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Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs are leaders in senior independent living. While many retirees vacation in the Valley of the Sun for its blue skies and laid-back personality, Phoenix’s excellent medical infrastructure and relative affordability convinces many seniors to stay. Besides the snowbirds, a booming economy brings in highly skilled workers, who in turn bring their parents. Independent living in Phoenix is a good option for seniors who want to move out of a family home but don’t need the skilled care of an assisted living community.
In Phoenix, independent living looks like residential 55+ or 62+ neighborhoods that provide their residents with restaurant-style dining, social activities, resort-like amenities, and hassle-free living. Independent living communities usually have an all-inclusive monthly fee and a one-time move-in fee.
A Place for Mom partners with 22 independent living communities in a 10-mile radius of the Phoenix city center and 47 independent living communities within a 15-mile radius. While there is already a large supply of independent living communities within Phoenix and its suburbs, more independent living communities are currently being built to meet the rising demand.
Types of care available in Phoenix, AZ
Independent Living
I would say it is definitely a community you should consider. The evening and night staff were not as attentive as they should have been. They were not consistent with a night-time regiment and did not check on him enough during the night.
My loved one is currently a resident at Legacy Village of Salt River and overall this facility is a 4+!. The staff is good. Their responsiveness to issues is good. The food is good. Housekeeping is once a week and works well for the resident. The move in was stress free and they were very accommodating. My loved one is settling in and feels very safe and well cared for. I would recommend Legacy Village of Salt River to others.
Revel is warm and inviting. The Sales team is wonderful and goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable and heard. I love the family style atmosphere with all the other residents and it's a very classy place. There is always something fun to do here.
5861 West Beverly Lane, Glendale, AZ 85306
Home Sweet HomeOur assisted living and memory care community in Glendale, Arizona doesn’t require you to choose between independence and assistance. We think you deserve both, which is our community is made up of offer cozy apartment homes that give you the freedom of independent living combined...
Staff is very friendly and accommodating. I think they're a little short-staffed right now, but so is everywhere else. Housekeeping seems pretty good, other than she's been without toilet paper once or...
16621 North 38th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032
We offer a distinctive approach to specialized memory care and assisted living, which builds on already more than ten years of dedicated service. Our grounds are beautifully manicured and maintained with walking paths, shaded seating areas, and views for enjoying the outdoors and seating areas...
Pacifica has been a great facility. If there was a section titled Communication I would have given it a 4 but that’s really been my only issue. They were 5 star communicators before we signed. It’s been...
2577 W Greenway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023
I would tell them that it's the least expensive place out there and my mom has no complaints about it. Except that the closet's too small!
6250 North 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85015
The Palazzo is a full Continuing Care Community offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing. At The Palazzo, we are able to cater to your needs whether you are looking for independence in an environment with social activities, wonderful meals, housekeeping and...
When it comes to the food, it is great in restaurant's but we could use more of a variety of bagels. The food in rehab tends to be cold. However, based on the experience we have had with The Palazzo, we...
15436 North 64th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Home Sweet HomeAre you ready to redefine independence? If so, our assisted living and memory care community in Scottsdale, Arizona is ready to welcome you with open arms. You’ll find that once you let go of the cumbersome chores like home maintenance and cleaning, you will have ample time to...
Our family needed to relocate my father from his own condo and find a place near me in Phoenix. The moment I walked in and met the director of sales [name removed] and nurses [names removed]. It was the...
13617 N 55th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85304
LifeStream Complete Senior Living at Glendale is conveniently located in Glendale - close to doctors, hospital and shopping. Every apartment features a 24-hour response system, free utilities (except phone), spacious closets, Cox cable, full size refrigerator/freezer, and individually controlled...
The main thing that upset me was trying to leave. I told them when my parents planned to leave and they said to have them inform them 30 days prior. I had my father show up on the 30 day prior at the desk...
13240 North Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85032
At our independent, assisted living and memory care community in Phoenix, Arizona, you can enjoy all the comforts of retirement without the burdens of home ownership, cleaning, cooking, and more. Instead of wasting your energy on the responsibilities you’ve carried for decades, you can wake up...
