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.
My mother has Alzheimer's and has been in Marigold Assisted LIving for two years. The experience has been amazing. The daily care and empathy provided to is top notch as is the medical care and staff. I...
From the moment we walked in, we felt the warmth and kindness of the staff. The community is well-maintained, with clean, comfortable spaces and plenty of activities to keep residents happy and engaged. The...
I had such a good feeling about Mountain Park. Since losing my dad I had been worried about my mom. They had been married 60 years and now she was spending most of her time alone in their big house and...
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...
I can not say enough about how appreciative I am of the care and compassion Quail Manor staff and the owner Colleen provided my mom for the past 5 years. I have been an ER nurse for 20+ years and have seen...
Nice and clean place. Good, qualified and friendly staff. Fresh baked cookies daily which the residents love. Administrative and nursing g personnel easily available for questions and or concerns. Front desk...
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...
We have found everyone very friendly. They all take three jobs very seriously. Everything is very clean. The dining room is comfortable, the food is hot and appealing. Easy to reach our parent by caregiver...
My husband had wonderful time at Pacifica. The personnel were very attentive. I was kept in the loop when issued occurred I also liked that I that I didn't have to bring med meds and the doctors needing...
In the last year that my friend was there, there was a bit of turnover in caregiver staff. Also they had a hard time keeping a driver for the van. But this is rampant in every business these days due to...
Staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Everything is always clean and she loves the food! We would absolutely recommend this community to other families based on the experience we have had so far.
Ask to see a copy of the resident monthly calendar & News later. Also come for a tour of the Place & ask if you can speak with some of the residents. With the Tour you should get a packet with lots of...
Staff is great always welcoming. I've met and liked to many friendly people only two things. I'd like to see improved updated showers future and light above dining area.
Really great community. The staff take excellent care of the people who live here. They are caring and patient. The food is great, they have a chef that makes everything from scratch. Very clean. I’m very...
All 7 categories would rate a 5. My father-in-law died this past year and was treated exceptionally kind during his first al days. We would definitely recommend this community to other families based on the...
It seemed to be the best fit for my mother-in-law. It is a smaller community compared to some of the others we looked at. She said it felt more like home.
The nurse and administrative staff are great. The facilities guy is great. The older front desk lady is not very helpful. As far as the activities go, they did not seem to have many activities geared...
I visited my sister recently at the Clarendale Arcadia facility in Phoenix. I was very impressed with the facility, staff, and activity level. She is in a great place and it brought joy to me and the rest...
Morningstar is a charming friendly facility that fits the needs in my family members. The staff are friendly and careful to attend to the needs of the residents. When I need additional care, Morningstar will...
Where we are now offer's things Thunderbird could not; 2 balconies, washer and dryer in the apt, stainless steel kitchen appliances and two walk in bathrooms and most importantly to me, my sister "happy". I...
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...
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...
There is not a better place to have your family member feel like family. They care for you as much as the family member placed in their care. It feels like home and the owners and staff are totally...
All are a 5. My loved one is quite happy there and participates in many activities as there is such a variety. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would absolutely recommend Sagewood Desert Willow...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Phoenix community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
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 $3,648 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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The average cost of Assisted Living in Phoenix is $3,648 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.