9 Senior Apartments near Mesa, AZ

By planning ahead and starting to save early, you can budget for the senior apartment of your dreams. You may be able to pay for a senior apartment in Mesa using a combination of personal finances and state or federal benefits. You might be eligible for public housing assistance, although A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with senior apartments that accept housing vouchers.

Medicaid and Medicare won’t cover the costs of your senior apartment, but they can cover some health care expenses. If you’re a veteran, you may be able to use some of your veterans benefits to pay for your senior apartment.

Read on to learn how to pay for your senior apartment in Mesa, Arizona.

Senior apartments in Mesa are regulated similarly to other apartment complexes. Senior living communities, such as assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes, receive special licenses through the Arizona Department of Health. Senior apartments in Mesa don’t.

Senior apartments are like other apartments — but with an age requirement

What differentiates senior apartments from other apartment complexes is an age cutoff. Some have an age requirement of 55 or 62 and above. Keep in mind that people younger than 55 or 62 may be able to live in these apartments if they reside with someone who meets the age requirements. All complexes have different age restrictions, so be sure to check if you intend to live with someone who may not meet the age requirements.

Requirements for Mesa senior apartments

Senior apartments in Mesa should follow the same health and safety requirements as all other apartment complexes. All senior apartments must adhere to the following:

• Stay current on state and federal building codes
• Keep dwellings in a safe, clean, and livable condition
• Provide running and hot water at all times
• Repair and maintain the dwelling
• Keep all public areas of the apartment complex accessible, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

You enter into a landlord-tenant relationship in a senior apartment

It may be a long time since you’ve rented or perhaps you’ve never been a tenant. Either way, you should know that when you rent a senior apartment, you enter into a landlord-tenant relationship. This relationship is outlined in full in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. In short, the Act outlines the following:

• You’re expected to pay your rent on time each month. Consider setting up automatic payments.
• You may be expected to pay a security deposit and a pet deposit. You may receive some or all of these funds when you move out.
• You should keep the apartment in good condition and not drastically alter it without permission.
• You should follow all community guidelines like quiet hours and picking up after your pet.
• Your landlord should provide you with a key and secure entry to your apartment.

COVID-19 regulations for Mesa senior apartments

Senior apartments in Mesa follow COVID-19 guidelines set forth by local and federal governments. Because senior apartments don’t offer any personal or health care to their tenants, they don’t need to follow any special protocols for disease prevention. You can find COVID-19 case maps by zip code on the Mesa government website. You can also find testing and vaccination information on the Maricopa County government website.

Mesa is tucked into the East Valley of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, and it’s the third-largest city in Arizona. The population is 509,475, and about 18% of Mesa residents are over 65. Mesa pairs the bright sunshine and warm winters Arizona is known for with a relaxed suburban culture.

Don’t mistake the laid-back culture of Mesa for a lack of activities. Mesa offers exceptional hiking, walking, and birding — especially in the Superstition Mountains. The city also has plenty of museums, theaters, and restaurants. And Phoenix, which is only about 20 miles away, can offer a convenient change of pace.

Senior apartments in Mesa differ from other apartments only in their age restrictions. Most require a majority of their residents to be over 55 or 62. Unlike assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes, senior apartments don’t offer any personal or health care services. What Mesa’s senior apartments do offer is a simplified lifestyle, community activities, and convenience.

Lifestyle in Mesa senior apartments

Mesa senior apartments resemble other apartment complexes. Most are large, with over 50 units. Many of Mesa’s senior apartments offer the following services:

• Simplified utilities payments rolled into rent
• Housekeeping services (only some apartments offer this)
• Parking
• Community activities
• Gym, pool, and walking path access
• Dog park

Mesa’s senior apartments have senior-friendly designs

Senior apartments in Mesa are designed with seniors in mind. Some of the most common alterations and amenities include the following:

• Elevator access to upper floors
• Wheelchair access in all public areas and in some units
• Shower and bath handles

You can use home health care in your senior apartment

Because senior apartments don’t offer personal or health care services, tenants are welcome to hire a home caregiver to assist them directly from their apartment. Seniors can use their pensions or other benefits (such as the VA’s Housebound allowance) to pay for in-home care in their senior apartment.

