Hearthstone of Sun City

Pros

• The Gardens of Sun City is described as welcoming and homelike, with staff and residents seemingly happy.
• Renovations and new flooring brighten the building, and dining upgrades give it a restaurant-like feel.
• The front desk receptionist Lina is knowledgeable and immediately puts visitors at ease.
• Executive Director Michelle is warm, funny, and genuinely loves her job.
• Marketing Hilary is compassionate and knowledgeable, helping families understand the facility's scope of service.
• The memory care unit is intimate and well-staffed, with Emily as a passionate director.
• The nursing staff in memory care and assisted living are warm, caring, and attentive.
• Staff throughout the facility greet guests warmly, and residents appear well cared for.
• Housekeeping is thorough and residents can opt to have personal laundry washed by the facility.
• The Gardens offers attractive amenities (theater, multiple activity rooms, and a salon) in a clean, well-laid-out environment.
• The upgrades make the space feel fresh, welcoming, and homey, with residents who seem genuinely happy.
• Families are likely to place The Gardens near the top of their list for care.

Cons

• The expected process for a new resident's arrival did not happen.
• A new resident in a wheelchair could not reach the sink faucets.
• There was insufficient follow-up and instruction on using the call button, contributing to a fall during the first two days.

Review

The Gardens of Sun City presents itself as a warmly refreshed, welcoming community where renovations have brightened the atmosphere and sharpened the overall feel of livability. Visitors consistently note how the building's upgrades - new flooring that lightens the space and dining room enhancements that give a restaurant-like vibe - make the environment feel inviting from the moment you walk in. The front lobby is described as beautiful, with residents appearing comfortable and at home as they settle into a space that looks cared for and thoughtfully designed.

From the moment you arrive, the people who greet you shape the impression. Nurse Angela is frequently singled out for her warmth and professionalism, helping residents and families feel at ease. The front desk is staffed by Lina, who is described as knowledgeable and capable of putting visitors at ease right away. Along with the facility's visible upgrades, this combination of friendly, competent staff contributes to an overall sense that The Gardens is a place where people matter and are treated with genuine care.

The leadership at The Gardens also receives high marks. Executive Director Michelle is described as warm and funny, greeting visitors in a way that makes them feel that she loves her job and cares about the experience families have there. On the marketing side, Hilary is praised for putting apprehensions to rest as she explains the facility's scope of service, including the two distinct units - assisted living and memory care. This clear, reassuring communication helps families understand what to expect and feel more confident about exploring The Gardens as a potential home for a loved one.

A focal point of the overall positive reception centers on the memory care unit, which is noted as a small, intimate, and secure environment with a capacity of 18 residents. The unit benefits from a dedicated activity person and a director, Emily, whose passion for her job comes through in every interaction. Residents in memory care were observed engaging in art activities, with staff and administrators alike conveying warmth and attentiveness. The memory care team, including two nursing staff on that unit, appears to be deeply involved in daily life - helping with meals, coordinating activities, and maintaining a calm, caring atmosphere. The general mood across both memory care and assisted living areas is one of smiles, purposeful engagement, and a sense that staff genuinely enjoy their roles.

Staffing levels and housekeeping routines further reinforce the message of reliable care. Observations noted that the memory care side has sufficient nursing staff, with additional nurses on the assisted living side, all contributing to a sense that residents are well looked after. Housekeeping is steady, with rooms serviced weekly and optional services such as personal laundry offered for a nominal fee. Residents in assisted living are also welcome to use the resident laundry room,providing practical options that families appreciate when planning care and daily routines.

The day-to-day life at The Gardens is highlighted by a rich array of activities and spaces designed to keep residents engaged. There is an activity room on the second floor hosting larger events, such as bingo, and a sense of enjoyment during these activities is evident. The community also features a theater room and another activity space on the first floor, along with a salon open by appointment two days a week. The memory care unit's smaller, intimate setting is viewed by several reviewers as advantageous for residents with memory issues, complementing Emily's energetic leadership. The ambiance in shared spaces - lobby, dining rooms, and common areas - feels welcoming, and caregivers are seen supporting meals, socialization, and participation in events with evident enthusiasm.

