9 Best Towns In Arizona To Retire Comfortably

Although people correctly call it the Grand Canyon State, Arizona is also called the Sunset State. Swing by during the summer monsoon season, when the beautiful desert landscape reflects stunning displays of color, and you will better appreciate Arizona's lesser-known nickname. Arizona is an outdoor wonderland, and you should expect epic hiking, boating, and hunting opportunities. You only need to choose a spot with immediate access to most of the amenities you can't do without, including decent healthcare. So, keep reading to discover the 9 best towns in Arizona to retire comfortably.

Florence

Founded just at the end of the Civil War, Florence is one of the oldest towns in the state, with several buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is conveniently located in Central Arizona, approximately 50 miles southeast of Phoenix. Gila River, which stretches over 600 miles, flows around and adds a mist of rustic allure to the laid-back location. You can trace the sands of time at McFarland State Historic Park, hike up the Poston Butte Preserve and enjoy panoramic views of the Florence area from the top, or enjoy a relaxing afternoon with ducks at Anthem at Merrill Ranch. The median listing home price in Florence is $350,000, a price point that also gives one access to the well-regarded HonorHealth Florence Medical Center. Alternatively, the award-winning Banner Ironwood Medical Center is a short drive away in Queen Creek.

Fortuna Foothills

If you want the beauty of California but at a price comparable to Tennessee or Kansas, Fortuna Hills is likely what you have in mind. You have a climate that any snowbird will not want to exchange for anything, assisted-living facilities such as Avista Yuma, and the mighty Colorado River, widely known for its whitewater rapids. Outdoor lovers have several other sites to explore, including Fortuna Pond, where you can unwind in tranquil environs, and Foothills Golf Course, which features lovely mountain views. Keep in mind that Yuma Regional Medical Center is in town and is a previous recipient of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery Award. The best part is that the median listing home price in Fortuna Foothills was just $354,900 in June 2025.

Sahuarita

With a nice, local library where you can get lost in the pages of a gripping read, beautiful walking and biking paths, and the Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment — Sahuarita is a dream retirement destination for several reasons. Remember that people travel from every nook of America to visit Saguaro National Park, yet you will now have this outdoor wonderland in your backyard. The cacti in this park, the largest in the United States, often grow long arms as if reaching out for a hug. Other fun outdoor spots include the well-maintained San Ignacio Golf Club, if golfing is up your alley, and Parque Los Arroyos, which has a paved path to walk or jog. On healthcare access, Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita has specialists in several areas, including orthopedics, gynecology, general surgery, cardiology, gastroenterology, podiatry, and primary care. The median listing home price in Sahuarita was $362,000 in June 2025.

Bullhead City

You will love Bullhead City for its pleasant winters, access to the Colorado River, and the cluster of lakes just south of it, including Goose, Lost, Willow, and Beal lakes. There is Lake Mohave, which provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and scuba diving. Las Vegas, Nevada, the world's Entertainment Capital, is just about an hour and a half by road. In June 2025, the median listing home price in Bullhead City was a budget-friendly $360,000, significantly below the statewide median. If your bladder is starting to act weird, Western Arizona Regional Medical Center is right in town and is ranked among America's 100 Best Prostate Surgery hospitals.

Sierra Vista

Sierra Vista is a small but vibrant town right next to the Fort Huachuca Army Base, meaning it enjoys a fairly stable local economy supported by military personnel, and a cultural blend influenced by both civilian and military life. Traffic is rarely crazy, and access to the outdoors is at a moment's notice. One can catch a rib-cracking matinee at the Cinemark Sierra Vista 10, swing a driver at the Pueblo Del Sol Country Club, or zip along the trails that traverse Garden Canyon Park. Houses in Sierra Vista fetch a median listing price of $325,000, way cheaper than the statewide median. The best part is that this price point comes with access to Canyon Vista Medical Center, as well as numerous other options in nearby Bisby and Benson.

