10 Best Independent Living Communities in Tucson, AZ
Tucson, Arizona, is one of retirement’s best-kept secrets. Although Tucson is smaller than some other top markets for senior living — think Phoenix or Dallas — it packs a real punch. With Tucson’s diversity of senior living options, wealth of historical attractions, and million-dollar views, the secret is getting out.
This guide provides information on our partnering independent living communities in Tucson, Arizona. With 20+ years of experience in Tucson, proprietary local data, and real-life feedback from residents, A Place for Mom can help you make an informed decision on senior living.
A Place for Mom partners with 11 independent living communities within a 20-mile radius of downtown Tucson, Arizona. Active seniors looking for an independent living community will find multiple options in and around Tucson that can meet their budget needs and lifestyle dreams.
Tucson’s independent senior living communities are for adults 55 and over. These communities offer a reprieve from home maintenance, housekeeping, and even cooking. Our partnering independent living communities in Tucson are waiting to usher you into your ideal retirement.
Read on to learn about Tucson independent living costs, common ways people pay, and senior-specific Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans benefits information. We also include reviews on Tucson’s independent senior living communities, helpful local senior resources, and a comprehensive look into what senior living in Tucson is like.
Tucson Independent Living Facilities | 647 Reviews
The grounds were so beautiful and inviting. Staff I met on my tour of apartments were very friendly, easy to answer my questions. Liked the apartment I saw as very comfortable.
My mom is in her 90s. She moved to this facility about 9 months ago. So far, we’ve had a great experience with the staff and the facility. There are a number of daily activities and residents are active and...
What we like the most about Brookdale East Tucson is how kind everyone was to the whole family. Based on the experience we have had, we would definitely recommend this community to other families.
Fellowship Square at Tucson definitely gets a 5 on all categories from me. They had a great orientation. All around it is a safe and comfortable place to live. It fits all of my needs.
I would said that everyone I came into contact with, was cordial and welcoming. I picked this community because of the vibe. Real clean, and cozy.
We were not very happy. They asked us to move [name removed] out within a month saying she was not capable of handling it but they refused to refund our deposit. Seemed unfair. Everything was great except...
Pay your rent on time, don't leave a mess for somebody else ie, pick up your dog poop. Don't be afraid to be friendly, you'll meet your neighbors coming and going. We are always happy to answer questions.
There are some people in the world who go to work, do their jobs and go home. Others take those jobs to whole new level entirely. We, as a family, could not be more thankful that our mother is in the Forum's...
This is an incredible place for your loved one. wonderful. The staff are exceptional, meals lovely and well prepared. My Mom has been there 9 months and she’s happy and made friends. She enjoys their...
Based on the experience we have had, we would recommend Cascades of Tucson to other families who may need a place for their loved ones
Our free advisors can help
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I would give them all a 5. But if I could rate higher, I would. Especially in 3,4 and 7. My mom's last weeks of her life. She had told me this was her favorite place to live. She had made some wonderful...
Mom really liked her short experience because the faculty and staff were always available, friendly, and helpful. My mom didn't feel like there was enough variety & the food tasted "commercial ".
Staff strive to create a home-like environment for residents, incorporating fresh flowers and seasonal decorations. The administration provides regular communication about what's going on at the facility....
The staff and it feeling like family. Plus Mom not being a client but family and wanting the best for for her. More time needs to be spent on the meals with a look at the vegetables too including greens.
The staff is very friendly and caring. They treat the residents with kindness and respect. My mom has had to go into memory care there and I don't feel I need to worry about her safety. The food was pretty...
I'm very happy here at Country Club at La Cholla. The staff are wonderful. The apartments are spacious. I was first drawn to the grounds that are very green and lush. Very happy with staff and management....
5s across the board for Brookdale Santa Catalina. Our loved one loves the meals that are served and the beautiful nature and wildlife he is able to see being next to the mountains. He can see deer, bobcats,...
