Here’s a tough question: What doesn’t sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, offer its residents? Whether it’s world-renowned medical care, expansive scenes of the Sonoran Desert, countless opportunities to enjoy arts and culture, a particularly large array of senior living options, or a luxurious atmosphere, it’s no mystery why “the West’s Most Western Town” has been recognized as one of the top three retirement locales in the U.S.
If you’re a retiree wanting to move to a facility more suited to your lifestyle or a family member or loved one seeking out a convenient care community for a senior, one of Scottsdale’s many assisted living options could be a great fit.
Assisted living facilities offer their residents long-term housing as well as personal care for seniors who need it. Most residents in assisted living are somewhat active, but they might require help with certain activities of daily living. This might include assistance eating meals, getting dressed, or bathing, for instance. Scottsdale’s assisted living communities also offer residents many convenient amenities and services, including comprehensive medication management, visiting health care professionals (including dentists, podiatrists, and physical therapists), and housekeeping services. However, please note that specific offerings may differ at each facility.
A Place for Mom partners with 51 assisted living facilities within 10 miles of downtown Scottsdale. In this guide, we’ll share more details about what it’s like to live in these communities as well as information about the costs of assisted living in Scottsdale, how residents pay for their stays, critical regulations and laws for these types of facilities, health care and transportation in Scottsdale, and exciting things to do around town.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near Scottsdale, AZ
Here’s a tough question: What doesn’t sunny Scottsdale, Arizona, offer its residents? Whether it’s world-renowned medical care, expansive scenes of the Sonoran Desert, countless opportunities to enjoy arts and culture, a particularly large array of senior living options, or a luxurious atmosphere, it’s no mystery why “the West’s Most Western Town” has been recognized as one of the top three retirement locales in the U.S.Read more
If you’re a retiree wanting to move to a facility more suited to your lifestyle or a family member or loved one seeking out a convenient care community for a senior, one of Scottsdale’s many assisted living options could be a great fit.
Assisted living facilities offer their residents long-term housing as well as personal care for seniors who need it. Most residents in assisted living are somewhat active, but they might require help with certain activities of daily living. This might include assistance eating meals, getting dressed, or bathing, for instance. Scottsdale’s assisted living communities also offer residents many convenient amenities and services, including comprehensive medication management, visiting health care professionals (including dentists, podiatrists, and physical therapists), and housekeeping services. However, please note that specific offerings may differ at each facility.
A Place for Mom partners with 51 assisted living facilities within 10 miles of downtown Scottsdale. In this guide, we’ll share more details about what it’s like to live in these communities as well as information about the costs of assisted living in Scottsdale, how residents pay for their stays, critical regulations and laws for these types of facilities, health care and transportation in Scottsdale, and exciting things to do around town.
Scottsdale Assisted Living Facilities | 1133 Reviews
I can’t say enough good things about the care staff at Valencia. They were the second out of six homes we toured and we chose them because of [name removed]. There was something really special about [name...
Please look at the years that the staff have been working at the facility. This shows the dedication and care that the facility not only has for its residents but the staff as well. I would absolutely...
My mother has been a resident of McDowell village for 4 yrs. We have been so happy with the community. I recently interacted with [name removed]director of resident enrichment and her assistant [name...
Was moving my Mom from an assisted living facility in Florida to Arizona where I live. Atria was great in taking me for a tour and getting her set up in her new room. Upon her arrival they helped set stuff...
The experience with Acoya Troon has been life affirming and life enhancing for my mom and for our entire family. The decision to encourage her to move into Acoya was one of the best decisions we have ever...
I am very happy being here at Legacy Village of Salt River community. What I like the most about the community is all the different activities they have going on for the residents there, the rides to doctors...
My aunt had a problem with a few different facilities in the past so I was very skeptical. when I came to this home I immediately felt an overwhelming inviting feeling of home. The resident seemed happy and...
Having been a resident here for almost a year, Truewood by Merrill Scottsdale community and I are virtually a perfect fit. We have it all: terrific residents, competent and caring staff, tasty and wholesome...
I would say that, like everywhere else, Brookdale is understaffed and people are overworked but trying their best to keep up. I believe marketing people should be more truthful about that as promises were...
We are very satisfied with our selection here at the Ranch Estates. Would recommend you to arrange several trips to confirm your observations prior to signing a lease!
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Community relations director gave me a thorough tour. During which I had the opportunity to meet several staff members and observe residents participating in activities. A very friendly and caring...