The staff at Brookdale Memory Care are compassionate caregivers. They attend to my mom's comfort and safety. It was a difficult transition for our family after our dad passed Knowing that our mom is in the...
7090 E Mescal St, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Nestled in the heart of an established, quiet neighborhood on a 22-acre campus in North Scottsdale, Pueblo Norte Senior Living Community offers a unique blend of residential and health care services that have provided a continuum of care to area seniors for almost 30 years. A large number of our...
Ive lived in two other senior living communities before this and this is by far nicest one. I only wish my wife was still alive to be here and enjoy it with me. I really love it here! I highly recommend it...
1739 W Myrtle Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
At Avamere at Phoenix we're here to help you feel comfortable so you can focus on what's most important in your life. As part of the Avamere family of companies, we proudly offer assisted living and memory care services as we have more than 25 years. Many of our team members have been with us for...
Staff is very caring very accommodating for special needs and always available to help. They're also very encouraging the resident I feel it could be more nutrition based foods, like more fresh veggies and...
4475 East Knox Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044
Mountain Park Senior Living is the premier senior living community in Ahwatukee, Arizona. We offer independent living, assisted living and Dementia/Memory Care in Ahwatukee, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona.Mountain Park Senior Living puts a new level of affordable luxury within your reach -...
I hope you would also consider doing a survey with the residents as they are the best judge of what you are asking. I haven't eaten there and therefore, I don't have an opinion of the food. I don't...
3200 E Glenrosa Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Assisted Living For our Assisted Living residents, MorningStar offers four levels of help with the activities of daily living: minimal; moderate; more frequent and intensive; and extensive. In all cases, around-the-clock Care Managers ensure your safety and meet your needs. It is our staff's...
The place is well run and very nice. I feel comfortable leaving my wife there. It is a little pricey, but generally first-class. They really seem to operate as a caring family. It's definitely a place...
2802 East Juniper Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85032
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Arizona Desert Falls is where your family is our family. We specialize in providing the best care available for those individuals on a fixed income or budget. We encourage you to visit our facebook page @azdesertfallsassistedliving to see pictures of different events we have put on for our...
Great place and take very good care of our father. Great food and staff and outstanding price for our father that does not have a lot of money. Very clean and communicates with us very well if any issues...
7211 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Madison Meadows provides a fulfilling, independent lifestyle in a welcoming environment. Located in the heart of Phoenix, Madison Meadows is conveniently accessible to shopping, healthcare, museums and theaters, and we're just down the street from the VA Hospital. Our all-inclusive...
The staff is wonderful and the facility was just what we needed. Card games and social activities were also what we needed to get our friends back into the world. She had been slowly going downhill living...
20240 N 78th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308
Inspira Arrowhead will be a state of the art senior living community with Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care resident options. Inspira Arrowhead will be located in a campus environment including restaurants such as Kneader’s Bakery and Starbucks, The Church of Joy and a future...
We truly love this place. It's relatively new, contemporary in decor, super clean, stellar food quality, very friendly staff. It gives a 5 star hotel experience. The perfect place! Room layout was best;...
5401 W Dailey St, Glendale, AZ 85306
When you think of retirement living, what do you see? If cookie-cutter apartments, quiet hallways, bland food and stereotypical activities come to mind, then think again. Over twenty years of experience have taught us that today's seniors want more choices and are leading a more active lifestyle...
Staff very nice especially [name removed]. Food could be better hopefully when the new kitchen is finished. New comers not very welcoming to the old guard. Activities director really good she plans well...
2002 W Sunnyside Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85029
At Fellowship Square Phoenix, we offer the full continuum of senior living options, all on one campus: Independent and Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing. We also provide Supportive Services, Medicare-certified Home Health, Outpatient Rehab, and Physical Therapy. Our Outpatient...
Mom has felt so free and welcomed since she moved in. Her family notice that she is SO HAPPY (which eases our mind, some of us not being in close proximity to her)! Even her guests notice how friendly...
