Arizona is one of the most popular states for retirement, thanks to its low taxes, warm weather, and high population percentage of those age 55 and older. In 2024, nearly 6% of those who relocated for retirement chose to move to the Grand Canyon State and embrace desert living. Given the high number of retirees, Arizona has many retirement communities to choose from—here’s a round-up, organized by the major metropolitan areas, of the best retirement communities in Arizona. Our picks offer a range of housing options, a wide breadth of amenities and services, and options for medical care add-ons.

Types of Retirement Communities in Arizona

There are many types of retirement communities. Some offer a very high-level of medical care and life assistance, while others are more hands-off and focus on amenities and activities so you can fill your retirement days that stimulate your brain, body, and keep you social.

Assisted living retirement communities

Assisted living retirement communities offer help with lots of activities of daily life (ADLs), whether that be dining, bathing, or medication administration. Usually, these facilities also offer support with laundry, housekeeping, and other chores. A staff nurse will likely be available 24/7 for any medical emergencies, but assisted living facilities often do not offer skilled nursing care for those with severe medical impairments or disabilities.

Independent living retirement communities

Independent living communities are for retired people who need little to no assistance with chores, other daily activities, or medical care. Typically, the focus on these spaces is on activities and amenities that can make your life easier and more social as you transition out of work.

Age-restricted retirement communities

Age-restricted retirement communities can be independent living facilities or assisted-living facilities; the main difference is that they require residents to be a certain age to live there. This age is usually 55, but it can vary. These communities are the only legal exception to fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination based on age, race, religion, sex, or other factors. The idea, of course, is that these communities create a special space for seniors, one where they can socialize with others in a similar situation and age bracket.

Lifestyle retirement communities

Retirement communities are one form of lifestyle community, but there are other such examples, with ones that focus on faith, family, or other lifestyle choices. The goal is for families to live near others who share their main interests and life goals.

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Top Retirement Communities in Arizona

According to Genworth’s Cost of Care Calculator, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Arizona is approximately $4,000, and independent living averages at $2,500—lower than other retirement community costs in many other states.

Phoenix

Phoenix is Arizona’s capital city, and has lots of bustling arts, culture, and sporting activities to keep anyone busy. Scottsdale is a quieter city, and just on the east side of Phoenix (which is why we’re lumping them together here). The two together give you two cities for the price of one, and if that’s not enough for you, you’ll be only five hours away from Los Angeles, San Diego, or Las Vegas. The area has a lot of golf courses and sunshine (though some might say the sun is a little too excessive in the summer months, with temperatures often hitting the triple digits).

Neither Phoenix nor Scottsdale are very walkable or have great public transportation, so you’ll likely need a car to live here. In addition, home prices are relatively high here, and every winter the area is flooded with vacationers from the much-colder Northern states.

Population: 1.625 million

Phoenix Median Home Price: $398,908

Most Popular Retirement Communities in Phoenix, Arizona

The Terraces of Phoenix

The Terraces of Phoenix is located in Phoenix with easy access to the city’s downtown as well as the nearby Scottsdale. It offers both independent living facilities as well as assisted living, for those who need more medical attention and care. The independent living housing comes in various sizes to fit your needs and budget, from a one-bedroom up to a two-bedroom plus den. In addition, the Terraces offers a number of activities like dancing and clubs, as well as around-the-clock security and several dining options.

Pueblo Norte

Pueblo Norte has a wide range of independent living apartments, ranging from smaller studios to two-bedrooms with connected patios to enjoy the Arizona sun. On-site, residents will find a putting green to practice their golf skills, a beauty salon, outdoor pool, and more. There are many clubs and activities to keep social as well, as well as a free shuttle service to downtown Scottsdale for even more fun.

Sun City

Sun City is enormous, with over 27,000 homes—enough to be considered its own micro-city. It was the first 55+ retirement community in the country, and has countless amenities, including eight golf courses. Small, one-bedroom units can be purchased for as low as $50,000, and HOA fees are minimal.

Other Phoenix Suburbs (Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Tempe, and Surprise)

Many of the Phoenix suburbs—of which there are many, as it’s an enormous city—have the same pros and cons as the center of the city, though the neighborhoods will be quieter and less dense. That could be a con for you, though, if you want easy access to cultural institutions and activities like museums, sporting events, and more. In Tempe, just 15 minutes from Phoenix, you’ll find an outpost of Arizona State University, which brings lots of events (live music, plays, etc.) and institution-associated facilities. Of the municipalities listed, you can expect home prices to be the least expensive in Mesa—with a median price of $155,300—and highest in Scottsdale, which has a median price of $745,849.

McDowell Village

Located in Scottsdale, McDowell Village is just a stone’s throw from the larger city of Phoenix. The community offers both independent and assisted living, with independent living facilities offered in one or two-bedroom options. For fitness enthusiasts, McDowell has instructor-led exercise classes as well as a heated pool and grounds with walking paths.

Palmas Del Sol East

With homes starting in the $70,000 range, Palmas Del Sol East is an affordable community with lots to recommend it. It boasts a multi-million dollar clubhouse, where you can enjoy billiards, a card room, a library, and more. There are trails to walk and bike, and a pet park so you can spend quality time with your dog.

Sunrise Village

Sunrise Village is run by the same property management company (Thesman) that runs Palmas Del Sol East, so you’ll find many of the same quality amenities at this location: shuffleboard, a heated pool, clubhouse, walking paths, and more. There are dances and special events all year so you can socialize, as well as a courtesy shuttle bus into town.

