Lifestyle
If retirement means getting away from cold weather forever, Arizona is your state. Although the summers are sweltering, the winters are mild in most areas, giving you plenty of comfortable days.
Adam Cecil
Published March 15th, 2021
Updated January 17th, 2024
Adam Cecil
•
Published March 15th, 2021
•
Updated January 17th, 2024
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
From the cheapest cities in Arizona to the priciest, you can find an area that has all the things you need.
In most of Arizona, you’ll enjoy a warm climate year-round, but you can find areas that get significant snowfall.
If you’re looking for outdoor recreation, consider one of the state’s lakefront or mountain communities.
If retirement means getting away from cold weather forever, Arizona is your state. Although the summers are sweltering, the winters are mild in most areas, giving you plenty of comfortable days.
The best places to retire in Arizona have access to attractions and plenty of activities for older adults. Your Social Security earnings won’t be taxed, but other forms of retirement income will. When combined with a higher-than-average sales tax, you may find the state’s tax-friendliness lacking. But the cost of living is lower than other states, making up for it.
Apache Junction
CITY POPULATION: 38,499
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 34.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 7% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $369,713
MEDIAN RENT: $1,662/month
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Apache Junction is a small city to the east of Phoenix. Cost of living is a little higher than you might get elsewhere in the country, but you can’t beat Apache Junction’s proximity to Phoenix and its amenities.
The nearby 12-acre Superstition Mountain Museum, complete with an Elvis chapel, makes this area popular with tourists. And of course, thanks its to desert location, retiring in Apache Junction means mild winters, scorching hot summers, and picture perfect springs and autumns.
Sun City
CITY POPULATION: 39,931
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 75.4%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 7.3% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $309,877
MEDIAN RENT: $1,900/month
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
If you’re looking for the best places to retire in Arizona, you’ve probably heard of Sun City. It was the country’s first 55-plus community, and specifically built for the needs of active adults. While cost of living and housing costs might be a bit higher than the national average, you can’t beat Sun City’s recreational features. You’ll have plenty of activities year-round, as well the social opportunities you get from living near other retirees.
And if you’re a golfer, you’ll love Sun City’s 11 championship golf courses, 8 of which are open to the public.
Sedona
CITY POPULATION: 9,684
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 36.5%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 17.1% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $889,435
MEDIAN RENT: $3,500
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Sedona is one of the pricier places to retire in Arizona, but if you love nature, it’s one of the best. Best known for its “Red Rocks,” Sedona has plenty of mountainous areas ideal for walks and hikes, as well as a bustling downtown area. And because it’s a popular tourist destination, there are tons of restaurants, shops, and other amenities.
Did you know? Sedona is one of the world’s only “dark sky communities,” which means the city works hard to reduce light pollution at night so that the stars are exceptionally visible to the naked eye and to ground telescopes. That makes Sedona an exceptional place to retire for stargazers.
Catalina Foothills
CITY POPULATION: 52,401
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 33.6%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2.1% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $712,152
MEDIAN RENT: $1,636/month
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
If you prefer a more suburban lifestyle, the Catalina Foothills could be one of the best towns in Arizona for you. Located just north of Tucson and—as you might’ve guessed—at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains, you’ll get a combination of outdoor and indoor activities, with shopping, dining, and plenty of attractions.
All of that comes at a price—while cost of living is slightly below the national average, housing is particularly expensive. But once you see the views of the mountains, you’ll probably agree that it’s totally worth it.
Peoria
CITY POPULATION: 181,830
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 19.1%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 7.5% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $488,610
MEDIAN RENT: $2,110
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Peoria, a major suburb of Phoenix, is home to many 55-plus communities and plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Once you add in golf courses, nature preserves, and the lovely Lake Pleasant in the north, you have a wonderful balance between city amenities and outdoor recreation.
Like other Arizona suburbs, Peoria is more costly than other cities across the country, with higher than average home prices, monthly rents, and cost of living.
Tucson
CITY POPULATION: 542,629
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16.2%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 2.1% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $324,114
MEDIAN RENT: $1,495
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Tucson is a robust, highly populated city, with lower than average cost of living and home prices. Its hot desert climate makes it attractive to retirees who also enjoy its active entertainment community, with cultural festivals taking place year round. Whether you’re a book lover, a gemstone collector, or a rodeo fanatic, there’s likely a festival for you. Meanwhile, fans of Mexican cuisine will enjoy some of the best Sonoran-style Mexican food in the country.
