City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Retirement

Telephone: (520) 296-3238

Address: 400 S. Broadway Place

Description: “The Reuben sandwich is out of this world” might be a plaudit heard from residents of this 232-unit apartment complex, who generally speak highly of the dining hall’s lunch offerings. But Broadway Proper has more going for it than the eats. Housed in a peach Southwestern-style 3-story stucco elevator building are 10 floors of studios and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments surrounding a central courtyard and a beautifully landscaped 0.33-mile walking path. It isn’t a gated community, but it is staffed around the clock. All of the typical retirement apartment amenities are here: an elegant dining room, emergency call system in each apartment, lots of activities, weekly housekeeping and linen services, and cable TV hookups. The staff puts out a great little newsletter that profiles all the upcoming activities for the next month or two, both on-site and excursions.The grounds are pleasantly green and palm-tree covered, and amenities include a library, beauty salon, pool and Jacuzzi (this is Arizona), free laundry facilities, and off-street parking. A luxury air-conditioned and wheelchair-accessible 26-passenger bus takes residents to scheduled activities. And right next door is a YMCA that residents can use for free. Four-footed friends can live here with owners who are age 62 or older.Rents are monthly and include just about everything described here plus basic utilities, breakfast, and one additional meal daily. Assisted-living services, for additional fees, are available to residents who need them.This complex is located in a busy area with lots of shopping, churches, and hospitals nearby, but it’s set back from the main roads enough to allow for privacy and quiet. The downside is that it’s typically all filled up and has a waiting list of about 6 months. When you go searching for Broadway Proper, ignore the street address—it’s not much help. Instead, look for the Hilton Hotel on Broadway Boulevard about 2 blocks east of Kolb Road and pretend you’re going into the Hilton. It happens to be located behind the Hilton and shares the Hilton’s entrance. Leisure Care Inc. owns this property along with several dozen around the country.