Independent Living at The Coves: Freedom, Community and Wellness
You’re active, healthy and capable—but the responsibilities of home ownership are becoming burdensome. Yard work, home repairs, cooking every meal and worrying about emergencies when you’re alone. What if you could maintain your independence while shedding the hassles? What if you could enjoy your retirement years with freedom, security and built-in community?
That’s exactly what independent living offers, and at The Coves at River Garden in Jacksonville, it’s elevated to an art form. For 80 years, River Garden has been redefining senior living, and The Coves represents the pinnacle of maintenance-free, elegant independent living for active seniors.
What Is Independent Senior Living?
Independent living is designed for active adults (typically 62+) who don’t need daily medical care or assistance but want to simplify their lives and enjoy a vibrant community. It’s not a nursing home or assisted living—it’s a lifestyle choice that combines:
- Private apartment living without home ownership responsibilities
- Built-in social opportunities and activities
- Convenient amenities and services
- Security and peace of mind
- Access to additional care if needs change in the future
Think of it as moving to a community designed specifically for your stage of life—where neighbors become friends, burdens disappear and you’re free to spend your time doing what you love.
The Coves at River Garden: Where Elegance Meets Comfort
Located on River Garden’s stunning 40-acre campus in Jacksonville’s peaceful Mandarin area, The Coves offers 80 beautiful one- and two-bedroom garden-style apartments designed for the discerning senior who values both independence and community.
Your Private Sanctuary
Each apartment at The Coves provides:
- Garden-Style Living: Ground-level apartments for easy access—no stairs, no elevators needed
- Private Patio: Your own outdoor space to enjoy morning coffee, read a book or garden
- Thoughtful Floor Plan: Spacious one- and two-bedroom layouts designed for comfortable, modern living
- Safety Features: Emergency alert system included for peace of mind
Maintenance-Free Living
Say goodbye to the endless to-do list of home ownership. At The Coves, your rent includes:
- All Utilities: Electric, water, heating, cooling—all covered
- Basic Cable: Entertainment included in your monthly cost
- Weekly Housekeeping: Professional cleaning services keep your home spotless
- All Exterior Maintenance: Landscaping, building repairs, grounds keeping—handled by our team
Imagine never worrying about a leaky roof, a broken water heater or mowing the lawn again. Your time is yours to enjoy, not to spend on chores and repairs.
Fine Dining Without the Work
One delicious, restaurant-style meal per day is included in your residency. Enjoy:
- Chef-prepared meals in an elegant dining setting
- Varied menus with nutritious options
- Social dining with neighbors and friends
- The freedom to cook in your own kitchen when you prefer
No more planning every meal, grocery shopping or cleaning up afterward—unless you want to!
Concierge Services and Conveniences
The Coves provides thoughtful services that make daily life easier:
- Concierge Services: Assistance with appointments, reservations and more
- 24/7 Security: Gated community with round-the-clock security personnel
- Emergency Response: Help is always just a button push away
- Transportation: Scheduled trips for shopping, appointments and outings
A Vibrant, Engaging Community
At The Coves, you’ll never lack for friendship, activities or opportunities to stay engaged.
Daily Activities and Social Programs
The Coves offers a rich calendar of activities designed to keep you active, intellectually stimulated and socially connected:
- Fitness classes and wellness programs
- Arts and crafts workshops
- Educational lectures and presentations
- Book clubs and discussion groups
- Music performances and entertainment
- Game nights and social gatherings
- Cultural outings and excursions
- Holiday celebrations and special events
Participate as much or as little as you like—the choice is always yours.
Beautiful Grounds to Explore
The Coves sits on River Garden’s breathtaking 40-acre campus, featuring:
- Serene landscaped grounds
- Walking areas for daily exercise
- Scenic river views
- Outdoor spaces for relaxation
- Swimming pool for residents
It’s like living in a resort, with nature’s beauty right outside your door.
The Continuum of Care Advantage
The location of The Coves on the River Garden campus provides something priceless: peace of mind about the future.
As part the continuum of care at River Garden, residents of The Coves have priority access to:
- Home Health Care: If you need in-home support while aging in place
- Outpatient Rehabilitation: Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Short-Term Rehabilitation: Recovery care after surgery or illness
- Long-Term Nursing Care: If medical needs increase
- Memory Care: Specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care
You’re not just choosing an apartment—you’re choosing a community that can support you through every stage of aging, all in one familiar location.