3233 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Irresistibly located in the Arcadia area of the Camelback Corridor, Clarendale Arcadia offers “connected living”—a vibrant life near family, friends and everything that matters to residents.You’re just down the street from fine dining at Tomaso's, Tarbell's, Hillstone, and The Gladly, plus...
We moved my mom in last year and she was well taken care of. We moved her (and us) to Texas, but we would return to Clarendale if we move back.
20802 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024
Tucked into a beautiful mountain setting, LifeStream Complete Senior Living at Northeast Phoenix is tops when it comes to quaint and comfortable active retirement living. The one and two-bedroom garden homes feature attached private carports, cozy patios, utility rooms, and full kitchens....
We chose Lifestream because we were so impressed with the community and staff. Location is convenient as well. The facility is AMAZING. Staff is incredibly caring and take amazing care of the facility and...
4050 East Bluefield Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85032
These Are The Best YearsThe seniors you see here may be part of our assisted living and memory care community in Phoenix, but we like to think of them as family. Each and every person who walks through our door is an individual with a unique story and background, and a host of personal interests....
Fortunately, my friend is social enough to make friends. That’s the best attribute of Brookdale: staff and fellow residents are kind. Food, activities, cleanliness, and room space meet our standards. They...
1610 W Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
I would say that you won't find a friendlier place. The fact that the Beatitudes is a non-profit makes a huge difference as staff are motivated by serving others, not by profit. There is a wonderful...
17120 N 51st Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308
Amberlin Arrowhead isn’t your average 55 plus apartment community. Within our beautiful architecture and landscaped courtyards, we create opportunities for shared experiences and meaningful connections among our residents. If you’re ready to take part in a vibrant senior community of other active...
JUST A FABULOUS PLACE TO RESIDE* IT IS IMMACULATE TO LIVE HERE *THE GROUNDS &THE MAINTENANCE TRAM WORK TIRELESSLY TO KEEP UP WITH THE ESSENCE OF THE FACILITY* SENIORS ARE CONSTANTLY INVOLVED IN SOME...
302 E. Maryland Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Paradise Living Centers opened its newly built North Central Phoenix group home in April 2016. This is the second location for Paradise Living Centers, which is a locally owned and operated. Featuring 10 - bedroom and private bath suites and spacious living spaces for residents to enjoy.
On [date removed] My wife and I were given the seemingly impossible task of finding a place for dad. We were lost at sea! [name removed] became our guiding light and heroically stepped up and showed us how...
1920 W Alameda Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85085
At The Retreat at Alameda, our residents have all of the comforts of home with all of the care and security they need. We are a new build community, now open to accept residents. Conveniently located on 19th Ave, just south of Happy Valley Road in the Norterra area, we will be offering 72...
They have been wonderful to work with, and we are very happy with our decision to move our family members into The Retreat at Alameda.
7750 West Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85035
Open Spring 2024 > Affordable Apartments for Adults 55 Years and Older!Experience a higher quality lifestyle in a community for adults 55 & older expecting more out of life. As a marquee destination for active senior living in Phoenix, AZ, Casa Azure Senior Living welcomes you with...
I hope to be a part of this community soon ! I text today and told the staff my situation and by the end of the day I received a text stating that they would call me tomorrow and see how they could help ....
6650 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85054
When you choose Clearwater Mayo Blvd in Phoenix, Arizona, you’re choosing the best possible life for yourself or your loved one. This senior living community isn’t just a welcoming home – it’s practically a whole neighborhood by itself. You’ll enjoy a host of resort-style services and amenities,...
Clearwater is excellent. The staff is highly trained and they provide caring service. Really caring service. The whole facility is bright and modern. It has a comfortable atmosphere throughout. All the...
Each independent living community has slightly different costs, payment options, and plans, so it’s important to ask communities directly about their costs before choosing. Every Phoenix independent living community should be able to give you a clear picture of how much it costs to live there.
Independent living costs tend to have two parts: monthly fees and a one-time admission fee.
