10 Best Independent Living Communities in Mesa, AZ
What’s included in this guide to Mesa independent living?
This guide contains the most important information about our partnering independent living communities in Mesa, including the following:
- How much independent living communities cost
- How to pay for your independent living community
- Local laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Local transportation, health care, and senior-friendly activities
- What daily life in an independent living community looks like
How do we define the Mesa area?
A Place for Mom partners with 16 independent living communities within a 10-mile radius of the center of Mesa, Arizona.
How do we rank Mesa independent living communities?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality independent living facilities that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
Recent, high-quality reviews. We take into account reviews from the past two years. Then, we look for independent living options that people prefer. Communities that have mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities that have low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours and how you rate communities based on subcategories like meals and dining, staff, and cleanliness.
Facility transparency. Communities that have robust information are prioritized over facilities that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
Location. Independent living options vary based on proximity to your desired location.
Mesa Independent Living Facilities | 2051 Reviews
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Mesa community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Mesa community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Mesa area
- What families are saying about independent living in Mesa
- How people pay for independent living in Mesa
- Understand Arizona laws and regulations for independent living communities
- What to expect from independent living in Mesa
- Mesa independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Mesa? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Mesa area
Mesa’s independent living communities cost residents an average of $3,424 a month, according to A Place for Mom’s in-house data.[02] The monthly fee of an independent living community is higher than a senior apartment because it features more amenities and services.
Independent living is all-inclusive
The monthly fee for an independent living community likely includes the following:
- Rent for your villa, condo, or apartment
- Utilities
- Housekeeping services
- A meal plan
- Access to amenities (gym, pool, library)
- Access to daily planned activities, outings, and classes
Mesa is somewhat affordable
There are a few reasons why Mesa, Arizona, is more affordable for seniors in independent living than other places:
- The cost of independent living communities in Mesa, Arizona, reflects the national average or is slightly below.
- The overall cost of living in Mesa is 0.3% lower than in Phoenix.
- Arizona has a low income tax rate of 2.5%.
- Arizona doesn’t tax pensions.
Baseline independent senior living fees
The figures in the chart below show the baseline fees for independent living. These numbers show a comparison between the cost of independent living in Mesa and nearby communities.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Mesa, AZ vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Mesa, AZ vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Mesa vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Mesa, AZ by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Mesa over time
What families are saying about independent living in Mesa
Recent reviews for independent living in Mesa
Legacy Village of Salt River in Scottsdale, AZ
Robson Reserve at Sun Lakes
MorningStar at Arcadia in Phoenix, AZ
How people pay for independent living in Mesa
Independent living communities don’t provide skilled nursing care. As a result, seniors must use their personal funds for independent living communities instead of relying on Medicaid or Medicare. Learn how some seniors leverage their private assets to afford the community of their dreams, and explore how to use veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare to cover health care.
Most seniors use their retirement savings, investments, or the sale of a house to fund their independent living community. But these are not the only ways to use your private assets for senior living. Use the articles below to learn a few smart ways to pay for your senior care:
Number of veterans who live in Mesa, Arizona
About 51% of veterans in Mesa are 65+.
Unlike Medicaid or Medicare, some veterans benefits can be used to pay for independent living costs. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many different benefits, each with their own eligibility requirements. To discover which benefits you may be eligible for, do the following:
- Explore the VA’s official list of service-connected disabilities to find which benefits may apply to you.
- Meet with a benefits counselor to receive personalized advice.
Veterans benefits may cover some independent living costs
While it’s unlikely that any veterans benefits will cover the entire cost of independent living, they may cover some of the costs. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Aid and Attendance benefit is one of the most generous offered by the VA.
- The Aid and Attendance benefit (along with a few others) can be used to pay for anything that improves the quality of a veteran’s life, including the monthly fee at an independent living community.
Veterans benefits counseling in Mesa, Arizona
Understanding your eligibility for veterans benefits can be confusing. Thankfully, veterans in Mesa have access to a few different resources, including the following:
- Veterans service organizations (VSOs). Veterans service organizations offer benefits counseling in almost every city across the United States. While not all VSOs are VA-vetted, many are and can provide reliable eligibility counseling and application assistance. To find a local VSO in Mesa, go to the VSO webpage and click on “Find a new representative.” You can also go to the National Resource Directory.
- Arizona Department of Veterans Services. The Arizona Department of Veterans Services employs VA-vetted Veterans Benefits Counselors (VBCs). You can set up an appointment at no cost to you or your family. Call 602-535-1215 to begin your journey.
