For many seniors living on Social Security or fixed incomes, rent exceeding $700 becomes financially difficult. Housing is considered affordable when it costs no more than 30% of income. For someone earning around $2,300/month in retirement, $699 fits right at that threshold, making it a key affordability target.
Federal Programs That Make It Possible
Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly
This HUD-funded program supports the development of affordable housing specifically for low-income seniors aged 62+. Rent is typically 30% of adjusted income, which often brings total monthly costs below $699. These residences may include on-site staff, transportation assistance, and access to community activities.
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
This program allows eligible seniors to rent on the private market while paying only a portion of the rent. Seniors typically pay 30% of their income, while HUD pays the rest. With this model, many seniors end up paying between $400 and $600 per month.
Section 8 Project-Based Sites
In these buildings, the subsidy is attached to the unit, not the tenant. Seniors can rent apartments with pre-set subsidies without needing their own voucher. This setup often provides rents well below $699 for eligible residents.
Examples of Apartments Under $699/Month
- Stonewall House – Brooklyn, NY: Offers 146 units for LGBTQ+ seniors and allies. Rents are income-based and typically fall below $699/month.
- East Clarke Place – Bronx, NY: This affordable senior project had over 26,000 applicants for just 84 units, showing the demand for ultra-low-rent apartments.
- Sacred Heart Apartments – Syracuse, NY: A HUD-supported development that bases rent on income. Many residents pay significantly less than $700/month.
- River View Gardens – NYC: A Section 202 property where rent is capped at 30% of income.
Best U.S. Locations to Find These Apartments
- New York City & State: Home to many HUD- and Section 202-funded buildings. Strong network of support services.
- Rural Areas: USDA’s Section 515 program helps create senior housing with low rents in small towns and rural communities.
- Affordable Cities: Cities like Des Moines (IA), Knoxville (TN), and Fargo (ND) offer lower average rents and better availability of subsidized units.
How to Find Apartments Under $699/Month
- Search for HUD Section 202 properties using the official HUD housing locator.
- Apply for Section 8 vouchers through your local housing authority—some give priority to seniors.
- Check project-based Section 8 communities that don’t require a voucher.
- Explore USDA Section 515 properties in rural counties.
- Look for city-specific housing lotteries for new low-income units.
- Connect with nonprofits and local senior housing services for help navigating waitlists and applications.
Challenges Seniors Face
- High demand, low supply: Some buildings receive tens of thousands of applicants for limited openings.
- Long waitlists: Section 8 vouchers and popular communities often have multi-year waits.
- Landlord resistance: Some landlords are unwilling to accept housing vouchers.
- Uncertainty in funding: Federal budget shifts may affect long-term availability of housing assistance.
Tips for Securing a Sub-$699 Apartment
- Apply early and to as many programs as possible.
- Expand your search to less populated areas where waitlists may be shorter.
- Work with a HUD-certified housing counselor to increase your chances.
- Sign up for alerts about new building lotteries or vacancies.
- Understand your rights: some states ban voucher discrimination by landlords.
Real-Life Stories
A 64-year-old veteran in rural Maine uses a Section 8 voucher to pay $493/month in a senior development. In Long Beach, California, another senior pays one-third of her Social Security income in rent at a HUD-supported complex. These examples show how subsidies help people maintain financial stability while living in clean, safe communities.
Conclusion
Yes, apartments under $699/month for seniors in the U.S. do exist. Most are available through federal subsidy programs like Section 202 or Section 8, or via income-based rents in specific project-based buildings. They are in high demand, but for those who apply early, cast a wide net, and take advantage of available assistance, they can offer a path to long-term housing security.