We were thrilled to find this facility to accommodate us for a two week respite care term for my mother in Law. [name removed], at Brookdale North showed us the facility and did much to get us in in a...
Everyone there is awesome. We should count ourselves fortunate that there are people in this world with the compassion to care for those who are unable to care for themselves. Special thanks to[names...
The facility is always clean but there is frequently a sewage smell in the parking lot and inside in the afternoons. I think from bad plumbing which has been a constant issue. The staff has been wonderful...
I down sized to the Villa and am extremely happy. Very caring staff, excellent menu, boat load of activities and loving neighbors. We’re all retired and lookout for each other, who could ask for anything...
My loved one has only been here a short time. She is just here for rehab. She loves the people, and they are very responsive. If she squeezes for assistance they are there immediately. They have been working...
The staff members would be a 10 out of 10, they are just wonderful. The sales lady we worked with was extremely helpful, she really bent over backwards to accommodating our loved one with anything he needed....
Our methodology
How we rank order the Tucson community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Tucson 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 Tucson area
- What families are saying about independent living in Tucson
- How people pay for independent living in Tucson
- Understand Arizona laws and regulations for independent living communities
- What are independent living communities in Tucson like?
- Tucson independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Tucson? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Tucson area
Tucson’s independent living senior communities cost residents an average of $3,125 a month, according to our 2022 proprietary data.[01] Most independent living senior communities in Tucson have one monthly fee that includes rent, utilities, housekeeping, and access to common area amenities. All of our partner Tucson communities also offer meal plan options for an additional fee.
The cost of independent living in Tucson is below the national average for other top markets, including Phoenix, making it a good option for seniors who want to stretch their cash. However, independent living senior communities are typically more expensive than senior apartments, due to their added amenities and services. So, independent senior living communities’ higher price reflects their all-inclusive, resort-like nature.
While all independent living communities in Tucson vary, there are two different types of payment structures: traditional independent living communities and continuing care retirement communities.
Traditional independent senior living communities
Traditional independent living communities roll their costs into one monthly fee, which often includes the following:
- Rent for the apartment, room, or villa
- Utilities
- Use of all common area amenities, like the pool, gym, game room, theater, computer rooms, etc.
- Access to fitness and educational classes and social events
- Weekly or daily housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Complimentary transportation
- Security
- Maintenance
Meal plans and covered parking are also typically available, but often for an additional fee. Like senior apartments, these communities may also request a security deposit, which is usually equal to one month’s fee.
Continuing care retirement communities
With a different payment structure than traditional independent living communities, continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, have an all-inclusive monthly fee as well as a large one-time admission fee.
These admission fees are an investment into the senior’s future care needs. In the event the resident ever requires use of on-site care services, their monthly rate will never change. The admission fee may lower the senior’s overall costs of care services, if such is ever needed. But with these fees running anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000, they don’t come cheap. Many seniors use funds from investments or the sale of a house to pay this one-time fee. Some CCRCs offer return of capital (ROC) plans, which return up to 80% of the admissions fee to the senior or the senior’s heirs if the senior moves or passes away before using the on-site care services.
Regardless of what type of independent living community you choose, you should have a clear picture of what the community’s payment structure is, how much you will be expected to pay monthly, and how much your move-in or admission fee will be.
Baseline independent senior living fees
The figures below are the average baseline costs of rent for Tucson’s independent living senior communities before additional costs like admission fees or add-on services are accounted for. These baseline fees are meant to offer a general price comparison between Tucson and nearby cities and don’t necessarily provide the amount that seniors actually paid.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tucson, AZ vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tucson, AZ vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Tucson vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Tucson, AZ by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Tucson over time
What families are saying about independent living in Tucson
Recent reviews for independent living in Tucson
Brookdale East Tucson
Mountain View Retirement Village in Tucson, AZ
Villa Hermosa in Tucson, AZ
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
How people pay for independent living in Tucson
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.
