10 Best Independent Living Communities in Mesa, AZ

Independent living communities don’t provide skilled nursing care. As a result, seniors must use their personal funds for independent living communities instead of relying on Medicaid or Medicare. Learn how some seniors leverage their private assets to afford the community of their dreams, and explore how to use veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare to cover health care.

Independent living communities in Mesa and elsewhere aren’t regulated by state or federal authorities like assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing communities are. Unlike these other senior facilities, independent living communities don’t offer specialized personnel or health care services.

In Mesa, many independent living communities are part of larger campuses with assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. While part of the same campus as the independent living wing, these senior facilities are regulated by state and federal agencies while independent living wings are not.

Mesa’s independent living communities have health and age restrictions

Independent living communities in Mesa tend to require residents to be over 55 years of age. Additionally, independent living communities may require residents to be in good health. In practice, this means that residents shouldn’t require specialized personnel or health care services because independent living communities aren’t equipped to handle such needs.

Mesa’s independent living communities meet all state health and safety codes

Like all residential facilities in Mesa, independent living communities must keep their facilities up to health and safety codes. In short, this means independent living communities are expected to do the following:

• Keep dwellings and public areas in livable conditions.
• Provide running and hot water at all times.
• Supply heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.
• Provide extermination services.
• Provide a security system, such as a key or passcode, prior to move-in day.

Senior residents follow community guidelines

The senior residents of Mesa’s independent living communities should meet these requirements:

• Pay monthly fees on time.
• Avoid permanently altering the residence (like painting) without permission.
• Follow community guidelines, like picking up after a pet and respecting quiet hours.

Independent living communities and residents enter into a legal agreement upon move-in

Senior residents of independent living communities enter into a landlord-tenant relationship, which is outlined in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

In Arizona, landlord-tenant disputes are considered private disputes, and Arizona doesn’t have a state agency dedicated to hearing these disputes. Therefore, make sure you fully understand all community guidelines and payment structures before choosing a community.

Arizona Department of Health contact information

Arizona Department of Health Services
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025

COVID-19 regulations for Mesa independent living communities

Independent living communities in Mesa follow all guidelines developed by local and federal governments to stop the spread of COVID-19. These reflect guidelines for the general public and are not as specific as guidelines for other senior care facilities, such as assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facilities.

Within a tiered care facility, each wing may have slightly different COVID-19 protocol depending on the health status of its residents. For instance, the memory care wing may have stricter quarantine requirements while independent living communities may have no quarantine requirements.

In all senior care facilities, visitors are allowed regardless of vaccination status.

Mesa, Arizona, attracts seniors who want to enjoy the resources and weather of Phoenix within a quieter, more suburban setting. Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona, and it’s known as a peaceful haven for seniors and young families.

Seniors can enjoy the good life in one of Mesa’s 16 partnering independent living communities. With newer buildings, exciting amenities, and a focus on community spaces, Mesa’s independent living facilities are in a class of their own.

Independent living can broaden your horizons

The purpose of independent living communities is to downsize your daily hassles and upgrade your lifestyle. Independent living communities in Mesa tend to offer the following services as part of their monthly fee:

• A private apartment, condo, or villa
• Utilities
• Housekeeping
• A meal plan
• Daily activities, classes, and outings
• Access to amenities, such as pools, theaters, gyms, and more

Independent living communities and other senior care facilities

In Mesa, nearly two-thirds of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities are part of larger facilities with tiered levels of care. Often, these independent living communities are paired with assisted living and memory care facilities.

Each type of senior care has their own wing. The benefit to living in facilities with multiple care types is the ability to receive additional support if your needs change — without having to move to an entirely new facility. The remaining third are stand-alone independent living communities.

Mesa’s independent living communities combine peace and fun

Mesa tends to appeal to seniors who appreciate quiet walking paths, a relaxed lifestyle, and minimal traffic. Local independent living communities deliver on these ideals by adding a sense of community and fun to the city’s peace and quiet.

All of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities offer amenities like pools, gyms, theaters, and game rooms. Most communities also employ an activities coordinator who plans daily recreational and educational events for the residents.

Independent living in the surrounding Mesa suburbs

Phoenix is about 30 minutes away from Mesa and is a good option for seniors who want the amenities of a larger city. Independent living in Phoenix also tends to be less expensive than in Mesa.

