The Best Buddies Living program represents one of our organization’s five key mission pillars, Inclusive Living. This program fosters an integrated experience for people with and without IDD to become active, contributing citizens who live independently in a dynamic environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
Info Sessions & Tours
Want to learn more about our inclusive living programs? Join us for an upcoming virtual info session or in-person tour.
How it works
Campus Life - Best Buddies Living locations are near school campuses – offering an environment that encourages the development of independent living skills, life-changing relationships, and educational pursuits in connection with college life.
Housing - Residences will vary based on the location. Some will be single-family homes, while others may be co-living units or apartments.
Residents - The Living program is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are ready to embrace independent living. Residents are asked to participate in weekly group meals and activities, maintain employment or attend a higher education program, and support fellow residents when needed.
Campus Immersion - Residents attend college games and participate in fitness classes, cultural events, holiday parties, volunteer opportunities, and sports activities alongside their student peers.
Support Team - Inclusive Living locations have Best Buddies team members onsite to support residents and ensure an inclusive environment.
Application - Individuals interested in enrolling in the program must submit an application, provide letters of recommendation, and a list of references. To apply, click here.
Locations
Washington, D.C. – Georgetown
This residence is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is walking distance to grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops and the Georgetown waterfront.
Occupancy
Six spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
Two three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom and shares kitchen and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to eat, bathe, dress, and groom independently. Additionally, residents must have meaningful and consistent daily activity (i.e. full or part time work, school, volunteering).
Alongside Georgetown University
Participants with IDD may receive an on-campus meal plan, may to apply to on-campus jobs, attend sporting events, join clubs and participate in student life.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee is $1,994 per month. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
For information on our Georgetown program costs and financial assistance, please submit a request for more info.
Washington, D.C. - Union Market
This residence is in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C. steps from Union Market, near Catholic University, attached to Trader Joe’s and a two-minute walk from the redline Metro.
Occupancy
Eight spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
Two three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments + one, two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and shares a bathroom, kitchen, and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to eat, bathe, dress, and groom independently. Additionally, residents must have meaningful and consistent daily activity (i.e. full or part time work, school, volunteering).
Alongside Catholic University
Participants with IDD receive an on-campus meal plan, are able to apply to on-campus jobs, attend sporting events, join clubs and participate in student life.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee is $1,782 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Miami, Florida - Coral Gables
This program is located in the University of Miami neighborhood and is just a five-minute walk from campus. The building is just a thirty-minute drive to Miami beach.
Occupancy
Five spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
One five-bedroom, five-bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom and shares kitchen and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to eat, bathe, dress, and groom independently. Additionally, residents must have meaningful and consistent daily activity (i.e. full or part time work, school, volunteering).
Alongside University of Miami
Participants with IDD may receive an on-campus meal plan, may to apply to on-campus jobs, attend sporting events, join clubs and participate in student life.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee is $1,500 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Los Angeles, California – Westwood
This fabulous building is just steps from the Westwood village packed with shopping, coffee, restaurants, and weekly farmers markets and is located just a twelve-minute walk from UCLA.
Occupancy
Four spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
One four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom and shares kitchen and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to eat, bathe, dress, and groom independently. Additionally, residents must have meaningful and consistent daily activity (i.e. full or part time work, school, volunteering).
Alongside University of California, Los Angeles
Participants with IDD may receive an on-campus meal plan, may to apply to on-campus jobs, attend sporting events, join clubs and participate in student life.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee varies by room size, but ranges from $1070 to $2500 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Atlanta, GA – Midtown
This residence is located a five-minute walk away from Georgia Tech and a ten-minute drive from Georgia State and includes a sky terrace, rooftop pool, billiards, and a fitness center.
Occupancy
Four spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
One four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom and shares kitchen and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to eat, bathe, dress, and groom independently. Additionally, residents must have meaningful and consistent daily activity (i.e. full or part time work, school, volunteering).
Alongside Georgia Tech
Participants with IDD may receive an on-campus meal plan, may to apply to on-campus jobs, attend sporting events, join clubs and participate in student life.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee is $1,235 per month. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
New Brunswick, NJ
Just minutes away from the oldest college in New Jersey, this residence has a fitness center and a rooftop clubhouse all nestled in a vibrant neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and parks.
Occupancy
Eight spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
Two four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom and shares kitchen and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Alongside Rutgers University
Participants with IDD may receive an on-campus meal plan, attend sporting events, join clubs, participate in student life, and be able to apply to many on-campus jobs.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee is $1,300 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Gainesville, FL
This residence has a rooftop pool with a jumbotron, and a two-story fitness center all located in the heart of Gainesville steps away from restaurants, shops, and grocery stores.
Occupancy
Eight spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
Two four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom and shares kitchen and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Alongside University of Florida
Participants with IDD may receive an on-campus meal plan, may to apply to on-campus jobs, attend sporting events, join clubs and participate in student life.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee is $680 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
For information on our Georgetown program costs and financial assistance, please submit a request for more info.