Most seniors use their retirement accounts or the sale of their house to pay for independent living. The following resources can help explain some more potential private pay options:
Veterans benefits in Tucson
Arizona has one of the highest percentages of veterans of any state, and this holds true in Tucson. Because about 43% of Tucson’s veterans are over 65, Tucson has a well-established veterans center, great benefits counseling resources, and partnerships with social services throughout the city.[02] The Tucson Vet Center is an excellent resource for senior veterans, and it offers social services, mental health counseling, and volunteer opportunities.
Can I pay for independent senior living with my VA pension?
Veterans in Tucson can use their VA pension to pay for their independent senior living costs. Veterans have access to three different financial benefits that can be used to pay for different costs of living and care: the VA pension, the Aid and Attendance benefit, and the Housebound benefit. The VA pension and the Aid and Attendance can be used to pay for anything that improves the veteran’s life. The Housebound allowance is meant to pay for in-home health care services to housebound seniors.
VA pension eligibility
To be eligible for the VA pension, veterans must meet the following criteria:
- Have an honorable discharge
- Serve at least 90 days of active duty, and at least one day of wartime service
- Meet low-income status
- Be 65+ or disabled
Surviving spouses may also be eligible for a VA pension.
Can I pay for independent senior living with the Aid and Attendance benefit?
Available to senior veterans living with a disability due to wartime services, the Aid and Attendance benefit is additional money added to the VA pension and can be used to pay for independent senior living costs, like rent and services. Like the VA pension, it can be used for anything that benefits the veteran’s quality of life.
Aid and Attendance benefit eligibility
Veterans who would like to receive the Aid and Attendance benefit must already receive a VA pension, be enrolled in VA health care, and meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Have very limited eyesight
- Be bedbound without proper treatment
- Need assistance with some daily activities, like meal prep
- Live in a nursing home or assisted living community
Veterans must have either a mental or physical disability that has been acknowledged by VA health care as being related to wartime service before they apply for this benefit.
Can I pay for independent living with the Housebound allowance?
The Housebound allowance is for senior veterans with a disability due to aging, not wartime service. This allowance is additional income to the pension, though it is meant to pay for in-home health care services, like nursing care services. The Housebound allowance is for veterans who cannot easily leave their residence due to a disability. A veteran can’t receive both the Aid and Attendance benefit and the Housebound allowance at the same time.
Veterans benefits counseling, assistance, and advocacy
VA benefits are notoriously difficult to attain, even when you’re fully eligible. The application process is nuanced and involves many moving parts that must align. That said, the best way to ensure you get your due benefits is to reach out to a benefits counselor and veteran advocate as soon as you begin your application process.
Tucson has multiple local programs to help veterans navigate this application process. The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services provides fully remote benefits counseling through their professional Veteran Benefits Counselors (VBCs). VBCs are based throughout the state. They will take your resources into account and help you determine which VA benefits you’re eligible for. VBCs can walk you through the application process and can even appeal decisions.
Tucson’s local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 549 is one of the largest VFW posts in the state. VFW Post 549 is a great resource for Tucson veterans and their families in need of advocacy. The post provides detailed benefits counseling and can even help veterans receive legal assistance to appeal a decision. Besides benefits counseling, VFW Post 549 also organizes regular community building activities and volunteer groups.
Like the VFW, the Disabled American Veterans (or DAV) local Tucson chapter is a steadfast advocate for veterans in need of assistance. Reach out to these local and state resources for guidance and advocacy through this process.
14,877 veterans live in Tucson, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
43% of veterans in Tucson are over 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Resources for Tucson veterans
Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services
3839 N. Third St.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 602-255-3373
Tucson Vet Center
2525 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 100
Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: 520-882-0333
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 549
8424 Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85710
Phone: 520-790-4626
Email: vfwpost549@gmail.com
Disabled Veterans of America (DAV) Chapter 4
4145 W. Ina Road, Suite 131
Tucson, AZ 85741
Phone: 520-791-9067
Email: chapter4@davchapter4tucson.org
Arizona’s Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). The AHCCCS is one of the most generous and robust Medicaid programs in the nation, and the program is working to expand its benefits to help offset preventable health issues, such as homelessness or substance abuse.
