For decades, Phoenix has been a top choice for seniors looking to relocate somewhere warm and relatively affordable. While the cost of living has fluctuated recently in Phoenix, the city still retains much of what makes it appealing to people over 55. Notably, the city’s economic growth continues to pull in highly paid workers who bring their parents, who in turn look for 55+ and 62+ communities. The high concentration of senior living options across price ranges and a solid medical infrastructure are some of the less flashy but valuable reasons why the Valley of the Sun continues to draw retirees.
Senior apartments generally have a resident age cut-off of about 55 and include apartment layouts and features designed with seniors in mind. Senior apartments don’t offer the type of daily assistance and medical care that other senior living options, like assisted living or memory care, provide. And, senior apartments tend to offer fewer amenities than independent living communities. Because of this, they are typically more affordable than other types of senior living. Phoenix also has subsidized senior apartment options for seniors on a low or fixed income.
Senior Living Apartments in Phoenix, AZ
For decades, Phoenix has been a top choice for seniors looking to relocate somewhere warm and relatively affordable. While the cost of living has fluctuated recently in Phoenix, the city still retains much of what makes it appealing to people over 55. Notably, the city’s economic growth continues to pull in highly paid workers who bring their parents, who in turn look for 55+ and 62+ communities. The high concentration of senior living options across price ranges and a solid medical infrastructure are some of the less flashy but valuable reasons why the Valley of the Sun continues to draw retirees.Read more
Senior apartments generally have a resident age cut-off of about 55 and include apartment layouts and features designed with seniors in mind. Senior apartments don’t offer the type of daily assistance and medical care that other senior living options, like assisted living or memory care, provide. And, senior apartments tend to offer fewer amenities than independent living communities. Because of this, they are typically more affordable than other types of senior living. Phoenix also has subsidized senior apartment options for seniors on a low or fixed income.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Phoenix, AZ
I've had a good experience with Mera Westgate. This is a great senior community. The staff are helpful, kind, and caring. They keep the community clean. Everyone is friendly. There are activities for...
My dad moved to the BeeHive from another facility in Phoenix in January 2020. The difference in care and caring was night and day! [name removed] the owner is personally involved and strives to make sure...
My brother and I moved our mother into Paradise Village Senior Living in 2012. My mother and father were married at the ages of 18 and 19, living their whole life together. When my father passed, it was...
My sister is safe there. It's convenient to places where she needs to go. For instance, when she thought she locked herself up they came right up. They come up and help her out. It's independent...
Everything is going well for my husband and I here at this community. It is a good looking community. The staff have kind and helpful. There are many activities for us to choose from. The food is nice, we...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
- Costs of senior apartments in Phoenix, Arizona
- How to pay for senior apartments in Phoenix, Arizona
- Understand Arizona laws and regulations for senior apartments
- Get to know senior apartments in Phoenix
- What to expect from Phoenix senior apartments and other senior care types
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Phoenix? Highlights for seniors
Costs of senior apartments in Phoenix, Arizona
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data from 2022, the average cost of senior apartments in Phoenix is $1,815.[01] This number reflects what senior apartment residents in Phoenix actually paid for one month of rent in a one-bedroom apartment and includes the cost of fees and any add-on services or amenities. This puts the cost for Phoenix senior apartments near the national average.
The story of Phoenix senior apartment costs is complex. With an increasing population looking for affordable apartments, demand has consistently outpaced supply, causing prices to go up. But despite fluctuating prices, the demand for senior apartments in Phoenix continues to rise, causing city and state leaders to prioritize affordable senior apartments. Waiting lists for these affordable senior apartments can be up to a few years, but more and more are being built to help meet the demand.
Cost of subsidized or low-income senior apartments in Phoenix, Arizona
Both the federal government and local Arizona and Phoenix governments have affordable housing programs for seniors. Most of these programs require occupants to be over 62 years old and have income under a certain threshold. Rent is usually 30%-40% of the resident’s adjusted income.
For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — also known as HUD — runs the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program, which subsidizes senior apartments in Phoenix. To be eligible, the occupant must be 62 or older and be very low-income as defined by the HUD. In Phoenix, this means you need to make under $30,950 a year as a single person, which means monthly rent wouldn’t exceed $1,032.
The city of Phoenix also maintains the Senior and Disabled Housing Program, which provides studio and one-bedroom apartments. To qualify, seniors need to be over 62 or disabled and meet low-income requirements.
Costs of luxury senior apartments in Phoenix, Arizona
For people over 55 looking for luxury apartments, the demand is not as high, and there are far more options available. However, the price, especially in suburbs like Paradise Valley, is usually above $1,700 for a one-bedroom and can exceed $5,000 a month or more for spacious apartments in the most luxurious communities.[01] With this price comes exceptional amenities like in-house spas, resort-level pools, gyms, proximity to golf courses, dog parks, and state-of-the-art appliances and design features.
