Sun City West is an age-restricted master-planned community that’s home to 25,000 residents, and seniors over 60 represent the vast majority of the population. The area is packed with things to do for those who enjoy golfing, sports and recreational hobbies. The community is home to a number of shops, restaurants and independent businesses as well as the Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, which is top-performing in several specialties. Sun City West operates four full-service recreation centers that offer programs for seniors who want to mingle with friends, learn new skills or stay fit. This tight-knit community is also home to 11 associated living facilities, and several others are located in the surrounding area. At $3,700 per month, the average cost of these services is lower than the state and national average, which gives seniors one more reason to consider Sun City West during the next stage of their golden years.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
Assisted living in Sun City West is more affordable than other parts of the state and the nation, according to Genworth Financial. Seniors in this retirement hot spot typically pay $3,700 per month for care, which is $200 less than the state median and $600 less than the national average. The area is more affordable than nearby states, such as New Mexico and California where seniors pay $350 and $1,300 more for care, respectively. One the other hand, rates are slightly cheaper in Nevada and Utah by $105-$300 per month.
Sun City West is one of Arizona’s most affordable areas for assisted living. Median prices in Lake Havasu come in at $3,650 per month, a $50 savings. Tucson, Yuma and Sierra Vista have moderate prices averaging around $4,033. Prescott Valley is slightly more expensive with average rates of $4,450, and assisted living facilities in Flagstaff charge $4,875 per month, about 24% more than Sun City West.
Note: Data for Sun City West was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Phoenix, was used instead.
Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS) is a Medicaid program available to seniors who have a medical and financial need. It works just like an HMO and allows enrollees to receive primary medical care, visit specialists and access services in an assisted living facility or similar setting. This program has specific income and asset limits, and applicants must complete a functional needs assessment to qualify. Learn more about these requirements in our guide to Assisted Living in Arizona.
Contact | Description | |
Area Agency on Aging Region One | (888) 264-2258 | This is the agency to call for information about free local resources like meals, fitness programs, healthy aging workshops and insurance counseling. Staff members can help with long-term care planning and assist with the referrals process for individuals who may qualify for Medicaid benefits, such as ALTCS. Most programs are free or available at a low cost, and there are services for caregivers too. |
Benevilla | (623) 584-4999 | Benevilla is a respected fixture in the West Valley. Since 1981, it has provided services and programs to promote healthy, independent and creative aging. Its volunteer opportunities and intergenerational preschool give seniors a meaningful way to engage with the community. There are resources for caregivers, and low-cost life coaching is available for caregivers to assist in setting achievable goals, maintaining a balanced lifestyle or overcoming difficult personal events. |
Sun City West Recreation Centers | (623) 214-8629 | Seniors in Sun City West benefit from four well-equipped recreation centers, with each offering a unique selection of facilities and activities. The community’s expansive recreation department manages more than two dozen tennis courts, 30 bowling lines, 30 billiards and pool tables, four fitness centers, and multiple indoor and outdoor pools. |
Northwest Valley Connect | (623)-282-9300 | Created by two local nonprofits, Northwest Valley Connect provides an extensive array of transportation services to seniors in Sun City West and other age-restricted communities in the area. Residents whose income is less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify for free transportation. Group fares for seniors traveling on social outings start at $10 per round trip. Volunteers also provide door-to-door transportation to those in need when other services are unavailable. |
Sun Cities Area Transit System Inc. | (623) 977-8363 | SCAT’s Dial-A-Ride offers low-cost rides 365 days a year. It operates 14 handicap-accessible vehicles that serve residents in Sun City West, Sun City and Youngtown. Rides cost $3 each way, and drivers are available to assist those who are traveling with wheelchairs and mobility scooters or have physical or visual challenges. Additional bus routes are operated by Valley Metro. |
SCW Foundation/Helping Hands | (623) 584-6851 | The SCW Foundation provides services and facilities for residents in Sun City West. In addition to providing meeting spaces for various civic groups, it helps more than 2,300 residents prepare their annual tax returns in partnership with AARP. It operates a resale shop and arranges volunteer opportunities, and its sister agency Helping Hands provides free medical equipment loans for all ages. |
The Arizona Department of Health Services regulates assisted living facilities and similar providers through the Bureau of Residential Facilities Licensing. You can learn more these requirements and how they benefit residents in our guide to Assisted Living in Arizona.