Tucson, Arizona, is a midsize city located just north of the border with Mexico. It has over 542,000 residents, 14.3% of which are aged 65 or older. The city’s warm climate and relatively low cost of living make it an appealing retirement destination for older adults, especially given the state’s reasonably senior-friendly tax policies.

Assisted living facilities help seniors who are in generally good health but require some support with the activities of daily living. Many seniors move to assisted living facilities when they find they need help with cooking, cleaning or personal care. These services can help them remain independent and avoid nursing home placement. The average cost of assisted living in Tucson is $4,050 per month, just $50 higher than the statewide average.

This guide explains the options seniors have when it comes to assisted living in Tucson. It covers the cost of assisted living and other types of care as well as the benefits and drawbacks of living in the city. Finally, it provides some information about free local resources to help those who are considering making the transition to long-term care.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Tucson, AZ

2014, 2015, 2016, 2018

Atria Campana Del Rio

1550 East River Road, Tucson, AZ, 85718

It’s been a very positive experience with Atria Campana Del Rio. The people are very friendly and my uncle is enjoying the meals that are prepared there. The overall facility is very nice and I think … (read more)
It’s been a very positive experience with Atria Campana Del Rio. The people are very friendly and my uncle is enjoying the meals that are prepared there. The overall facility is very nice and I think … (read more)

2013, 2014

Brookdale Santa Catalina

7500 North Calle Sin Envidia, Tucson, AZ, 85718

Located at the foot of Mount Lemmon in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, Arizona, and minutes from many coffee shops and restaurants, Brookdale Santa Catalina is an assisted living facility with a 125 … (read more)
Located at the foot of Mount Lemmon in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, Arizona, and minutes from many coffee shops and restaurants, Brookdale Santa Catalina is an assisted living facility with a 125 … (read more)

Sunrise at River Road

4975 North 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85718

Tucson, Arizona is home to Sunrise at River Road, offering both assisted living and memory care in a variety of room sizes. Modern rooms boast cable, WiFi, and an emergency call system. Residents may … (read more)
Tucson, Arizona is home to Sunrise at River Road, offering both assisted living and memory care in a variety of room sizes. Modern rooms boast cable, WiFi, and an emergency call system. Residents may … (read more)

Cascades of Tucson

201 N Jessica Ave, Tucson, AZ, 85710

Cascades of Tucson is a friendly family-run facility in Tucson, Arizona, offering both independent and assisted living. Conveniently located near Park Place Mall, as well as several smaller plazas, re … (read more)
Cascades of Tucson is a friendly family-run facility in Tucson, Arizona, offering both independent and assisted living. Conveniently located near Park Place Mall, as well as several smaller plazas, re … (read more)

Fellowship Square Tucson

8111 East Broadway, Tucson, AZ, 85710

Fellowship Square is an assisted and independent living facility located on 22-acres in East Broadway, Tucson. Residents appreciate the opportunity to interact with their peers through activities such … (read more)
Fellowship Square is an assisted and independent living facility located on 22-acres in East Broadway, Tucson. Residents appreciate the opportunity to interact with their peers through activities such … (read more)

2013, 2014, 2015

Brookdale East Tucson

8468 East Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ, 85710

Located in Tucson, Arizona, Brookdale Tucson is tailored to meet the needs of independent residents while also catering to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The community i … (read more)
Located in Tucson, Arizona, Brookdale Tucson is tailored to meet the needs of independent residents while also catering to the care of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The community i … (read more)

Villa Hermosa

6300 East Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ, 85710

Villa Hermosa looked fine. It was very inviting. My husband and I went, and the people looked very happy. They had a lot of amenities and a lot of social time. They had a happy hour for the residents, … (read more)
Villa Hermosa looked fine. It was very inviting. My husband and I went, and the people looked very happy. They had a lot of amenities and a lot of social time. They had a happy hour for the residents, … (read more)

2021

The Country Club of La Cholla

8700 N. La Cholla Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 85742

My FIL was in this facility on the Assisted Living side. I would not recommend this facility due to several factors: 1. Service Plans are done with the resident or POA, and they are not followed by … (read more)
My FIL was in this facility on the Assisted Living side. I would not recommend this facility due to several factors: 1. Service Plans are done with the resident or POA, and they are not followed by … (read more)

