Four Arizona communities earned spots among the nation’s 250 best places to retire, while Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa also received recognition in a new U.S. News & World Report ranking.
Arizona continues to attract attention as a retirement destination, with Surprise leading the state’s communities in the 2027 Best Places to Retire rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.
Surprise ranked No. 156 nationally, followed by Gilbert at No. 200, Queen Creek at No. 205 and Marana at No. 225.
The annual rankings evaluated more than 850 U.S. cities, identifying the top 250 destinations based on factors important to Americans approaching or entering retirement.
For 2027, affordability emerged as the leading consideration, prompting U.S. News to adjust its ranking methodology to give greater weight to financial concerns.
The results highlight four Arizona communities in the national rankings, with Surprise claiming the state’s highest position.
Arizona’s best places to retire for 2027
According to U.S. News & World Report, these four Arizona communities earned spots among the nation’s 250 best places to retire:
- No. 156: Surprise
- No. 200: Gilbert
- No. 205: Queen Creek
- No. 225: Marana
Surprise, located in the West Valley, emerged as Arizona’s top-ranked retirement destination in the overall rankings.
Gilbert and Queen Creek, both in the Southeast Valley, also made the national list, while Marana represented Southern Arizona.
The geographic diversity of Arizona’s ranked communities underscores the range of locations available to people considering retirement in the Grand Canyon State.
Although none of Arizona’s communities cracked the national top 100, all four earned recognition in a competitive evaluation of more than 850 cities.
Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa earn recognition
In addition to the overall Best Places to Retire rankings, U.S. News evaluated cities by population category.
Three Arizona cities appeared among the best large cities for retirement:
- No. 10: Phoenix
- No. 11: Tucson
- No. 15: Mesa
These rankings are part of the separate large-city category and should not be confused with the overall top 250 list.
Phoenix’s top-10 placement in the large-city category gives Arizona’s capital a notable distinction, while Tucson and Mesa also earned recognition among the nation’s larger retirement destinations.
Together, the rankings highlight Arizona communities of different sizes, from growing suburban markets to major metropolitan centers.
Affordability takes center stage
The biggest change in the 2027 rankings reflects a growing concern among Americans approaching retirement: the cost of living.
U.S. News adjusted the weighting of its ranking criteria to better reflect the priorities of people who are retired or preparing to retire.
“It’s no secret that affordability is top of mind for Americans this year, which is why U.S. News updated its weighting criteria to better align with what retirees prioritize,” said Megan Wood, assistant managing editor of home services and real estate at U.S. News.
“The 2027 rankings reflect key metrics used to highlight the places that best suit retiree needs.”
The rankings incorporate six measures: quality of life, affordability, health care, retiree taxes, job market, and population and migration among adults ages 55 and older.
The measures were weighted using results from a national survey of people ages 45 and older who are at or approaching retirement age.
The evaluation also incorporated federal, state and local data, including information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis and U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings.
Which city ranked No. 1 nationally?
Midland, Michigan, retained its position as the nation’s No. 1 place to retire for the second consecutive year.
U.S. News cited Midland’s strong performance in affordability and retiree taxes as major factors behind its top ranking.
Homosassa Springs, Florida, finished second, followed by Weirton, West Virginia, in third.
The Woodlands, Texas, and Spring, Texas, rounded out the top five.
Florida and Texas were particularly well represented throughout the national rankings, reflecting the appeal of communities offering affordability and favorable tax conditions for retirees.
“Retirees are seeking a place that gives them a sense of security and comfort as they live out their golden years,” Wood said.
“Whether that comfort prioritizes scenic nature spots, access to multi-cultural experiences, or everyday affordability, places like Midland, Michigan, offer financial safety while still providing a good quality of life.”
What the rankings mean for Arizona
The 2027 rankings illustrate the importance of affordability in an increasingly competitive retirement landscape.
For Arizona, the results provide recognition for four communities in the overall national rankings and three major cities in the separate large-city category.
They also demonstrate that retirement appeal is not limited to a single type of community.
Surprise, Gilbert, Queen Creek and Marana each earned national recognition, while Phoenix, Tucson and Mesa stood out among larger cities.
As Americans evaluate where to spend their retirement years, factors such as housing costs, health care, taxes and quality of life are likely to remain central to their decisions.
For Arizona communities hoping to attract retirees, the latest rankings reinforce a critical message: Sunshine and lifestyle matter, but financial security is increasingly shaping where Americans choose to retire.
See the full rankings: https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-retire?src=usn_pr
Source: U.S. News & World Report, 2027 Best Places to Retire rankings.
