The Best Assisted Living in Tucson

Matthew Jones Matthew Jones Writer and Editor

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As the second-largest city in Arizona and the home of the University of Arizona, Tucson is a thriving city with plenty to do and see. As of 2022, Tucson has a population of 546,574, with more than 80,000 residents who are 65 or older.1 There are dozens of quality assisted living communities throughout the city, particularly in central and eastern Tucson. These communities can help older adults manage daily tasks and enjoy a wide range of amenities and social benefits.

If you or a loved one live in Tucson and you’re struggling with daily tasks, it could be a good time to consider an assisted living community. With so many options in Tucson, you may be unsure how to start your search. We’ve researched the options and narrowed them down to our top picks for the best assisted living communities in Tucson, Arizona. Continue reading to see which community could be the best fit for you or someone important in your life.

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  • 1. Atria Campana Del Rio

    Quality Senior Care on a Budget

    STARTING PRICE

    $2,095 per month

    ADDRESS

    1550 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Atria Campana Del Rio

    Image Source: Atria Campana Del Rio

    Highlights

    • Independent living, assisted living, and memory care
    • Varied on-site amenities and concierge service
    • Affordable starting price for studio apartments
    • Pet-friendly apartments and common areas

    Overview

    Located just north of the Rillito River in central Tucson, Atria Campana Del Rio offers comfortable living spaces for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. In addition to its standard apartments, Atria Campana Del Rio features a heated pool, dog park, movie theater, game room, and salon. If you want to get out and explore Tucson, you can easily arrange transportation with the community’s concierge service.

    FYI:

    FYI: If you want to learn more about being a senior in Tucson and other locations throughout the state, check out our guide on Arizona senior living statistics!

    What really makes Atria Campana Del Rio stand out are its affordable prices. You can find a studio apartment in the community for as little as $2,095 per month, which is particularly affordable considering the centralized location in Tucson. You may need to pay for additional services based on the degree of care you need, but Atria Campana Del Rio still offers great value at an affordable price. Plus, online reviews consistently praise the community for the excellent food and staff who go the extra mile to meet residents’ needs.

  • 2. Cascades of Tucson

    High-Tech Community in Eastern Tucson

    STARTING PRICE

    $2,907 per month

    ADDRESS

    201 N. Jessica Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85710

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Cascades of Tucson

    Image Source: Cascades of Tucson.

    Highlights

    • High staff-to-resident ratio
    • Independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care
    • Three distinct floor plans to choose from
    • Smart-home tech for every resident

    Overview

    Situated just a few blocks from the Park Place Mall and Dorado Golf Course, Cascades of Tucson offers residents a great place to live independently or with medical care. If you don’t want to venture outside the comfort and security of the Cascades community, you still have plenty of ways to enjoy yourself thanks to various courtyards, walking paths, and an ever-changing events calendar.

    Established in 1978, Cascades of Tucson has continually updated its services and facilities to better cater to its residents’ needs. The community boasts a five-to-one resident-to-staff ratio. To help give each resident more control of their environment, every room is fitted with a smart-home system that lets residents control things such as temperature and lighting, as well as other voice-control options that can provide instant access to a medical professional. Online reviews often praise Cascades of Tucson for the beautiful facilities and modern feel of residential spaces.

  • 3. Fairmount Assisted Living & Memory Care

    Personalized Care in Harlan Heights

    STARTING PRICE

    $4,416 per month

    ADDRESS

    6161 E. Fairmount Street, Tucson, AZ 85712

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    A view of Fairmount’s interior and exterior courtyard.

    Image Source: Fairmount Assisted Living & Memory Care

    Highlights

    • Specialized staff schedule to prevent burnout
    • High staff-to-resident ratio
    • More than a dozen senior life enrichment programs
    • On-site health-care services

    Overview

    Fairmount Assisted Living & Memory Care is in the heart of Harlan Heights, a family-oriented neighborhood separated from the hustle and bustle of central Tucson. The community is divided into two buildings: the Main Building and Rook House. The Main Building is dedicated to assisted living and memory care, while Rook House provides independent living spaces for up to 10 residents at a time.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Looking for assisted living outside of Tucson? Check out our guides to the best assisted living communities in Phoenix and assisted living in Mesa!

    Any good assisted living community will work to provide excellent quality of life to its residents, but Fairmount goes above and beyond to ensure the staff gives adequate and personalized attention to everyone. Fairmount employs one staff member per five residents and focuses on a compassion-oriented schedule that ensures staff members get plenty of rest between shifts. In addition to the high level of personal attention, Fairmount has a lot of unique medical services and amenities, including on-site massage therapy, podiatry, dental care, and palliative care. Family members of current and former residents frequently praise the close relationships that develop between staff and residents.

