Assisted Living in Athens, Texas
Athens, Texas, the self-proclaimed “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World” and home of the hamburger, is a small town in east Texas that is full of rich history. In addition to a charming downtown area, Athens is home to several outdoor recreational activities. Seniors who want to spend some time outside can visit the East Texas Arboretum, the Tara Vineyard & Winery or Kiwanis Park. Retirees looking for indoor entertainment can take in a live show at the Henderson County Performing Arts Center or visit the Henderson County Historical Museum.
In Athens, there is also a significant population of senior residents, many of whom are unable to live independently and require more daily care and medical treatment. There are nine assisted living facilities in the area that can address this need and according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, they cost $3,450 per month. With its comfortable weather, recreational activities and favorable cost of living, Athens is more than suitable as a retirement spot.
The SeniorScore for Athens, Texas
The SeniorScore compiles data points from various private and government databases and sorts them into four relevant categories to determine the quality of life for seniors in a specific city. Athens’ overall SeniorScore is 71, which is lower than the state average of 74 and the national average of 72. The city’s highest-scoring category was General Quality of Life at 73, Health & Safety was the lowest-scoring category at 57, while Finances and Recreation & Leisure each earned scores of 62.
Comfortable weather was the primary contributor to Athens’ score of 73 in General Quality of Life. The city has ideal mean temperatures, with very mild winters and very warm summers, as well as above average air quality. However, Athens does receive high levels of rainfall annually.
Athens scored 62 in Recreation & Leisure because of the number of senior-friendly activities available near the city. There are eight parks, 10 golf courses, four malls and shopping centers and one movie theater in the area. Athens also has 10 grocery stores and 10 gyms and health clubs.
Athens’ score of 62 in Finances can be attributed to an overall cost of living that is very similar to the national average. While property tax rates, nursing home costs and home health care costs are low compared to national figures, the city’s assisted living costs and sales tax rates are higher.
The city scored 57 in Health & Safety because of its moderate number of medical services. Athens has an average number of Medicare-registered physicians, one hospital and six senior living facilities. However, the city does have a high number of home health care providers.
SeniorScore™ for Athens, Texas
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Athens scores lower than the Texas average of 74.
- Athens scores lower than the national average of 72.
- There is an average number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There is 1 hospital within close range of the city (East Texas Medical Center Athens).
- There are 6 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Arabella of Athens, Athens Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, and Park Highlands Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
- There is a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is an average number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 78.5, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 37 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has a high property crime rate.
- The area has an average violent crime rate.
- The city has an average percentage of seniors in the population (29% of residents).
- There are 10 golf courses in or around the city, including Athens Country Club, Echo Creek Country Club, and Star Harbor Municipal Golf Course.
- There are 8 parks near the city center, including Athens Scuba Park, East Texas Arboretum, and Windsor Place RV Estates.
- There are 20 churches in or near the city, including Wilson Don C, Dogwood Baptist Church, and Fellowship Baptist Church.
- There are 4 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 10 grocery stores within the city.
- There is 1 movie theatre in or near the city.
- There are 10 gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
- The property taxes average 2.34% of total income, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 1.22% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 7.25%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
- Texas has an average state income tax of 0.00%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $53,984, which is significantly lower than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $41,849, which is significantly lower than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $20,668, which is significantly lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $46,722 per year, which are high compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $78,475 per year, which are low compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $17,550 per year, which are average compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $43,472 annually, which are low compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 6.50%, which is low compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is average compared to national averages.
- 2% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Athens receives high levels of rainfall each year.
- Athens has ideal mean temperatures, with very mild winters and very warm summers.
- This city has above average air quality.
- Athens has a very sparse population density of 77.2 people per square mile.
- Residents of Athens have a short daily commute time.
- The city has an average public transportation ridership.
- Athens has a low public school quality ranking.
- The city has a high public school safety rating.
- This city has a low graduation rate of 82.22%.
Assisted Living Costs in Athens, Texas
Due to the proximity of the two cities, Athens shares cost data with Tyler. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living in Athens costs an average of $3,450 per month, which is less expensive than the state average of $3,998 and the national average of $4,300.
Assisted living costs in Athens are low compared to the rest of the state. It is only higher than only one city, El Paso, which has a cost of $2,950 per month. The most expensive city in the state, Victoria, is significantly more expensive than Athens at $5,525 per month. College Station is second in the state with an average cost of $5,355 per month. Houston, the highest-populated city in the state, is over $600 cheaper at $4,750 per month, and Dallas has an average cost of $4,400 per month, followed closely by Austin with a cost of $4,250. San Antonio, with an average of $3,599 per month, is the first city to fall below the state and national average. For cost-conscious seniors, Athens is a financially viable retirement destination.