State College, PA
This residence pulls out all the stops with a rooftop pool and firepits, a sports game simulator, yoga studio, fitness center, and community lounges all in the vibrant Happy Valley neighborhood.
Occupancy
Ten spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
Two five-bedroom, three-bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and shares a bathroom, kitchen and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Alongside Pennsylvania State University
Participants with IDD may receive an on-campus meal plan, may to apply to on-campus jobs, attend sporting events, join clubs and participate in student life.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee is $900 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
For information on our Georgetown program costs and financial assistance, please submit a request for more info.
Nashville, TN
Located in the heart of Music City, these fully furnished units have access to a rooftop pool, coffee bar, skylounge and resident clubroom.
Occupancy
Six spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
Two three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom and shares kitchen and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Alongside Vanderbilt University
Participants with IDD may receive an on-campus meal plan, may to apply to on-campus jobs, attend sporting events, join clubs and participate in student life.
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee is $1,550 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Clemson, SC
Its prime location is just minutes from Clemson University, these apartments come fully furnished, with spacious layouts, private bedrooms, and a shared kitchen/communal space. The building provides an extensive range of amenities, such as a 24-hour fitness center, study lounges, resort-style pool, a hot tub, a game room, and a cozy clubhouse perfect for hosting events or hanging out with friends.
Occupancy
Eight spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
Two four-bedroom, 4.5 bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom and shares kitchen and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Alongside Clemson University
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee is $855 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
College Park, MD
The building features spacious apartments with modern finishes, including fully furnished units, private bedrooms, and high-speed internet to support studying and remote learning. In addition to these living spaces, residents enjoy a range of on-site amenities like a state-of-the-art fitness center, a resort-style pool, and study lounges for group work or quiet reading. Located just a short walk from the University of Maryland campus, the building also offers a game room, a coffee bar, and a rooftop lounge with stunning views, creating a vibrant social environment for all.
Occupancy
Eight spaces for a mix of residents with and without disabilities.
Support
One on-site residential manager.
Building Type
Two four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartments in a large apartment complex. Each resident has their own bedroom and bathroom and shares kitchen and living spaces.
Requirements
Residents must be able to complete activities of daily living independently (eating, getting dressed, hygiene, etc.).
Alongside University of Maryland, College Park
Program Fee and Financial Assistance
The program fee is $1,575 per month. Fee is all-inclusive. Residents with IDD pay an additional $1,100 monthly residential service fee for full-time support from our on-site residential manager, group meals, and events. An optional meal-plan fee is available. Financial assistance may be available through our Scholarship Fund.
Residential Manager support in other areas of personal growth
Money Management
Independent Living Skills
Healthy Relationships
Health and Wellness
Social skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a waiting list?
Availability varies within each program. Please complete our online interest form, to receive more information about the program you are interested in.
What are the expectations of Best Buddies Living residents?
All residents must have or want to gain full-time or part-time employment. Best Buddies Living works closely with the local Best Buddies Jobs program and can help residents seek employment. Additionally, residents will be encouraged to attend all group meals and monthly events and support a fellow resident when needed. Examples include: assisting with laundry, cooking or evacuating safely in an emergency situation.
Are there qualifications that residents must meet to live at Best Buddies Living?
Yes. Best Buddies Living is an inclusive and independent living model. Individuals should be able to independently identify and respond in case of fire, medical emergency or unlawful entrance and enable independent evacuation in case of an emergency. Additionally, residents must be interested in working part-time or full-time and enjoy living in close proximity to a college or university.
May I use the benefits I receive in my state to pay for my rent at Best Buddies Living?
The program is an independent inclusive living program that is private pay only. However, some states may allow an individual’s benefits to fund portions of their Best Buddies Living program. It is all dependent on which state you live in and should be discussed with a benefits specialist. Please complete our interest form if you would like more information about the Best Buddies Living Program.
Will there be support services offered at Best Buddies Living?
The program includes employment and friendship as drivers of the Best Buddies Living experience, with additional focus on community programming tied to the university experience, to ensure all residents build vital life skills. Best Buddies Living supports all residents in advancing their employment, financial literacy, continued education, and life skills as they work to achieve their personal goals.
The Best Buddies Living program supports inclusion by:
- Developing programs that foster an opportunity for residents to experience living with friends and colleagues. Activities to include weekly shared meals, fitness classes, cultural events, holiday parties, social activities, and sports.
- Creating a personalized support plan for each resident to work towards their independent living goals
How can I get in touch with a Best Buddies team member?
Please complete our online interest form and one of our Best Buddies team members will connect with you.
Will there be 24-hour supervision?
There will not be 24-hour supervision at Best Buddies Living programs. However, there will be 24-hour support available for serious medical and maintenance emergencies.
Will transportation be provided?
No. However, residents will receive support in utilizing public transit or Uber/Lyft.
For more information on Best Buddies Living, please contact:
Living@bestbuddies.org
