With 300 sunny days a year and a laidback personality, Phoenix has long been a top destination for retirees. Because of its history as a retirement haven, Phoenix has a particularly high concentration of assisted living options. This means most people can find a quality assisted living option within a 10-mile radius of downtown Phoenix.
Phoenix has 124 traditional assisted living communities, but by far, the most common type of senior care in Phoenix is board and care homes. While these residential care homes differ from assisted living communities in size, many are licensed as assisted living communities and offer the same services in a smaller package. If you include these residential care homes, the number of facilities offering assisted living services in Phoenix jumps to 215, which far exceeds most similarly sized cities. In recent years, more luxury assisted living communities have also opened their doors, offering resort-like amenities and age-in-place programs.
This guide will help you pick the right Phoenix assisted living community for you. Below, you’ll find listings of the top-rated Phoenix assisted living facilities, ranked by categories that are important to families and their loved ones.
Marigold Assisted Living is a wonderful place. It is so clean and the meals are delicious and nutrious. The caregiver at Marigold is caring and compassionate. Our family was so blessed to have our Mom at...
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...
My ex-spouse (for whom I serve as healthcare POA), has been a memory care resident with Pacifica at Paradise Valley for a year and a half. From our initial visit, through the creation of his care plan,...
I would say it's a great facility to work with. They take care of you and even exceed expectations. Carefree assisted living was a great experience for my family and I. They really made us feel like family...
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...
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...
It's a happy place that I enjoy visiting. I feel good about my dad being there. The 2 bedroom apartment was perfect for mom & dad, and the one bedroom is perfect for dad now.
My experience has been extremely positive. The minute you walk in the door you are met with friendly faces...which is the overall culture of the community. Staff is attentive, caring and kind. Administrative...
My loved one is a resident at Hawthorn Court at Ahwatukee. I have been very impressed with Hawthorn and their staff. I would recommend them to anyone who needed Memory Care.
Caregivers are very friendly and seem to be very engaged in the welfare of the residents. House is kept very clean and neat. Communication is very good, whenever there is an issue or concern about the...
We sincerely appreciate and really blessed to have the heartfelt staff at MD Senior Living caring for Dad. It was a really difficult decision to place our Dad anywhere, however, Dad has really adjusted well,...
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...
My mother was a resident at my Chateaux home. Not only was it a beautiful home but the Caregivers were all so great. I am thankful for the Care both to my mother and myself that was given especially in the...
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...
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...
Couldn't have asked for a better place for my mom. Administrative staff were so helpful throughout the whole process. Especially important as I live in New York State and trying to coordinate things long...
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...
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;...
My loved one is currently a resident at Brookdale Central Paradise Valley. The facility seems to care and wants to do it right. It did have some hiccups to start, but they were resolved. Based on our...
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...
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.
The food looked very good and there was no complaints from my loved one My loved one was only there for 7 months. [name removed] was kind and very caring. The front patio courtyard was so beautiful and...
From the management to the staff to the facility, all A1! My family is very thankful that we were able to find Oakmont on Yucca. It means a lot when our hospice nurse could find nothing that needed...
Warm and welcoming staff. Very clean facility. Excellent home cooked meals. Professional staff, including on-site nurse. This smaller, nontraditional setting was such a good fit for our family member.
It seems active and good energy from the tenants. They notice if something is off with the tenants and question them. If you don't show up for a meal they go to your suite and ask if want your meal brought...
While the actual cost of assisted living in Phoenix is influenced by the floor plan, level of care, and amenities, Phoenix’s assisted living communities cost an average of $4,080 a month, [01] which is just below the national average of $4,500.[02]
It’s possible to pay for assisted living in a variety of ways, private or public. While some families pick one or the other, many use a combination of private and public means to fund their assisted living costs. In this section, you’ll find resources to help you make a payment plan for assisted living in Phoenix. You can also check out this guide to paying for long-term care for more information.
Private funds to pay for assisted living can come from many sources, like personal savings, pensions, investment returns, or any of the following:
Nationwide, veterans who are eligible for the VA Survivors Pension may also be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit and the Housebound allowance, both of which can be used to cover the costs of long-term care. However, you cannot get both the Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefit at the same time. Learn more about who qualifies and how to access these benefits from our guide to VA benefits.
The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services also offers benefits counseling to veterans and their families.
