Most of our community members come from modest, hard-working backgrounds—teachers, firefighters, veterans, and families who’ve spent a lifetime managing their homes with care. Many are pleasantly surprised to find that living here costs far less than they expected. Thunderbird is known as a hidden gem in Glendale, offering the same comfort, amenities, and personal attention you might find in Scottsdale communities—just without the Scottsdale price tag.

The monthly cost includes nearly everything—meals, housekeeping, maintenance, utilities, transportation, and 40–50 social activities each week. Once you add up groceries, property taxes, repairs, and home care, Thunderbird often costs less than staying put.

Request full, transparent pricing here.

Our apartments are bright, modern, and surprisingly spacious. Each one has been recently updated with new cabinets, flooring, and appliances, giving every home a fresh, cheerful feel. Independent living apartments feature full kitchens with dishwashers, while assisted living and memory care offer cozy kitchenettes with mini-fridges and microwaves.

Every hallway includes personalized alcoves that neighbors decorate with family photos and keepsakes—so the whole community feels connected and full of character. Add in light housekeeping, same-day maintenance, and flexible month-to-month contracts, and it’s easy to feel right at home.

It’s one of the first things people notice—and one of the reasons they stay. Meals at Thunderbird are chef-prepared and served all day (7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.), giving everyone the freedom to eat when they’re ready, not on a schedule. You might start your morning with a made-to-order omelet at Sunday brunch, enjoy lunch with friends on the patio, or end the day with a perfectly grilled steak and a glass of wine.

The Bird’s Nest Bistro is always buzzing with coffee, pastries, and conversation, while the Adventurous Eaters Club explores dishes from around the world. Our kitchen team is known for saying “yes”—fresh mint for your tea? No problem. A vegetarian entrée or special request? Done with a smile. Food here isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s part of the warmth, flexibility, and joy that make Thunderbird feel like home.

Thunderbird’s calendar is always full and never boring.

We offer 40–50 events every week, including Brain Health University classes, Wii bowling leagues, Jeopardy games, live music, and destination lunches around town. Our heated pool hosts group classes and leisurely swims, while our lush courtyards invite quiet walks, koi feeding, or time with a good book.

There are also plenty of ways to give back—like volunteering at the Bird’s Nest Bistro, where neighbors take turns behind the counter and the proceeds go into a staff appreciation fund.

Our community life team keeps things fresh by listening to what people want—and it shows. There’s always something new to enjoy, whether it’s a themed happy hour, a play performance, or the next holiday event.

Transportation at Thunderbird is one of the things families rave about.

With five drivers, two buses, a van, and a sedan, we can accommodate rides almost on a dime. Weekly shopping shuttles run all day to places like Walmart, Fry’s, and the Dollar Tree—and every Saturday, we do a “Bell Road Run” that takes neighbors anywhere along the popular shopping and dining corridor, including Target, Arrowhead Mall, and fan-favorite: Outback Steakhouse. We also offer private transportation for appointments or personal outings.

Thunderbird has an energy all its own. Step inside and you’ll find neighbors chatting over coffee at the Bird’s Nest Bistro, greeting one another in the hallways, or relaxing in the sunshine by the pool. Even the hallways tell a story—each one lined with personalized alcoves filled with photos, keepsakes, and little glimpses of the people who live here. People even turn “hall walking” into their daily exercise—strolling the wide, bright corridors and admiring each neighbor’s displays along the way.

It’s a place where community runs deep. Neighbors check in on each other, bring lunch to a friend who’s under the weather, and celebrate every birthday together. Outdoors, there’s even a schedule for feeding the koi and turtles in the courtyard—a favorite ritual for animal lovers. With mature trees, lush courtyards, and a few friendly owls that call it home, Thunderbird feels warm, lived-in, and full of life—just like the people who make it special.

Absolutely. Pets are family here. You’ll see plenty of friendly dogs out on walks around our secure courtyards, and we’ve made it easy with pet-waste stations throughout the community. The courtyards are shaded and spacious—perfect for morning walks or relaxing afternoons together.

Yes. Couples love knowing they can stay close, even if one person needs more support. Some choose a two-bedroom assisted living apartment, where one partner receives care and the other pays only a small additional fee. Others live just a hallway apart, visiting freely throughout the day. Our goal is to keep loved ones together in whatever way works best for them.

One of the best things about Thunderbird is that you can stay in the same community as your needs evolve. Many people start in independent living and later transition to assisted living or memory care when they need more help. We make that process simple and supportive, so you don’t have to start over somewhere new.

Our Memory Care neighborhood is part of Stellar’s signature Apollo Program, a fresh approach that focuses on the person, not just the diagnosis. Every detail—daily rhythm, environment, and engagement—is designed to help community members feel safe, purposeful, and known.

Here, life still feels full. The space is bright and intimate, with its own garden courtyard, shady sitting areas, and plenty of laughter and activity. Our team takes time to learn each person’s story—what brings them joy, calm, or comfort—so every day includes meaningful moments, whether that’s music, art, conversation, or time in the garden.

We also offer flexible living options, including shared two-bedroom suites where each person enjoys a private bedroom and bath but shares a small living area and kitchenette. Many families love this setup because it feels social and supportive, while still giving each person their own space.