memory care, nursing home services for senior elders in the Albuquerque, NM area. To find the right care for you loved one, connect with one of our senior care experts.

Estimated Pricing

$2,130–$9,582 / mth

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Fairwinds - Rio Rancho

4.2

920 Riverview Dr SE, New Mexico 87124

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Fairwinds - Rio Rancho feels more like an active neighborhood than a traditional senior facility. Residents here get a mix of independence and support, depending on what they need. The staff is known for being approachable and helpful, with a reputation for building real relationships with residents and their families.

Estimated Pricing

$3,129–$5,428 / mth

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BeeHive Assisted Living Homes of Rio Rancho NM #1 - Dementia Care & Memory Care

4.2

204 Silent Spring Rd NE, New Mexico 87124

Memory Care

Independent Living

BeeHive Assisted Living Homes of Rio Rancho #1 feels more like a regular house than a facility, which is a big deal for families who want something less institutional. With only 12 rooms, it's a much smaller setup than most places, and that gives it a quieter, more personal vibe. The staff-to-resident ratio is good, and people often mention Meghan, the administrator, by name—she's known for being open, helpful, and willing to answer every question, even the tough ones.

Estimated Pricing

$3,129–$9,010 / mth

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Retreat Gardens

4.1

4100 Jackie Rd SE, New Mexico 87124

Memory Care

Independent Living

Retreat Gardens on Jackie Rd SE is known in Rio Rancho for its hands-on approach to senior care, especially for folks living with early dementia or memory loss. The staff here isn’t just present—they’re visible, always around, and trained to handle the ups and downs that come with cognitive changes. Families mention the place feels welcoming, not clinical, and that the caregivers really get to know residents as individuals.

Estimated Pricing

$3,129–$9,010 / mth

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Retreat Villas

4.1

4060 Jackie Rd SE, New Mexico 87124

Memory Care

Independent Living

Retreat Villas in Rio Rancho isn’t one of those big, impersonal senior communities. It’s a smaller, locally owned place where the staff actually knows the residents by name—and not just their medical charts. Families mention that the team is especially strong when it comes to memory care, with staff who seem genuinely invested in helping residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia feel safe and understood.

Estimated Pricing

$3,129–$9,010 / mth

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The Rio Grande Gracious Retirement Living

4.0

2331 Westside Blvd SE, New Mexico 87124

Independent Living

The Rio Grande Gracious Retirement Living stands out for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and the practical support it offers to seniors who want to keep their independence but appreciate a little backup. Residents get their own apartment—studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom—with emergency pull cords for safety. Meals are a highlight here: three chef-prepared meals daily, served in a communal dining room, so no one has to worry about cooking or eating alone unless they want to.

Estimated Pricing

$3,710–$5,428 / mth

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Buena Vista Senior Apartments

3.9

1355 Meadowlark Ln SE, New Mexico 87124

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Buena Vista Senior Apartments in Rio Rancho is a spot a lot of locals consider when their parents want more independence but still need a little backup. The apartments themselves are older, but families say they’re kept clean and feel comfortable. Each unit comes with its own stove, fridge, and even washer/dryer hookups, which is a big plus if your parent likes doing things on their own.

Estimated Pricing

$3,129–$5,428 / mth

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Casita Senior Living

3.7

5141 Georgia Pl NE, New Mexico 87144

Memory Care

Independent Living

Casita Senior Living on Georgia Place in Rio Rancho feels more like a home than a facility. The place is small and quiet, with private bedrooms and a big dining area that opens onto a covered patio—residents and families often mention enjoying cookouts or just relaxing outside. The care team is there around the clock, and they work closely with families to make sure each resident’s care plan fits their needs, whether it’s help with daily routines, medication, or more hands-on support.

Estimated Pricing

$3,129–$9,010 / mth

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Albuquerque Uptown Assisted Living

7611 Indian School Rd NE, New Mexico 87110

Memory Care

Independent Living

Albuquerque Uptown Assisted Living stands out for its genuinely home-like feel and the way staff and residents become like extended family. You’ll notice right away that the team here isn’t just clocking in—they take time to really get to know each person, from their favorite foods to their daily routines. Staff are described as attentive, warm, and willing to sit and chat, not just provide care. The owners are hands-on and have built a culture where both residents and employees feel valued.

Estimated Pricing

$2,130–$9,582 / mth

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A Love For Life

4108 Alcazar St NE, New Mexico 87109

Memory Care

Independent Living

A Love For Life on Alcazar St feels more like a home than an institution. It's a smaller, residential-style assisted living place, so residents get a lot of personal attention. Roann, who oversees the care team, is a medical professional and is often on-site—families really notice her hands-on approach. The staff are known for being warm and attentive, and several families mention that their loved ones light up when staff come around.

Estimated Pricing

$2,130–$9,582 / mth

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Avista Senior Living Albuquerque

3920 Juan Tabo Blvd NE, New Mexico 87111

Memory Care

Independent Living

Avista Senior Living Albuquerque is known for its friendly, home-like feel and a staff that really seems to care about the people living there. Families often mention how clean the place is and how welcoming everyone is, from the caregivers to the activity coordinators. The team has a reputation for being attentive and genuinely enthusiastic, which shows in the way residents are treated day-to-day.

Estimated Pricing

$2,130–$9,582 / mth

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Brookdale Valencia

300 Valencia Dr SE, New Mexico 87108

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Brookdale Valencia stands out for feeling less like a big corporation and more like a real community—especially if your parent wants both independence and support. The staff gets a lot of praise for being friendly, patient, and genuinely helpful, not just checking boxes. Several families mention how the director and team really listen and adapt care to each resident, which is rare in larger places.

Estimated Pricing

$2,130–$6,063 / mth

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Buena Vista Senior Care

8505 Rancho Santa Fe Pl NE, New Mexico 87109

Independent Living

Buena Vista Senior Care is a small, residential-style assisted living home tucked into a quiet Albuquerque neighborhood. With just eight residents at a time, it feels more like a family home than a facility. Staff are trained to help with daily needs like bathing, dressing, medication management, and mobility, and there’s 24-hour supervision so someone is always available if help is needed.

Estimated Pricing

$3,750–$6,063 / mth

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Camino Retirement Apartments

12101 Lomas Blvd NE, New Mexico 87112

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Camino Retirement Apartments stands out in Albuquerque for its friendly, laid-back vibe that feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a formal senior facility. Residents and families mention that staff are approachable and genuinely get to know folks by name. One visitor even described a manager who handled a coffee spill with humor and warmth, calling in the kitchen crew with a smile.

Estimated Pricing

$2,130–$6,063 / mth

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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

Learn more