[name removed] and [name removed] are excellent to work with. They helped us getting my sister from memory care in assisted living. Office personnel and billing people..not so much! I would recommend...
Mom had to go to the hospital. Staff called us kids with an update on what they knew, where she went etc. We were very thankful for staff staying in touch with us through that situation. Nice facility at a...
Caregivers are very nice. Food better than most places. We picked this community because it was closest to my home.
I moved my mom here after a horrible previous experience. The staff is amazing, attentive, dedicated, friendly and caring. The home and rooms are always clean and all of the meals are nutritious. ...
It seems active and good energy from the tenants. They notice if something is off with the tenants and question them. If you don't show up for a meal they go to your suite and ask if want your meal brought...
From the management to the staff to the facility, all A1! My family is very thankful that we were able to find Oakmont on Yucca. It means a lot when our hospice nurse could find nothing that needed...
The attitude toward the residents from the caregivers is very cheerful and caring and they take the time to learn the peoples names. I just think this team is impressive. I like my apartment and the food...
I like this community because it is small and there is a nurse here all of the time. This community is spotless clean and the food is terrific. My mom loves it here. They have activities like art projects,...
The entire facility is brand new one the inside. New furniture, floors and paint. The rooms are very nice and the staff is so friendly. Activities every day for varying level of mobility. Since they have...
The reason we are at Pueblo Norte is our daughter did the research for us and we all made the choice to live at Pueblo Norte because of the wide open feel, all the trees, grass, the lovely walking trail by...
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills
16800 E. Paul Nordin Parkway, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
This is easy, all of the categories 1-8 get 5 stars. I was extremely happy with MorningStar of Fountain Hills as a place for Mom to spend the last year of her life. [name removed], their activities...
I sing praises of the entire staff at Pacifica. From cleaners to maintenance to caregivers to nursing and beyond show true compassion and care!
Great place and take very good care of our father. Great food and staff and outstanding price for our father that does not have a lot of money. Very clean and communicates with us very well if any issues...
This place is a wonderful refuge from loneliness. I think its a comfortable domicile - giving a person freedom and a sense of belonging. The staff understands the special needs of seniors
- Costs of assisted living in the Scottsdale area
- How people pay for assisted living in Scottsdale
- Understand Arizona laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Scottsdale
- What to expect from assisted living in Scottsdale
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Scottsdale? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Scottsdale area
According to proprietary data gathered by A Place for Mom, residents paid an average of $5,277 monthly to stay at our partner assisted living communities in Scottsdale.[02] This is the average actual cost of residents’ monthly stays and includes added fees for different floor plans, amenities, and similar variables. Depending on the facility, for instance, these costs include offerings such as full medication management, on-call doctors, specialty meals, housekeeping, and laundry services.
The prices below represent average baseline costs without add-on fees in the surrounding area, which could be helpful for comparing general pricing.
Average cost comparisons near Scottsdale, AZ
Average monthly costs
Scottsdale, AZ
How people pay for assisted living in Scottsdale
You might be wondering about the different payment options when it comes to staying at one of Scottsdale’s assisted living facilities. You have a variety of payment methods to choose from, including private payment options, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) perks, Medicare, and Medicaid. In this section, we’ll share more information on each type of payment so you can determine the financial approach that’s right for you or your loved one.
Seniors and their families are welcome to use different private payment methods to fund a stay at an assisted living facility. This most commonly includes sources like personal savings accounts, returns from investment portfolios, pensions, or Social Security benefits. However, you could also weigh the following options, which could help you or your family pay for assisted living:
Number of veterans who live in Scottsdale, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
About 44% of Scottsdale veterans are 75 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Using VA benefits to pay for assisted living in Scottsdale
If you’re a veteran, you might be entitled to VA-provided benefits that could help you cover the costs of assisted living in Scottsdale. However, getting an understanding of the benefits the VA provides can be a tricky task, which is why veterans services officers are there to assist you and your family. As these individuals are experts on all things VA benefits, talking to a veterans services officer is critical in ensuring you receive all the benefits you’re eligible for.
In this section, A Place for Mom will cover some of the VA programs that could be most helpful in covering a stay at an assisted living facility. Additionally, we’ll share more information about local organizations and veterans services officers who can help vets and their families navigate the world of VA benefits and apply for the ones they may be eligible for.
VA benefits and tax perks for veterans
If you already receive a Pension from the VA, you could consider applying for the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. This specific benefit is especially useful for covering the costs of senior care, as it increases VA Pension payments. The extra funds can then be used for in-home care services that improve quality of life for veterans.