Park Senior Villas – La Canada

6899 N. La Canada Drive , Tucson, AZ, 85704

Facility grounds are well kept, rooms are spacious and clean, staff is professional and caring. Management team is very supportive. Food is stove top to table
Facility grounds are well kept, rooms are spacious and clean, staff is professional and caring. Management team is very supportive. Food is stove top to table

2014, 2016

Foothills Place

3701 North Swan Road, Tucson, AZ, 85718

I thought Foothills Place would be a good mix for my friend. They had a lot of social engagements with their residents. They had better amenities, and the food was good. It was clean and orderly. The … (read more)
I thought Foothills Place would be a good mix for my friend. They had a lot of social engagements with their residents. They had better amenities, and the food was good. It was clean and orderly. The … (read more)

The Ranch Estates of Tucson

2365 W Orange Grove Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85741

We toured The Ranch Estates of Tucson, the place is beautiful. They were running a special where they had a 1-bedroom apartment at the rate of a studio apartment, which was a significant saving, and f … (read more)
We toured The Ranch Estates of Tucson, the place is beautiful. They were running a special where they had a 1-bedroom apartment at the rate of a studio apartment, which was a significant saving, and f … (read more)

Amber Lights

6231 North Montebella Road, Tucson, AZ, 85704

My sister has been living at Amber Lights for 2 years now. It is a very nice place. She’s happy where she is and she’s doing well. She likes the climate there. She’s in a well-cared-for place. They ha … (read more)
My sister has been living at Amber Lights for 2 years now. It is a very nice place. She’s happy where she is and she’s doing well. She likes the climate there. She’s in a well-cared-for place. They ha … (read more)

Brookdale North Tucson

2650 West Ina Road, Tucson, AZ, 85741

Nestled in the foothills near the town of Marana, Brookdale North Tucson is located on the north side of Tuscon, Arizona, home to the University of Arizona. The facility is described by residents and … (read more)
Nestled in the foothills near the town of Marana, Brookdale North Tucson is located on the north side of Tuscon, Arizona, home to the University of Arizona. The facility is described by residents and … (read more)

2017

Park Senior Villas – Houghton

844 N. Houghton , Tucson, AZ, 85748

Park Senior Villas Houghton has been a wonderful find for my 91 year old mom. She’s been here for 10 months and has settled into her nice-sized room comfortably, surrounded by a few of her own famili … (read more)
Park Senior Villas Houghton has been a wonderful find for my 91 year old mom. She’s been here for 10 months and has settled into her nice-sized room comfortably, surrounded by a few of her own famili … (read more)

Canyon View by Platinum Care Homes

1331 E Sobre Lomas, Tucson, AZ, 85718


The Gardens at San Carlos

4553 E San Carlos Place S, Tucson, AZ, 85712

The Gardens at San Carlos is a 10-person adult homecare assisted living. It’s been great. The staff has been very helpful and very caring. My relative needs 24-hour care. Her room is super comfortable … (read more)
The Gardens at San Carlos is a 10-person adult homecare assisted living. It’s been great. The staff has been very helpful and very caring. My relative needs 24-hour care. Her room is super comfortable … (read more)

Academy Villas

Academy Villas , 13775 E. Langtry Lane, Tucson, AZ, 85747

I came to Academy Villa in 2010 because I definitely needed physical help and they were my closest and most reasonable choice. I have not regretted my move and now that my husband has joined me, I am … (read more)
I came to Academy Villa in 2010 because I definitely needed physical help and they were my closest and most reasonable choice. I have not regretted my move and now that my husband has joined me, I am … (read more)

Inspirations of River Centre

5665 East River Road, Tucson, AZ, 85750

<p>Residents of Inspirations of River Centre are proud of the independence they maintain and enjoy the security of 24-hour personalized assistance. While we offer a helping hand with day-to-day tasks … (read more)
<p>Residents of Inspirations of River Centre are proud of the independence they maintain and enjoy the security of 24-hour personalized assistance. While we offer a helping hand with day-to-day tasks … (read more)

Oak Haven Assisted Living

7163 North Pomona Road, Tucson, AZ, 85704

Oak Haven Assisted Living was a care home, and they had a lovely yard area and living room. The bedrooms seemed nice. It was open, light, and clean. I liked it. The person I spoke to was great.
Oak Haven Assisted Living was a care home, and they had a lovely yard area and living room. The bedrooms seemed nice. It was open, light, and clean. I liked it. The person I spoke to was great.

