Opelika, Alabama, is a mid-size city sharing a metropolitan area with the college town of Auburn. Residents of Opelika enjoy a low cost of living, as well as tax-friendly policies for retirees. The warm climate may also appeal to seniors, who make up 16.4% of the city’s population, as warm summers and mild winters — with only 1 inch of annual snowfall on average — mean few hindrances to mobility.
Assisted living care is geared toward older adults who are still mostly independent but need help with activities of daily living, such as personal care and transportation, and can no longer live safely in their homes. The median monthly cost for assisted living in Opelika is $4,298, which is on the higher side compared to the state average but still below the national median.
This guide offers an overview of assisted living in Opelika. Read on for more information about the typical costs of care, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city and a compilation of local resources for seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Alabama. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Opelika’s median assisted living cost is $4,298 per month, though fees can vary depending on the facility’s location, services and amenities.
Assisted living costs in Opelika are relatively high compared to the statewide median but are still below the national median of $4,500 per month.
Opelika is one of the more expensive areas for assisted living in Alabama and eastern Georgia. At $4,298, Opelika’s median monthly cost is notably higher than those in Montgomery ($3,500), Huntsville ($3,345) and Dothan ($2,150). Prices are comparable in Birmingham ($4,028) and Columbus, Georgia ($4,223), and Opelika is more affordable than the Anniston area, where assisted living costs a median of $4,771 per month.
Note: Data for Opelika, AL, was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Auburn Area, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Alabama.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Lee-Russell Council of Governments – Area Agency on Aging | (334) 749-5264 | The LRCOG Area Agency on Agency serves the Opelika-Auburn area and provides free services for adults aged 60 and older. Programs include meal deliveries, ombudsman and legal assistance, preventative health screenings, information, outreach and more. The agency also oversees local senior centers throughout the region. |
Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs | (334) 242-5077 | The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs helps connect veterans with many resources they may need, including claims filing and representation, counseling, and assistance with filing for benefits. |
East Alabama Services for the Elderly, Inc. (EASE) | (334) 826-5811 | EASE provides services to senior citizens and promotes positive public attitudes toward aging and publicizing major concerns older adults face in the community today. They provide educational, nutritional, health and housing programs. The program also offers affordable senior housing and home health services for those in need. |
Lee-Russell Public Transit (LRPT) | (334) 749-9092 | The LRPT service offers door-to-door transportation for citizens of Lee and Russell counties. Seniors may book trips up to two weeks in advance, and senior citizens are eligible for discounted fares with a valid ID. |
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Auburn University | (334) 844-3146 | OLLI is a membership program for adults ages 50 years and older who wish to continue their education. Members are able to audit classes at Auburn University and have access to the university library, parking, transportation, bookstore and more. OLLI members are also eligible to participate in special hands-on workshops. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Opelika area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.