Copper Springs

Copper Springs advertises an environment that it describes as the “resort lifestyle,” complete with valet parking, laundry services, housekeeping, and more. The community has its own pharmacy and salon, so you don’t need to travel far for necessities. Because Copper Springs is a part of a much larger network of retirement communities, residents can participate in its travel program and stay for free in guest suites at partner residences around the country.

Holiday Vista Del Rio

Located in the suburb of Peoria, Holiday Vista Del Rio is only 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix, but you might not want to leave too often considering all the activities the community offers: creative writing classes, yoga, tree planting, and more. Apartments come in sizes from studios up to two-bedrooms, with utilities and housekeeping included.

Palos Verdes Senior Living

Another option in Peoria, Palos Verdes hosts community events every day to keep residents busy. You can enjoy documentary film screenings, fitness classes, games, and club meet-ups. The community focuses on whole-body wellness, and offers in-house therapy services. It’s pet-friendly, too, so Spot can tag along.

McGavin Ranch

In Mesa, McGavin Ranch is located near lots of natural spaces, such as Superstition Mountain and Theodore Roosevelt Lake. The community has lots of activities and amenities, including a heated pool (with adjacent BBQ for the summer months) and a mini golf course.

Friendship Village

Friendship Village is a retirement community that offers both independent living as well as life care, which can support you as you age-in-place. For a small monthly fee, you can access the community’s A.I.L (assistance-in-living) support, which can provide emergency care and non-medical aid whenever needed. Friendship Village prides itself on providing services for the retired LGBTQ+ community, with special clubs and committees.

Desert Marigold

Desert Marigold, located in South Tempe, has scheduled group outings so you can enjoy the shopping and dining in the city. In addition, the retirement community has many religious services available, so you can practice your faith, no matter your denomination. The accommodations are spacious one-bedroom apartments that come with housekeeping and on-site security.

Tucson

Tucson is a mid-sized city, which is a nice option if Phoenix feels too large and bustling but you still want the cultural offerings a city provides. Thanks to the local university, there are many medical facilities which can be useful especially if you need to see specialists or require extra care. That said, the city has a bad reputation for congestion—truckers are concentrated on the metro’s one major highway, and locals often take streets to avoid sitting in standstill traffic.

Population: 543,242

Average Retirement Community Costs: $4,000 per month

Median Home Price: $313,010

Most Popular Retirement Communities in Tucson, Arizona

Fairwinds Desert Point

Fairwinds Desert Point offers many services to keep residents supported, such as housekeeping, laundry, and more. The residence boasts a robust mind-body wellness program, with individualized fitness plans and its BrainHQ program which helps support cognitive health. In addition, it arranges several opportunities to volunteer with the local community.

Atria Valley Manor

Offering views of the mountains, Atria Valley Manor’s buildings are designed with Southwestern flair, fitting in with the low desert landscape. Nearby Tucson has many activities to enjoy, such as tennis courts, golf courses, museums, and more, and on-site at the community residents have access to chef-prepared meals, a walking trail, and community laundry services.

The Hacienda at the Canyon

Whether you are looking for independent living, assisted living, or memory care, the Hacienda at the Canyon offers all of the above and more. The amenities at the Hacienda are seemingly endless, ranging from an on-site bar and lounge to a full-service salon and spa. There are several dining options, and residents can choose to live in an economical one-bedroom or a larger bungalow, with attached carport.

SaddleBrooke One

SaddleBrooke has many offerings, including year-round activities like dance classes, bible study, and art clubs. It’s also a golfer’s paradise: the community has a 27-hole facility with three separate 9-hole courses, as well as a driving range. Adjacent to Saddlebrook you’ll find some exciting Tucson attractions, like Saguaro National Park and the Reid Park Zoo.

Tips for choosing the right retirement community in Arizona

When looking for the perfect retirement community in Arizona, you should first confirm that the housing is within your price range and suits your needs. For instance, if the community only has one-bedroom apartments but you need two bedrooms, it might be best to look elsewhere. Also consider whether you wish to lease or rent—some communities offer both options, but many only offer one. In addition, consider these factors:

Community Rules

Are children/grandchildren allowed to visit? Are pets allowed, and if so, is there a pet fee? Each community has its own set of rules, so make sure they fit with your lifestyle.

Financials

It’s completely acceptable to ask a community to see their financial reports—you want to ensure the place you’re moving into is stable and won’t end up in bankruptcy. Additionally, you can ask to see other projects the developer has worked on and research any problems that might exist with them.

Location

Just because the community is adjacent to a city doesn’t mean the amenities you need are close by—make sure to ask about local transportation, how far the nearest supermarket, hospital, and mall is, and if any services (such as pharmacies) exist in the community itself.

Neighbors

Ask the sales team to spend a day at the community, participating in an activity, club meeting, or event. This will give you an opportunity to see if the culture is one that suits you, and possibly meet some current residents to ask them questions about their experience.

Questions to ask a retirement community

Beyond the considerations we shared above, it’s a smart idea to tour a retirement community equipped with a set of questions so you can fully understand the culture, rules, and lifestyle. This community will be your new home, so it’s essential that you make sure it’s a fit! Consider asking the following:

• How does your community welcome new residents?
• How many residents do you have?
• What does your meal plan look like? Are there multiple places to eat?
• Are the residences furnished or unfurnished?
• Will I be able to decorate and paint my residence?
• Are pets allowed? If so, is there a pet fee or deposit to be aware of?
• Is housekeeping included? What about laundry services?
• What safety measures does the community take?
• Is the staff trained on elder abuse and neglect?
• What activities are available in your community? Where can I see an event calendar?
• Are there volunteer opportunities?
• What utilities are included?
• How fast is the internet?
• What are your rules on family visitation?
• How do you foster a sense of community?

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