The state of Arizona itself also has a few helpful tax benefits vets should be aware of, as the resulting savings could help defray independent living costs. Military retirement payments aren’t taxed by the state, and Maricopa County also offers personal tax exemptions if veterans have a disability and were honorably discharged from the military.
Veteran Benefits Counselors around the Scottsdale area
In Arizona, veterans services officers are called Veteran Benefits Counselors, or VBCs — and the state has more than 50 of these individuals on its roster. Arizona’s VBCs are there to help vets and their families when it comes to understanding the VA benefits they could qualify for. Given their deep understanding of the complex VA system, A Place for Mom recommends reaching out to a VBC even if you don’t think you’ll be eligible for these benefits.
We’ve provided contact details for area VBCs in the resources section below. Please note that VBCs currently provide their services virtually, but they can communicate via phone or email if the individual they’re assisting doesn’t have access to videoconferencing tools.
Local organizations that assist Scottsdale veterans
The Veterans Administration’s Regional Benefit Office is located in nearby Phoenix and can help area veterans with any questions or concerns about VA-provided benefits. Likewise, it can find the right person to answer any questions its in-house experts aren’t able to address.
Seniors might also prefer to reach out to nongovernment organizations in the area if they have questions or concerns surrounding benefits — or just want some camaraderie. The area’s American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapters are all there for Scottsdale’s senior vets, offering community, advocacy, and support.
Resources for Scottsdale veterans
Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office
3333 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services (VBCs)
3839 N. Third St.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Phone: 602-535-1215
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
American Legion Sipe-Peterson Post 44
7145 E. Second St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: 480-941-0130
VFW Stanley A Crews Post 3513
7220 E. Wilshire Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Phone: 480-941-9849
DAV Department of Arizona
38 W. Dunlap Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: 602-678-0333
Email: admin@az-dav.org
Medicaid is a federal health insurance program meant to ease health care costs for low-income seniors. Although Medicaid itself is a federal offering, it’s administered by each individual state, and Arizona’s Medicaid program is referred to as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (or AHCCCS).
Arizona’s Medicaid program won’t pay for custodial costs within assisted living facilities such as room and board, but the AHCCCS will cover health services provided in-residence that are deemed medically necessary through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs. To learn more about the HCBS waivers you’re eligible for, we suggest reaching out directly to the AHCCCS to speak with an expert representative.
You can view the eligibility requirements for Arizona’s Medicaid program here or in this guide from the AHCCCS. To apply for Medicaid in Arizona, you can either use the Health-e-Arizona website or fill out and send an application on paper.
Individuals in Scottsdale who might need assistance understanding whether they’re eligible for Medicaid — or how to use their existing Medicaid coverage — can reach out to the local AHCCCS office. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in Phoenix is also there to help answer seniors’ Medicaid questions and educate them about other programs they might be eligible for. Seniors or their family members might also choose to reach out to the Medicaid ombudsman in Phoenix. This individual is an impartial party who is there to resolve Medicaid-specific disputes and ensure the program operates as intended, but they can also provide informal guidance and education.
Scottsdale resident Medicaid resources
AHCCCS
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 602-417-4000
AAA Region 1, Incorporated
1366 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Joanne MacDonnell (Medicaid ombudsman)
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Email: ombuds@azoca.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare is the federal government’s health insurance program for individuals 65 and older. Although Medicare won’t cover custodial costs at assisted living facilities — such as room and board or care related to daily tasks — it will pay for short-term care (and sometimes skilled nursing care) that’s medically necessary within these communities.
Examples of services covered by Medicare within assisted living facilities include:
- Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- Medical social services
- Skilled nursing care on occasion, such as changing sterile dressings
More comprehensive information on other services Medicare will cover through its separate parts is available here. Medicare itself also has a helpful portal for learning about the program, which includes information surrounding eligibility and applications. If you’d like to apply for Medicare, you can head to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office or do so online.
Seniors and family members who are focused on finding assistance with Medicare payments can look into Arizona’s Medicare Savings Program, an offshoot of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. Through the Medicare Savings Program, seniors who might not be able to cover their Medicare costs can receive assistance in paying for co-payments, premiums, and deductibles. The Program’s eligibility requirements are available online.
Arizona resources for your Medicare questions
If you need guidance when it comes to applying for Medicare or which health services are covered with your plan, there are a few state and local resources at your disposal. First, Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES) is home to a Division of Aging and Adult Services. This specific division runs Arizona’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), two incredibly helpful resources for seniors on Medicare plans.