Health care for seniors in Mesa

Mesa has a few top-tier health care providers, and with Phoenix nearby, there are many top-tier options for quality senior care.

Transportation for seniors in Mesa

Mesa is a driving city, so most people use their cars to get around. However, seniors in independent living communities may not need to drive. About 70% of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities in Mesa provide complimentary transportation to residents.

Visiting family members should consider renting a car or using the local transportation system called The Valley Metro. You can find bus routes, fares, and more on The Valley Metro webpage.

RideChoice is Mesa’s public transportation option for seniors

Seniors who don’t have a personal vehicle or access to transportation from their community can use Mesa’s public transportation option for seniors. RideChoice is a pickup and drop-off service for people with disabilities or anyone over 65. Here’s why RideChoice is a convenient option for seniors:

• It serves most areas of Maricopa County.
• It costs only $3 for the first 8 miles and just $2 for each additional mile.
• It does not require reservations.
• It provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
• You can sign up easily by calling 602-716-2111.

WalkScore gives Mesa high bike scores

WalkScore.com rates cities on their walkability, bikeability, and public transportation. Each score is out of 100.

Senior activities in Mesa

With a nearby mountain range, renowned golf courses, and exceptional museums, Mesa has plenty to do. Mesa holds its own with an array of fine dining options, boutiques, and outdoor pursuits.

Activities in Mesa’s independent living communities

Residents of Mesa’s independent living communities don’t have to go far to find something fun to do. Almost all of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities employ an activities coordinator who organizes daily educational opportunities and social events.

Some common activities in these communities include the following:

• Bridge club
• Birding expeditions
• Tai chi and yoga classes
• Financial literacy classes
• Arts and crafts workshops
• Musical performances
• Dances
• Movie nights
• Devotional activities

Senior Centers in Mesa

Mesa’s Aster Senior Centers are the heartbeat of the local senior community. Yearly memberships are only $20, and registration information can be found on the Aster website. A membership to Aster Senior Centers includes the following:

• Daily lunch (you can view the current menu here)
• Exercise, art, and dance classes
• Educational events
• Health and wellness programs
• Games, live music, and movies
• Members-only parties and events

Outdoor activities in Mesa

Mesa is within the unique and biodiverse Sonoran Desert. While there are challenging hikes throughout the nearby Superstition Mountain Range, there are also plenty of accessible trails within Mesa. Some of the most popular hikes or walks include the following:

• Sun Circle Trail. This 8.2-mile trail is a leisurely path with only 19 feet of elevation gain.
• Merkle Trail. This trail is a 1-mile loop. It’s ideal for seniors looking for a short stroll to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.
• Hawes Ridge Loop. At only 2 miles long, this loop is a great way to see saguaro cactus groves.

Museums in Mesa

Mesa’s museums reflect the city’s love of the outdoors and the arts. All of these options are within Mesa:

• Arizona Museum of Natural History. Seniors receive discounted admissions to the Arizona Museum of Natural History. This museum has exhibits about ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, and more.
• Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. Perfect for veterans or anyone interested in air travel, the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum has planes from over 100 years of American history.
• Mesa Arts Center. The Mesa Arts Center has rotating live performances of contemporary musical numbers, classical pieces, comedians, and more. You can find information about the season’s lineup on the website. The center offers accommodations for people with low vision, individuals who have difficult hearing, and those with mobility impairments.

Activities in Phoenix

Just 30 minutes away, Phoenix makes a great day trip. Many of Phoenix’s world-famous golf courses and casinos are accessible to Mesa residents.

• Papago Golf Course. Considered one of the best golf courses in a city known for its golf courses, Papago is a must if you enjoy teeing off. Enjoy a round with a backdrop of the pristine Papago Bluffs then refresh at Lou’s Bar and Grill.
• Taliesin West. This was Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal and self-designed home and is a UNESCO Heritage site. You can schedule tours on the website.
• Desert Botanical Garden. Explore the rare desert flora of the Sonoran Desert Walk at the Desert Botanical Garden. You can request tours and wheelchairs on the website.
• SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium. The SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is the region’s most well-known marine life exhibit. It’s located in Tempe, between Mesa and Phoenix.