Mesa, Arizona, is a quiet city in Maricopa County. Located just outside of Phoenix, Mesa has plenty of senior living options, exceptional outdoor activities, and a moderate cost of living. About 18% of people in Mesa are over 65, and the city government focuses many of its resources on making Mesa senior-friendly. Most of Mesa is suburban, although the city is by no means small. With a population of 509,475, Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and continues to grow by about 1% every year.
Mesa’s senior apartments range from affordable one-bedroom bungalows to luxurious high-rise apartments. Senior apartments don’t offer the type of senior care services provided in assisted living or memory care communities, however. If you or your loved one needs daily personal care, you may want to consider Mesa’s assisted living communities or assisted living communities in Phoenix.
This guide has everything you need to know about senior apartments in Mesa, Arizona. We cover how much senior apartments in Mesa cost and how to pay, outline laws and regulations, and provide a guide for local transportation, health care, and more.
I was happy living alone there as an "active senior." Yes, prompt daily apartment-door trash pickup. Very friendly and janitorial was good. Building is in good repair, and relatively new. Not provided;...
We picked this community, for two main reasons: Price, and W/D in individual units. Definitely worth a look! Management and maintenance are responsive and helpful. I would recommend to other families.
Revel Scottsdale is an extremely welcoming and friendly place, where intelligent, active seniors engage in numerous activities (like bridge, scrabble, mah jong, cards, fitness workouts, trivia contests,...
The community is pet-friendly and my loved one is very happy here. She says that the food is good and they are opening the dining rooms. They have kept the residence safe and secure. i would recommend...
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...
I have not had a chance to experience the activities they offer at this community. They do not offer a meal plan. The community is clean and well taken care of. The second floor apartments do not have a...
Living a thousand miles away from our dear Aunt and not knowing where we could put her for the care she needed. We thank "A Place for Mom" in finding us a place that she could have excellent care in her...
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
Senior apartments in Mesa cost on average $2,166 a month according to our proprietary data. The cost of senior apartments in Mesa varies greatly. Some one-bedroom apartments start as low as $850, while others start at $2,500.[02]
Mesa is somewhat more expensive than the larger cities in Arizona, such as Phoenix and Tucson. However, senior living costs in Mesa still reflect the national average.
The monthly fee for senior apartments typically only covers rent, although a few senior apartments include utilities in their monthly fee. Most senior apartments in Mesa require additional fees for the following:
The following chart reflects the starting costs for senior apartments in Mesa and doesn’t include any additional fees. Use this chart to discover how Mesa’s senior apartments compare to others in the area for affordability.
By planning ahead and starting to save early, you can budget for the senior apartment of your dreams. You may be able to pay for a senior apartment in Mesa using a combination of personal finances and state or federal benefits. You might be eligible for public housing assistance, although A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with senior apartments that accept housing vouchers.
Medicaid and Medicare won’t cover the costs of your senior apartment, but they can cover some health care expenses. If you’re a veteran, you may be able to use some of your veterans benefits to pay for your senior apartment.
Read on to learn how to pay for your senior apartment in Mesa, Arizona.
Most people rely on at least two methods besides public assistance to fund their retirement. Personal savings is the most common payment option, but some seniors also use the sale of a house, a reverse mortgage, or life or long-term care insurance for additional funds.
You can learn more about these payment methods in the articles below.
Number of veterans who live in Mesa, Arizona
About 51% of Mesa veterans are 65+.
Senior veterans in Mesa may be able to use veterans benefits to pay for some or all of their senior apartment costs. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers multiple benefits, and eligibility requirements differ for each. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible for veterans benefits, you can do the following:
The Aid and Attendance benefit is one of the most generous, and it can help cover a senior veteran’s rent. Eligible senior veterans and their spouses can use the Aid and Attendance benefit to pay for anything that improves their quality of life, including rent in a senior apartment.
Understanding and applying for veterans benefits alone can be a challenge. In Mesa, you can access a few different resources to help you understand your benefits and apply. One way you can find reliable veterans benefits counselors is through veterans service organizations (VSOs).
VSOs are nonprofit organizations that support veterans in a variety of ways, including with benefits counseling. Typically vetted by the VA, they can help in successfully filing benefit claims or even appealing denied claims. These experts are the best place to start your application process to ensure you access all the benefits you’re entitled to.
You may find these resources below in your VSO search:
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
While neither Medicaid nor Medicare will cover expenses related to your senior apartment, they can help offset health care costs. Both Medicaid and Medicare are health insurance programs and can only pay for health care or personal care expenses.
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is one of the most generous Medicaid programs in the nation. AHCCCS provides substantial support for people in assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes, but it doesn’t offer support for those seeking senior apartments.
