10 Best Independent Living Communities in Scottsdale, AZ

In this section, you’ll find information on the different ways to pay for an independent living stay in Scottsdale. Options include private payment, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Those interested in Scottsdale’s independent living communities should know that Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance will not cover base living costs at these facilities because they don’t provide care. However, both Medicaid and Medicaid will still pay for medically necessary in-home care services for individuals in independent living facilities.

Continue reading for more specific insight into the varying ways to finance an independent living stay.

Below, we’ll share more specific information about the laws and regulations for different types of independent living communities in the area.

Regulations for standalone independent living communities in Scottsdale

Independent living communities generally don’t require special licensing given that they’re not care facilities, but they’re still subject to applicable rental and housing laws.

In general, residents in Scottsdale’s independent living facilities will have all maintenance and repairs taken care of by the property itself. This also includes ensuring apartments are in a livable condition. However, residents are expected to maintain their units and not make alterations without consent from the community. If there are disputes between independent living communities and residents, they are resolved privately.

Age or income limits and health requirements

Independent living facilities may have age or income limits for prospective tenants, which will vary depending on the individual facility. Age limits ensure seniors can be around like-minded peers while still making sure they can live with their spouses, and these usually start at either 55 or 62. On the other hand, income limits exist so that seniors with lower incomes can still secure a quality living space. Independent living facilities may also require that residents meet certain health requirements to reside there (e.g., not being bedbound).

Inspection and licensing rules

Arizona requires that every property manager who handles residential or commercial properties has a state-issued real estate license. Likewise, independent living facilities in Scottsdale may also receive one of four types of inspections meant to maintain alignment with the city’s housing regulations:

• Initial inspection: All vacant units must undergo this type of inspection before a move-in date. Inspectors will check out exteriors, plumbing, heating and cooling, exits, and individual rooms to make sure everything is in good shape for tenants.
• Yearly inspection: Facilities will undergo annual inspections that confirm whether tenants and landlords are aligned with housing quality standards. Landlords are responsible for repairs if a building is not compliant.
• Special inspection: These inspections are carried out when tenants or landlords request them on a specific part of a unit.
• Quality-control inspection: The ​​Scottsdale Housing Agency is in charge of ordering these inspections, which are meant to ensure that properties follow housing-quality standards.

Scottsdale’s building permits and inspection records are available on this portal.

Safety and maintenance rules

Arizona requires that landlords meet the following stipulations:

• Ensure that homes align with their local building requirements and health code.
• Carry out repairs that ensure a unit or home is in livable condition.
• Make sure common areas are secure and clean.
• Ensure that electrical, plumbing, sanitation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and similar things are safe and in proper working order.
• Offer trash containers and make sure refuse is picked up.
• Ensure running water/hot water, heat, and air conditioning or cooling are available (unless a landlord controls these services exclusively and they’re provided by a public utility).

Arizona has a handbook covering tenants’ rights and responsibilities that outlines more specific information — from processes surrounding lease agreements and security deposits to eviction requirements.

The Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act

Scottsdale’s independent living facilities must align with standards outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In general, the ADA requires that buildings feature accessibility features necessary for those living with disabilities, including things like ramps, accessible entrances and common areas, and grab bars in bathrooms.

The same goes for the Fair Housing Act: Legislation that prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics (these include things like race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status). As a result, an applicant’s age is not a reason for independent living communities in Scottsdale to deny housing, and these facilities must meet reasonable requests from those with disabilities. This might include facilities that generally don’t allow pets accommodating seniors who have service or emotional support animals.

You can read through a specific list of actions prohibited under the Fair Housing Act here.

Regulations for combined independent living communities in Scottsdale

It’s also important to note that some A Place for Mom-partnered Scottsdale independent living communities have assisted living and skilled nursing wings on site, which are regulated in the same way as standalone assisted living communities and nursing homes.

Inspection and licensing rules for combined communities

The Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) is in charge of licensing, regulating, and inspecting residential care institutions in Arizona, including assisted living and memory care facilities. While its Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing is in charge of licensing and regulating these communities, the DHS’s Division of Licensing Services also licenses and monitors them as well as conducting inspections. Facilities are inspected by the Division at least once every two years, but the frequency of inspections may increase if the ADHS receives a complaint or believes a facility isn’t complying with Arizona’s regulations.

During these inspections, surveyors from the ADHS examine facility staff, the quality of care and medication management residents receive, nutrition offered, and similar factors. They might also choose to conduct interviews with staff or residents, read through relevant documents, and observe care practices. If a facility is found to be noncompliant, it must correct any infractions. The ADHS may also charge penalties or take other actions if a facility is still found to be in violation of state regulations or doesn’t address its violations.

You can search for a specific facility’s licensing records using this state-provided portal.

Arizona Department of Health Services contact information
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Scottsdale independent living communities

In Scottsdale, independent living facilities do not have any strict regulations surrounding COVID-19. However, A Place for Mom highly recommends reaching out to the independent living facilities you’re interested in to see whether they have any individual COVID-specific guidelines.

The city of Scottsdale does have this list of health and safety suggestions that could be helpful for curbing COVID-19’s spread in the community. And besides publishing its own COVID guidelines, Arizona’s Department of Health Services (DHS) also stays abreast of updates created by the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Note that independent living facilities that combine different care types may be subject to more specific COVID-19 regulations outlined by the DHS.

It’s no secret why Scottsdale is a haven for retirees. After all, a warm and sunny climate, top-tier health care offerings, abundant natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene create a well-rounded desert town for seniors looking to relax and enjoy their golden years. All of this also means that Scottsdale isn’t lacking in senior-minded accommodations — including an array of independent living facilities that can meet seniors’ must-haves. In this section, we’ll share more information about the area’s independent living market and everything these facilities offer.

