Mesa, Arizona, offers seniors all the perks of retiring in a bustling metropolis but in a quieter, more conservative city. Located just 30 minutes from Phoenix, Mesa enjoys the same warm weather and low cost of living that’s made Phoenix popular amongst retirees. A Place for Mom partners with 44 assisted living facilities in Mesa. You or your loved one can find the best assisted living facility in Mesa to suit your budget and needs.
Assisted living facilities are for seniors who need extra help with daily activities but don’t require round-the-clock medical attention. Assisted living caregivers arrange daily activities, help residents take their medications, and provide mobility support for those who need a helping hand. Mesa is conveniently located near Phoenix and Tempe, and Phoenix has an international airport that makes visiting a bit easier for friends and family.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the best assisted living facilities in Mesa, Arizona. Learn how much assisted living facilities cost, how to pay, and what it’s like living in the Valley of the Sun.
Mesa, Arizona, offers seniors all the perks of retiring in a bustling metropolis but in a quieter, more conservative city. Located just 30 minutes from Phoenix, Mesa enjoys the same warm weather and low cost of living that’s made Phoenix popular amongst retirees. A Place for Mom partners with 44 assisted living facilities in Mesa. You or your loved one can find the best assisted living facility in Mesa to suit your budget and needs.Read more
Assisted living facilities are for seniors who need extra help with daily activities but don’t require round-the-clock medical attention. Assisted living caregivers arrange daily activities, help residents take their medications, and provide mobility support for those who need a helping hand. Mesa is conveniently located near Phoenix and Tempe, and Phoenix has an international airport that makes visiting a bit easier for friends and family.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the best assisted living facilities in Mesa, Arizona. Learn how much assisted living facilities cost, how to pay, and what it’s like living in the Valley of the Sun.
Our experience has been very good. The facility is clean. My loved one is getting all the help and support she needs. People are friendly. And she's happy.
The staff is very friendly and welcoming. They make the residents feel right at home and get them involved in activities. The residents are friendly and seem happy to be there. It is expensive, and they...
The staff is very friendly and caring, from the receptionist at the door to the Caregivers and MedTechs. [name removed], the chef really tries to make meals that everyone likes. The room is spacious and...
1) I would tell a friend that they go above and beyond to find the best space 2) The community was able to handle a quick move in due to my moms health 3) staff communication has been amazing. They keep me...
Sky Vista seemed to meet all the criteria for an excellent memory care facility. Clean and Safe facility. Caring and qualified staff.
They offered the service between assisted living and memory care. It's nice, not the most beautiful resort but quite nice, better than a lot of places and a great fit for my brother.
The friendliness of the staff gets a 5+. We would absolutely recommend the Brookdale Springs Mesa community to other families. What has made it such a a great experience so far is the helpfulness of their...
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 wife as been a resident of Brookdale for 6 months. The care that she has received has been excellent. The care givers, med techs and all support staff have provided a safe and caring environment. The...
When I walked on the door and met the owners and saw the home, I immediately knew it was the place. I would recommend it. They took very good care of my dad.
My loved one is currently a resident at Bella Vista Senior Living and most everything has been very good for her at this facility so far. The cleanliness and friendliness are great. The staff, care services,...
The care is very good. Staff are very patient with residents. The staff takes the time to understand the loved ones needs. As an out of state daughter, anytime I called to talk to my dad, the staff would get...
They took excellent care of my brother (who was not easy) for the last few months of his life. I thought all the staff was exceptionally kind and patient. Would definitely recommend them!
Manager is hands on and very thorough and his interpersonal skills with family is outstanding. He develops a personal relationship with each and every resident in the facility.
I recommend Arbor Rose to others. I picked this community because it was a Cottage with only 8 residents and one caregiver seemed more friendly.
My mother says the food is excellent. Staff is very friendly and helpful. The move in process went very smoothly. We would highly recommend this facility to anyone considering.
I am very pleased to recommend Sky Ridge Senior Living as an assisted living facility. The facility is beautiful, warm, and inviting. The staff are friendly, kind, considerate, and willing to individualize...
I have been made to feel comfortable and right at home. They make every effort to accommodate my needs. I picked this community, because of the affordability.The staff made a good first impression.I would...
Staff is extremely friendly and really try to meet all your needs. I do think that they should offer more crafty - type activities. Also, Dinner is 4:00pm - 6:00pm. I feel it should go later than that -...