Number of veterans living in Phoenix
Percentage of Phoenix veterans who are 65+
Additional resources for Phoenix, Arizona, veterans
3839 N. Third St.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 602-255-3373
333 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Each state has its own Medicaid benefits, and many state Medicaid programs may cover some long-term care costs to low-income individuals.
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (commonly known as AHCCCS) is Arizona’s Medicaid provider. Eligible individuals are assigned a case manager who coordinates their care. Some types of medical services covered by AHCCCS include the following:
AHCCCS also includes assisted living coverage for seniors and the disabled through a sub-program, Arizona Long Term Care Systems (known as ALTCS, pronounced ALL-tecs). This program covers the cost of assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and home health services for eligible seniors. Seniors using ALTCS to cover their assisted living costs can receive a shared or private room, although private rooms may come with an extra fee. Assisted living communities covered under this Medicaid program must be Medicaid-approved.
Phoenix, Arizona, resident Medicaid resources
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 602-417-4000
801 E. Jefferson St., MD 3900
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 888-621-6880
Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is only funded by the federal government. Medicare covers some health care costs for Americans who are 65+ and for people with certain disabilities. While Medicare doesn’t cover most assisted living expenses, it may cover some health care services that can be received in assisted living, such as the following:
To discover what Medicare in Phoenix, Arizona, will cover, you can dial 2-1-1, visit the federal Medicare website, or contact your local Phoenix Social Security Administration office.
Related: Visit our complete guide to public pay options.
Phoenix resident Medicare resources
7171 N. 16th St., Suite 235
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Phone: 602-277-7292
Prevent, detect, or report Medicare errors or fraud
1-800-432-4040
16241 N. Tatum Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 866-348-7855
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
250 N. Seventh Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 866-964-4852
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
All assisted living facilities in Arizona must undergo a robust licensing process through the Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing before opening. This process is overseen by the Arizona Department of Health Services and includes standard safety checks and quality-of-life measures, such as requiring mirrors in the bathrooms, sufficient hot and cold water, and good interior lighting.
Before obtaining a license to operate, all assisted living facilities must meet the state requirements during an inspection. After getting a license, assisted living facilities should pass one unannounced inspection a year to continue operating. Arizona makes the results of all assisted living inspections public through its Residential Facilities Provider Search Form — where you can search by facility or provider name and address.
Recently, Arizona strengthened its background check requirements for assisted living facility employees. This move now prohibits those with felony convictions involving violence or financial fraud from working in assisted living communities. All of these requirements and regulations add more layers of protection to a facility’s senior residents.
To review all of the state’s requirements for assisted living facilities, see:
All assisted living facilities in Phoenix are expected to follow Arizona state guidelines to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the residents and staff members.
Following federal guidelines from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), all visitors to Phoenix assisted living communities are allowed regardless of vaccination status.
Phoenix’s COVID-19 guidelines for assisted living communities include the following:
Vaccinations. All staff members and residents are encouraged to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, and vaccinations should be available to all residents.
Masking. Staff members are required to wear masks while in the facility, and residents are encouraged to mask when receiving unvaccinated visitors.
Testing and screening. New residents should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19.
Quarantine. Each assisted living facility is encouraged to have a wing for COVID-positive residents. If exposed to someone with COVID-19, unvaccinated residents should be quarantined, but vaccinated residents do not need to quarantine.
Phoenix has long been a relaxed retiree’s paradise, and consequently, it has some of the highest numbers of seniors in America. The Valley of the Sun has seen some of the highest population growth in the nation, which has also created a few problems. Once known for its low cost of living, Phoenix’s rising housing prices have increased the cost of assisted living for its retirees. Although, residents can still expect to find a range of affordable assisted living communities in Phoenix simply because there are so many options.
A warm, dry climate and beautiful scenery are part of Phoenix’s appeal. Winter in Phoenix averages a high of 68 degrees and a low of 48 degrees, and summers are often over 100 degrees. While high temperatures may make hiking a challenge, many seniors enjoy the warmth from a shaded patio.
Due to the year-round sunshine, Phoenix has its share of snowbirds each winter who enjoy the many golf courses and spas. Many of the newer assisted living communities incorporate this resort-like atmosphere into their own amenities, including luxurious pools, in-house beauticians, and happy hours.