Monthly fees for independent living
Senior residents of independent living communities in Phoenix paid an average of $3,206 a month in total, including all extra fees, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] The cost figures in the chart below are the baseline rental fees that area residents of independent living communities pay before adding fees for care and amenities.
These figures are slightly lower than monthly costs in other top independent living markets in the nation but more expensive than most rental apartments in Phoenix — due to the added services and amenities available to residents of independent living communities. The monthly independent living community fee often includes the following:
One-time admission fee for independent living
Not all independent living communities have an admission fee. Admission fees are more common in senior living communities known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). These communities have all senior care types on one site, with independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing areas. The admission fee is a way to offset future expenses as your care needs increase due to aging. Depending on the community, the one-time move-in fee varies from $100,000 to over $1 million, based on how much care the community can provide. Often, a higher move-in fee causes monthly payments to be lower. Many retirees use the equity from their house to pay.[01] However, some independent living communities in Phoenix have Return of Capital plans (ROCs), which means the community may return up to 80% of the move-in fee back to the resident or the resident’s heirs if they choose to leave or pass away without the need of long-term care.
26.67 miles from you
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33.39 miles from you
Most retirees pay for independent living with private funds. Because standalone independent living does not provide health services or personal care, it’s not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance.
Many retirees fund their independent living through the sale of a family home. Read on for further tips on the common ways people privately pay for independent living:
Independent living communities don’t provide personal care or health care, so they are not regulated in the same way as assisted living communities. However, some independent living communities have assisted living and skilled nursing wings on site. These wings are regulated in the same way as stand-alone assisted living communities and nursing homes.
Independent living communities often have age and health requirements. Most require residents to be over 55 or 62 and won’t accept residents who are bedbound. Aside from these requirements, independent living communities go through similar, if not identical, inspections as traditional apartment complexes. Independent living residents can expect the independent living community to handle all of the maintenance and repairs, as well as keep the apartment or villa in a livable condition. Residents are also expected to keep their dwelling in a good condition and to not alter the apartment without consent from the community.
Arizona doesn’t have an agency to enforce any disputes between an independent living community and residents, so any problems are dealt with as private matters.
Phoenix independent living communities must follow the same COVID-19 guidance as traditional apartment complexes. This means they follow state and city guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Phoenix follows the Arizona Together program, which recommends that residents mask when sick and test for COVID-19 when exposed.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
Independent living in Phoenix can be a senior retiree’s dream.
Phoenix is currently booming, but retirees have flocked to the Valley of the Sun for decades. The year-round sunshine and a local preoccupation with golf brings in plenty of snowbirds. But these delights are only part of the story why so many seniors choose to nest in Phoenix permanently.
Phoenix has a growing economy, so many retirees follow a child whose job brought them to the city. Some seniors are attracted to the strong medical infrastructure, and others are simply drawn to Phoenix for the sheer number of senior living options available.
In Phoenix, 7.7% of the population is over 70, but in the suburbs like Paradise Valley, 23% of the population is over 70.Because of the persistently high number of seniors, Phoenix has one of the highest concentrations of senior living options in the United States. This means that most retirees can find a senior living option that suits them in Phoenix.
With all this buzz, independent living costs in Phoenix are higher now than in the past. However, the cost of Phoenix’s independent living communities are still cheaper than the other top five senior living markets in the country, except for Dallas. As one of the most popular forms of senior living, and as one of the most profitable, independent living contractors continue to build these communities — making room for a new wave of seniors looking for a fresh lifestyle.
Independent living in Phoenix attracts active seniors who can take care of themselves but want simplicity and a richer social life. Most of Phoenix’s independent living communities offer a resort-like atmosphere, so living there feels like a forever vacation. On-site amenities often include pools, gyms, luxuriously designed interiors and common areas, and landscaped grounds.
Depending on the community, residents can live in an apartment, a townhome, or in some cases a stand-alone cottage within an age-restricted neighborhood. Many of these communities also provide concierge services. For example, wellness concierges can help residents develop a wellness plan, schedule fitness classes, and coordinate appointments with local health care providers.