Continuing levels of care

If you or your loved one is concerned about being at a facility that offers multiple levels of care, rest assured that Scottsdale has options. Of A Place for Mom’s 17 partner facilities in the area, just three are standalone independent living facilities. Five combine assisted living and independent living, and nine offer assisted living, independent living, and memory care — a very progressive care classification. Because the care these independent living facilities provide can adapt to meet the needs of seniors as they grow older, this provides an additional layer of security for residents.

Luxurious options for seniors

Scottsdale is known for providing all the best that life has to offer, and its independent living facilities certainly keep up with that expectation. Besides their artfully designed and decorated facades and interiors, many of the area’s independent living facilities are known for their extensive list of comfortable amenities.

Specific luxury offerings will vary by facility, but examples include movie or theater rooms; swimming pools; cafés, bistros, patio dining, and restaurants with VIP service; spas; and bocce ball courts. It goes without saying that seniors looking for a life of luxury will feel right at home in Scottsdale’s independent living communities.

A sense of ease and convenience

Independent living is great for seniors who are looking to take a bit more hassle out of their daily lives, and Scottsdale’s communities ensure seniors won’t have to worry about the little things. In certain communities, residents can enjoy convenient perks such as housekeeping, laundry services, on-site health and fitness classes, daily meals, beauty salons and barber shops, at-cost or complimentary transportation, and 24-hour staff. Independent living communities will also take on grounds maintenance, cover utility bills for residents, and handle repairs.

Besides this, seniors are free to choose from a variety of floor plans to find the space that’s right for them. Exact offerings will vary by facility, but options range from cozy studio apartments to large villas.

Health care for seniors in Scottsdale

If you’re seeking quality health care options in Scottsdale, you won’t have to look far — in fact, the area is home to several world-renowned medical institutions. We’ll share information here on the area’s top hospital systems.

Transportation for seniors in Scottsdale

Looking to explore the beautiful surroundings in Scottsdale? It might be best to go by automobile, as most residents rely on their cars when doing errands or getting from point A to point B. However, you won’t even need your own set of wheels because all of our partner independent living facilities offer free transportation.

Scottsdale also has minimal public transit, but you can still get around on Scottsdale’s trolley system or the Valley Metro system, which serves the city of Phoenix and surrounding areas. Valley Metro has a fleet of buses, a light rail system, streetcars, vanpools, and paratransit offerings. While Scottsdale’s trolley is free and operates on a 20-minute cadence Monday through Friday, a one-way Valley Metro fare will set you back $2. If you’re 65 or older, on Medicare, or have a disability, however, you’re eligible for a discount.

Bikers should take note, as Scottsdale has great options for those who’d prefer cycling around. In fact, the League of American Bicyclists awarded the city “Gold Level Bicycle Friendly” status due to safe biking options, many miles of bike-specific roadway, and the many bike-accessible trails in the area.

The following three ratings are from Walk Score. They’re calculated out of 100 and show how easy or difficult it is to get around town using certain transportation methods.

Senior activities in Scottsdale

Although it’s on the smaller side compared to other cities in Arizona, Scottsdale boasts a variety of engaging activities seniors and their loved ones can enjoy.

Given the city’s large senior population, it’s no surprise that Scottsdale is home to two dedicated senior centers. The Granite Reef Senior Center has 13 multipurpose rooms and hosts many different activities, including current events discussion groups, table tennis, and Canasta. Located about a 15-minute drive north, the Via Linda Senior Center also offers up senior-specific activities, from knitting and crocheting to matinee movies. Seniors are also sure to enjoy Talking Stick Resort Casino, which offers exciting slots, 24/7 poker, a variety of table games, and other traditional casino offerings.

If you’re looking for something indoors for all ages, though, Scottsdale won’t leave you empty-handed. It’s home to many world-class museums, including famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West winter estate; the Smithsonian-affiliated Western Spirit, which covers both Western and Indigenous culture; and Penske’s memorabilia-filled Racing Museum. The OdySea Aquarium might be more geared toward families and younger audiences, however, so it could be a great place to bring the grandkids for a shark tour or sloth encounter.

For a night of enjoying the arts, you also have plenty of options in Scottsdale. The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts hosts festivals, musicians, dancers, plays and more, while the more intimate Desert Stages Theatre is perfect for those interested specifically in plays and musicals. Those looking for daytime arts jaunts could head to Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art to check out some stunning architecture and design pieces.

Of course, Scottsdale is known for its breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert — meaning many outdoor activities can also be found here that allow you to relax, learn, and take in some nature. The city offers its residents public pickleball courts, fishing and boating opportunities, tennis centers, and pools where you can beat the desert heat. Scottsdale’s Cactus Park is another public option: It’s home to 17 acres of greenery perfect for viewing and relaxing among picnic villas, ample bench seating, and one of the best public pools in the city. Sports fans might opt to head to Scottsdale Stadium for spring training instead to check out the San Francisco Giants before baseball season, and avid hikers can explore McDowell Sonoran Preserve from its ample trailheads.

But for nature that’s more on the polished side, why not check out Troon North Golf Club? Featuring amazing views of the Pinnacle Peak, this highly rated golf club is sure to impress both Scottsdale residents and guests alike. If you have grandkids in tow, you might consider the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center instead, which offers appointment-only tours of its wildlife rehabilitation center, or Butterfly Wonderland, the largest butterfly conservatory in the States.

Ready to round out your day with some shopping and a meal? Scottsdale Fashion Square features outdoor dining and shopping options, while Old Town Scottsdale marries Old West flare with locally owned boutiques and restaurants. No matter your cup of tea, Scottsdale has a special brew especially for you.