Average cost comparisons near Phoenix, AZ
Average monthly costs
Phoenix, AZ
How to pay for senior apartments in Phoenix, Arizona
Most people pay for their senior apartments using private funds. Because people living in senior apartments don’t need assisted-living-level care or medical care, fees associated with senior apartments aren’t usually covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
Many seniors moving into senior apartments have sold a home and can use this liquid equity to fund their new apartment. Other private ways to fund senior living are:
According to the Arizona Department of Veteran’s Services, Arizona has one of the highest percentages of senior veterans in the country, and most of them live in Phoenix. Of the 60,681 veterans living in Phoenix, 59.9% are over the age of 55.[02]
Veterans benefits do not usually cover senior apartments. However, the VA pension can help pay for a senior apartment. To access other veterans benefits, like the Aid and Attendance benefit, the veteran usually needs to have qualifying health challenges and require care in an assisted living community, a memory care facility, or a nursing home.
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs increased the amount of funding for the Shallow Subsidy initiative, which funds affordable rental housing for very low-income veterans.
Number of veterans living in Phoenix, Arizona, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
59 percent of Phoenix veterans are 55+ years old, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Additional resources for Phoenix veterans:
3839 N. Third St.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 602-255-3373
333 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Arizona Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, and its sub-program for seniors and the disabled is the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). It can cover medical expenses for qualifying seniors, but it does not cover monthly rental fees for an apartment. While most people who choose to live in senior apartments are active and don’t need skilled nursing care, some seniors choose to receive in-home care at their apartment instead of moving to an assisted living community or nursing home. For qualifying seniors age 65 and older living in senior apartments and requiring medical assistance, Medicaid can cover the costs of in-home health care.
To qualify for Arizona’s Long Term Care System, a medical professional must deem the senior in need of medical care services like skilled nursing care or memory care. The senior must also have less than $2,000 in assets and not make more than $2,523 in monthly income.
Phoenix resident Medicaid resources
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 602-417-4000
801 E. Jefferson St., MD 3900
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 888-621-6880
Medicare does not cover monthly senior apartment fees like rent or utilities. However, anyone who is over 65 and has paid Medicare taxes or is married to someone who paid Medicare taxes is eligible for Medicare coverage. Medicare fully covers only short-term medically necessary care, like surgery, insulin, and up to three consecutive days at a hospital. For stays in rehabilitation facilities, Medicare recipients will pay nothing in the first 20 days, $200 each day for days 21-100, and the full amount after day 100.
To find out more about what Medicare coverage you’re eligible for and how to access these funds, you should dial 2-1-1, visit the Medicare website, or contact the Phoenix Social Security office.
The Area Agency on Aging Locations is an Arizona agency that advocates for aging Arizona residents by providing information about senior programs and community support. The Maricopa County branch can help Phoenix seniors get connected to local Medicare resources. Representatives can direct seniors to resources like the Help with Paying Medicare Costs Only program, which assists qualifying seniors with paying their Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles.
Phoenix resident Medicare resources
Understand Arizona laws and regulations for senior apartments
Because senior apartments do not provide daily assistance or health care, their requirements mirror regulations for other apartment communities. Most senior apartments in Phoenix are either 55+ or 62+. According to the Fair Housing Act, to count as a 55+ community, at least 80% of the apartments need to have at least one resident over 55. Apartments that are 62+ are more restrictive, as 100% of the residents must be 62+.
Like other apartments, senior apartments usually cover maintenance and repairs. However, most senior apartments don’t include utilities in the monthly fee. According to the Arizona Residential Landlord & Tenant Act, landlords are required to do the following:
- Make all repairs and keep the apartment in a livable condition
- Supply running and hot water at all times
- Provide trash bins and arrange for the removal of waste
- Provide at least the required days’ notice to the tenant before entering the apartment to provide maintenance and updates
Tenants are required to do the following:
- Keep the apartment in good condition and not over-use electricity, gas, or water
- Not knowingly alter the apartment without the landlord’s consent
One final note: In Arizona, there isn’t a state agency that enforces the Arizona Residential Landlord & Tenant Act, so any disputes are considered private.
COVID-19 regulations for Phoenix senior apartments
Phoenix senior apartments don’t have any special regulations regarding COVID-19 like assisted living, memory care, and nursing home communities do. Residents of senior apartments and employees should follow state and city guidelines when it comes to mitigating COVID-19. Through the Arizona Together program, Arizona recommends that residents mask when feeling ill and test for COVID-19 regularly.
Get to know senior apartments in Phoenix
1049
67
What to expect from Phoenix senior apartments and other senior care types
Phoenix has a long history as a senior living hot spot, attracting people over 55 because of the consistently warm weather, strong economy, solid health care system, and laid-back culture. Of the 1,624,569 people living in Phoenix, 28% are over 50.[03] Because of the demand, Phoenix has one of the highest concentrations of senior living options across a wide range of prices in the country. At the end of the day, most people can find a good senior living option for them in Phoenix.
Senior apartments are a gateway to senior living and have very few differences from regular apartments. In fact, some can also house people under 55 if the community meets a threshold of seniors living in each unit. Senior apartments differ from each other in the same ways other apartments do. Some may be identical to traditional apartments, aside from the senior residents. Others may have senior-friendly design features, like lowered cabinets and elevators in each building. Some may have few amenities, while others may have resort-style pools and spas, game rooms, and on-staff concierge and activity coordinators.
