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Tucson, Arizona, is a hidden gem for seniors looking to move to assisted living. With a population of just over 500,000, Tucson is only a third of the size of its cousin, Phoenix. More approachable for seniors accustomed to smaller cities, Tucson’s slow-paced sprawl and Old West nostalgia reminds residents of its country foundations. Tucson has many of the same attractions as Phoenix for seniors looking for assisted living: a warm, dry climate and a reasonable cost of living. Tucson, however, has its own flair.
Home to the University of Arizona, Tucson has a balance of youthful energy and historic prestige. Outdoor activities are a popular local pastime, due to the surrounding juxtaposition of dramatic desert and mountain terrain. Because Tucson is at a higher elevation than other Southwestern cities, it enjoys a gentler summer and more greenery than Phoenix.
Perhaps best of all for seniors looking for assisted living, Tucson maintains an even lower cost of living than other cities with comparable scenery, weather, city amenities, and assisted living options. A Place for Mom partners with 31 assisted living communities in Tucson within a 15-mile radius, a high number for a city of its size. Most seniors find an assisted living option in Tucson that fits their needs and budget.
This guide introduces you to the top-rated assisted living communities in Tucson. According to reviews from people like you, these assisted living communities have the best meals and dining, cost-effectiveness, cleanliness, and more. This guide will also highlight what living in Tucson is like, from how far your dollar will get you to local senior resources and senior-friendly activities.
Types of care available in Tucson, AZ
Assisted Living
The building: When approached by the receptionist ([name removed]) he was very friendly, helpful and welcoming. When entering, residents are always around in common areas doing an activity or chatting. When moving my grandfather into the facility me and my sister were nervous because he was moving from home. My grandfather fits in just well, gets along with everyone and loves the activities. Having friendly residents and friendly staff makes me and my sister at peace with choosing this place for our grandfather. Staff: The staff on the assisted living side are very friendly, and very attentive. To point a few out ([name removed]) is always going out of his way to make sure my grandfather is well-taken care of. My grandfather always mentions [name removed] and how funny and hard working he is. He always has a smile on his face. The medication tech ([name removed]) is very professional. She knows what she's doing, she always has an answer and i can contact her whenever. I would highly recommend this facility.
This is a good community and it is a good value. The staff are very friendly and kind. My loved one was in the memory care and is moving over to the unassisted living and is excited to participate in more activities.
Best care my Mother can get. No more worries for me. She is in a clean, caring home. She gets lots of attention and great meals. My mom is so happy there. Everyone is Professional. I am so happy I found Kozzy Kare. I would highly recommended this Kozzy Home for your loved one
2221 N Rosemont Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85712
My loved one has only been here a short time. She is just here for rehab. She loves the people, and they are very responsive. If she squeezes for assistance they are there immediately. They have been working...
The Handmaker community offers Assisted Living and Health Care services for every stage of the aging. Residents and families can feel confident that, as needs change, quality, caring staff and programs will be there to meet those needs. In addition to the apartment settings, Handmaker offers...
4553 E San Carlos Pl S, Tucson, AZ 85712
The Gardens is a renovated, sun-filled home in central Tucson. Our core values support Compassionate, Active, Responsive, and Excellent care and the living space is responsive to those values. Inside the home we have soaring ceilings, a high-end kitchen, and stunning open spaces for socializing....
3701 N Swan Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718
We placed my mother in the memory care unit at Avista. The staff from the receptionist, office and caretakers were absolutely wonderful. They took very good care of my mother and were very compassionate with...
Avista Tucson, an Enlivant community, is an assisted living community delivering personalized, attentive care in a homelike atmosphere. Professional staff, including a registered nurse, are available 24-hours a day to assist with medication management and daily living activities as needed....
3900 N Sabino Canyon Rd #1, Tucson, AZ 85750
THE HACIENDA AT THE CANYON®Live a life that inspires you each day.Embrace nature, explore new passions, make lasting friends, and celebrate well-being at this wellness retreat featuring a dramatic desert landscape in Tucson, Arizona. Curated Independent Living, Bungalows, Assisted Living,...