Like other Medicaid programs, the AHCCCS is for low-income individuals without other health insurance. In Arizona as of 2022, this means you can make no more than the following to be eligible for Medicaid:
AHCCCS functions like other health insurance programs and covers most health care expenses. Among the covered expenses are the following:
ALTCS is a subprogram under AHCCCS specifically for people who need long-term care. Seniors are only eligible for ALTCS if they need a higher level of care. For example, a senior living in an assisted living facility is eligible for ALTCS, while a senior living in a senior apartment is not.
Unlike AHCCCS, ALTCS covers rent and meals for eligible seniors at senior care facilities, excluding senior apartments and independent living. The income cutoff for ALTCS is also higher than it is for AHCCCS, which means it covers more services for more people.
Because ALTCS offers considerable support, plan on applying as soon as you need a higher level of care, even if you’re unsure whether or not you’re eligible.
Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is only for people over age 65 who have paid or are married to someone who has paid their Medicare taxes. Like Medicaid, Medicare won’t pay for your rent in a senior apartment. Instead, Medicare will only cover specific health care expenses.
For eligible adults, Medicare will cover 100% of medically necessary health care expenses, including up to 20 days in a hospital. It also covers some recurring expenses, such as specific prescriptions and medications.
Both your physician and Medicare representatives typically need to agree that a procedure, test, item, or stay in a hospital or rehabilitation facility is medically necessary before it’s covered. Keep in mind that what’s medically necessary for one person may not be essential for you.
You may find it useful to speak with someone about your Medicaid or Medicare benefits. The following resources can help you understand how to make the most of your Medicaid and Medicare benefits.
The Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) offers Medicaid and Medicare benefits counseling at no cost to you or your loved ones. The agency’s counseling services are delivered through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Local Mesa Medicaid and Medicare offices can also answer your health insurance-related questions. The Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide can mediate complaints about your Medicaid and Medicare coverage.
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
SSA office — Mesa
702 W. Jerome Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85210-5992
Phone: 800-772-1213
Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging
1377 E. Thomas Rd., Suite 108
Phoenix AZ, 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Some seniors may need extra help affording their senior apartment. The city of Mesa offers a few different assistance programs for seniors in need. A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with any government-subsidized senior apartments, but it’s still helpful to understand how these programs work.
Section 8 is a subsidized housing program run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Mesa Section 8 Housing is run by the City of Mesa Housing and Community Development. Eligible individuals receive vouchers to use at accepting units. These vouchers allow residents to only pay up to 30% of their gross monthly income toward rent. The 2023 income limits in the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale area are reflected in the following:
With the 30% cap on monthly rent, the most you’ll pay for your Section 8 housing is about $773 as an individual and $884 as a couple. These numbers reflect 2023 income limits, and caps are updated annually.
The Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) offers two different meal services for older adults. Call the agency directly to sign up for the following meal assistance programs:
Social Security income typically offers more of a financial boost to seniors than Medicare alone. There are a wide range of unique Social Security benefits, so it’s encouraged for seniors to explore all available options. You can learn what other Social Security benefits you may be eligible for by taking an eligibility quiz on the Social Security Administration’s website. You may be eligible for one or more of the following benefits:
Mesa resident public assistance resources
Section 8 Housing – Mesa
P.O. Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211
Phone: 480-644-3536
Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging
1377 E. Thomas Rd., Suite 108
Phoenix AZ, 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Senior apartments in Mesa are regulated similarly to other apartment complexes. Senior living communities, such as assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes, receive special licenses through the Arizona Department of Health. Senior apartments in Mesa don’t.
What differentiates senior apartments from other apartment complexes is an age cutoff. Some have an age requirement of 55 or 62 and above. Keep in mind that people younger than 55 or 62 may be able to live in these apartments if they reside with someone who meets the age requirements. All complexes have different age restrictions, so be sure to check if you intend to live with someone who may not meet the age requirements.
Senior apartments in Mesa should follow the same health and safety requirements as all other apartment complexes. All senior apartments must adhere to the following:
It may be a long time since you’ve rented or perhaps you’ve never been a tenant. Either way, you should know that when you rent a senior apartment, you enter into a landlord-tenant relationship. This relationship is outlined in full in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. In short, the Act outlines the following:
Senior apartments in Mesa follow COVID-19 guidelines set forth by local and federal governments. Because senior apartments don’t offer any personal or health care to their tenants, they don’t need to follow any special protocols for disease prevention. You can find COVID-19 case maps by zip code on the Mesa government website. You can also find testing and vaccination information on the Maricopa County government website.
