Phoenix is a city at the forefront of many progressive movements, one of which is the Arizona city becoming a housing hub for adults with specialized needs. According to AZ Central, Phoenix now hosts multiple developments with housing for special needs populations, including one in the works that will be different from any other neighborhood in the state and possibly the U.S.

Mark Roth was having a hard time finding group homes for his daughter with special needs, so he decided to create the living environment he wanted but could not find. The result is Luna Azul, a new community in Deer Valley Village that will include 30 cottage-style homes that range from 1,152 to 1,956 square feet and include two-to-three bedrooms. Homes will be priced from the mid-$300s to mid-$500s.

Per Luna Azul’s website, the community is “designed to be suitable for everyone, especially those who may have life challenges, including those with intellectual, developmental, acquired and physical disabilities.” Homes will be customizable and a 24-hour staff and clubhouse will be located on-site. 

Courtesy of Luna Azul

Though the project is garnering praise, it isn’t the only one of its kind. There’s a reason PBS referred to Phoenix as “the most autism-friendly city in the world.” First Place in Central Phoenix features apartments designed to offer supportive housing and a residential transition program for individuals with autism and for other neuro-diverse populations. The housing development also acts as a site for education, training, and creative inspiration. 

Treasure House in Downtown, which was developed by former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and wife Brenda in response to their own son with special needs, provides a residential community dedicated to creating a sense of family and a team of support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through donations, they received a parcel of land at Aspera at Joy in Glendale, which features 286 apartment residences and independent senior living houses. Treasure House will host 24 apartment-style units in their newest community.

Along with housing, Phoenix also offers year-round inclusive recreation opportunities for area residents with disabilities. Their Adaptive Recreation Program provides various opportunities for activities. They include the award-winning Daring Adventures and Telephone Pioneers Park, which offers the first “barrier-free park in the nation,” with a wheelchair-accessible playground, heated therapeutic pool, ball fields, and sports courts.