Some Phoenix independent living communities have assisted living and skilled nursing wings on site. While they may be connected to or near the independent living community, these wings are licensed and registered differently. However, as part of their fees, many independent living communities can include provisions for future long-term care at these assisted living or skilled nursing wings.
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Number of Phoenix residents over 70
Percentage of Paradise Valley residents over 70
Percentage of Phoenix residents over 65 with a disability
Percentage of Phoenix seniors 65+ who are employed
The average high temperature in Phoenix in January
Phoenix has two hospitals that are nationally ranked in geriatric care.
The Mayo Clinic – Phoenix is rated No. 1 in the Phoenix metro area and ranked in 10 specialties nationally, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s ranked 13th in the nation for geriatric care.
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center is nationally ranked in geriatrics, neurology, and neurosurgery.
Residents generally need a car to get around Phoenix, as the urban sprawl can make it difficult to do otherwise. This is why many independent living communities have a transportation concierge arrange rides for residents, either as an a la carte service or included in the monthly fees. About 91% of independent living communities in Phoenix offer some form of transportation to their residents, usually included as part of their monthly amenity fees.
For public transportation options, the Valley Metro Transit System is the city’s train system and it operates throughout most of the day and night. Though, the train is not so reliable, as wait times can sometimes exceed 20 minutes. Another option for seniors is Dial-a-Ride, which provides transportation to and from appointments. Uber and Lyft are also some reliable options for transportation around Phoenix, depending on the traffic and the time of day.
WalkScore gave Phoenix the following ratings, each out of 100, based on public data about the city’s transportation infrastructure.
41
56
36
Phoenix is an exciting place for active, retired seniors.
Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs are home to many casinos, which several senior living communities organize shuttles and day trips to. The largest is Talking Stick Resort, which has a luxury hotel, a theater, a spa, a museum of Native American art, and an expansive game space. Casino Arizona and Gila River Casino also offer transportation to and from areas in Scottsdale.
Day spas are another part of the Phoenix culture. While most hotels in the area have excellent spas, there are plenty of stand-alone lodges that offer an immersive wellness experience. Many, like the Tierra Luna Spa on the Arizona Biltmore Resort, have magnificent views and enough options to keep you there all day.
Phoenix also has a great sporting culture, with the Footprint Center, State Farm Stadium, and the Chase Field. While they no longer offer senior discounts, the cherished local teams — the Arizona Suns, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Arizona Diamondbacks — bring the team spirit every time. Attending a home game is a popular activity for any age, including many seniors who plan their own day trips to see their favorite team. Casino Arizona also hosts Showtime Championship Boxing for serious Phoenix boxing fans to watch ringside.
For nature enthusiasts, there are plenty of natural landmarks in the surrounding desert and mountain landscape that bring people from around the world. For example, the Desert Botanical Garden is one of the best places to see unique desert flora, and it offers adult classes on landscaping, gardening, cooking, and art.
For architectural enthusiasts, tours are available at Taliesin West, the personal home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Phoenix also has an excellent musical instrument museum. Nearby is the Heard Museum, which has a nationally celebrated exhibition of Native American art.
Golf is a common hobby in Phoenix, and plenty of people visit for the golf scene specifically. Of the many golf courses to choose from, most have peaceful views of the Sonoran Mountain range and can be played all year because of the warm climate. Papago Golf Course is one of the most popular courses because of its scenic backdrop of the Papago Buttes and renowned bar and grill.
Along with everything else about Phoenix, the food scene is vibrant and expanding. While Mexican restaurants and steak houses have been Phoenix staples for years, the city is starting to be a food capital of the United States. From street tacos to fine dining, Phoenix has exceptional food for any taste and any budget.
Atria Chandler Villas, Verena at Gilbert and McDowell Village are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Phoenix, AZ. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Phoenix is 3,761 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101): Phoenix City [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101): Paradise Valley Town [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103): Phoenix City [Data set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. 2022. Living in Phoenix.
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