SHIP exists to give Arizonans complimentary counseling on all things Medicare and offer assistance to low-income individuals with monthly Medicare payments, prescription drug costs, and doctor or hospital visits. The SMP’s expert staff and volunteers, meanwhile, help families and caregivers protect themselves against Medicare fraud, abuse, and errors. Likewise, Health-e-Arizona can provide help with online applications.
Yet another great resource for Scottsdale seniors is Phoenix’s Area Agency on Aging, or AAA. It functions to advocate for seniors and provide guidance on aging-related questions and concerns, including Medicaid queries. Maricopa County’s booklet on specific Medicare plans for its residents may also be useful to browse if you’re planning on applying for Medicare soon or are in the process of signing up.
The local Medicare ombudsman is another resource seniors, families, and caregivers should be aware of. Although they’re generally responsible for handling and addressing complaints surrounding Medicare programs, these individuals can also provide guidance on related concerns. In Arizona, residents can access Medicare-specific ombudsmen by reaching out to the Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide.
Scottsdale resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
16241 N. Tatum Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: 800-772-1213
Email: SF.RPA@ssa.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Arizona Department of Economic Security (SHIP)
Phone (confidential SHIP assistance helpline): 800-432-4040
Phone (Maricopa County lines): 602-280-1059 or 800-432-4040
Senior Medicare Patrol
Phone: 800-432-4040
Health-e-Arizona
Phone: 855-432-7587
Email: SF.RPA@ssa.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
AHCCCS
801 E. Jefferson St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Phone: 602-417-4000
AAA Region 1, Incorporated
1366 E. Thomas Road, Suite 108
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Phone: 602-264-2255
Email: info@aaaphx.org
Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide
2020 N. Central Ave., Suite 570
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: 602-277-7292
Fax: 602-277-7312
E-mail: ombuds@azoca.gov
Understand Arizona laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
In Arizona, assisted living facilities — including facilities with combined care types, such as joint assisted living and memory care communities — are licensed and regulated as residential care institutions by the Arizona Department of Health Services’ (DHS) Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing.
Likewise, the DHS’s Division of Licensing Services is responsible for carrying out inspections of these facilities to ensure their compliance with state regulations. Arizona’s assisted living communities generally undergo inspection at least once every two years, but frequency may vary depending on the DHS’ discretion (if a facility receives complaints, for instance, it could be inspected more often). During an inspection, surveyors from the DHS will take note of factors such as:
- Staffing practices
- Care of residents
- Medication management
- Nutrition
- Residents’ physical surroundings
As part of these inspections, surveyors may choose to conduct interviews with staff and residents, read through pertinent records and documents, and determine the quality of care provided to residents. If an inspection finds that a facility is deficient or violates state standards, the community is asked to take corrective action. They may also receive penalties or be subject to other enforcement actions by the DHS if they don’t address these issues. Facility licensing information, including deficiencies and enforcement actions, is available on this DHS portal. You can see all the requirements assisted living facilities in Arizona must follow here.
Arizona Department of Health contact information
150 N. 18th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-542-1025
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Scottsdale assisted living facilities
Although Arizona has no specific COVID-19 regulations for assisted living facilities, the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) has published guidance surrounding COVID-19 for long-term care communities. It includes best practices for preventing, detecting, and controlling COVID-19’s spread within these facilities. Similarly, Scottsdale has published its own list of health and safety protocols that could help curb the spread of COVID-19, and the DHS also has COVID guidance for residents and stays up to date with U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Vaccinations.
The DHS notes that long-term care facilities should encourage their staff and residents to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Masking.
The DHS suggests that facilities ask visitors and residents to wear masks during visitations when the county’s transmission level is substantial or high. Additionally, staffers should wear well-fitting respirators or facemasks upon entering the facility.
Facility cleanliness.
The DHS notes that facilities should disinfect highly touched environmental surfaces on a dedicated schedule.
Staff safety.
The DHS encourages long-term care facilities to develop a protocol for when staffers fall ill with COVID-19 that determines when they can return to work.
Social distancing.
The DHS suggests that facilities ask visitors and residents to practice social distancing when the county’s transmission level is substantial or high.
Quarantining.
Residents who aren’t up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine and booster who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 should go into quarantine, even if they test negative. New admissions and readmissions to the facility who aren’t up to date with their vaccines and boosters should also complete a 10-day quarantine.