Beyond the physical and programmatic assets, the narratives reflect a broader impression: The Gardens of Sun City is a place where the staff's commitment to care shines through in everyday moments. Comments about the staff's warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care come up repeatedly, with specific praise for the nurse, the nursing team, and the people who run activities and coordinate care. Observers describe the environment as "homelike" and repeatedly note how residents seem happy and well cared for, with the memory care director Emily singled out as particularly passionate and engaging, lifting the energy of the entire unit. A recurring sentiment is that the facility offers a level of care and ambiance that makes it feel like a top choice for families evaluating options.

Despite the overwhelmingly positive impressions, one practical note emerges: what families expect at the outset doesn't always align with every new resident's arrival experience. In one instance, a new resident in a wheelchair could not reach sink faucets, underscoring the importance of follow-up and hands-on guidance about how to use accessibility features, and highlighting the need for ongoing communication to prevent slips or falls. The reviewer stresses the value of clear expectations and proactive planning for families, so that a loved one's care routines are aligned with their needs from day one. Taken together, the reflections depict The Gardens of Sun City as a vibrant, well-staffed, and thoughtfully upgraded community where warmth, professional care, and a strong sense of belonging define everyday life.

Overall, this collection of observations paints The Gardens of Sun City as a highly attractive option for families seeking a supportive, "homelike" environment for a spouse or aging parent. The upgrades have refreshed the building and common areas, the staff across both memory care and assisted living are consistently described as caring and engaged, and the leadership team - Michelle, Hilary, Emily, and Angela - contributes to a narrative of genuine dedication to resident well-being. While there are practical reminders to align expectations with day-to-day experiences, the overall impression is one of a facility where residents appear happy, well cared for, and actively engaged in a community that feels like home.

This part of Sun City, Arizona offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With multiple Starbucks cafes within a short distance, residents can easily enjoy their favorite coffee beverages. Nearby physicians' offices such as Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates and The CORE Institute provide accessible healthcare options. In terms of dining, there are various restaurants like Line Thai Restaurant and Whataburger offering a range of cuisine choices. Additionally, there are several pharmacies for prescription needs, as well as parks for leisurely walks or outdoor activities. For entertainment, residents can catch a movie at AMC Surprise Pointe 14 or enjoy cultural events at The Church At Arrowhead or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Overall, this area provides a mix of conveniences and recreational opportunities for seniors seeking a comfortable living environment in Sun City.

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)

Physicians

• Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates, PC (0.8 miles)
• The CORE Institute - Sun City (0.8 miles)
• Academic Urology & Urogynecology Of Arizona (1.1 miles)
• Multi-Specialty Physicians (1.1 miles)
• Associated Retina Consultants (2.7 miles)
• Aspire Pedi. Therapy (3.4 miles)
• North Valley Dermatology & Original Skin (3.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• Albertsons Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Line Thai Resteraunt (2.5 miles)
• Lou's Tivoli Gardens (2.8 miles)
• Haymaker Thunderbird (3 miles)
• Whataburger (3.4 miles)
• Culver's (3.5 miles)
• Tacos Calafia (3.5 miles)
• Crumbl Cookies (3.6 miles)

Parks

• Rio Vista Community Park (2.8 miles)
• Indoor Playgrounds International (3.5 miles)
• Veramonte Park (3.7 miles)
• Surprise Community Park (4.7 miles)
• Pioneer Community Park Off-Leash Dog Park (4.8 miles)
• Pioneer Community Park (4.8 miles)
• Kingswood Parke HOA Park (5.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Surprise Pointe 14 (3.3 miles)
• Arrowhead Fountains 18 (3.8 miles)
• Park West 14 (4.1 miles)
• AMC Arrowhead 14 (4.8 miles)
• AMC Westgate 20 (5.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (4.6 miles)
• The Church At Arrowhead (5 miles)