Who Thrives at The Coves?
The Coves is ideal for seniors who:
- Value independence but want to eliminate home ownership burdens
- Are active and healthy but want security and convenience
- Seek community and opportunities for friendship and engagement
- Want peace of mind knowing future care is available if needed
- Appreciate quality and prefer an elegant, well-maintained environment
- Desire freedom to travel, pursue hobbies, and enjoy retirement without worry
Making the Move: Common Questions
“I’m not ready to ‘give up my home’ yet.”
This isn’t giving up—it’s gaining freedom. Home ownership in retirement can become a burden: constant maintenance, safety concerns, isolation. The Coves offers a beautiful apartment that’s truly yours, without the stress.
“Will I lose my independence?”
Absolutely not! Independent living enhances independence. You have your own private apartment, come and go as you please, and make your own choices. The difference is that burdensome tasks are handled for you, giving you more freedom to do what you love.
“What if my health needs change?”
That’s the beauty of River Garden’s continuum of care. If you need additional support in the future—whether temporary rehabilitation after surgery or ongoing care—you have priority access to services right on campus. Many residents find enormous peace of mind in this safety net.
“Can I bring my furniture and personal belongings?”
Yes! Your apartment is your home, and you’re encouraged to furnish and decorate it to reflect your personal style and treasured possessions.
“What about my pet?”
Yes, we welcome pets. Contact our team to discuss our specific pet policy.
Life at The Coves: A Day in the Life
Imagine waking up in your comfortable apartment—no lawn to mow, no repairs to worry about. You enjoy coffee on your private patio, then head to a morning fitness class. After working up an appetite, you join friends for a delicious chef-prepared meal in the dining room.
In the afternoon, you might attend a lecture on a topic that interests you, work on an art project, or simply read a book in a peaceful spot overlooking the grounds. Later, you have plans to attend an evening concert with neighbors who’ve become dear friends.
You come and go as you please—maybe you’re taking a day trip to St. Augustine or visiting family. The point is, your time is yours. You’re free to live life on your terms, without the burden of home maintenance and with the security of knowing help is always available if needed.
Why River Garden? 80 Years of Excellence
The Coves isn’t operated by a corporate chain—it’s part of River Garden Senior Services, a mission-driven, non-profit organization that’s been serving Northeast Florida with compassion and excellence since 1946.
When you choose The Coves, you’re choosing:
- Proven Track Record: Eight decades of trusted senior care
- Mission-Driven Care: Founded on the principle “Honor thy father and thy mother”
- Financial Stability: Established, reliable organization
- Personalized Attention: Smaller community where staff know you by name
- Beautiful Location: Jacksonville’s peaceful Mandarin area with scenic surroundings
- Complete Services: Full continuum of care as needs evolve
Discover The Coves Lifestyle
The best way to understand The Coves is to experience it yourself. We invite you to:
- Schedule a Personal Tour: See the apartments, grounds, and amenities firsthand
- Join Us for A Meal: Experience our dining and meet current residents
- Ask Questions: Our team is here to address all your concerns
- Explore the Campus: Walk our beautiful grounds and envision yourself here
- Learn About Availability: Discuss floor plans, pricing and move-in process
Many prospective residents are surprised by how different The Coves feels from what they expected. It’s not institutional—it’s a vibrant community where people are truly living well and loving life.
Your Next Chapter Awaits
Retirement should be about freedom, not stress. It should be about enjoying friendships, pursuing passions and living each day without the burden of home ownership weighing you down.
At The Coves at River Garden, we’ve created a community where active seniors can thrive—where independence meets convenience, where luxury meets affordability and where today’s freedom includes tomorrow’s security.
You’ve worked hard your entire life. You deserve to truly enjoy your retirement years in a place that understands and celebrates this special season of life.
Contact The Coves at River Garden today:
- Call 904.292.2683 for information or to schedule a tour
- Visit rivergarden.org to learn more
- Speak with our Independent Living team about availability
Your next chapter is waiting—and it’s more beautiful than you imagined.
The Coves at River Garden is part of River Garden Senior Services, proudly serving Jacksonville and Northeast Florida since 1946.