Get to know assisted living in Scottsdale
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What to expect from assisted living in Scottsdale
As the third-best retirement city in the country, you’d expect Scottsdale’s assisted living market to cater to a variety of different needs, budgets, and preferences — and you surely won’t be disappointed by the options the city offers.[04]
Here, we’ll share a bit more insight into what you can expect from the area’s assisted living communities. However, please note that specific offerings will vary depending on the individual facility.
Worry-free accommodations and individualized care
Assisted living facilities are designed with seniors’ overall well-being in mind, meaning they pay close attention to their physical and mental health and provide ample opportunities for intellectual stimulation and socializing. In turn, seniors can stay happier — and healthier — for longer.
Likewise, although many seniors in assisted living communities are relatively active, those who need it can still receive help with completing activities of daily living. This includes assistance with bathing and showering, using the restroom, getting dressed, mobility, and eating. Specific offerings may vary by individual community, but assisted living facilities in the Scottsdale area also offer services such as medication management, transportation options, healthy meals, housekeeping and laundry, and engaging activities.
Multilingual communities
Accommodating a senior who requires an assisted living-level of care but feels most comfortable speaking a language other than English can prove challenging for caregivers and families. Thankfully, Scottsdale is home to many assisted living communities with multilingual staff.
Out of A Place for Mom’s 51 partner assisted living facilities in Scottsdale, more than one-third have Spanish-speaking staff, and 12% speak Filipino.[02] This ensures multilingual seniors can not only fully communicate their needs in their preferred language, but also feel content and comfortable in their new surroundings.
Luxurious and relaxing amenities
Scottsdale is known for its wide array of luxury lifestyle options, which also extends to its assisted living communities — many of which also provide resort-style amenities and services. For example, some of the area’s assisted living facilities often boast offerings such as spacious floor plans, pools, gardens and patios, spas, massage rooms, and on-site coffee shops. These communities also schedule plenty of engaging activities that seniors of all ability levels can take part in. Examples include live musical performances, barbecues or picnics, holiday and birthday parties, religious services, lectures and discussions, book clubs, yoga, gardening, and Tai Chi.
A variety of senior living options
Seniors who would like to live in a facility that can accommodate their changing care needs can rest assured that many of Scottsdale’s assisted living facilities also offer other types of care. Among A Place for Mom’s 51 partner assisted living communities in Scottsdale, just one offers standalone assisted living.[02] Here are the other types of facilities:
- Five facilities combine assisted living and independent living
- Eight combine assisted living and memory care
- Nine facilities offer assisted living, independent living, and memory care
- 28 facilities function as group homes
These combined communities could be a great fit for seniors whose needs might change in the future.
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Unfamiliar with Scottsdale? Highlights for seniors
58,627
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Scottsdale, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
$84,244
Median annual income for Scottsdale seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Health care for seniors in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is home to many quality health care options, including a medical institution known around the world for its expert care and top-tier medical professionals. In this section, we’ll outline more information about Scottsdale’s best hospitals.
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center
HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center performs highly in seven various adult procedures and health conditions, including care for heart failure and colon cancer surgery. It’s also ranked as the eighth-best hospital in Arizona.
Luckily for those living in the Scottsdale area, a world-renowned health care system is right nearby. At the Phoenix Mayo Clinic, seniors can rest assured knowing that they’re receiving care at Phoenix and Arizona’s very best hospital. This particular facility is nationally ranked in 10 varying adult specialties, including gastroenterology, geriatrics, and urology.
Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center
Vets in the Scottsdale area who need either primary or specialty care can receive these services at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans’ Administration Medical Center.
Transportation for seniors in Scottsdale
Most assisted living facilities in Scottsdale make getting around easy. Nearly three-quarters of our partner facilities offer complimentary transportation, while just over half provide it at cost.
Unfortunately, public transit is one of the more difficult ways to get around town, earning a 23 out of 100[07] score from Walk Score. A walk score takes into account public density. walking routes, biking routes, and public transit. However, there are still options available for those who prefer it as a transportation method. Scottsdale has its own trolley system, a free offering that operates on a 20-minute schedule. Scottsdale’s Trolleys are in operation during weekdays from 5:45 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., excluding holidays.
The Valley Metro system also operates within Scottsdale and the surrounding Phoenix metro area for $2 per ride (seniors 65 and older, Medicare recipients, and those with disabilities can secure a discount). It operates buses, a light rail system, streetcars, and also has paratransit offerings. Valley Metro’s buses and light rail system are accessible for those with disabilities, and eligibility requirements for the system’s paratransit service are available here.