- Mesa Vets Connect. Mesa, Arizona, compiles commonly needed resources and information for local veterans on their Mesa Vets Connect webpage. You can also find benefits application paperwork and information about housing and food assistance.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Local Mesa chapters of VFW and DAV both offer benefits counseling at no cost to you or your family. You can contact both organizations to set up a counseling appointment.
Resources for Mesa veterans
Arizona Department of Veterans Services
3839 N. Third St.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 928-228-1214
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Benefits page
Veterans of Foreign Wars Dode Morris Post 1760
65 S. MacDonald St.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: 480-964-9937
Disabled American Veterans East Valley Chapter 8
655 N. Gilbert Road
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: 480-890-2424
Medicaid and Medicare are health insurance programs funded by the state and federal government. Neither will pay for your independent living costs. However, you should still understand how these programs can help cover your health care expenses.
Arizona Medicaid is the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
AHCCCS may not cover independent living costs, but it’s one of the most generous Medicaid programs in the nation. It covers more services for seniors than most Medicaid programs in other states. AHCCCS’s long-term care subprogram covers substantial costs for those in assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes.
AHCCCS covers health care costs for eligible seniors
Like all health insurance programs, AHCCCS covers most health care expenses, including the following:
- Hospital care
- Prescription medications
- Dental, vision, and hearing care
- Dialysis
- Specialist care
- Labs and X-rays
- Immunizations
- Emergency medicine care
Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS) covers long-term care costs
ALTCS is a subprogram of AHCCCS. ALTCS covers the same health care expenses as AHCCCS and long-term care expenses for seniors in assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes. ALTCS may cover the following:
- Rent in a long-term care facility
- Meals in a long-term care facility
- Personal assistance with daily activities
- Skilled nursing care
Income eligibility for AHCCCS and ALTCS
Both AHCCCS and ALTCS are specifically designed to provide insurance for low-income individuals. Both have income cutoffs which may be updated annually. You should apply for ALTCS even if you’re unsure whether you’re eligible.
The eligibility requirements for AHCCCS and ALTCS are the following:
- AHCCCS. An individual can make no more in pretax income than $1,133 a month, and a couple can make no more than $1,526 combined.
- ALTCS. An individual can make no more in pretax income than $2,741 a month. If you’re over the income limit, you may still be eligible. Talk with an elder law attorney or a representative for ALTCS to set up a special trust that can help you become eligible.
Medicare covers health care expenses
Medicare covers some health care expenses for people over 65 who have paid their Medicare taxes. Like Medicaid, Medicare won’t pay for your independent living community. However, it will cover specific health care costs.
Medicare covers only short-term and medically necessary health care expenses
Medicare only covers medically necessary health care expenses. For a procedure, test, item, or prescription to be considered medically necessary, a physician and Medicare must be in agreement. What’s medically necessary for one person may not be for another.
Medicare also covers the entire cost of up to 20 days of inpatient hospital care (provided that this care is medically necessary). Recurring expenses, such as medications or dialysis, are also covered.
Medicaid and Medicare counselors can help
If you need someone to help you understand your Medicaid or Medicare benefits, you can use the following resources:
- The Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging. This local agency offers Medicaid and Medicare benefits counseling at no cost to you. The agency partners with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to make sure you’re getting the best advice possible.
- Local Medicaid and Medicare offices. Local offices can answer your questions about applications and eligibility. You can call these offices directly.
- The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide. While the local ombudsman may not be able to answer your questions, they can take all your complaints about Medicaid and Medicare and act as a mediator.
Mesa resident Medicaid and Medicare resources
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
AHCCCS Phone: 602-417-4000
ALTCS Phone: 888-621-6880
Apply for AHCCCS and ALTCS
Mesa Medicaid office
1619 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: 480-834-4066
Social Security Administration office — Mesa
702 W. Jerome Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85210-5992
Phone: 800-772-1213
Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging
1377 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix AZ, 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Understand Arizona laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living communities in Mesa and elsewhere aren’t regulated by state or federal authorities like assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing communities are. Unlike these other senior facilities, independent living communities don’t offer specialized personnel or health care services.
In Mesa, many independent living communities are part of larger campuses with assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. While part of the same campus as the independent living wing, these senior facilities are regulated by state and federal agencies while independent living wings are not.
Mesa’s independent living communities have health and age restrictions
Independent living communities in Mesa tend to require residents to be over 55 years of age. Additionally, independent living communities may require residents to be in good health. In practice, this means that residents shouldn’t require specialized personnel or health care services because independent living communities aren’t equipped to handle such needs.