For the most part, the staff is friendly and helpful. However, I believe at times they are short staffed. Specifically during the overnights. The Director of Activities is inclusive and high energy. She is...
The overall experience has been great. Mom has been adjusting daily to the routine and is feeling more comfortable. The cleanliness is tops. The staff and maintenance stays on top of it. Never any odors. ...
We picked this community because, this was the only location the person from A Place for Mom found with a room available. They have a very caring staff.
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...
The staff at The Enclave at Gilbert Senior living are great, very knowledgeable and helpful. The main reason to move here is because it is open and bright. Some places that we looked at were dark and their...
I am very happy with Brookdale East Arbor. The staff are always very eager to help and they are easy to work with. If you have any type of emergency situation they will help you out. The room sizes are very...
A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living facilities in Mesa cost $4,827 a month on average.[01] The average monthly cost of assisted living facilities tends to include the following:
In Mesa, 48% of assisted living facilities are smaller board and care homes.[01] These homes may have up to 10 residents and are set in residential houses. 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 only $3,968 a month on average.[01]
Arizona has relatively low income tax rates of 2.55% and 2.98%. 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.
Average monthly costs
Mesa, AZ
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.
Learn about these methods and more by reading the following articles:
Approximately 30,924 veterans live in Mesa, Arizona as of 2021.
About 51% of Mesa veterans are 65+.
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. Explore the following veterans benefits to learn how you may be able to cover your assisted living costs:
You may find it useful to speak with a benefits counselor who can help you understand your loved one’s eligibility and help them apply. Veterans services organizations (or VSOs) offer benefits counseling to veterans and their families throughout the United States. Below are local VSOs and other veterans benefits experts 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.
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 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 why 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 (or ALTCS) will cover long-term care costs.
Arizona’s Medicaid program may cover a large portion of assisted living expenses if your loved one is enrolled in the right subprogram.
The Arizona Long Term Care Systems (ALTCS) is the subprogram that covers long-term care services, including all fees related to assisted living.
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.
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
Apply for AHCCCS and ALTCS
Mesa Medicaid office
1619 E. Main St.
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: 480-834-4066
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.
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
Assisted living facilities in Mesa, Arizona, provide a safe and secure home for seniors. Here’s what you need to know about Arizona’s laws and regulations for assisted living facilities:
Mesa’s assisted living facilities should follow state regulations in order to keep their licensure. Among Arizona’s assisted living regulations are the following:
Article 8 from 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. Here’s what you need to know about your loved one’s rights in Mesa’s assisted living facilities:
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.[03]
While Mesa is only about thirty minutes from Phoenix, it’s considerably more peaceful. 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. Before choosing to settle down into one of Mesa’s assisted living facilities, here’s what you need to know:
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
There are 90,792 seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Mesa.[03]
The average January high temperature in Mesa is 66 degrees Fahrenheit
Dignity Health — Mesa in the East Valley offers an extensive variety 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 focuses on heart health care. Services include intensive care, surgeries, lab work, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
6750 E. Baywood Ave.
Mesa, Arizona 85206
Phone: 480-854-5000
Find a provider
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.
5777 E. Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
Phone: 480-342-2000
Request an appointment
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 either 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.
RideChoice is Mesa’s signature public transportation program for seniors
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. Here’s what you need to know about RideChoice:
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Walk Score gives Mesa strong walking and biking scores
Walk Score rates cities for their alternative transportation options. Each score is out of 100. Here are scores for Mesa, Arizona:[04]
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.
Mesa’s assisted living facilities offer in-house activities
Traditional assisted living facilities in Mesa often hire an activities coordinator who designs daily events and classes for the residents. Here are some of the most common activities in Mesa’s assisted living facilities:
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Senior centers in Mesa
Most seniors in assisted living won’t need to venture to Mesa’s senior centers. However, seniors are always encouraged to attend the events thrown by Mesa’s senior centers, the Aster Senior Centers. Yearly memberships are only $20, and registration information is on the Aster website. A membership to the Aster Senior Centers includes the following:
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Explore Mesa’s museums
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:
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Get outside on Mesa’s hiking trails
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:
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Phoenix’s attractions are accessible from 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:
Marigold Assisted Living, North Scottsdale Retreat and Golden Touch One Adult Care Home 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 3688 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.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Mesa city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
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.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Mesa city. [Data set]. American Community Survey.
WalkScore. (2023). Living in Mesa.