  • 4. Fellowship Square Tucson

    Apartment-Style Community With Beautiful Landscaping

    STARTING PRICE

    $2,680 per month

    ADDRESS

    8111 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85710

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    An outdoor garden, fountain, and pool at Fellowship Square Tucson.

    Image Source: Fellowship Square Tucson.

    Highlights

    • Independent living, assisted living, and affordable senior housing
    • A 22-acre property with manicured gardens and landscaping
    • A la carte resident services
    • Comprehensive entrance assessment to determine resident care requirements

    Overview

    Fellowship Square Tucson is just steps away from the Broadway Pantano Center, giving residents easy access to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. The assisted living segment of Fellowship Square Tucson, known as the Oasis, offers four unique floor plans to choose from scattered across a 22-acre property. Fellowship Square Tucson immediately sets itself apart with peaceful gardens, plenty of pathways, and greenery nearly everywhere you look.

    If you choose to start in an independent living apartment at Fellowship Square Tucson, you can still access a wide variety of a la carte services. You’ll pay only for the services you need, which may include wellness checks, grooming, personal reminders, mobility or exercise assistance, transportation, housekeeping, laundry service, and even pet care. Most reviewers note the cleanliness of the facilities and the beauty of the entire property.

  • 5. Tucson Assisted Living Retreat

    Secluded Facility With Access to Nearby Parks

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,160 per month

    ADDRESS

    250 S. Vozack Lane, Tucson, AZ 85748

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance of Tucson Assisted Living Retreat.

    Image Source: Tucson Assisted Living Retreat.

    Highlights

    • Assisted living, memory care, respite care, and in-home care
    • Homey residential apartments and common areas
    • Micro-farm that provides farm-to-table cuisine
    • Special guesthouse for visiting friends and family

    Overview

    Tucked away in the tranquility of the Eastside neighborhood, the Tucson Assisted Living Retreat focuses on nature-based solutions and long-term sustainability. It features many of the modern accommodations you would expect in assisted living, such as a theater room, art studio, and salon, as well as quick access to nearby parks including Case Natural Resource Park and Jesse Owens Park. Residents can also access many luxury features, such as a move-in assistant, concierge, and dedicated transportation team.

    What sets the Tucson Assisted Living Retreat apart is its emphasis on self-sufficiency in a relatively secluded location. The property has a micro-farm that supplies many of the ingredients used in resident meals. Even if you’re not ready to move into a facility, you can access most of the facility’s amenities and social events, in addition to in-home care provided by trained staff. If you have visiting friends or family, the Tucson Assisted Living Retreat offers a guesthouse that fits up to six people at a time and can be booked through Airbnb. Most online reviews bring up the tranquil ambiance and the caring and friendly staff.

  • 6. The Hacienda at the River

    Spanish-Style Housing and Gardens in Central Tucson

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,435 per month

    ADDRESS

    2720 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    An outdoor seating area and courtyard of the Hacienda at the River.

    Image Source: The Hacienda at the River

    Highlights

    • Beautiful Spanish-style architecture and gardens
    • Independent living, assisted living, and memory care
    • Flexible spending credit for various amenities
    • On-site equine programs

    Overview

    The Hacienda at the River leans into its Southwestern charm, offering an oasis of beauty in the desert atmosphere of central Tucson. Residents at the Hacienda have access to beautiful gardens — which also help supply ingredients to the kitchen — as well as courtyards and even equine programs via the on-site horse stable. Residents and family members frequently praise the amazing grounds, quality food, and attentive staff.

    Did You Know?

    Did You Know? There are equestrian retirement communities specifically designed for older adults who love to be around horses!

    The Hacienda at the River offers various engagement programs, including Engage VR and BrainCafé, but its most remarkable program is the Flexible Spending Plan. Rather than obligating you to pay for every amenity — whether you plan to use it or not — the Hacienda at the River provides you with a credit drawn directly from your monthly fee. The credit can be used for any luxuries or special amenities you desire, from a private consultation with a nutritionist to a night of fine dining at one of many signature restaurants in the area.

  • 7. Sunrise at River Road

    Large Accommodations With Nearby Shopping and Clinics

    STARTING PRICE

    $2,706 per month

    ADDRESS

    4975 North 1st Avenue, E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance at the Sunrise at River Road. 

    Image Source: Sunrise at River Road. 

