DC Housing News October 2025

Photo courtesy of Capitol Hill Village

By Margaret Foster and Kathryn Pomroy
Posted on October 09, 2025

Village publishes guide to inclusive housing

As the LGBTQ+ population ages, they face unique challenges when considering a place to live.

After a history of discrimination, particularly in their youth, they may be wary of moving to a retirement community. In fact, according to a study from SAGE, a national advocacy organization for LGBTQ+ elders, 70% of these elders fear having to “re-closet” themselves when seeking housing.

Capitol Hill Village conducted a similar study, according to Sophia Ross, digital media and grant program strategist at Capitol Hill Village. The nonprofit discovered that “30% of the folks who responded to our survey said they were not sure they would be affirmed or felt comfortable. That number should have been zero,” Ross said.

With that in mind, Capitol Hill Village published a free guide to D.C. retirement communities. “DC Senior Living Communities: A Resource on LGBT Inclusion,” released in July, aims to help LGBTQ+ older adults and their families find inclusive senior living options in the D.C. area.

“It’s a first-of-its kind resource in the DMV,” said Ross, who conducted research for and oversaw the guide.

The project, funded by D.C.’s Department of Aging and Community Living, began two years ago. The District has more than 20 long-term care, assisted living and Life Plan properties, but only 10 responded to the survey and are included in the guide.

The 10 listings include anti-discrimination policies, staff training and pride celebrations. For instance, Inspīr Embassy Row, which opened earlier this year in Dupont Circle, partners with SAGE to train its staff.

“We have training for all staff members through SAGE. This training occurs annually and when a new staff member is hired…Inspīr is an inclusive community and proud to be welcoming to all,” according to the guide.

As Ross sums it up, “This is a resource with information directly from care community representatives in D.C. on policies and other valuable data for prospective LGBT residents.”

The guide can help anyone who is considering a move, regardless of their gender or orientation, Ross said. “The first section [‘Preparing to Move’] is really valuable for anyone who’s aging and thinking about their future.”

Capitol Hill Village was established in 2007 and is one of 13 Villages in Washington, D.C. For more information about villages, see bit.ly/aboutvillages.

Read or download the 40-page publication at capitolhillvillage.org/lgbt-inclusion-project.

—Margaret Foster

Maryland in top 10 for retiree health

Whether you’re 55 or 105, your healthcare needs will almost always increase as you age. Finding an environment that promotes happiness and health while also providing top-notch healthcare can be a real challenge.

Kiplinger pored through data from MedicareGuide and Caring.com to find the best states for overall senior health. It turns out that Maryland ranks in the top 10 for best overall retiree healthcare.

By 2030, the U.S. population aged 65 and older is projected to have reached roughly 71.6 million, based on estimates from S&P Global. Most older people will need quality healthcare to meet their most basic needs.

Although every state has access to healthcare (most of which is very good), Caring.com lists these 10 as the best:

1. Utah; 2. Colorado; 3. Vermont; 4. New Hampshire; 5. Minnesota; 6. Hawaii; 7. Washington; 8. Connecticut; 9. Delaware; 10. Maryland

According to Caring.com, West Virginia is ranked as the best state for a low cost of living, about 16% lower than the national average. This means that older residents can make the most of lower housing and food costs, transportation, taxes and living expenses, while enjoying healthcare costs that are around 2.3% more affordable than in most other states.