5450 West Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85735
Beautiful Small Cozy Home
Akres del Cielo is family owned and operated. We are a small home licensed for 5 residents. Being a smaller home allows us to better serve your loved one and assist them with their individual needs. The smaller setting also provides a cozy home like environment so your loved one feels right at...
2721 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85705
The friendliness of the staff members there has really stood out to us and the community is always kept clean. The staff go out of their way to help the clients who are staying there. Anytime someone needs...
Oasis Assisted Living Center provides seniors with a safe and caring assisted living community to call home in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. This community is there for those seniors who are in need of memory care, and it offers a great home to those who are looking to live in the great city of...
2720 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718
We are so pleased with this community and the care that my mother-in-law is receiving. Her room in the memory care is very nice, spacious and there are currently 10 residents but they are set up for 20. ...
Tucson’s Premier Senior Living CommunityThe Hacienda at the River heralds a new era in senior care. A 7.5-acre senior living community in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, The Hacienda is a unique community for individuals seeking exceptional Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care....
321 W Limberlost, Tucson, AZ 85705
The do a really good job with placement by matching the resident to the house with the appropriate peer group for them. Every time I visited, the staff were always busy either interacting with a resident...
13775 E Langtry Ln, Tucson, AZ 85747
The Academy Villas was a very nice community! The home was in great shape and I really liked it, but it was too expensive. If it would not have been for the price, I would have chosen this one.
Nestled at the base of the Rincon Mountains adjacent to the Saguaro National Park, Academy Villas Assisted Living Home is a 9000 sq.ft. modern Villa. Residents enjoy large, private rooms, spacious common areas, cheerful interiors, large patio and courtyard, scratch-cooked meals, transportation,...
2732 W Monte Vista Pl, Tucson, AZ 85745
I am shocked to see a bad review written for Lynda's Courtyard. They are incredible with my mom. She was in a nightmare rehab facility beforehand. Here at Lynda's, it's 10 residents only, ensuring proper...
Lynda’s Courtyard does not want to be just a place like home. Rather, they want their residents to consider Lynda’s Courtyard as their own home. Lynda’s Courtyard is located in a residential setting with beautiful vast views of the Santa Catalina & Tucson Mountains. They have 8 spacious...
5821 N Escondido Ln, Tucson, AZ 85704
Crossroads Adult Care III is located in Pima county, Tucson AZ. It is a caring residential care home with loving caregivers assisting residents in a group home setting. Historical, cultural, recreational, natural and educational attractions bring many people to perpetually sunny Tucson. Enveloped...
5901 N La Cholla Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85741
This is an amazing community for your loved one. I have no complaints at all. They have activities like daily memory exercises and then activities depending on the month of the year. This month they will be...
Located just north of the Rillito River, Copper Canyon is not just a memory care facility, we are a memory care community. It is a warm, welcoming senior community for those in need of assisted living, transitional assisted living, or memory care. Copper Canyon combines Person-Centered Care with...
7005 N. Antonietta Drive, Tucson, AZ 85704
Very welcoming, big house, ample rooms, only 2 residents now with one in rehab, nature walking path available, only negative $2500/month.
6505 N La Cholla Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85741
Solterra Senior Living at La Cholla is an Assisted Living & Memory Care community. Each Villa has 16 luxury suites each adjoined by a great room style main living area with the kitchen being the focal point. The villas are uniquely designed and beautifully decorated to emphasize resident...
7900 N La Canada Dr, Tucson, AZ 85704
This is a good community and it is a good value. The staff are very friendly and kind. My loved one was in the memory care and is moving over to the unassisted living and is excited to participate in more...
6161 E Fairmount Street, Tucson, AZ 85712
My mom loves to tell everyone how much she loves Fairmount Assisted Living and Memory Care. She and my dad were able to move in together, and thankfully she had the understanding support of the chaplain and...