Senior apartments are the most affordable senior living option

Senior apartments are the most cost-effective senior living option. However, senior apartments are only a good fit for individuals who don’t need daily support or for seniors who would prefer to hire a home care or home health aide. Seniors who don’t need extra help yet but may in the future could consider independent living communities in Mesa that offer multiple levels of care. These communities offer seniors a seamless transition to hands-on care as a resident’s needs evolve.

Health care for seniors in Mesa

Mesa offers a number of high-quality health care providers, and nearby Phoenix ensures access to even more top-flight institutions, many of which specialize in senior health.

Transportation for seniors in Mesa

Most people in Mesa drive to get around. The city does provide public transportation to local residents in partnership with Phoenix’s Valley Metro System. The Valley Metro has extensive bus routes across the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. You can find local bus routes, fare options, and more on Mesa’s government website.

RideChoice offers affordable, private transportation to seniors in Mesa

RideChoice is a paratransit option in Mesa for people with disabilities or adults over the age of 65. This service offers wheelchair-accessible vehicles to seniors. No reservations are necessary, making this a convenient option for seniors. Each RideChoice trip costs $3 for the first 8 miles and an additional $2 for each mile after that. Sign up and determine your eligibility by calling 602-716-2111.

WalkScore.com rates cities on their walkability, and each score is out of 100. The following scores have been given to Mesa, Arizona:

Senior activities in Mesa

Whether you enjoy hiking a nature trail, birding from a comfortable lounge, trying new food, or exploring museums, Mesa has options for you. The city of Mesa has access to many of the same activities and amenities that put Phoenix on the map for senior living, including golf courses, casinos, and resorts. What sets Mesa apart from its bustling counterpart is its family-friendly demeanor. Explore some of the best senior-friendly things to do in Mesa.

Senior Centers in Mesa

In Mesa, senior centers are part of the Aster Senior Centers network. Seniors can buy yearly memberships for $20. Registration can be found on the Aster website. Membership in the senior centers include the following:

• Daily lunch (you can view the current menu here)
• Exercise, art, and dance classes
• Educational events
• Health and wellness programs
• Games, live music, and movies
• Members-only parties and events

Outdoor activities in Mesa

Mesa is right next to the Superstition Mountain range, and unsurprisingly, hiking abounds. Whether or not you’re up for a rugged hike or a short walk, you can find great options in and around Mesa.

• Sun Circle Trail. This is a leisurely 8.2-mile point-to-point path with only 19 feet of elevation gain.
• Merkle Trail. This 1-mile loop is perfect for seniors looking for a short stroll to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.
• Hawes Ridge Loop. This loop in Tonto National Forest is only 2 miles and takes you through saguaro cactus groves.

Museums in Mesa

The museums in Mesa tend to reflect the outdoorsy, independent ethos of the city. These options are within Mesa, but you can find even more in nearby Phoenix.

• Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum. What once started as a collection of World War II planes is now an exhibit with planes from over the last 100 years.
• Arizona Museum of Natural History. Discover ancient civilizations, dinosaurs, and more. Seniors receive discounted admission.
• Mesa Arts Center. Explore each season’s rotating performers on the website, and enjoy attending live performances based on your interests. The center offers accommodations for people with low vision, those who have difficult hearing, or those with mobility impairments.

Religious attractions in Mesa

Mesa is home to a higher percentage of Mormons than Phoenix, and the Mesa Temple and Visitors Center is one of the top attractions of the city. This is a religious site, so while you can visit, do so respectfully. It includes family-friendly activities, beautiful architecture, and landscaped grounds.

Attractions in Phoenix

Phoenix is only about 30 minutes away from Mesa by car, and many of Phoenix’s famous resorts, casinos, and golf courses are within a short drive from Mesa. Tempe is between Mesa and Phoenix, and it, too, has some must-do activities.

• Papago Golf Course. This is the premier golf course in a state known for its exceptional golf courses. Enjoy a leisurely game with a pristine view of the Papago Bluffs, and make sure to visit historic Lou’s Bar Grill.
• Taliesin West. A UNESCO Heritage site and the self-designed home of Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West makes a great day trip.
• Desert Botanical Garden. Walk amongst unique cacti and other desert flora at the Desert Botanical Garden. Tours are available upon request.
• SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium. Located in Tempe, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium is the region’s best marine life exhibit.