55+ in Tucson: Neighborhoods, Activities, Discounts for Seniors

Tucson, Arizona is a popular retirement city for both year-round and part-time living due to the mild climate, abundant sunshine, and plentiful activities.

With its scenic beauty, culinary delights, and warm weather, Tucson is an ideal place to embrace the joys of life in the golden years.

Read on for information about Tucson neighborhoods, activities, dining options, and healthcare recommendations specifically catered to individuals aged 55 and above.

55+ Neighborhoods / Communities

There are a number of older adult neighborhoods and communities scattered around Tucson, particularly in the suburbs of Catalina, Catalina Foothills, Green Valley, Oro Valley, and Sahuarita.

Before you can find the right fit, it's important to define your terms.

Active Adult Living: Active adult communities are designed for totally independent active adults who are seeking to maximize their empty nester chapter with athletic, academic, and social pursuits.

Some of the more popular communities in this category are:

• Academy Village
• Album by Greystar (new active adult apartment homes opening summer 2023)
• Del Webb Active Adult Communities
• SaddleBrook Ranch
• Splendido at Rancho Vistoso
• Sun City Oro Valley

Independent Living: Independent living is a term used for seniors who need some level of assistance (even if it is minor). These communities often offer in-house services, such as meals, laundry, housekeeping, and medical assistance, along with planned activities to enhance quality of life.

Assisted Living: Assisted living communities offer a higher level of support and typically have various professionals (doctors, nurses, physical therapists, etc) on-site to help with daily challenges and medical care.

All three of the above categories tend to offer an array of wonderful amenities including:

• arts & crafts studios
• cooking classes
• state-of-the-art fitness centers
• golf courses
• libraries
• movie theaters
• social spaces
• swimming pools
• tennis courts
• walking paths/tracks
• wine tastings

***Moving TO or WITHIN Tucson? Interested in active adult neighborhoods? We highly recommend Realtor TIM SHEAFFER. As a Tucson native, he knows the ins and outs of the city. Call or text him today at 520-305-9005!

Older Adults Who Don't Want to Live in 55+ Communities

Some older adults prefer a more multi-generational style of living and do not want to live in a specifically 55+ community. If this describes you, you may be interested in searching for a home in one of these safe and vibrant suburbs of Tucson:

Oro Valley: Nestled in the picturesque Santa Catalina Mountains, Oro Valley offers a tranquil and scenic environment for active adults. With well-maintained communities, golf courses, hiking trails, and stunning views, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking an active lifestyle.

Catalina Foothills: Known for its upscale atmosphere, Catalina Foothills combines luxury living with natural beauty. Residents can enjoy golfing, hiking, and breathtaking desert vistas, along with a variety of shopping and dining options.

Activities / Things To Do for 55+

Tucson has emerged as a sought-after destination for individuals aged 55 and above who are seeking an enriching and active lifestyle. There are plentiful activities to enjoy for a variety of interests!

We've included an introduction below to some of the top attractions in Tucson. Please scroll to the bottom of this page (or refer to our citywide calendar) for upcoming events that you might enjoy.

• Dining: Tucson's vibrant food scene offers a delectable array of culinary experiences to satisfy every palate. Embark on a gastronomic adventure by sampling the city's unique Southwestern cuisine, which combines Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences. Not sure which restaurant to try first? We recommend Cafe a la C'Art.
• Golf: Tucson's golf courses are a haven for golf enthusiasts. Tee off at premier golf destinations like the Randolph Golf Complex, Arizona National Golf Club, or the Starr Pass Golf Club, where you can enjoy the challenge of well-designed courses amidst breathtaking desert scenery.
• Outdoors: Tucson's natural landscapes provide a captivating year-round backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Embark on scenic hikes, join guided nature walks, or participate in bird-watching activities at Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park East, or Tohono Chul.
• Lifelong Learning: The University of Arizona's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) provides an extensive range of courses, lectures, and workshops specifically designed for older adults.
• Museums: Plan a visit to DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, International Wildlife Museum, Pima Air & Space Museum, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, or Tucson Museum of Art.
• Pickleball: As is the case with many U.S. cities, pickleball is all the rage in Tucson and there are many city parks that have courts in addition to private clubs and resorts.
• Senior Groups at Tucson churches: Joining a church is a wonderful way to become more engaged with people of all ages. If you're looking specifically for events, Bible studies, and service opportunities for seniors, try: Senior Adult Ministry at Christ Community Church, Hope Seniors at Hope Community Church, or Seniors Ministry at Canyon Del Oro Bible Church.
• Theatre & Music: Catch a Broadway show or soak in some smooth tunes with Live Music in Tucson.