Fairmount Assisted Living is an assisted living community located in Tucson, Arizona, in Pima County, and home to just over 980,000 people. Tucson is a large city with great shopping, stores, restaurants and sports. Residents will enjoy getting out running their errands, going shopping with...
1362 W. San Nicolas Drive, Tucson, AZ 85701
San Nicolas Assisted Living is a very small facility, It is women's only. It is very safe and very family oriented. It is wonderful. I am blessed to have found them. I would absolutely recommend San Nicolas...
Warmth, Elegance ... just right! Located only five minutes from the Northwest Hospital and Doctor's offices, this amazing home offers over 5,300 square feet of stylish living — French doors and lace, Berber carpets, white baby grand piano, original oil paintings, stone fireplace, extensive...
4933 S Cassia Way, Tucson, AZ 85706
5674 E 25th Street, Tucson, AZ 85711
6012 E 25th Street, Tucson, AZ 85711
5232 E 18th Street, Tucson, AZ 85711
662 S Wilmot Road, Tucson, AZ 85711
622 S Wilmot Road, Tucson, AZ 85711
8561 E Desert Palm Street, Tucson, AZ 85730
4713 E Cecelia Street, Tucson, AZ 85711
Seniors pay a median cost of $4,400 per month for a private one bedroom in an assisted living community in Tucson. This figure includes all amenities and fees, including rent, meals, and extra costs associated with care services and amenities in communities with over 25 residents. This falls below the national median, which is just about $5,000 per month.[02].
Board and care homes make up 31% of the assisted living options in Tucson, and have a median monthly cost of $3,500. Group homes offer a more intimate environment with fewer residents and are usually located in a residential home. While group homes may have fewer amenities than assisted living communities, they provide the same type of care for a lower cost.
The costs listed in the chart below differ somewhat because it portrays the average starting costs, which is a baseline before fees or additional amenities and services are added.
16.20 miles from you
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42.95 miles from you
Seniors and their families usually pay for assisted living with a mix of private and public funds. However, certain care services may be covered by public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, or veterans benefits. Other expenses, such as room and board, are typically paid for out of pocket using private savings and income.
While money from retirement savings is a common method to pay for assisted living expenses, it’s not the only way. Long-term care insurance may cover some care costs and cashing out a life insurance policy is another way to pay for assisted living. Check with your policy provider to see what is covered under your specific plan. Depending on your family’s resources, the following options are other common ways that seniors can pay for assisted living:
The Arizona Department of Health Services provides licensure and oversight for all of Tucson’s assisted living facilities. Licensure is granted to assisted living communities that meet state requirements during an initial inspection, and is renewed the following year during an unannounced inspection. Inspection results are publicly available on the Residential Facilities Provider Search Form. You can search for facilities by name or address.
Assisted living communities with 20+ residents are licensed as assisted living centers, and board and care homes with fewer than 10 residents are licensed as assisted living homes. Both types of facilities undergo the same licensing procedures and yearly inspections in Arizona. Some of the regulations and requirements for Tucson, Arizona, assisted living communities include the following:
In Arizona, the Department of Health Services outlines specific rights for residents of assisted living communities, which include the following:
In Arizona, caregivers in assisted living communities must meet certain requirements. In 2022, Arizona strengthened its background check requirements for workers in assisted living communities. Workers with felonies due to violence or financial fraud are now unable to work in any assisted living community in Arizona. Some of the other requirements for caregivers include the following:
According to the federal guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), visitors are allowed in Tucson’s assisted living communities regardless of their vaccination status. Some more of Tucson’s COVID-19 policies for assisted living communities include those outlined below.
For more information regarding Arizona’s regulations and licensing of assisted living communities, explore our Overview of Assisted Living in Arizona.
Vaccinations. Staff members and residents are encouraged, but not required, to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to receive booster shots.
Masking. Staff members must mask when in assisted living facilities and visitors are encouraged to mask as well.
