Arizona is a lovely place to retire if you like warm weather and minimal yardwork. Many retirees also live in Arizona part time, heading to the southern areas for winter and living up north for the summer. Whether you plan to live full or part-time in Arizona, you’ll want to choose the right city.
In the internet age, you can find out everything you need to know about senior living in any city throughout Arizona. If you’re trying to retire near people of your own age and experience, use a tool like Seniorly.com to evaluate the cost of assisted living communities, independent apartments, or other preferred accommodations.
Your research will help you find the perfect location to retire in the Grand Canyon State, and this list of popular locations will help you get started.
1. Catalina Foothills
Overall, Catalina Foothills in Pima County has one of the top ratings for retirees according to Niche.com. With a population of just above 50,000, the city is large enough to contain all the necessary amenities, but not so big that you’ll be stuck in traffic or fighting for parking spots.
The neighborhoods are primarily suburban with plenty of parks, restaurants, and bars nearby for you to enjoy in your time off. The school districts are also highly rated in the area, which doesn’t necessarily apply to you, but it does indicate that you’ll be living in a very nice area with low crime rates and excellent amenities.
2. Sun City and Sun City West
Sun City and its sister city Sun City West have high populations of retirement communities. They’re located near Phoenix, so you’re close enough to the city to enjoy city living without living right in the hub of it.
The benefits of these two cities are the high population of seniors. Sun City West boasts that 82 percent of its population are retirees and Sun City has a population of 74 percent seniors. Additionally, the tax burden is much lower in these areas than the rest of the city, which means you can enjoy golf, social clubs, and other amenities of a retirement community without the high taxes.
3. Florence
If small towns and low rents are your thing, Florence is an excellent place to hang your hat. Located in Pinal County, Florence is one of the oldest towns in the state. It has more than 25 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, adding to the charm of the quaint small town surrounded by desert mountains and scenery.
The median rent price is just above $780, and whether you live in a historic building or in an upscale assisted living facility, you’ll enjoy a large, comfortable home with great weather.
4. Prescott
For a short time in 1864, and then again in 1877, Prescott was the capital of the Arizona Territory until Phoenix was finalized as the state capital. Those short terms as capital helped the city get its start. It’s a beautiful region filled with historic buildings and lovely scenery.
The population is just over 41,000, so like many other cities on this list, it’s small enough to feel homey but large enough to have everything you need. It’s also located in Northern Arizona, so the weather is more temperate, and you’re surrounded by lakes, mountains, and Ponderosa pine trees.
Additionally, there are many vacant homes in the area, which drives down the price of purchasing a home or renting. If you don’t mind moving around, you also have the option of renting a vacation home in the off-season for much cheaper.
5. Scottsdale
Last, but certainly not least, Scottsdale is one of the most popular retirement communities in all of Arizona. It’s the largest city on this list, as well as the most expensive. However, you’ll have everything you’d ever want or need right at your fingertips, including an airport, clubs, the best golf clubs in Arizona, pools, luxury accommodations, and more.
While the average age of Scottsdale is 52, there are colleges and rowdier scenes in the area. If you’re looking for a little piece and quiet, do your research carefully ahead of time to find the perfect place to retire.