    Highlights

    • Assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays
    • Easy access to shopping and medical care
    • Large apartment layouts with kitchenettes
    • Pet-friendly community

    Overview

    Built in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Sunrise at River Road offers assisted living care, memory care, and even short-term stays for older adults. It has large room layouts for residents in need of different types of care, and every room includes a kitchenette. The facility’s calendar is packed with daily activities, and the staff is ready at any time of day or night to address the needs of each resident. As an added bonus, Sunrise at River Road often adopts community pets from local shelters and allows residents to bring their own pets with them when they move in.

    Did You Know?

    Did You Know? Many older adults prefer pet-friendly assisted living communities, since roughly 55 percent of seniors live with at least one pet.2

    Even if you have little interest in the activities at Sunrise at River Road, the location is ideal for older adults who like to go out on regular excursions. The Northmall Centre and Tucson Mall are just minutes from the property. If residents need more comprehensive medical care or checkups, the Northwest Medical Plaza is down the street. The same convenience is extended to pets, as the PAWS Veterinary Center is right around the corner.

  • 8. Pacifica Senior Living Tucson

    Memory Care Community Near the Tucson Medical Center

    STARTING PRICE

    $2,907 per month

    ADDRESS

    2675 N. Wyatt Drive, Tucson, AZ 85712

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    A seating area in Pacifica Senior Living Tucson.

    Image Source: Pacifica Senior Living Tucson.

    Highlights

    Overview

    Situated steps from the Tucson Medical Center, Pacifica Senior Living Tucson is part of the nationwide chain of Pacifica Senior Living communities. The Tucson location is designed for residents in need of memory care. That may not make it ideal for everyone, but it’s a great place for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

    Memory care is typically more expensive than standard assisted living services, but Pacifica Senior Living Tucson offers a variety of options for most budgets. You can save by opting for a shared room or pay more to have a private room. Pacifica Senior Living Tucson is a pet-friendly community with tons of amenities, such as personalized dining, salons, and transportation services. The Tucson location is often praised by residents and visitors for the high-quality food and compassionate staff.

  • 9. Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon

    Affordable Care With Breathtaking Mountain Views

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,322 per month

    ADDRESS

    5660 N. Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85750

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The front entrance of Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon.

    Image Source: Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon.

    Highlights

    • Located at the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains
    • Assisted living and memory care
    • Six unique apartment layouts
    • On-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy

    Overview

    Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon is about 20 minutes from downtown Tucson, a perfect location for residents who want to be surrounded by nature. The property features refurbished interiors with plenty of space for socializing, dining, and organized activities. Residents can also dine outdoors and enjoy the amazing views of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

    Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon offers all the standard services expected at assisted living or memory care facilities, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. What sets the community apart from many others in the area is its wide selection of rooms. You can choose among six different pet-friendly apartment layouts that include studio and one-bedroom options. Residents’ family members have commended the facility for the consistent communication and level of care provided by the staff.

  • 10. Casas Adobes Assisted Living

    Small Residential Community With a Homey Environment

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,037 per month

    ADDRESS

    1551 W. San Annetta Drive, Tucson, AZ 85704

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The living area at Casas Adobes Assisted Living.

    Image Source: Casas Adobes Assisted Living.

    Highlights

    • Small residential home with senior-care modifications
    • Assisted living, memory care, palliative care, and specialty care
    • Freshly made, home-cooked meals
    • Full calendar of events and activities

    Overview

    Casas Adobes Assisted Living resides a little farther from the city center, potentially giving residents a greater sense of peace and tranquility. The property is only one building with multiple units for a small, homey atmosphere. Despite the small size, Casas Adobes has been modified with equipment to make it easier to care for seniors safely.

    Unlike many residential senior-care facilities, Casas Adobes has the staff to provide assisted living care, memory care, and palliative care. It also offers more unique forms of specialized care, such as care for multiple sclerosis patients and support for residents who use medical marijuana for pain management. Reviews frequently comment on the organization of the home care and activities, as well as the safe and peaceful neighborhood.

  • Atria Campana Del Rio
  • Cascades of Tucson
  • Fairmount Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • Fellowship Square Tucson
  • Tucson Assisted Living Retreat
  • The Hacienda at the River
  • Sunrise at River Road
  • Pacifica Senior Living Tucson
  • Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon
  • Casas Adobes Assisted Living

How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in Tucson

It can be challenging to find the right assisted living community, regardless of the city or location. You’ll want to consider several factors and make sure you do plenty of research so you don’t rush the decision. We put a great deal of care and attention into finding the best assisted living communities in Tucson, Arizona. We examined and compared the following criteria:

  • Cost: The cost of assisted living can vary substantially, even for communities in the same ZIP code. We focused our attention on the most affordable options, as well as communities that provide the best value.
  • Available care: Some communities provide only standard assisted living care, while others offer memory care, palliative care, independent living options, and even specialized care.
  • Reviews: We make sure to research assisted living communities to find out what people actually say about them and include only communities that consistently receive positive feedback.
  • Amenities: Amenities can vary from one community to the next, but it’s important to consider all the available amenities and how they serve the unique needs of different seniors.
  • Location: A community’s location can make it more or less convenient for accessing shopping, medical services, and entertainment. Some communities are farther away from urban areas, which may be preferable for people who want to live outside the city.
  • Staff size: We focus our attention on assisted living communities that offer high staff-to-resident ratios, often with a minimum of eight staff members per resident.

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

We provided a list of great assisted living communities, but you’ll still need to narrow down your options and choose the right community for you. While researching assisted living communities in Tucson, try the following tips and strategies:

  • Identify your needs: Think about your current needs and your anticipated needs in the years to come. Even if you don’t need much assistance now, you may require help with more tasks as you age. It’s also a good idea to consider facilities that offer varying levels of care — independent living, assisted living, memory care, etc. — so you can transition without having to move to a new community.
  • Review your budget: The cost of assisted living is a major factor to consider. If you live on a fixed budget, make sure you pick an assisted living community you can comfortably afford now and in the future. Remember that Medicare and Medicaid do not generally cover assisted living, so you’ll likely need to depend more on Social Security benefits, retirement savings, and long-term care insurance.
  • Read reviews: We read reviews on your behalf, but we can’t always include every detail we come across. Make sure to read reviews to get a better idea of the potential advantages and drawbacks of your favorite options.
  • Visit communities: Always try to schedule an in-person tour before you decide on an assisted living community. You can see the property in person, ask staff questions, and talk with current residents.
  • Check licensing and certifications: While researching or visiting a community, check that it has up-to-date licensing and certifications to operate in Arizona.
  • Trust your gut: You may find it difficult to choose among a few of your top options. It’s often best to go with your gut instinct. That can make it easier to choose among communities that offer similar amenities and benefits.

What Is Living in Tucson Like for Seniors?

Tucson is a great city for seniors, particularly if you like warmer climates and the natural beauty of the surrounding desert and mountains. That said, you may have different priorities or concerns that make Tucson more or less desirable for you. Here are a few important factors to consider:

  • Climate: Tucson has a dry, desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. Fall, winter, and spring can be very comfortable for seniors who prefer warmer climates, but summer can get uncomfortably hot.
  • Health care: Tucson is home to a robust health-care system with dozens of smaller clinics and several larger hospitals throughout the city.
  • Cost of living: The cost of living in Tucson is lower than many other metropolitan areas throughout the U.S., particularly when it comes to housing, but it can vary depending on the neighborhood.
  • Walkability: Tucson has a bus system, but it is not a great city for walkability. The city is very spread out, and the summer heat can make it dangerous to go for long walks during the day. It’s also important to consider that driving in Tucson can take time, since the city has some of the worst traffic in the country.3
  • Activities: Tucson has many activities for seniors, including shopping malls, museums, theaters, parks, horse tracks, and golf courses.
  • Safety: Tucson is generally a very safe place to live, with violent crime rates that have declined substantially in recent years.4

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Tucson, Arizona?

According to Genworth, the estimated median cost of assisted living in Tucson is $4,426 per month in 2024. That’s roughly 10 percent cheaper than the national median of $4,917. The relatively low cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing, may contribute to the affordability of assisted living in Tucson.5

Keep in mind that you may see significant differences from one facility to the next. The location, type of accommodations, and services can all affect the cost of care. The specific type of care you need may also change the price. You can expect to pay as much as $1,000 more per month if you require memory care, for example. Alternatively, communities with shared rooms or a la carte amenities may cost less than the city average.

Citations
  1. United States Census Bureau. (2022). QuickFacts – Tucson city, Arizona.

  2. University of Michigan. (2019). How Pets Contribute to Healthy Aging.

  3. KOLD News. (2019). Report: Tucson has some of worst traffic in country.

  4. University of Arizona. (2020). Read About Statistics on Public Safety in Tucson, Arizona MSA.

  5. Genworth. (2022, Jun 2). Cost of Care Survey.

Written By:
Matthew Jones
Writer and Editor
Read About Our Panel of Experts
Matthew is a freelance writer who has written on a wide range of topics, from personal finance to nutrition. Over the past three years, Matthew has worked extensively on articles and guides for seniors related to Medicare, insurance, and finance…. Learn More About Matthew Jones
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