Litchfield Park
CITY POPULATION: 6,847
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 21.6%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 7.2% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $532,408
MEDIAN RENT: $2,190
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Litchfield Park is a small suburb of Phoenix, out west past Glendale. Surrounded by golf courses and regional parks, Litchfield Park is a great balance between suburban life and outdoor spaces. Sometimes referred to as an “oasis in the desert,” especially by those that enjoy the local spa and resort, Litchfield Park is one of the nicest cities in Arizona for retirees.
Lake Havasu City
CITY POPULATION: 57,144
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 34.7%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 1.5% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $458,983
MEDIAN RENT: $2,000
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Lakefront living makes this city one of the most beautiful places to retire in Arizona, especially if you like outdoor recreation. Located on the Colorado river, Lake Havasu City takes advantage of large lakes that have formed between California and Arizona. You’ll find plenty of fishing, golf courses, and sports like tennis and pickleball.
While you’re far from other major cities, facilities like the Havasu Regional Medical Center and the Havasu Surgery Center will give you access to the medical care you need. And for a big weekend away, it’s easy to get to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Sedona, Phoenix, and other major southwest cities.
Prescott
CITY POPULATION: 45,827
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 40.8%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 16.1% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $585,019
MEDIAN RENT: $1,895
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Located to the north of Phoenix and not far from Sedona and Flagstaff, Prescott’s main attraction is the Prescott National Forest. If you’re a hiker, camper, or other outdoor adventurer, Prescott is a beautiful city with all the amenities you’d hope for, like dining and shopping, combined with easy access to some of the best outdoor areas in the state. In the city, you’ll also find live music, art galleries, and other cultural activities for all those weekends you don’t want to spend on the trails.
Flagstaff
CITY POPULATION: 76,831
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 10.9%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 17.7% above the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $627,412
MEDIAN RENT: $2,300
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Arizona isn’t all about finding an oasis in the desert. Sometimes, it’s about enjoying those classic, chilly winters up on the slopes. Located 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff isn’t far from the highest peaks in the entire state, making it a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, skiers and snowboarders, and even elite runners and bikers.
While living in Flagstaff doesn’t come cheap, there are plenty of city amenities in addition to the natural beauty. More than 200 restaurants will give you a diverse selection of dining options, and the award-winning Flagstaff Medical Center will give you peace of mind when it comes to healthcare access.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have the answers to your frequently asked questions about retiring in Arizona.
Is Arizona tax-friendly for seniors?
Your Social Security earnings won’t be taxed, but other forms of retirement income will. When combined with a higher-than-average sales tax, you may find the state’s tax-friendliness lacking. But the cost of living is lower than other states, making up for it.
Do seniors in Arizona pay property tax?
In most cases, people over 65 will pay property tax in Arizona. However, there are programs that provide property tax relief for seniors, especially those experiencing a disability or those with a lower income.
What benefits do seniors get in Arizona?
In addition to benefits like Medicare and Medicaid, retirees in Arizona have access to multiple programs through Arizona’s Department of Economic Security, such as help with nutrition, legal assistance, home-based care, and even finding a part-time job.
Where is the best place to retire in Arizona?
Whether you head to the desert or the mountains, a pricey city or a low cost town, there’s a place in Arizona for you. Here are the 10 best cities in Arizona for retirees.
Bottom Line
Is Arizona the right place for you to retire? While Arizona is home to some of the best cities to retire to in the United States, it’s not right for everybody, especially those on a tighter budget. That’s why it’s important to know the cost of living in your favorite area of the state and to understand the full picture of your income and expenses in retirement. A certified financial planner at Retirable can help you come up with a plan that will ensure you can live comfortably in your favorite Arizona city.
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Adam Cecil is a freelance writer who has produced financial content for Retirable, Policygenius, and Donational, In his free time, he writes the weekly pop culture newsletter Night Water and produces independent fiction podcasts.
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Share this advice
Adam Cecil is a freelance writer who has produced financial content for Retirable, Policygenius, and Donational, In his free time, he writes the weekly pop culture newsletter Night Water and produces independent fiction podcasts.
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