The following three ratings are calculated out of 100 by Walk Score. They represent how easy it is to travel through Scottsdale using different transportation methods.
32
Walk Score
23
Transit Score
56
Bike Score
Senior activities in Scottsdale
With its year-round sunny weather, upscale lifestyle offerings, and beautiful natural sights, it’s no wonder why Scottsdale has such a host of both indoor and outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike. In turn, seniors of all stripes are sure to find something they and their loved ones can enjoy in the “West’s Most Western Town.”
First, with the area’s plentiful senior care offerings comes great senior centers! The Granite Reef Senior Center features a variety of multipurpose rooms and hosts everything from monthly Bridge tournaments to discussion groups covering current events. Located just a quick drive north, the Via Linda Senior Center also has activities that appeal to seniors — including walking clubs, blood-pressure screening events, and mahjong. Better yet, both centers are home to fitness centers where seniors can break a sweat and keep up their health! Many seniors in the Scottsdale area are also fans of Troon North Golf Club, which has fascinating views of Pinnacle Peak, and Talking Stick Resort Casino, which boasts high jackpots, plenty of slot machines, and ample poker tables.
If you’re looking for more public offerings the whole family can enjoy, however, Scottsdale has you covered. The stunning McDowell Sonoran Preserve has highly rated trails that visitors are sure to enjoy, but you can always head out to the city’s pickleball courts, fishing and boating areas, tennis courts, and aquatic centers to spend a couple of enjoyable hours outdoors. And when you’re done, why not round things out with a family picnic at Cactus Park? Among other features, this 17-acre park has one of the city’s best public aquatic centers, a playground, a basketball court, and reservable ramadas.
If a picnic isn’t up your family’s alley, though, there are plenty of great dining options at Scottsdale Fashion Square, one of Scottsdale’s outdoor shopping and dining destinations, or Old West-inspired Old Town Scottsdale, which also offers up plenty of local restaurants (as well as Scottsdale Stadium, where you can catch the San Francisco Giants every spring training season).
For those who are looking for something more on the educational side, Scottsdale has many world-class museums and institutions. These include architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s historic Taliesin West, which has both tour guides as well as audio tours available, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, another artsy destination housing contemporary and design works as well as architectural pieces. Scottsdale’s Western Spirit is another worthy destination: It’s a Smithsonian affiliate dedicated to the Old West as well as varied Indigenous history and art. Truck rental company Penske even has a Racing Museum here that’s filled to the brim with fast cars and intriguing memorabilia. Tours here are self-paced, so everyone is free to take their time.
If the grandkids want a more age-appropriate learning experience, you can always head out to Butterfly Wonderland. This rainforest experience is a welcome change of pace in Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert environment, and it also happens to be the largest butterfly conservatory in the U.S. The OdySea Aquarium is another option for families — it’s home to hundreds of species of aquatic animals, of course, but it also offers up engaging penguin and sloth encounters as well as a host of other activities and events. It features seating throughout exhibits, so the aquarium could be a good spot for seniors who need to rest every so often.
The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center provides another fascinating animal adventure, but on a smaller scale: It offers appointment-only tours of its wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary. Lastly, the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a budget- and family-friendly attraction that combines amusement park fun with railroad history. Be sure to also get the kiddos a ticket to ride the train or vintage carousel.
As a premier arts and culture destination, Scottsdale also has a few performing arts options enjoyed by residents and visitors. At the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, you can catch everything from Grammy-winning musicians to music festivals, but the Desert Stages Theatre offers a more intimate space for fans of plays and musicals.
Frequently asked questions
North Scottsdale Retreat, Golden Touch One Adult Care Home and MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Fountain Hills are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Scottsdale, 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 Scottsdale is 3740.24 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
KTAR News. (2021, September 9). Scottsdale ranked as one of best US cities for retirement, WalletHub says.
A Place for Mom. (2023). 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) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic-Phoenix.
Walk Score. (2023). Scottsdale.
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- Tempe, Arizona
- Ahwatukee, Arizona
- Sun City, Arizona
- Paradise Valley, Arizona
- New River, Arizona
- Rio Verde, Arizona
- Westbrook Village, Arizona
- Leisure World, Arizona
- Thunderbird Valley Number Two, Arizona
- Dobson Ranch, Arizona
- Shadow Mountain Village Scottsdale, Arizona
- Lookout Mountain, Arizona
- Claremont Place, Arizona
- Seven Palms Mobile Home Estates, Arizona
- Rose Garden Place, Arizona
- Union Hills Manor, Arizona