Quarantining. If a resident develops COVID-19, they should move to a pre-established COVID-19 wing of the facility until they have recovered. Unvaccinated residents who were exposed should quarantine, while vaccinated residents do not need to quarantine.
The weather is one of the reasons seniors are drawn to Tucson. With a higher altitude than Phoenix, the average temperatures in Tucson are considerably mild throughout the year. It can even snow in the winter.
While many cities have one or two types of assisted living communities, Tucson has a fairly even division among three types of assisted living. These community types include facilities that only offer assisted living services, comprehensive Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), and smaller board and care homes.
Traditional assisted living communities in Tucson tend to have more than 25 residents. Many have on-site physicians and nurses, and provide amenities like arts and crafts rooms or libraries. Outings to local botanical gardens, performances, or other events are fairly common. In these traditional assisted living communities, residents live in a private or shared room and usually eat their meals in a restaurant-style dining area with other residents.
About half of Tucson’s assisted living communities include at least one other type of senior care, like memory care or independent living. Often, these multi-care communities are on large campuses, and each care type has its own building or wing.
The cost for multi-care communities is typically higher than other assisted living options. These communities provide residents the comfort of staying on the same campus as their care needs change. The senior may need to relocate to a different unit within the same community but will be able to stay in the same community.
Like traditional assisted living communities, multi-care type communities usually combine all expenses into one monthly fee. The monthly cost for a resident increases as their care needs increase, and many traditional assisted living communities offer some skilled nursing services for an additional fee.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are similar to multi-care communities in Tucson, but they typically have a different payment structure. CCRCs are often more expensive than other assisted living options and most require an admission fee.
The higher costs and admission fees at CCRCs may help to cover a higher level of care in the future such as skilled nursing. CCRCs also tend to have more lavish amenities — like pools and bars — and an array of personalized health and wellness services.
Board and care homes are common in Tucson. These are residential homes that are converted into small assisted living communities. While licensed and regulated in the same ways as traditional assisted living communities, these often come at a lower price and provide a more intimate, personalized experience. Seniors in board and care homes in Tucson often share a room with one other resident and have access to the common areas of the house.
Amenities may include a backyard or patio, a dining room, and a living room. Caregivers at board and care homes often live alongside residents and are available 24/7. Board and care homes don’t usually offer on-site skilled nursing but many partner with home health care agencies to help residents get the care they need.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Tucson, Arizona, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within Tucson’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual income for Tucson seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Tucson, Arizona, has an excellent health care system, with several top-rated hospitals.
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson is rated the best hospital in Tucson according to according to U.S. News and World Report. This teaching hospital is a private, nonprofit institution located on the University of Arizona campus.
Tucson Medical Center Healthcare – Tucson
TMC Healthcare – Tucson is a general medical and surgical center and is high performing in the following areas: colon cancer surgery, cardiology and heart surgery, and geriatrics.
Northwest Medical Center – Tucson
Located north of downtown Tucson, the Northwest Medical Center is the second best hospital in Tucson, according to U.S. News and World Report. As a 300-bed hospital, it’s considered high-performing for seven different procedures, including prostate cancer surgery, heart attack care, and kidney failure.
This private, for-profit hospital has 449 beds and is an acute-care hospital in Tucson. Its sister hospital in Tucson is called St. Mary’s. St. Joseph’s specializes in neurology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, as well as maternity and neonatal care, among others.
Most people in Tucson use a car as their primary mode of transportation. For residents who no longer drive, our partner assisted living facilities provide on-site transportation services — a safe and convenient alternative to public transportation. For those who still drive, nearly 60% of A Place for Mom’s partner communities offer parking for residents with cars.
For visiting loved ones, Sun Tran, Tucson’s public transportation system is a reliable and affordable way to get around. It includes the Sun Link street car, Sun Vans, Sun on Demand, and the Sun Shuttle. Tucson has worked to make the Sun Tran particularly accessible for seniors by providing a few senior-specific services. These perks include the following:
Information about the class and the Sun Tran system in general can be found on the senior page of their website or by calling 520-206-8881.