Medicaid is a state-run health insurance provider for low-income individuals, and each state runs its Medicaid program a bit differently. In Arizona, to be eligible for AHCCCS, an individual can make no more than $1,133 a month in gross (pre-tax) income, and a couple can make no more than $1,526 a month in gross income.
There are multiple AHCCCS plans available to Pima County residents, but they all cover similar services:
- Hospital care
- Emergency medicine care
- Injections and immunizations
- Dialysis
- Specialist care (like ophthalmology)
- Labs and X-rays
- Prescriptions (unless they’re already covered by Medicare)
- Dental, vision, and hearing care
Will Medicaid pay for my independent living expenses?
Medicaid will not pay for your independent living expenses, because independent living communities don’t offer health care services. It will pay for health care received in a hospital or at your place of residence through a Medicaid-contracted home health care agency. Some independent living communities have nursing services on-site, and Medicaid may pay for these care services if they are Medicaid-approved and the agency is Medicaid-contracted.
Tucson resident 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
Tucson Medicaid office
316 W. Fort Lowell Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85705
Phone: 520-638-2270
Medicare is a federal health care program for seniors over 65 who have paid their Medicare taxes or are married to someone who has. Medicare won’t cover your independent living community expenses, but it will cover certain health care costs regardless of where you live. Unlike Medicaid, Medicare covers only short-term and medically necessary health expenses. For a breakdown of what this means, look below.
What does “short-term” mean for Medicare?
Medicare covers “short-term” expenses, like a two-week stay at a rehabilitation facility after a knee replacement surgery. Here’s a breakdown of how much seniors pay depending on the length of their health care needs:
- From day 1 to day 20 in a hospital or rehabilitation center, Medicare will cover 100% of the expenses, including rent, hospital meals, and medical care.
- From day 21 to day 60, the patient pays a $1,600 deductible.
- From day 61 to day 89, the patient pays a $400 daily coinsurance.
- From day 90 onwards, the patient pays $800 a day, until all of their reserve days are gone.
What does “medically necessary” mean for Medicare?
Medicare will cover medically necessary health care expenses. This means Medicare will cover the following:
- Inpatient hospital stays
- Post-surgery rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility or a rehab center
- Prescription medications
- Any surgery or procedure deemed necessary by a health care provider
You can search individual medications, procedures, items, or tests on the Medicare Coverage portal from Medicare.gov to confirm coverage status.
Can I get help paying my Medicare premiums?
Yes, some residents of Arizona are eligible to have their Medicare costs covered by Arizona’s Medicaid program, the Arizona Health Care Costs Containment System (AHCCCS). To see if you’re eligible for this and to apply, go to their online application for AHCCCS Medical Assistance or print an application and send it to the AHCCCS. Qualifying seniors must meet the following criteria:
- Be an Arizona resident
- Meet the monthly income limit of $1,133 for a single individual or $1,526 for a couple
Tucson resident Medicare resources
SSA office — Tucson South
88 W. 38th St.
Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: 800-772-1213
Pima Council on Aging (PCOA)
8467 E. Broadway St.
Tucson, AZ 85710
Phone: 520-790-7262
For seniors in Tucson who may need some extra help, we’ve developed this guide to Pima County’s public assistance. Read on to learn about how you can use Tucson’s housing assistance programs, local food assistance programs, and Social Security benefits.
Tucson has housing options for seniors who may benefit from public housing assistance. In this section, we explain the local Section 8 Housing Vouchers, the Pima County Eviction Prevention Program, and the Pima County Housing Search website.
Section 8 Housing Voucher Program in Tucson
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funds Section 8 housing for low-income residents. In Tucson, eligible seniors must make under $3,579 monthly before taxes and must be in need of housing.
