Mesa, Arizona, offers seniors all the perks of retiring in a bustling metropolis but in a quieter city. Located just 30 minutes from Phoenix, Mesa enjoys the same warm weather and low cost of living that’s made Phoenix popular among retirees. You or your loved one can find the best assisted living facility in Mesa to suit your budget and needs.
This guide includes helpful information and statistics about assisted living in Mesa. We share information about our partner communities, over 1,000 community reviews, cost information and ways to pay for care, plus fun activities seniors and their families can enjoy in the Valley of the Sun.
What sticks out most about Clearwater Agritopia is the staff. They are very friendly and engaging with residents. The apartment sizes and amenities are just fine.
What we liked the most about Azalea Villa is the staff. The staff did a lot for my father while he was there and based on the experience we had we would absolutely recommend them to other families who may...
What we like most about this community is that it is smaller so you do get to know everyone that is there. Also I am there enough that they even know me when I call over the phone. Based on the experience we...
Friendly, helpful, cheerful staff and environment. We have a Casita. It is perfect for us! The apartment that I visited was perfect size for one single person.
This place has alot of Caring people. Granny is a home person an is only happy at home. When she needed a place, we found Visions. They have alot of activities, an the girls are have alot of fun. I was...
It's a very friendly community, even though I don't participate in a lot. There's a great camaraderie in the place if you want it. The staff are nice and joke around . They've been wonderful. They'll...
Copper Village is an AMAZING facility! I can't praise it enough. My mom had Alzheimer's and lived here for the last year of her life. She was in Cottage 4, where the women were still active, but close to...
I was very appreciative of the sincere efforts [name removed] and Silver Creek Inn made to assist in facilitating emergency memory care for my wife [name removed]. During this time of transition, the staff...
My mom has recently moved into this community and I am happy with how things are going so far. I have had a peace of mind since she made the move and am comfortable with the care they are providing her. I...
Where do I begin , [name removed] was the one who got everything taken care of when I was anxious about my husband coming there, she made it easier and less stressful for me because where he was staying was...
I don't know where to begin to say how wonderful Empathy Villa is. [Removed] are three of the most giving and dedicated caregivers that I have experienced in the 6 plus years of care that my Mother,...
Canyon Winds is truly one of a kind. My mom has been a resident for 4 years now. We couldn't be happier. The staff feels like family. They keep her busy with fun activities. The facility feels more like a...
My parents have recently made the move into this community and so far we have been pleased with how things have been going for them. They have said they are very comfortable in there apartment and they feel...
The place is clean, the staff is friendly and I believe that my wife is well cared for. They have lots of activities for the residents and they encourage residents to interact. They are willing to to take...
First hand experience with this organization has proven to me and my family they know how to care for complex medical conditions and behavioral issues. The staff is very friendly, courteous and...
The Summit is a clean, uplifting and beautifully designed facility with a caring and attentive staff. My mother lived there for nearly 7 months before her passing. I am grateful that she lived her last...
The owners and staff at Kempton went above and beyond in making sure my Dad was comfortable and happy. After a short stay at this group home it became apparent that my Dad needed more special attention than...
My mother and I visited this home to see about placing my father about five years ago. They were wonderful to my father until the end of his life. I would highly recommend [Name removed] and [Name...
We looked around at a few different place and Desert Breeze of Chandler looked like the it was the most well kept and comfortable place. It has worked out very well. She is in a private room and it is great...
Mom spent her last few months at the home and really loved the caretakers, the other residents and especially [name removed]. Being the POA, I was always kept informed of her good days, bad days and any...
I was afraid my budget was too small. However with in 12 hours A Pace for Mom found me a location close to us. The home is beautiful. With a staff that loves what they do. We are free to come visit...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Mesa 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
A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living facilities in Mesa cost around $5,200 a month on average.[01] This reflects the actual costs that families paid, including add-on services.
In Mesa, 48% of assisted living facilities are smaller board and care homes.[01] Board and care homes offer the same types of services, meals, and care as traditional assisted living facilities, but in a more intimate setting.
Because board and care homes have smaller overhead costs and fewer amenities, they are often more affordable than traditional assisted living facilities. In Mesa, board and care homes cost around $3,800 a month on average.[01] This price reflects the actual amounts paid by families, and may include add-on services.
Arizona has a relatively low income tax rate of 2.5%. The Grand Canyon state also doesn’t tax Social Security benefits or veterans benefits. Plus, seniors don’t have to pay an inheritance or estate tax in Arizona.
The following figures are the average baseline costs for assisted living in Mesa and neighboring communities. These figures are best read as a comparison between Mesa and nearby towns.
The average monthly cost of assisted living facilities tends to include the following:
Most people pay for assisted living using a mix of personal savings and public aid. Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans benefits may cover some or all of your loved one’s assisted living costs. Private methods, such as a reverse mortgage or cashing out a life insurance policy, can also help keep the perfect assisted living facility within reach.
