Choosing between independent living apartments vs villas at Kingswood comes down to how you want your home to fit your lifestyle. Both options offer maintenance-free living, access to community amenities and services and the freedom to spend more time enjoying retirement without the demands of traditional homeownership.
Kingswood offers apartments and standalone villas on one Kansas City campus, giving residents different options for space, privacy and proximity to community life. Apartments can place you closer to on-campus dining and activities, while villas offer more space, private outdoor areas and attached two-car garages.
This guide compares the two options, including layouts, features, monthly costs and lifestyle considerations, so you can determine which type of residence best fits your needs.
What Is the Main Difference Between Independent Living Apartments and Villas at Kingswood?
When comparing independent living apartments vs villas at Kingswood, the biggest differences are space, privacy and how you want your residence to connect with community life. Both options offer maintenance-free living, while the layout and features of each residence create a different day-to-day experience.
Apartments offer a range of floor plans and can place residents closer to community activity. Villas are standalone residences designed for those who want more space, privacy and features that feel more like a traditional home.
How Do Apartments and Villas Differ in Terms of Space and Layout?
Apartment residents at Kingswood enjoy newly renovated units larger than those in most Kansas City-area retirement communities. Kingswood apartments include features designed for comfortable, low-maintenance living, including:
- Quality floor coverings
- Window coverings
- Well-lit, off-street parking (carports available)
- All appliances
- Dishwasher, washer and dryer in most apartments
- Patio or balcony
- Walk-in shower with grab bars
- Twice-monthly flat linen service
- Ample storage and closet space
Villas offer a different kind of space one that feels more like the home you may be coming from. Kingswood's standalone villas offer two- and three-bedroom layouts with more space and privacy, along with features such as:
- Attached two-car garage with electric door opener
- Lawn care
- Snow and ice removal
- All appliances
- Main floor laundry
- Window coverings
- Full lower level with bathroom, living space and walk-out
- Deck, patio or screened-in porch
How Do Monthly Costs Compare Between Apartments And Villas?
For 2026, Kingswood's Independent Living apartments start at approximately $3,403 per month, while villas start at approximately $4,489 per month. The difference reflects the different residence types, with villas offering standalone living, additional space and features such as attached two-car garages and private outdoor areas.
Because pricing can vary by residence and current availability, prospective residents should contact Kingswood for the most up-to-date rates and available floor plans.

What's Included In The Monthly Rent?
Kingswood's Independent Living services are designed to reduce the everyday responsibilities that come with maintaining a home. Services and amenities include:
- Complimentary housekeeping and maintenance services
- All utilities
- Monthly dining allowance
- Scheduled transportation
- Planned activities and entertainment
- Chaplain services
- Access to a full-time fitness coordinator
This maintenance-free approach allows residents to spend less time managing household responsibilities and more time using the dining, wellness and community spaces available on campus.
What this means in practice: no juggling separate bills for rent, utilities and cable the way you would in a traditional home. One predictable monthly payment covers it all and that kind of clarity brings real peace of mind (Ahlqvist et al., 2015).
Making the Right Choice
The right choice comes down to you. What your days look like. How much space feels right? Whether you want to be steps from the dining room or tucked into a quieter corner of the campus with your own private outdoor space. Come see it for yourself. Walk through an apartment. Step inside a villa. Talk to the people who live here. Call us at 816-290-6368 to schedule your personal tour and let Kingswood feel like home because it just might be.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main advantages of choosing independent living communities for seniors?
Independent living communities offer maintenance-free living where professional teams handle landscaping, snow removal and repairs. Residents benefit from built-in social networks of like-minded neighbors, access to amenities and activities and bundled services that consolidate multiple expenses into one predictable monthly payment.
Q2. How much does independent living at Kingswood cost?
For 2026, Kingswood's Independent Living apartments start at approximately $3,403 per month and villas start at approximately $4,489 per month. Pricing can vary by residence and availability, so prospective residents should contact Kingswood for current rates and available floor plans.
Q3. Can I transition to higher levels of care if my health needs change?
Kingswood is a rental Continuing Care Retirement Community with Assisted Living, Memory Care, Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Nursing Care available on the same campus. Having multiple living and care options in one community can make it more convenient to explore additional services if needs change. Specific care arrangements depend on individual needs and availability.