The Hacienda at the River

2720 East River Road, Tucson, AZ, 85718

My 96 year old father has gone to The Hacienda at the River twice for respite care. The first time he spent 6 weeks there while he was recovering from a broken leg (he was hit by a golf cart on the co … (read more)
My 96 year old father has gone to The Hacienda at the River twice for respite care. The first time he spent 6 weeks there while he was recovering from a broken leg (he was hit by a golf cart on the co … (read more)

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Tucson

Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Arizona. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.

What To Consider About Assisted Living in Tucson

Tucson-based assisted living facilities are licensed and regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Facilities are required to abide by an extensive list of rules and regulations relating to health and safety, staffing, medication administration, food service and other aspects of long-term care. Regular inspections are carried out to ensure facilities are meeting these requirements.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Tucson

  • Tucson is a beautiful city surrounded by scenic, forested mountains and golf courses that make it a desirable setting for active seniors. The pleasant climate means there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.
  • The cost of living in Tucson is around 6% lower than the national average. Some other Arizona cities have an even lower cost of living; however, the wealth of amenities available in Tucson means many seniors feel it’s a good choice for their retirement.
  • Property crime is common in Tucson compared to other parts of the United States. Assisted living facilities are usually gated communities with video surveillance and 24-hour staffing, so seniors can feel safe and secure when they’re on the assisted living campus.
  • There are several hospitals in or close to the city, including El Dorado Hospital, the University Medical Center and Tucson Medical Center. Tucson has a high number of Medicare-registered physicians and numerous pharmacies to ensure seniors can easily access the care they need when they need it.
  • The city is home to several senior centers, including the El Pueblo Senior Center and the Armory Senior Citizen Center, that cater specifically to older adults. The Fred Archer Center is a recreation facility offering programs and activities for people of all ages.

Paying for Assisted Living in Tucson

The Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey 2021 indicates that the average cost of assisted living in Tucson is $4,050 per month, which is $50 more than the Arizona average. This is also 10% cheaper than the national average of $4,500 per month.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

With average monthly fees of $4,050, Tucson’s assisted living facilities are reasonably priced compared to others in the state. Fees are slightly lower in nearby Phoenix at $3,975 per month. Meanwhile, to the east in Sierra Vista, seniors pay an average of $4,150 per month. Cities to the north tend to have higher fees, with seniors paying $4,500 per month in Prescott Valley and $5,000 in Flagstaff.

$4050

Tucson

$4000

Arizona

$4500

The United States

$3975

Phoenix

$4150

Sierra Vista

$4500

Prescott Valley

$5000

Flagstaff

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors have several care options in Tucson. Adult day health care services are the most affordable. They offer day-to-day support in a group setting for $2,058 per month. Homemaker services provide personal care assistance in the senior’s own home for $5,434 per month, while home health care services offer some limited nursing care at home for $5,482. Nursing home facilities provide 24-hour skilled nursing for $6,601 for a semiprivate room or $8,182 for seniors who prefer private quarters.

$5434

Homemaker Services

$5482

Home Health Aide

$2058

Adult Day Health Care

$4050

Assisted Living Facility

$6601

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$8182

Nursing Home Care (private room)

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Tucson

Eligible seniors who require financial assistance to help pay for assisted living may apply to the Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) program, which operates under a Medicaid 1115 demonstration waiver.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Arizona page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Arizona

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Arizona page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Tucson

There are several organizations offering support for seniors who live in Tucson and reside in assisted living communities or are considering their long-term care options. These organizations provide free support, advice, wellness services and other help for older adults in the city.

Resource

Contact 

Service

(520) 790-7262

Pima Council on Aging offers a variety of services, information and resources for seniors in Tucson and the surrounding areas. It works with several service providers to offer support for older adults living at home, as well as help for caregivers and information about financial support. It also provides senior transportation programs and meals.

(520) 903-9000

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona runs an Elder Alliance that provides numerous services for local seniors, including advocacy services, assistance with housing and transportation and financial wellness services to help people struggling with taxes and other issues. These services are provided by volunteers and offered free of charge.

(520) 882-0333

Former U.S. service members and their immediate relatives may be eligible for help from the Tucson Vet Center. The center offers confidential services for veterans. While the support provided directly by the center focuses on counseling and health care, it can also offer advice and referrals for other issues, such as VA pensions and benefits, Social Security claims and access to other care services.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Tucson

Tucson Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Arizona are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Arizona page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Arizona