While a retirement account is a common payment method, it’s not the only way to cover the costs of assisted living. For example, some seniors choose to cash out a life insurance policy, sell a house, or take out a reverse mortgage. The following articles include details for these common private options.
Approximate number of veterans aged 65+ living in Mesa, Arizona as of 2021.
About 22% of Mesa veterans are 65+.
If you or your spouse is a veteran, you may be able to cover some or all of your assisted living costs in Mesa, Arizona, using veterans benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers an array of benefits, and some of these are available for veterans whose disabilities developed from their service. Consider exploring the list of service-connected disabilities to see if your loved one may be eligible for these benefits.
Veterans benefits have multiple eligibility factors, so you may want to speak with a benefits counselor.
Eligible veterans may be able to cover some or all of their assisted living expenses using veterans benefits. For example, the Aid and Attendance benefit, in addition to a VA Pension, can be used to pay for anything that improves a veteran’s quality of life, including all assisted living expenses. Other veterans benefits exist as well. However, some veterans benefits can only be used to pay for care services. These can help cover the cost of care in assisted living even if they don’t cover the cost of rent or meals.
You may find it helpful to speak with a benefits counselor who can help you understand your loved one’s eligibility and help them apply. Veterans services organizations (VSOs) offer benefits counseling to veterans and their families throughout the United States. Below are government resources and VSOs in Mesa, Arizona:
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.
VFW Dode Morris Post 1760
65 S. MacDonald St.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: 480-964-9937
DAV East Valley Chapter 8
655 N. Gilbert Road
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: 480-890-2424
Medicaid is a state-run health insurance program for low-income individuals. Arizona’s Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
The AHCCCS is considered one of the most generous and robust Medicaid programs in the country and is one of the reasons many seniors consider retiring in the Valley of the Sun.
The AHCCCS program won’t cover any long-term care services, but it will cover some health care costs, such as a hospital stay, dialysis, and prescriptions. However, the subprogram called the Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS) will cover long-term care costs. The ALTCS covers long-term care services, including all fees related to assisted living.
The ALTCS may cover the following at an assisted living facility:
Eligibility requirements for ALTCS include the following:
Older adults may be asked to pay some of the remaining costs of their senior care. This is called Share of Cost, and the amount differs depending on the senior’s financial situation.
Because ALTCS covers more services for more people than AHCCCS, including assisted living care, seniors should apply even if they’re unsure about their eligibility. Consider speaking with a Medicaid benefits counselor if you would like advice about applying to ALTCS. Direct any complaints about your Medicaid coverage to the Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide. Maricopa’s Area Agency on Aging office in Phoenix can also provide counseling and additional resources.
Mesa Medicaid 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
Area Agency on Aging, Region One
1366 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
24-hour senior help line: 602-264-4357
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Medicare doesn’t cover rent, meals, or housekeeping costs related to assisted living. As a federal health care program, Medicare only covers medically necessary and short-term health care costs for people 65 years and older.
Unlike Medicaid, Medicare only covers health care expenses and does not cover personal care, rent, or meals in a long-term care facility. Some examples of what Medicare may cover include the following:
Local Medicare Savings Programs can help seniors in Mesa pay their Medicare premiums. Arizona’s Division of Aging and Adult Services outlines the state’s Medicare assistance programs that can help seniors pay their Medicare premiums, including Medicare Advantage Plans.
Mesa seniors who’ve been diagnosed with AIDS or HIV can apply for the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). It offers copay assistance to help seniors get necessary prescriptions from participating pharmacies.
Medicare coverage can be confusing. In Mesa, seniors can access a few different benefits counselors who are experts in Medicare and can help with applications.
These are some of the best Medicare resources for seniors in Mesa:
Mesa resident Medicare resources
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
Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Assisted living facilities in Mesa are licensed and regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Residential board and care homes and their larger facility counterparts are both licensed as assisted living facilities.
Once licensed, assisted living facilities go through annual inspections. You can find inspection results for each community using the Residential Facilities Provider Search Form.
Mesa’s assisted living facilities follow Arizona’s assisted living regulations in order to keep their licensure, such as:[03]
While all staff members are required to know CPR and first aid, caregivers have additional qualifications to meet before working with residents. Caregiver must complete the following:[03]
The Arizona Department of Health Services outlines residents’ rights in long-term care facilities. While these rights pertain to the senior, they may also pertain to a family member acting as the senior’s power of attorney. These rights include the following:[03]
Arizona Department of Health contact information
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025
Assisted living facilities in Mesa do their best to protect residents and staff members from COVID-19 by following federal and state recommendations. Arizona’s state government doesn’t mandate special precautions for assisted living facilities, but facilities can choose to implement preventative measures, such as asking visitors to mask.
There are no vaccination recommendations. Visitors are allowed into any long-term care facility regardless of vaccination status.
Facilities are regularly cleaned and common areas are disinfected.
Each assisted living facility may have a COVID-19 quarantine wing to protect vulnerable residents from infection.