Tucson’s walkability, bikeability, and public transportation options are rated on a scale of 0-100 by Walk Score, with 100 being the best. Tucson received the following scores:
78
70
98
Whether you’re on an evening hike among towering Saguaro cacti or sitting on a back porch with a margarita, it’s likely you’ll enjoy a stunning sunset above the purple hues of the surrounding mountain ranges. And with a dry, temperate climate, being outside in Tucson is comfortable for almost 365 days a year.
Many of the local assisted living communities offer residents an outing to the Sonoran Desert Museum, but it’s a must-see for visiting family members as well. The museum is accessible and includes a zoo and a botanical garden. Learn about unique animals — like the javelina, scorpion, and Gila monster — and admire the local cacti, some of which are over 100 years old.
The Saguaro National Park is perhaps the most famous site in the Tucson area, as the park surrounds two sides of the city. Named for the massive Saguaro cacti that grow throughout the park, visitors can enjoy the park on foot or by car. The Cactus Forest Drive is a loop that provides stunning views of the park’s most scenic areas. Adventurous hikers can find petroglyphs from the ancient Hohokam people on the Signal Hill Trail.
Because of Tucson’s clear skies, the Steward Observatory on the University of Arizona’s campus is home to one of the premier astronomy departments in the nation. Students and visitors can look through the telescope in the observatory.
A larger telescope is located just outside the city at the Kitt Peak National Observatory which has a visitor center that offers nighttime stargazing events.
Tucson has plenty of cultural activities too. One of the most popular for seniors — particularly veterans — is the Pima Air and Space Museum. The museum has over 400 aircrafts and some of the rarest aircrafts in the world including WWII planes, presidential aircrafts, and a flight simulator. Plus, seniors get discounted admissions. Tram Tours offers are available daily to take visitors through the acres of planes and helicopters.
The Mission San Xavier del Bac is a piece of history that has persisted through occupations by Spain, Mexico, and the Confederacy. It now sits on land owned by the Tohono O’odham Nation. Built in the 1700s, the Mission’s ornate Spanish colonial architecture and gilded interior are worth the suggested donation fee.
Set in an old-timey saloon, the Gaslight Theater puts on nightly performances of their family-friendly plays. Visitors can enjoy a full meal and free popcorn with their tickets. Seniors don’t get discounted tickets, but it’s affordable enough to go regularly.
Tucson was the first City of Gastronomy in the United States. It got its title because there’s an unusually high number of exceptional restaurants in Tucson for a city of its size. Tucson also gained recognition because these restaurants honor traditional recipes from Mexico and the indigenous tribes who began farming in the Saguaro Desert over 4,000 years ago. The official Tucson City of Gastronomy website has information about food tours, cooking classes, and certified City of Gastronomy restaurants.
Tucson’s visitor’s website is visittucson.org, which offers some excellent up-to-date information about local activities. They cover outdoor fun, health and wellness, shopping, and history experiences that are appropriate for all ages. The site also has updated information about local events, like Gem Shows, the Senior Olympic Festival, and musical performances.
Arroyo Gardens, Sierra del Sol and Woodland Palms Memory Care Community are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Tucson, AZ. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Tucson is 3,685 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population estimates (V2021): Tucson city [Data set]. Quick Facts.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Tucson city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Arizona Health Care Containment System. (2024, February 1). Health insurance for individuals who are 65 or older (and do not need a nursing home level of care).
Arizona Health Care Containment System. (2023, December). Filing an application for the Arizona long-term care system (ALTCS).
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Parts of Medicare.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. What Medicare Covers.
Arizona Health Care Containment System. (2024, February 1). Help with paying Medicare costs only.
Arizona Department of Health Services. (2019, November 5). Health care institutions: Licensing article 8. Assisted living facilities.
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