Mesa’s independent living communities meet all state health and safety codes
Like all residential facilities in Mesa, independent living communities must keep their facilities up to health and safety codes. In short, this means independent living communities are expected to do the following:
- Keep dwellings and public areas in livable conditions.
- Provide running and hot water at all times.
- Supply heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.
- Provide extermination services.
- Provide a security system, such as a key or passcode, prior to move-in day.
Senior residents follow community guidelines
The senior residents of Mesa’s independent living communities should meet these requirements:
- Pay monthly fees on time.
- Avoid permanently altering the residence (like painting) without permission.
- Follow community guidelines, like picking up after a pet and respecting quiet hours.
Independent living communities and residents enter into a legal agreement upon move-in
Senior residents of independent living communities enter into a landlord-tenant relationship, which is outlined in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
In Arizona, landlord-tenant disputes are considered private disputes, and Arizona doesn’t have a state agency dedicated to hearing these disputes. Therefore, make sure you fully understand all community guidelines and payment structures before choosing a community.
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 Mesa independent living communities
Independent living communities in Mesa follow all guidelines developed by local and federal governments to stop the spread of COVID-19. These reflect guidelines for the general public and are not as specific as guidelines for other senior care facilities, such as assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing facilities.
Within a tiered care facility, each wing may have slightly different COVID-19 protocol depending on the health status of its residents. For instance, the memory care wing may have stricter quarantine requirements while independent living communities may have no quarantine requirements.
In all senior care facilities, visitors are allowed regardless of vaccination status.
Vaccinations.
There are no vaccination requirements.
Masking.
There are no masking requirements.
Facility cleanliness.
High-use common areas are regularly disinfected.
Social distancing.
Visitors are allowed at any time regardless of vaccination status.
What to expect from independent living in Mesa
Mesa, Arizona, attracts seniors who want to enjoy the resources and weather of Phoenix within a quieter, more suburban setting. Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona, and it’s known as a peaceful haven for seniors and young families.
Seniors can enjoy the good life in one of Mesa’s 16 partnering independent living communities. With newer buildings, exciting amenities, and a focus on community spaces, Mesa’s independent living facilities are in a class of their own.
Independent living can broaden your horizons
The purpose of independent living communities is to downsize your daily hassles and upgrade your lifestyle. Independent living communities in Mesa tend to offer the following services as part of their monthly fee:
- A private apartment, condo, or villa
- Utilities
- Housekeeping
- A meal plan
- Daily activities, classes, and outings
- Access to amenities, such as pools, theaters, gyms, and more
Independent living communities and other senior care facilities
In Mesa, nearly two-thirds of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities are part of larger facilities with tiered levels of care. Often, these independent living communities are paired with assisted living and memory care facilities.
Each type of senior care has their own wing. The benefit to living in facilities with multiple care types is the ability to receive additional support if your needs change — without having to move to an entirely new facility. The remaining third are stand-alone independent living communities.
Mesa’s independent living communities combine peace and fun
Mesa tends to appeal to seniors who appreciate quiet walking paths, a relaxed lifestyle, and minimal traffic. Local independent living communities deliver on these ideals by adding a sense of community and fun to the city’s peace and quiet.
All of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities offer amenities like pools, gyms, theaters, and game rooms. Most communities also employ an activities coordinator who plans daily recreational and educational events for the residents.
Independent living in the surrounding Mesa suburbs
Phoenix is about 30 minutes away from Mesa and is a good option for seniors who want the amenities of a larger city. Independent living in Phoenix also tends to be less expensive than in Mesa.
Mesa independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Mesa independent living
Availability of select dining options in Mesa independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Mesa independent living
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Unfamiliar with Mesa? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently live in Mesa, Arizona
Average January high temperature in degrees Fahrenheit in Mesa[04]
Health care for seniors in Mesa
Mesa has a few top-tier health care providers, and with Phoenix nearby, there are many top-tier options for quality senior care.
Dignity Health – Mesa is in the East Valley and offers a wide range of health care services, including emergency medicine, inpatient services, surgery, and most specialty services. The hospital is open 24/7.
9130 Elliot Road.
Mesa, Arizona 85212
Phone: 480-410-4500
Find a provider
Banner Heart Hospital is a large health care facility and hospital offering heart health care. Physicians provide intensive care and surgery, lab work, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
6750 E. Baywood Ave.
Mesa, Arizona 85206
Phone: 480-854-5000
Find a provider
The Mayo Clinic is in Phoenix but serves all of Maricopa County. It offers some of the highest-quality care in the area. This hospital offers a variety of specialties, including emergency room services, inpatient care, testing, and more.
