7 Most Hospitable Retirement Towns In Arizona

The state of Arizona is widely known as one of the most popular options for retirees looking to relocate. Being able to offer warm desert air with unrelenting sunshine year-round is one of the positives of the Grand Canyon State. However, summer heat 12 months a year isn't the only thing Arizona has for retirees. You'll find charming, hospitable retirement communities dotted throughout the state that have entertaining activities, shopping, and senior-friendly healthcare options.

Sun City

Located in central Arizona, Sun City is a northwestern suburb of Phoenix and a popular town for retirees. Known as the original 55+ adult community, the town boasts multiple recreation centers, including Bell, Fairway, and Lakeview, that offer activities such as swimming, dancing, card games, and art & theatre shows.

One of the most popular activities in Sun City is golf, which is understandable given the presence of eight first-class golf courses, including Willowbrook, a shorter nine-hole Quail Run, and Riverview, all of which are available for you to tee off during your retirement. Because there is such a robust senior population, find a friend in the rec center, take a walk next to the Agua Fria River, and take in the sights of the southwest.

Prescott

While Prescott, Arizona, may be known for its live music venues and active bar scene, it's a surprisingly underrated location for retirees and one of the friendliest small towns in Arizona. Prescott isn't what you probably think of first when envisioning Arizona. It's a high-country town located over 5,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by pines of the Prescott National Forest, making it perfect for hiking and enjoying the scenery. You can also take advantage of the high elevation lakes and enjoy fishing at the Willow Creek Reservoir or Watson Lake.

Maybe you have a passion for wine and want to learn more about locally produced wines while sampling delicious reds and whites, then Prescott Winery is the perfect stop during retirement. You can also get a taste of the Old West by trying a guided horseback tour on trails that Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and other famous outlaws roamed.

Sedona

This town may be a world away from relaxed beaches and water that many associate with retirement, but Sedona is also one of the most beautiful and scenic areas you could ever call home. Surrounded by red-rock buttes and steep canyon walls, as well as pine forests, outdoor recreation is a staple of this community. There are over 300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, ATV riding, or Jeep tours. The best hiking options for most retirees are the West Fork Trail, which offers plenty of shade and creekside views, and the Bell Rock Trail, a moderate and scenic route.

Natural beauty isn't the only memorable scenery in the area. The arts & culture scene is popular in the area, so be sure to stop by Gallery Row on State Route 179, which features numerous galleries to explore, or the Sedona International Film Festival, offering world-class filmmakers, independent features, panels, and educational workshops for an enriching experience.

Green Valley

Nestled between Tucson and the Mexico border is where you'll find Green Valley. An unincorporated community of approximately 22,000, according to the 2020 census, this bustling southern Arizona retirement community has no shortage of people enjoying their golden years. A growing snowbird population during the winter also makes this area very hospitable.

Enjoy year-round shows at the Green Valley Community Performance & Art Center, or even take in an exhibit or two. If you love hiking, you can travel south of town to venture through Madera Canyon, a beautiful trail located in the Santa Rita Mountains. Perhaps you want a closer look at the stars? Head over to Mt. Hopkins and the Smithsonian Institution's Whipple Observatory, where you can take part in astronomy exhibits and tours.

Payson

Payson, also known as "The Heart of Arizona" due to its central location in the state, is a town of around 16,500 residents that is also at the hub of Arizona's Rim Country. The area around Payson features a backdrop called The Mogollon Rim and has several small, cooling lakes around the area that are popular for fishing and picnics. You can fish for trout in Willow Springs Lake or bass and sunfish from Payson's Green Valley Park in town.

Because the area has a strong ranching past, it should be no surprise that the Payson Rodeo is one of the most popular activities in town each year and vital to the town's roots. Payson may be a town known for its wild surroundings, but it's also a small town with unmatched friendliness. Moreover, the Banner Payson Medical Center in town takes care of all medical requirements with inpatient and outpatient departments.

Fountain Hills

Sitting on the border of Scottsdale is Fountain Hills, a southwestern town renowned for its famous fountain and its growing retirement population. Visit the centerpiece of town by admiring a 560-foot fountain that shoots into the air, and then take advantage of the growing downtown area. Often, the fountain has art pieces surrounding it during outdoor festivals, or the Fountain Festival of Arts and Crafts is a gathering of 500 artists, looking to sell their creations.

When you are looking to appreciate a more natural artistic beauty, head out to the Adero Canyon Trailhead, where you can connect with the McDowell Sonoran Preserve for hiking or camping. Finally, if seniors ever require medical assistance, the Fountain Hills Medical Center offers primary care, urgent care, and a 24/7 Emergency Room.

Apache Junction

How fitting would it be to spend your golden years in an old gold town full of folklore and adventure? This could be your reality if you make Apache Junction your retirement home. Discover the history of your new home by visiting the Superstition Mountain Museum and exploring exhibits on the Apache tribes, the Salado, and the Lost Dutchman Mine.

When the grandkids come to visit, seniors can take them on a fun trip to the Goldfield Ghost Town and tour a former mining outpost and a loop railroad journey. When looking for fresh local produce, head to the Superstition Ranch Farmers Market, or stop for a high-end American lunch at Maggies Lounge, a restaurant, lounge, and art gallery all-in-one. Even with so much to see and do, seniors appreciate the median home value of around $370,000 as of November 2025, which is significantly lower than the state median of $420,000.

Retirement In Arizona

When it comes to finding a hospitable town for retirement, there is no shortage of options in Arizona. As seniors can see, the state is full of vibrant retirement communities that offer an array of activities to keep their days active and fulfilled. Whether it's a superstitious former "gold town" of Apache Junction, checking out the stars in Green Valley, or hitting the links in Sun City, hospitality and retirement are two areas where these Arizona towns thrive.