Generally, there are two types of senior apartments in Phoenix: luxury and low-income.
Luxury senior apartments
Luxury apartments are designed to make the resident’s life as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, offering on-site amenities and events, as well as high-end design touches within each apartment. In-unit laundry, sparkling pools, and fitness centers are usually just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to amenities offered by luxury senior apartments in Phoenix. Some have concierge services and activity coordinators who plan weekly fitness classes and social events.
Many of the luxury senior apartments are newer builds, especially compared to the low-income options. These luxury apartments are often quite expensive, with one-bedroom apartments starting around $1,800 and sometimes exceeding $5,000.[01] While this seems expensive, these prices reflect the average costs of all luxury rentals in Phoenix. Within Phoenix, luxury apartments are being built quickly, especially in suburbs like Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, and there is often no waiting list or a very short one.
Low-income senior apartments
Low-income senior apartments fill a real need in Phoenix. Because of the very strong demand for low-income senior apartments in Phoenix, waiting lists can be a year or more. While considered low-income, these senior apartments may still have some of the amenities found in other senior apartments, like BBQ and picnic areas, computer labs, and on-site laundry. The biggest differences between low-income and luxury apartments are often aesthetics and location. Low-income senior apartments tend to be older and have fewer design touches.
These subsidized apartments are usually funded through the federal Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program or the local Phoenix Senior and Disabled Housing Program. Both require income cut-offs, and both cap rent at 30%-40% of a resident’s income.
Explore senior care with confidence
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.
Unfamiliar with Phoenix? Highlights for seniors
Percentage of Phoenix residents who are 50+
Percentage of Phoenix residents who are 65+
68°
The average high temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit) in Phoenix in January
Percentage of residents in Paradise Valley who are 65+
Health care for seniors in Phoenix
Phoenix has an excellent health care system for seniors, with many of the local hospitals ranked in geriatrics and other specialties.
Mayo Clinic – Phoenix
The Phoenix branch of the Mayo Clinic is ranked No. 13 in the nation for geriatric care according to U.S. News and World Report, and it also ranks for 10 other specialties.
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center is nationally ranked for its geriatric, neurology, and neurosurgery departments.
Transportation for seniors in Phoenix, Arizona
Because Phoenix is sprawled out and not dense, most residents use a car to get around. The Valley Metro Transit System is the regional public transportation system, and it operates throughout the city. Residents over 65 years old can receive reduced fare after filling out an application on the Valley Metro website. Wait times for the Valley Metro can exceed 20 minutes.
Dial-a-Ride is another option for seniors with disabilities to get transportation to and from appointments. To use Dial-a-Ride, participants must meet the criteria in the Americans for Disability Act, which generally means an individual must have a disability that limits their ability to perform daily activities by themselves.
Based on public data about Phoenix’s infrastructure, WalkScore[05] has given it the following scores, each out of 100:
41
Walk Score
56
Bike Score
36
Transit Score
Senior activities in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix’s cheerful weather lends itself to plenty of outdoor activities for active adults. Phoenix is a desert landscape, so a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden is a top attraction for out-of-towners and locals alike. With towering cacti and glorious desert blooms, it’s not to be missed. Residents and visitors can enjoy year-round golfing at the many prestigious golf courses, such as Papago Golf Course.
For fans of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, his personal home, Taliesin West, is open for tours and hosts many artistic exhibitions and programs. Phoenix and the surrounding suburbs also play host to multiple casinos, and the largest is Talking Stick Resort. This resort acts as a luxury hotel, a renowned museum for Native American art, a theater, and a casino with over 100,000 square feet of game space. Some local casinos also offer a shuttle service for seniors in Phoenix and surrounding areas.
Phoenix also has a spa culture, with affordable options and luxury treatments. Many of these spas offer comprehensive packages, including fine dining, golf courses, saunas, pools, wellness treatments, and massages. Many local spas offer discounted rates for AAA members.
Local sports teams no longer offer senior discounts, but senior fans can still enjoy watching their favorite teams at the Footprint Center or at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. And, Phoenix’s tasty and ever-developing food scene is tracked by Eater Phoenix. Southwestern cuisine, Mexican food, and steakhouses are popular culinary options. With never-ending city attractions and natural beauty, Phoenix will continue to be a popular destination.
Frequently asked questions
Revel Scottsdale, Revel Legacy and Mera Westgate are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Phoenix, 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 Phoenix is 2003.77 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Phoenix City [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population estimates (V2021): Paradise Valley town [Data set]. QuickFacts.
WalkScore. (2022). Living in Phoenix.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Tempe, Arizona
- Peoria, Arizona
- Sun City, Arizona
- Chandler, Arizona
- Mesa, Arizona
- Surprise, Arizona
- Paradise Valley, Arizona
- Glendale, Arizona
- Tolleson, Arizona
- Avondale, Arizona
- Laveen, Arizona
- Ahwatukee, Arizona
- Sun City West, Arizona
- Contempo Tempe, Arizona
- Estate Monterra, Arizona
- Youngtown, Arizona
- Tempe Travel Trailer Villa, Arizona
- El Mirage, Arizona
- Woodcreek, Arizona