6 Top-Ranked Towns in Arizona for Retirees

Arizona is one of the most desired destinations to visit in the American Southwest. Quite the classic definition of a desert state, it is home to stunning natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon and the Monument Valley. Not surprisingly, it is also a favorite destination among retirees, for its warm climate, low cost of living, and even lower taxation on property. These are some factors to convince yourself to retire in the state. However, with so many communities to choose from, which is the right one for you? Look no further than these six top-ranked towns in Arizona for the perfect retirement choice.

Sedona

Few places in Arizona can match the harmonious blend of natural scenery and cultural vibrancy that Sedona can offer. The backdrop of red-rock buttes and pine forests catches the attention of every visitor coming into town, serving as a reminder that epic hikes and biking adventures are just right at the doorstep for active souls. Given this blessed location, Sedona is an oasis in the desert plateau for all sorts of pursuits, whether browsing for local crafts in one of the 80-plus art galleries and shops or indulging in the many fine restaurants.

Tourists have expressed their love for Sedona for the longest time, and so have retirees, as the town has the perfect amount of amenities to keep anyone wishing for more. It was selected as the top place to retire by the magazine Where To Retire in 2020, as retirees find it easy to remain active because of its many trails and nature. For medical services, Northern Arizona Healthcare Sedona provides excellent treatment in town. Although the cost of living is high, with median home listing prices about 1.1 million the exchange you get from that is a well-established retiree community where comfort and convenience are a priority.

Page

Close to the state border with Utah, Page is a popular destination for its proximity to two famous attractions, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. They are essential components of any trip to the American Southwest, sharing a similar formation history of having been sculpted by erosion millions of years ago. The town was founded in 1957 as a community for builders of the Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River, which led to the creation of one of the largest reservoirs in the country, Lake Powell. Today with the help of tourism, Page is a community brimming with life, where creativity flows from its street art to its food scene, incorporating the likes of modernity and age-old Navajo traditions.

For retirees, Page is a great place to consider, as it is an intimate and welcoming community of just over 7,000 people. For those looking to purchase a home, median home listing prices are about $420,000, which is on par with the US national average (but lower than the $525,000 average in Phoenix). Serving the area for more than 50 years, the Page Hospital is a place you can trust for medical services.

Catalina Foothills

Named specifically for its location at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this vibrant community is just a short drive north of Tucson, but it feels thousands of miles away from the city. With over 300 days of sunshine, Catalina Foothills has made itself a destination of its own. The architectural style of this place is intended to fit right in the surrounding Sonoran Desert, first the idea of local architect Josias Joelser, which can be seen from its downtown to private residential areas. Nowadays, the community draws shopaholics to the boutiques of La Encantada, while others looking to discover the creative side of its residents are pointed to DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun and many more art venues.

The community is marketed toward the higher end, with median home listing prices around $754,900, but the reward of that is an excellent quality of life, which made it rank first on Money's Best Places to Retire in America list in 2020. There is a great selection of clinics in town, while Northwest Medical Center is the closest hospital serving the area.

Prescott

Sitting at over 5,200 feet above sea level, Prescott enjoys a favorable climate year-round, with an average temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The town's location within the largest stand of ponderosa pine forests in the country makes it an ideal destination to stay close to nature, with its backyard consisting of five beautiful lakes, overlooked by the iconic Granite Mountain. Founded in 1864 as a gold mining town, the modern appearance of Prescott is a reformed version of the past, where old saloons have been transformed into trendy cafes and restaurants, and former mansions have become history museums. The oldest rodeo in America (and the world) calls this place home. The week-long Prescott Frontier Days is perhaps the most anticipated time to watch cowboys and girls putting on their best moves.

As a visitor, it is a delightful experience to discover Prescott, and as a retirement destination, the town can just be amazing too. Although the median home listing price is steep at $798,000, Prescott still is a great place for retirement. It has a large senior demographic (40% of the residents are 65+), who have taken great advantage of the high-quality medical care offered at Yavapai Regional Medical Center and the Northern Arizona VA Medical Center.

Bullhead City

Once a secluded desert outpost, Bullhead City now has a growing population of 42,000 and has transformed into a vacation home haven along the eastern banks of the Colorado River. This river separates it from the vibrant casinos and entertainment options of Laughlin, Nevada. A significant portion of its tourism is fueled by visitors from across the river, who come to stay in a few hotels or RV resorts before heading back the next day. Nonetheless, there’s plenty to explore in Bullhead City itself, from delving into the tri-state area's history at the Colorado River Museum to enjoying the picturesque views of Davis Dam, along with boating and water skiing on Lake Mohave.

Though its location in western Arizona may seem remote for retirees, it’s only 100 miles from the dazzling nightlife of Las Vegas. Bullhead City enjoys sunny weather year-round and features two nine-hole and three 18-hole golf courses, as well as well-kept public parks like Rotary Park, perfect for a relaxing evening stroll by the river. The cost of living is affordable, with median home prices around $369,900, and approximately 30% of its residents are aged 65 and older. The town is also home to the Western Arizona Regional Medical Center, which is accredited by the Joint Commission and was recognized as the best hospital in Mohave Valley by the local Daily News' reader's poll in 2019 and 2020.

Carefree

Carefree, a small community of no more than 3,700 residents, combines the conveniences of a big city with a charming small-town atmosphere. Located north of Phoenix and Scottsdale, it is famous for the Carefree Desert Gardens, featuring over 50 species of plants and animals native to the surrounding desert. The compact downtown area offers shopping for crafts and displays of local artists' skillful artworks, along with live music events at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, and a chance to see the famous Sundial in action. If that’s not enough, the nearby Cave Creek boasts even more attractions, including its namesake museum highlighting frontier history and nearly 3,000 acres of cacti and rugged terrain in the Cave Creek Regional Park. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the nearby Tonto National Forest.

Carefree's prime location between major Arizona cities makes it an excellent choice for retirement. However, the privilege of joining this affluent community comes with a higher cost of living, with median home prices around $1.2 million. The town is served by two main medical facilities: the Desert Foothills Medical Center and Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital. Moreover, retirees can enjoy a truly 'carefree' lifestyle by golfing at various public or private courses, including the Desert Forest Golf Club, set against stunning desert backdrops.

The Grand Canyon State is renowned for its picturesque desert and rocky landscapes, drawing millions of visitors annually to experience their beauty firsthand. Numerous retirees have also developed a fondness for Arizona, not just for its natural beauty but also for its ideal blend of a low cost of living and high quality of life. From the outdoor activities in Sedona to the sunny riverside charm of Bullhead City, this stunning state offers remarkable retirement destinations worth considering.