- Athens: $3,450
- Victoria: $5,525
- College Station: $5,355
- Houston: $4,750
- Dallas: $4,400
- Austin: $4,250
- San Antonio: $3,599
- El Paso: $2,950
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Athens, Texas
Located at 150 Gibson Rd in Athens, Texas, South Place Nursing Center is a 120 room nursing facility. The facility is in a predominantly lower income area, with an average household income of $34,706. It has an average ...
Oak Wood Place is a senior care facility located at 603 Wood St in Athens, Texas. The encompassing area has a medium-density population, with around 18,000 individuals living in the zip code of 75751. With an average per-family ...
Arabella of Athens is a senior housing community located at 213 E Corsicana St in Athens, Texas. The neighboring area has an average population density, with about 18,000 poeple living in the 75751 zip code. With a median ...
Cedar Lake Nursing Home is a 90 room nursing care facility located in Malakoff, Texas. With an average family income of $35,128, the community is in a generally middle class area. It is sparsely populated, with about 7,000 ...
11 miles away from Athens, TX
Located at 322 E Main St, Cedarview Place is a senior housing community serving Mabank, Texas. The community is in a generally middle class area, with an average per-household income of $37,062. With approximately 16,000 individuals residing in ...
18 miles away from Athens, TX
Located at 1833 South Trade Days Blvd, Country Place Senior Living of Canton Pine Residence is a senior care facility serving Canton, Texas. With an average family income of $44,709, the community is in a generally middle income ...
23 miles away from Athens, TX
Located at 15837 Waters Edge Way, Meadow Lake is a senior community in Tyler, Texas. With about 38,000 individuals living in the zip code of 75703, the neighboring area has a dense population. It is a predominantly middle ...
29 miles away from Athens, TX
Meadow Lake Senior Living is located at 16044 County Road 165 in Tyler, Texas. It is a 30 room senior housing community. With around 38,000 people residing in the 75703 zip code, the encompassing area is heavily populated. ...
29 miles away from Athens, TX
Free Assisted Living Resources in Athens, Texas
East Texas Aging & Disability Resource Center Seniors and adults with disabilities can contact the East Texas Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) with any questions regarding long-term services and supports. Trained volunteers at ADRC can provide information about available local services, connections to necessary resources and assistance with any inquiries. 501 Pine Tree Road, Longview, TX 75604 (903) 295-5922 https://hhs.texas.gov/services/aging/long-term-care/aging-disability-resource-center |
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas provides resources and support to senior residents of a 14-county area in Texas. Adults aged 60 and older can access important services through the agency, including benefits counseling, nutrition programs and transportation services. This organization operates several senior centers throughout its service areas that give aging adults the opportunity to stay mentally and socially active through enriching events. The agency also has an Information, Referral & Assistance program available to provide unbiased information about available services. 1501 Pentecost Road, Kilgore, Texas 75662 (800) 442-8845 https://www.easttexasaaa.org/ |
Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Seniors residents of Texas who have a dispute with a care provider or facility regarding their quality of care can contact the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman for advocacy and support. This organization sends trained professionals to provide support to seniors and family members in the event of a dispute. An ombudsman will investigate the senior’s living situation and allegations of poor care, educate the senior and family members on their rights and empower them to exercise those rights and mediate between the senior and care provider to resolve the conflict. At the state and local level, the ombudsman office also advocates for higher standards of senior care and improved laws that protect senior rights. 3555 Timmons Lane, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77027 (713) 627-3200 https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/news_info/ombudsman/ |
Texas Legal Services Center The Texas Legal Services Center is a nonprofit organization that supports underserved populations throughout the state, including seniors, with legal advice, representation and education. This organization can help aging adults with evaluating senior care options, retirement and estate planning and accessing government benefits like Medicare, SSI, TANF and SNAP. All services are provided for free. 1920 East Riverside Drive, Suite A-120, Austin, TX 78741 (512) 477-6000 https://www.tlsc.org/ |
Henderson County Veterans Services The Henderson County Veterans Services office assists veterans with any matters related to benefits they’ve earned through their military service. Trained staff are available to provide senior veterans with counseling services, as well as assistance with their applications for health care benefits, pensions, disability benefits and pension supplements like the Aid and Attendance benefit. 100 East Tyler Street, Athens, TX 75751 (903) 675-6109 https://www.henderson-county.com/departments/veterans-services |