Rent at a Section 8 apartment costs no more than 30% of a senior’s total monthly income. This means the most a senior can pay in rent at a Section 8 apartment is $1,073 a month, depending on their income. However, most Section 8 housing vouchers are reserved for individuals that make no more than $2,381 a month before taxes. This means you’re most likely to be approved for Section 8 housing if you make less than $28,572 a year.
While none of our partner independent living communities in Tucson accept Section 8 vouchers, some senior apartments do. To apply for a voucher, fill out the Section 8 application on The City of Tucson Public Housing Waitlist website.
Food assistance in Tucson
Tucson’s senior centers partner with Catholic Social Services to provide daily meals to seniors through their Senior Meals Program. Seniors can receive meals at no cost from Monday through Friday, although availability may change during federal holidays.
To receive a free meal, seniors should call their preferred senior center and arrange the time and place of their meal pickup. A list of participating senior centers and their contact information is on the Senior Meals Program brochure.
The Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) also offers its Pima on Wheels program to deliver meals to homebound seniors or people with disabilities. This program will provide up to one meal a day to eligible seniors. An in-home evaluation is used to determine eligibility and can be arranged by calling 520-790-7262 or emailing help@pcoa.org. Monthly menus are available on the PCOA website.
Social Security benefits
Social Security benefits can be used to pay for anything that a senior needs, including housing. Seniors can receive Social Security benefits if they have enough work credits, or if they meet other requirements like an inability to work due to a disability or the loss of a spouse. You can find what Social Security benefits you’re eligible for by taking the Eligibility Quiz on the Social Security website, which can be found in the resources section below.
You may find that you’re eligible for one or more of the following programs:
- Social Security Retirement benefit (also known as SSR) is a benefit that most seniors are eligible to apply for between the ages of 62 and 70. But don’t wait until after 70 to apply, as by that age you’ll be no longer eligible. Seniors are eligible if they paid Social Security taxes on their wages for more than 10 years.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (or SSDI) is financial assistance for people who have paid Social Security taxes on their earnings and are considered disabled.
- Supplemental Security Income (or SSI) is financial assistance for people who have a disability or blindness and are in need of financial assistance. This benefit can be added to other benefits, like the SSDI or the SSR benefit. It does not require any work credits or Social Security contributions.
- Social Security Survivors pension is for widows or widowers who were married to workers who paid Social Security taxes on their earnings.
Tucson resident public assistance resources
Tucson Housing and Community Development Department
310 N. Commerce Park Loop
Tucson, AZ 85745
Phone: 520-791-4171
Email: HCDAdmin@tucsonaz.gov
Understand Arizona laws and regulations for independent living communities
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.
What are independent living communities in Tucson like?
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.[03] 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.[04] 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.
Tucson independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Tucson independent living
Availability of select dining options in Tucson independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Tucson independent living
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Unfamiliar with Tucson? Highlights for seniors
There are 82,580 seniors over 65 currently living in Tucson, Arizona, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The median annual income for people over 65 in Tucson is $53,285, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Health care for seniors in Tucson
Tucson has an excellent health care system and one of the best hospitals in Arizona.
TMC Healthcare — Tucson
TMC Healthcare — Tucson is one of the best hospitals in Arizona. According to the U.S. News and World Report, it competitively performs in cardiology procedures and geriatrics care.
5301 E. Grant Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85712
Phone: 520-327-5461
Find a provider
Northwest Medical Center — Tucson
The Northwest Medical Center — Tucson is another highly rated Tucson hospital. According to the U.S. News and World Report, it performs well for cardiology, kidney procedures, and prostate cancer surgery. With 300 beds, it’s a moderately sized hospital.
6200 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85741
Phone: 520-742-9000
Find a provider
Banner — University Medical Center Tucson
Banner — University Medical Center Tucson is on the University of Arizona’s campus and is a nonprofit, research-university hospital.
2800 E. Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: 520-874-2000
Find a provider
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital
Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital is a for-profit, large private hospital with almost 500 beds. It offers high-quality specialty care, such as ophthalmology, neurosurgery, and acute care.