5777 E. Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Phone: 480-342-2000
Request an appointment
Transportation for seniors in Mesa
Mesa is a driving city, so most people use their cars to get around. However, seniors in independent living communities may not need to drive. About 70% of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities in Mesa provide complimentary transportation to residents.
Visiting family members should consider renting a car or using the local transportation system called The Valley Metro. You can find bus routes, fares, and more on The Valley Metro webpage.
RideChoice is Mesa’s public transportation option for seniors
Seniors who don’t have a personal vehicle or access to transportation from their community can use Mesa’s public transportation option for seniors. RideChoice is a pickup and drop-off service for people with disabilities or anyone over 65. Here’s why RideChoice is a convenient option for seniors:
- It serves most areas of Maricopa County.
- It costs only $3 for the first 8 miles and just $2 for each additional mile.
- It does not require reservations.
- It provides wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
- You can sign up easily by calling 602-716-2111.
WalkScore gives Mesa high bike scores
WalkScore.com rates cities on their walkability, bikeability, and public transportation. Each score is out of 100.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Mesa
With a nearby mountain range, renowned golf courses, and exceptional museums, Mesa has plenty to do. Mesa holds its own with an array of fine dining options, boutiques, and outdoor pursuits.
Activities in Mesa’s independent living communities
Residents of Mesa’s independent living communities don’t have to go far to find something fun to do. Almost all of A Place for Mom’s partnering independent living communities employ an activities coordinator who organizes daily educational opportunities and social events.
Some common activities in these communities include the following:
- Bridge club
- Birding expeditions
- Tai chi and yoga classes
- Financial literacy classes
- Arts and crafts workshops
- Musical performances
- Dances
- Movie nights
- Devotional activities
Senior Centers in Mesa
Mesa’s Aster Senior Centers are the heartbeat of the local senior community. Yearly memberships are only $20, and registration information can be found on the Aster website. A membership to Aster Senior Centers includes the following:
- Daily lunch (you can view the current menu here)
- Exercise, art, and dance classes
- Educational events
- Health and wellness programs
- Games, live music, and movies
- Members-only parties and events
Outdoor activities in Mesa
Mesa is within the unique and biodiverse Sonoran Desert. While there are challenging hikes throughout the nearby Superstition Mountain Range, there are also plenty of accessible trails within Mesa. Some of the most popular hikes or walks include the following:
- Sun Circle Trail. This 8.2-mile trail is a leisurely path with only 19 feet of elevation gain.
- Merkle Trail. This trail is a 1-mile loop. It’s ideal for seniors looking for a short stroll to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.
- Hawes Ridge Loop. At only 2 miles long, this loop is a great way to see saguaro cactus groves.
Museums in Mesa
Mesa’s museums reflect the city’s love of the outdoors and the arts. All of these options are within Mesa:
- Arizona Museum of Natural History. Seniors receive discounted admissions to the Arizona Museum of Natural History. This museum has exhibits about ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, and more.
- Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. Perfect for veterans or anyone interested in air travel, the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum has planes from over 100 years of American history.
- Mesa Arts Center. The Mesa Arts Center has rotating live performances of contemporary musical numbers, classical pieces, comedians, and more. You can find information about the season’s lineup on the website. The center offers accommodations for people with low vision, individuals who have difficult hearing, and those with mobility impairments.
Activities in Phoenix
Just 30 minutes away, Phoenix makes a great day trip. Many of Phoenix’s world-famous golf courses and casinos are accessible to Mesa residents.
- Papago Golf Course. Considered one of the best golf courses in a city known for its golf courses, Papago is a must if you enjoy teeing off. Enjoy a round with a backdrop of the pristine Papago Bluffs then refresh at Lou’s Bar and Grill.
- Taliesin West. This was Frank Lloyd Wright’s personal and self-designed home and is a UNESCO Heritage site. You can schedule tours on the website.
- Desert Botanical Garden. Explore the rare desert flora of the Sonoran Desert Walk at the Desert Botanical Garden. You can request tours and wheelchairs on the website.
- SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium. The SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is the region’s most well-known marine life exhibit. It’s located in Tempe, between Mesa and Phoenix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atria Chandler Villas, McDowell Village and Verena at Gilbert are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Mesa, 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 Mesa is $4,010 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Test answer:
The average cost of Independent Living in Mesa is $4,010 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Mesa city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Mesa city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Accuweather. (2022). Mesa, January weather.
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