10 Best Independent Living Communities in Tucson, AZ

Because independent living doesn’t include care services, most people pay with private funds rather than Medicaid or Medicare. Read on to find some of the most common ways seniors pay for independent senior living in Tucson. You can also learn how public assistance or veterans benefits may help you cover the costs of an independent living community.

Independent senior living communities aren’t required to be licensed or regulated by the federal government or the state of Arizona. This is because they don’t provide any care services that can be covered with state or federal benefits.

That said, some independent living communities also have assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing wings on-site. These care wings are required to be licensed and regulated in the same way as stand-alone assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facilities, separate from the independent living wings.

Tucson’s independent living communities often require residents to be able to care for themselves without assistance. Many also require residents to be over 55 years old.

What are the regulations for independent living communities in Tucson?

Independent living communities in Tucson follow the same regulations as other apartment buildings. In general, Tucson’s independent living communities are expected to do the following:

• Keep the residence in a livable condition and up to safety codes
• Provide running and hot water
• Offer extermination services
• Supply heat in the winter
• Provide a security system, such as a key, for the resident prior to move in

Residents of independent living communities are expected to do the following:

• Must not alter the residence in any permanent way without permission
• Comply with community rules about quiet hours and picking up after pets
• Pay monthly fees on time

While Arizona does outline renters’ rights in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, there’s no government agency that handles disputes between a resident and a community. Any disputes are considered private, so read your prospective community guidelines or bylaws carefully before moving in. Consult a landlord/tenant attorney for more information.

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 Tucson independent living communities

Tucson’s independent living communities follow the COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arizona Together program. While there are no current mandates, residents of independent living communities are encouraged to mask when sick and test after an exposure to COVID-19. Pima County posts local vaccine rates and a 15-day case map on the Pima County COVID-19 Data Reports page, as well as weekly COVID-19 progress reports.

More and more seniors are discovering where they fit in Tucson. As the sunny home of the University of Arizona, the first City of Gastronomy in the United States, and a conserver of the Old West’s wide open spaces, Tucson is quickly becoming a top-notch retirement town, especially for active seniors looking for independent living.

Tucson’s million-dollar views belie a lower cost of living than most other popular cities. This cute college town also has a wide range of senior living options, meaning most seniors can find a community that suits their needs and wants, as well as their budget.

Tucson has independent living options

As a city of about 500,000 people, Tucson has a range of independent senior living options. In Tucson, there are three main types of independent senior living communities: standalone independent senior living, independent senior living with on-site care options, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Almost all of our partnering independent living communities are close to the Catalina Foothills, away from the bustling city center.

Stand-alone independent living communities in Tucson

The most recognizable independent living community in Tucson is the stand-alone independent living community. These communities offer only independent living services and don’t offer any other senior care types like assisted living or memory care.

Like most senior communities in Tucson, these tend to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, usually on a large plot of land with mountain views. That said, Tucson isn’t a huge city, so most of these communities are only a 10- to 15-minute drive from downtown.

These standalone independent living communities resemble luxury apartment complexes, with a central clubhouse, a dining room, a library, a pool, and multiple floor plan options. These residences usually employ an activities coordinator to arrange daily exercise classes, social gatherings, and outings.

Because these communities don’t offer care services, they may require residents to be free from serious health concerns. These communities don’t have large admission fees but instead roll all of their expenses, including meal plans, into one monthly sum.

Independent living communities with assisted living care in Tucson

In Tucson, independent living communities often include assisted living services, sometimes in an adjacent building or wing. These communities are usually closer to the center of town than standalone independent living communities, though they may still have spacious grounds and beautiful views.

Like standalone independent living communities, these independent and assisted living communities often resemble high-end apartments, with beautiful design features and a plethora of amenities. Many also have an on-staff activity coordinator or wellness coach to organize social events and help residents with their fitness goals. Because there’s a full calendar of activities and access to enjoyable amenities, like pools, tennis courts, and social hours, it’s nearly impossible to be bored at one of these communities.

These combined communities are not continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) because they have a different payment structure. Unlike CCRCs, they won’t require a large admissions fee to pay for future potential care. However, these communities don’t tend to offer skilled nursing services, like CCRCs do. But combined communities do offer seniors the benefit of staying in the same community if they develop a need for assisted living care.

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in Tucson

CCRCs aren’t common in Tucson, but A Place for Mom does partner with a few of them. These are the most all-inclusive senior living communities and a good option for seniors who want to live comfortably and spend the rest of their lives in the same place.

Because these communities are often newer, Tucson’s CCRCs tend to be the farthest away from the city. Like other independent senior living communities, the independent living wings of CCRCs are akin to vacation-style resorts. Pools, game rooms, fitness classes, happy hours, and performances are a regular part of life in Tucson’s CCRCs.

CCRCs include every care type, including skilled nursing. As a resident’s care needs progress, they can receive seamless care from staff members who know the resident well. Tucson’s CCRCs do require a large upfront admissions fee for potential future care services. However, in Tucson these fees are well below those in other top senior living markets, like New York or Chicago.

Independent living in the surrounding Tucson suburbs

Just 30 minutes south of Tucson lies Green Valley, one of the most peaceful places to retire in the United States. Because over 80% of its population is over 65, Green Valley is considered a retirement community. However, with 22,000 residents, Green Valley is more than just a sleepy residential neighborhood. Local community organizers put on events, and it’s easy to find people with similar interests in this senior-oriented town.

Green Valley’s desert mountain views and comfortable, low-key affluence are similar to Palm Springs, California. But its lower cost of living, virtually nonexistent crime, and high concentration of senior living options make it a uniquely excellent place to retire. If Green Valley gets too quiet for some residents, however, Tucson is only a 30-minute drive away.

Health care for seniors in Tucson

Tucson has an excellent health care system and one of the best hospitals in Arizona.

Transportation for seniors in Tucson

Almost all of our partner independent living communities in Tucson offer complimentary transportation services. However, most independent senior living community residents own and drive a personal vehicle, and many communities provide covered parking spaces to their residents.

For seniors without a car or access to complimentary transportation, reliable and affordable public transportation in Tucson is also available. The Sun Tran system is Tucson’s public transportation system, featuring a bus service, a shuttle, and even vans for disabled passengers. Most of Sun Tran’s vehicles have senior-designated seats directly behind the driver. Sun Vans also have lifts for riders with limited mobility.

The Sun Tran system provides discounted fees for seniors and offers a free class for seniors to learn how to use the system. Information about this class and about the Sun Tran system is available on the senior page of the Sun Tran website or by calling 520-206-8881.