Mesa is tucked into the East Valley of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, and it’s the third-largest city in Arizona. The population is 509,475, and about 18% of Mesa residents are over 65.[01] Mesa pairs the bright sunshine and warm winters Arizona is known for with a relaxed suburban culture.
Don’t mistake the laid-back culture of Mesa for a lack of activities. Mesa offers exceptional hiking, walking, and birding — especially in the Superstition Mountains. The city also has plenty of museums, theaters, and restaurants. And Phoenix, which is only about 20 miles away, can offer a convenient change of pace.
Senior apartments in Mesa differ from other apartments only in their age restrictions. Most require a majority of their residents to be over 55 or 62. Unlike assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes, senior apartments don’t offer any personal or health care services. What Mesa’s senior apartments do offer is a simplified lifestyle, community activities, and convenience.
Mesa senior apartments resemble other apartment complexes. Most are large, with over 50 units. Many of Mesa’s senior apartments offer the following services:
Senior apartments in Mesa are designed with seniors in mind. Some of the most common alterations and amenities include the following:
Because senior apartments don’t offer personal or health care services, tenants are welcome to hire a home caregiver to assist them directly from their apartment. Seniors can use their pensions or other benefits (such as the VA’s Housebound allowance) to pay for in-home care in their senior apartment.
Senior apartments are the most cost-effective senior living option. However, senior apartments are only a good fit for individuals who don’t need daily support or for seniors who would prefer to hire a home care or home health aide. Seniors who don’t need extra help yet but may in the future could consider independent living communities in Mesa that offer multiple levels of care. These communities offer seniors a seamless transition to hands-on care as a resident’s needs evolve.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Mesa
Average January high temperature in degrees Fahrenheit in Mesa[04]
Mesa offers a number of high-quality health care providers, and nearby Phoenix ensures access to even more top-flight institutions, many of which specialize in senior health.
Dignity Health – Mesa is a specialty hospital in the East Valley that offers a wide range of health care services, including emergency medicine, inpatient services, surgery, and more. This hospital is dedicated to offering exceptional and compassionate care to their clients. The hospital is open 24/7.
9130 Elliot Rd.
Mesa, Arizona 85212
Phone: 480-410-4500
Find a provider
Banner Heart Hospital is a large organization offering heart care to the community. Its focus on heart health includes intensive care and surgery, lab work, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
6750 E. Baywood Ave.
Mesa, Arizona 85206
Phone: 480-854-5000
Find a provider
While technically in neighboring Phoenix, the Mayo Clinic offers some of the highest-quality care in Maricopa County. This hospital provides care across 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
Most people in Mesa drive to get around. The city does provide public transportation to local residents in partnership with Phoenix’s Valley Metro System. The Valley Metro has extensive bus routes across the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. You can find local bus routes, fare options, and more on Mesa’s government website.
RideChoice is a paratransit option in Mesa for people with disabilities or adults over the age of 65. This service offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles to seniors. No reservations are necessary, making this a convenient option for seniors. Each RideChoice trip costs $3 for the first 8 miles and an additional $2 for each mile after that. Sign up and determine your eligibility by calling 602-716-2111.
WalkScore.com rates cities on their walkability, and each score is out of 100. The following scores have been given to Mesa, Arizona:
Whether you enjoy hiking a nature trail, birding from a comfortable lounge, trying new food, or exploring museums, Mesa has options for you. The city of Mesa has access to many of the same activities and amenities that put Phoenix on the map for senior living, including golf courses, casinos, and resorts. What sets Mesa apart from its bustling counterpart is its family-friendly demeanor. Explore some of the best senior-friendly things to do in Mesa.
In Mesa, senior centers are part of the Aster Senior Centers network. Seniors can buy yearly memberships for $20. Registration can be found on the Aster website. Membership in the senior centers include the following:
Mesa is right next to the Superstition Mountain range, and unsurprisingly, hiking abounds. Whether or not you’re up for a rugged hike or a short walk, you can find great options in and around Mesa.
The museums in Mesa tend to reflect the outdoorsy, independent ethos of the city. These options are within Mesa, but you can find even more in nearby Phoenix.
Mesa is home to a higher percentage of Mormons than Phoenix, and the Mesa Temple and Visitors Center is one of the top attractions of the city. This is a religious site, so while you can visit, do so respectfully. It includes family-friendly activities, beautiful architecture, and landscaped grounds.
Phoenix is only about 30 minutes away from Mesa by car, and many of Phoenix’s famous resorts, casinos, and golf courses are within a short drive from Mesa. Tempe is between Mesa and Phoenix, and it, too, has some must-do activities.
Revel Scottsdale, Revel McDowell Mountain and Sage Mesa are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Mesa, AZ. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Mesa is $2,674 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
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.