Wickenburg

Wickenburg is a perfect little rodeo town that noticeably feels homey and genuine. You will have the convenience of two major grocery stores (Safeway and Bashas’), an Old-timey movie theater (the beloved Saguaro Theatre), countless inviting restaurants, and plenty of quaint local western stores. Outdoor lovers are close to mountains, rivers, and lakes, including the nearby Lake Pleasant Regional Park. Wickenburg Ranch Golf Course WWTP is another outdoor gem that adds to the town's appeal. For any medical emergency, Wickenburg Community Hospital has been serving area residents since before the Great Depression. Considering what Wickenburg offers, a median listing home price of $564,500 is excellent value for money.

Apache Junction

If you have a thing for majestic mountain views, Apache Junction is a fine spot to plant your roots. You will quickly fall in love with vibrant springtime trails, distinctive cactus blooms, and the desert charms prominent in the area. With Phoenix just 30 minutes down the road, a retiree can readily access the best of both worlds: nature and big-city amenities. At the Lost Dutchman State Park, you will enjoy stunning desert scenery, including striking views of the Superstition Mountains. Usery Mountain Regional Park, known for its scenic wind caves, offers a variety of well-maintained trails, a campground, and an archery range. You also have Mesa Gateway Airport, if you want the speed and convenience of air travel, and the Apache Junction Public Library, if you want to get snug with a gripping read. In June 2025, the median listing home price in Apache Junction was $430,000, about the same as the statewide median. In terms of healthcare, the highly rated Banner Goldfield Medical Center is in town, while numerous options are available in neighbouring Mesa, including the award-winning Arizona Spine and Joint Hospital.

Picture Rocks

Picture Rocks is a small, unincorporated community in Arizona's Pima County that is quietly tucked away in the Sonoran Desert. A retiree here is close to the Saguaro National Park West, which features numerous trailheads and scenic pull-offs. One exciting aspect is that Picture Rocks is approximately just 20 miles northwest of downtown Tucson, meaning a retiree can get almost everything a big city offers, but without the hustle and the hectic pace. Interstate 10 and State Route 86 incredibly enhance the area's accessibility. Once in a while, you can mingle with capybaras, warthogs, and emus at the Ghost Ranch Exotics and Funny Foot Farm, or enjoy a stunning desert escape with breathtaking views at the Tucson Mountain Park. The median listing home price in Picture Rocks was $350,000 in June 2025, which is a steal, especially because Picture Rocks is right next to Tucson.

Green Valley

If you did not know anything about Green Valley, the name itself can pique your interest, especially considering you are in Arizona. As the name implies, Green Valley is peaceful, beautiful, and a bit cooler than nearby cities like Casa Grande and Phoenix. The best part is that Tucson is just 30 minutes down the road, meaning you will be right next to the University of Arizona and a fantastic international airport. Also, Green Valley is incredibly affordable. For perspective, the median listing home price in Green Valley was just $310,000 in June 2025, way cheaper than the statewide median. Moreover, Green Valley residents have a median age of about 73, meaning almost every person you bump into is likely a fellow empty nester. Nature lovers can access Mt. Wrightson, Madera Canyon, the peaceful Sonoita Creek State Natural Area (people love its primitive camp sites), all within an hour's drive from town, and the nearby Sahuarita Lake Park, if the serenity of water is your idea of outdoor fun. On healthcare access, you have the highly rated Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita and numerous other options in nearby Tucson.

The Takeaway

Home to some of the most stunning dioramas of nature, Arizona's beauty can be soft and hazy, yet wild and whimsical. You will find ample opportunities for hunting, hiking, fishing, camping, and just about any outdoor recreational activity in the books. The trick is to perch close to desirable amenities, including good hospitals and shopping venues, so your sunset years can be smooth and comfortable. Fortunately, from Florence to Picture Rocks, you will not miss finding a town with your name on it.