Independent Living in Austin, TX | What It Costs and How Texas Licenses It

Independent Living in the Austin area

Age-restricted apartments and cottages with dining, transportation and activities, for adults who do not need daily care.

Quick answer

Independent Living in Texas is regulated by HHSC. We list 17 verified independent living providers across the Austin metro in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties.

Independent living is housing, not care. Age-restricted apartments or cottages with dining, transportation, activities and maintenance handled — for adults who do not need help with daily activities.

Short answer

Independent Living in Texas is regulated by HHSC. We list 17 verified independent living providers across the Austin metro. Independent living is housing, not care.

Three things worth knowing first

Independent living is not licensed as a care facility in Texas, because no personal care is provided. That also means no HHSC inspection record to check.
Many Austin campuses are Life Plan Communities offering the full continuum, which can mean an entry fee and a contract worth having reviewed by an attorney.
If help with daily activities is already needed, independent living is the wrong category, even when a community offers to arrange outside caregivers.

You can check any Texas facility's record free. Use TULIP for current license status and the legacy HHSC provider search for inspection and deficiency history. Read the full explanation →

Verified independent living across the metro

We list 17 verified independent living providers in the Austin metro. The full table with addresses and counties lives in the directory.

See all 17 in the directory →

Independent Living by city

Independent Living in Round Rock

1 verified · Williamson County

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Independent Living in Cedar Park

3 verified · Williamson County

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Independent Living in Georgetown

2 verified · Williamson County

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Independent Living in Pflugerville

1 verified · Travis County

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Independent Living in San Marcos

1 verified · Hays County

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Questions Austin families ask

Who do I call first when a parent in Austin suddenly needs care?

Start with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the Capital Area at 855-937-2372, weekdays 8 to 5. It's the front door for Texas long-term services and supports across Travis, Williamson, Hays, and seven other counties. Appointments are strongly suggested. You can also dial 2-1-1.

How do I get Meals on Wheels in Austin?

Call Meals on Wheels Central Texas at 512-477-2273, weekdays 8 to 5. Eligibility requires being primarily homebound, unable to easily prepare nutritious meals, without consistent daytime help, and able to accept delivery in the Greater Austin area. Enrollment includes case management. Rural counties are served separately.

What free transportation is available for Austin seniors?

Several options. Senior Access, formerly Drive a Senior, provides free volunteer-driver rides. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Senior Transportation Program serves residents 60 and older inside city limits. CapMetro Access offers ADA paratransit, and CapMetro gives a half-price Reduced Fare ID at 65.

Is there free help for dementia caregivers in Austin?

Yes. AGE of Central Texas at 512-451-4611 offers a free early-stage memory loss program, caregiver support groups, and CaregiverU evidence-based courses at no charge. It also lends wheelchairs, walkers, and shower benches free. Adult day health care with dementia-trained staff runs in Austin and Round Rock.

Independent Living in the Austin area

Three things worth knowing first

Verified independent living across the metro

Independent Living by city