Discounts / Deals for Seniors

Are you 55 or older? There are many senior discounts at restaurants, grocery stores, museums, and theaters around Tucson. In fact, there are far too many to list! We've compiled some of the best and most interesting discounts below. Note that discounts have varying age requirements (55, 62, and 65 are the most common thresholds) .

As always, it's a good idea to call ahead to ensure that the deal is current.

• Amtrak: Amtrak travelers 65 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 10% discount on most rail fares on most Amtrak trains.
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: $2 off admission tickets for ages 65+.
• Arizona Theatre Company: Seniors 65+ receive $10 off single tickets when they purchase tickets through the box office. A valid driver license or state ID is required.
• Bashas': Senior Discount Day is the first Wednesday of every month. Customers 55 and older can save an additional 10% off their purchase in a single transaction. Customers may be asked to present ID for age verification and are required to use their Thank You Card.
• Biosphere 2: $2 off general admission
• Broadway in Tucson: $5 off regular-priced tickets for seniors for most performances. Some restrictions apply and discounts are not available for all shows. Valid ID is required when purchasing these discounted tickets.
• Catalina Pet Hospital: 10% discount on Wellness exams and Vaccinations on Wednesdays.
• Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium: $2 off for 65+ seniors
• Fry's Food: The first Wednesday of every month, seniors age 55+ can take an additional 10% off most items.
• Goodwill: 20% off Senior Discount on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please present a Goodwill Senior Discount card to the cashier.
• Great Clips: At Great Clips salons, seniors save $2 off regular haircut prices. Seniors ages 65 and older qualify for this discount and there’s no coupon needed.
• HSSA Thrift Store: Senior discount day is every Thursday! 55+ get 15% off their total purchase.
• InJoy Thrift Store: 25% off for seniors on Tuesdays.
• International Wildlife Museum: $3 off admission for ages 62+.
• National Parks Service: An Interagency Senior Pass is available for ages 62+ - $20 for an annual pass, $80 for a lifetime pass. Each pass covers entrance fees at lands managed by the National Park Service and US Fish & Wildlife Service.
• Pima Air & Space Museum: $16.75 admission for seniors (ages 65+). Regular admission is $19.50.
• Pima Community College: Students who are 55 and older who are Arizona residents can receive a 50% discount on tuition for credit classes.
• Reid Park Zoo: Seniors receive $2 off general admission.
• RoadHouse Cinemas: Wise Wednesdays - Seniors 55+ are $5.95 before 5:00 pm.
• The Gaslight Theatre: $2 off tickets.
• The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures: $2 of admission for ages 62+.
• Tucson Museum of Art: $3 off general admission for seniors 65+.

Healthcare

The major hospitals in Tucson are listed below in alphabetical order.

• Banner - University Medical Center Tucson
• Banner - University Medical Center South
• Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital
• Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital
• El Rio Community Health Center
• Northwest Emergency Center Marana
• Northwest Emergency Center Vail
• Northwest Medical Center
• Northwest Medical Center Houghton
• Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita
• Oro Valley Hospital
• Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
• Tucson Medical Center (TMC)

Some people also make the drive up to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale for specialized care.

Q & A ABOUT BEING 55+ IN TUCSON

What is a "snowbird"?

Some older adults, coined as "snowbirds," spend half the year in Tucson and half the year elsewhere (often blizzardy places, such as Montana, Michigan, Iowa, or up north in Canada).

What can I do with my grandkids in Tucson?

The best way to find fun activities for you and your grandchildren to enjoy together is to subscribe for our FREE This Week in Tucson e-newsletter, which goes out every Thursday. You can also keep an eye on Tucson's #1 citywide calendar - updated daily!

SEE A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE 55+ MAY BE INTERESTED IN.