350 N. Wilmont Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85711
Phone: 520-873-3000
Find a provider
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.
Senior activities in Tucson
Tucson is best experienced outside. Whether you’re hiking through cacti-encrusted bluffs, watching the desert sunset from your porch, or gazing up at the Milky Way, Tucson lives up to its reputation as an outdoor lover’s paradise. However, Tucson has its fair share of cultural activities to please any urbane retiree. Read on to learn about the best senior activities in Tucson, Arizona.
Saguaro National Park
Tucson is perhaps the only U.S. city that almost completely surrounds a national park. Three sides of Saguaro National Park border the city, making it one of the most easily accessible outdoor activities for Tucson locals.
The park gets its name from the native Saguaro cacti that grow throughout the area, many of which are over 100 years old and tower up to 40 feet. It boasts excellent hiking trails and a scenic driving loop, called the Cactus Forest Drive, which takes visitors through the park’s most breathtaking vistas. Hikers can also find petroglyphs from the ancient Hohokam people on the Signal Hill hiking trail.
Saguaro National Park is also a good place to experience Tucson’s Dark Sky Zone status. This area is one of the best places in the United States to stargaze, as the skies are often clear and there’s a low level of light pollution. In Tucson, there are plenty of other places to enjoy the starry sky. The Loews Ventana Canyon Resort throws stargazing parties, and the Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona offers public educational events about the night sky.
The Sonoran Desert Museum
The Sonoran Desert Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history and biodiversity of the Tucson landscape. Set almost entirely outside on 98 acres of preserved desert landscape, the museum includes a zoo, a botanical garden, an art gallery, and a natural history exhibition.
Seniors get a discounted admissions fee, and the museum is almost entirely wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs can be rented for a small fee, and accommodations and special tours are available for the visually impaired or the hard of hearing. These requests can be made ahead of time on the Sonoran Desert Museum website.
Cultural activities
The Pima Air and Space Museum showcases over 400 different aircraft, including WWII planes, presidential planes, and a flight simulator. Veterans, in particular, may enjoy the museum as it has plenty of antique and historically significant army planes. Seniors get discounted admission. It’s set on a multi-acre field, and tram tours are available every day to drive visitors through the aircraft.
The Gaslight Theater is a local classic. It’s been putting on family-friendly productions since the 1990s and is now in an old-timey saloon. Visitors can get a full dinner as they enjoy the show, and free popcorn comes with each ticket. Many independent living communities buy group tickets at least once a year, and it’s also a perfect spot to take visiting family members.
Tucson is one of the only cities in the United States that has been under the authority of four different governments: Spain, Mexico, the Confederacy, and the United States of America. Visitors can explore part of this history at the Mission San Xavier del Bac, built by Spanish settlers in the 1700s. The Mission now sits on land owned by the Tohono O’odham Nation. The ornate architecture in the desert setting is striking and is worth the suggested donation fee.
Senior centers
Tucson’s Senior Programs take place at three senior centers across the city. Each senior center has an activities calendar, and there are often activities available every day. With a Senior Activity Card, seniors gain entrance to any activity at no cost, as well as access to all of the centers’ fitness rooms, game rooms, and kitchens.
The activities change regularly, but some common ones are chair yoga, social hours, ceramics, and beginner’s Spanish. The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Department also hosts a Senior Olympics each year, with events like cribbage, leisure walking, archery, and the horseshoe toss. Seniors can sign up on the Senior Olympic homepage during the enrollment period.
Food
Tucson was the first City of Gastronomy in the United States designed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The city’s ancient and unique agricultural traditions and distinct flavors got Tucson this title. A list of these restaurants is available on Tucson’s City of Gastronomy website. These institutions serve up local delicacies like nopales, which are cooked (and de-spined) cacti.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arroyo Gardens, Atria Valley Manor and Sierra del Sol are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Tucson, 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 Tucson is $3,775 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Tucson city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Tucson city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Green Valley CDP [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age of householder by household income in the past 12 months (B19037): Tucson city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
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