In keeping with Phoenix’s love for spas, there are plenty of luxury assisted living options. These often include resort-like amenities, such as fitness centers, outdoor pools, and immaculately landscaped grounds. Though, they do come with a higher price tag and a hefty one-time fee. For example, in Paradise Valley, the average cost of luxury assisted living is $5,750 a month. Because of the growing population, there are many brand-new or soon-to-open luxury assisted living facilities in Phoenix. Most are continuing care facilities, with tiered care levels that include independent living, assisted living, and memory care all on one site.
Offering assistance with daily activities, housekeeping, and at least three meals a day, traditional assisted living communities in Phoenix are more cost-effective than luxury options but retain many of the same benefits.
Board and care homes, or residential care homes, offer assisted living-type care in a residential home setting with under 10 residents. With 91 communities within the Phoenix city center, they are the second most common type of assisted living in Phoenix. Many residents choose a board and care home because they prefer being in a homey environment. These communities also tend to be less expensive than traditional assisted living communities while offering the same level of care.
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Seniors in Phoenix who are 65+
Average Jan. high in degrees Fahrenheit
Phoenix has a high concentration of healthcare providers, and some of them are nationally ranked.
Mayo Clinic – Phoenix is rated No. 1 in the Phoenix metro area and is No. 13 in the nation for excellent geriatric care. It is also nationally ranked in 10 specialties, according to US News and World Report.
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center is nationally ranked in geriatrics and neurology/neurosurgery.
To get around Phoenix, most residents use a car. However, the city does provide some public transportation options. The Valley Metro Transit System, known as Valley Metro, is the regional train system that operates throughout the city between 18 and 22 hours a day. Seniors over 65 can receive reduced fare by filling out the application on the Valley Metro website. While very affordable, wait times for the train are typically around 20 minutes or longer, which is why many residents choose to drive.
For only $1, seniors in Phoenix can use the Senior Center Shuttle Program, which provides residents of participating senior centers with flexible transportation to and from their senior living community and off-site activities. Seniors can also use Dial-a-Ride to receive transportation to and from appointments.
Residents of Phoenix enjoy year-round sunshine and dramatic desert vistas paired with a local preoccupation for chilled-out hobbies, exciting events, and tasty food. Phoenix is a golf lover’s paradise, with over 200 golf courses within the city limits. Tee off at Papago Golf Course, which is one of the most popular public golf courses in the city due to its picturesque backdrop of the Papago Buttes and its mid-century inspired bar and grill.
Outdoorsy residents can enjoy the Desert Botanical Gardens, and architecture buffs can explore Taliesin West, architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s former home. Phoenix has one of the best musical instrument museums in the nation, and nearby sits the Heard Museum, which has some of the most comprehensive and respected exhibitions on Native American art and culture in the United States.
Phoenix also has a strong spa culture, with budget-friendly to luxury options. Resorts like The Phoenician offer the full package: golf courses, fine dining, pools, massages, and other spa services. The Phoenician, among many other local area spas, offer exclusive rates for AAA members.
While the local sports teams no longer offer senior discounts, Suns fans can watch their beloved NBA team play at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. Locals can also catch an NFL game at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, home of the Arizona Cardinals, or an MLB game at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Some senior living communities even organize group outings to local games.
The Phoenix area has plenty of casinos, with gaming and world-class events. The largest is Talking Stick Resort and Casino, with 240,000 square feet of gaming space along with a luxury hotel, theater, spa, and museum of Native American art. This casino, along with Casino Arizona and Gila River Casino, offers a shuttle service to and from various Scottsdale locations. Many local senior living communities also organize day trips to these casinos for their residents.
Long known as a steakhouse and Mexican food destination, Phoenix’s food scene is exploding with culinary talent. From quick and easy joints to fine dining, Phoenix has great food options for any taste and any budget.
Marigold Assisted Living, North Scottsdale Retreat and Golden Touch One Adult Care Home are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Phoenix, 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 Phoenix is $3,657 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.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population estimates (V2021): Phoenix City [Data set]. QuickFacts.
United States Census Bureau. (2020). The American Community Survey (ACS). Arizona Commerce Authority.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population estimates (V2021): Phoenix City [Data set]. QuickFacts.
United States Census Bureau. (2020). The American Community Survey (ACS). Arizona Commerce Authority.