Assisted living facilities in Mesa follow CDC guidelines.
Mesa, Arizona, is the third-largest city in Arizona, with a population of just over half a million people. Nearly 18% of Mesa’s residents are over 65, and this number is growing by the year as seniors are drawn to Mesa’s warm, quiet suburbs.[04]
While Mesa is only about 30 minutes from Phoenix, it may feel more peaceful to some. Made up mostly of families and seniors, Mesa enjoys a low crime rate, friendly neighborhoods, and the beautiful backdrop of the Superstition Mountains.
Mesa is an exceptional place to retire, and the residents of Mesa’s assisted living facilities are both Arizona natives and from other states. Since board and care homes are licensed in the same way as larger assisted living facilities, care will be similar regardless of location.
Traditional assisted living facilities in Mesa often hire an activities coordinator who designs daily events and classes for the residents. Board and care homes will also plan activities for residents to enjoy. Here are some of the most common activities in Mesa’s assisted living facilities:
About half of Mesa’s assisted living facilities are smaller board and care homes. Most board and care homes in Mesa cost about $1,000 less per month than traditional assisted living facilities.[01] They’re also smaller and are typically in residential homes. Seniors can expect to share a bedroom, eat in a dining room with other residents, and spend time in the home’s living room. Board and care homes have live-in caregivers who can assist with care, plan activities, and prepare meals.
Mesa’s assisted living facilities typically have more than 50 residents. These traditional assisted living facilities are more expensive than board and care homes.
When comparing costs, it’s important to realize that residents generally have access to more amenities and services than they would at a board and care home. Residents can expect amenities such as a gym, library, game room, and a theater. There’s also a larger staff, including caregivers, cooks, activity coordinators, and housekeepers.
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There are roughly 85,024 seniors over the age of 65 living in Mesa as of 2021.
Seniors 65 and older make up nearly 17% of Mesa’s population.
The average January high temperature in Mesa is 66 degrees Fahrenheit
Located on the eastern side of Mesa, Banner Baywood Medical Center is ranked highly by U.S. News and World Report in three areas: stroke, hip replacement, and knee replacement.
6644 E. Baywood Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85202
Phone: 480-321-2000
U.S. News and World Report ranks this hospital as high performing in several areas that may be important to seniors. These include colon cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, diabetic care, kidney failure, and stroke. It’s located on the western side of Mesa, close to neighboring Tempe.
1400 S. Dobson Road
Mesa, AZ 85202
Phone: 480-412-3000
The Mayo Clinic in Phoenix provides care for all of Maricopa County. It offers world-class health care and research throughout the East Valley, including emergency room services, inpatient care, testing, and more. U.S. News and World Reports indicate that it’s nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties.
5777 E. Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Phone: 480-342-2000
Seniors living in Mesa’s assisted living facilities won’t need to worry about transportation because 86% of A Place for Mom’s partnering communities offer complimentary transportation or transportation for a small fee.[01] Visiting family and friends should be aware that a car is the most common way to get around Mesa.
Seniors without the ability to access transportation can use RideChoice, Mesa’s public transportation option for seniors. RideChoice is a pick-up and drop-off service for anyone with disabilities or for those 65 years and older.
Although Mesa is mostly car dependent, visiting family members can find some bikeable areas. The following scores can give you an idea of how easy it is to use various transportations throughout Mesa. Scores are calculated out of 100 points with a higher score indicating a greater ease in that transportation type.[07]
Mesa may be quiet, but it has plenty of attractions and activities to keep seniors and visitors busy. The nearby mountain range, golf courses, fine dining, museums, and theaters keep Mesa interesting.
Many of Mesa’s museums are wheelchair-accessible and offer an enjoyable afternoon for seniors. Here are three of the best museums in Mesa for seniors:
With a range of hiking trails for all abilities, Mesa’s natural beauty can be experienced by anyone. Here are some of the more accessible walking trails for seniors in Mesa:
Phoenix is only 30 minutes away from Mesa, making it an accessible and reasonable day trip for seniors and loved ones who want something a little different. Here are some of the best activities in Phoenix for seniors:
Christina's Assisted Living, Marigold Assisted Living and North Scottsdale Retreat are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Mesa, 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 Mesa is $3,741 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.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Mesa city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Arizona Administrative Code. (2022, December 31). Title 9. Health Services. Chapter 10. Department of Health Services – Health Care Institutions: Licensing.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Mesa city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
US Climate Data. (2024). Climate and Weather averages – Mesa Arizona.
U.S. News and World Report. (2024). Hospitals in Mesa, AZ.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Mesa.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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.
Arizona Administrative Code. (2022, December 31). Title 9. Health Services. Chapter 10. Department of Health Services – Health Care Institutions: Licensing.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Mesa city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
US Climate Data. (2024). Climate and Weather averages – Mesa Arizona.
U.S. News and World Report. (2024). Hospitals in Mesa, AZ.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Mesa.