10 Best Places To Retire In Arizona
Arizona's appeal as a retirement destination stems from its unparalleled natural beauty, mild climate, low cost of living, and expansive open spaces for outdoor recreation. For anyone planning to stretch their savings after retirement, it is an ideal spot to establish new roots. Spread across its vast desert, along river banks, and at the base of jagged mountains are small towns brimming with charm and character that pensioners will be lucky to call home.
Beyond their postcard-perfect scenery, these communities offer a slower rhythm of life, vibrant local traditions, and a sense of belonging that’s increasingly rare elsewhere. Whether you envision mornings on sun-drenched trails, afternoons exploring artsy main streets, or evenings beneath star-laden skies, here are some of the best places to retire in Arizona.
Bisbee
This former mining boomtown in southeast Arizona is surrounded by the picturesque peaks of the Mule Mountains and lures pensioners with its rustic charm and Old West vibe. Its landmark-rich downtown district allows newcomers to learn about the community's mining heritage at the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, presented through a diverse display of historical archives and exhibits. A couple of watering holes, including Old Bisbee Brewing Company, invite residents to hang out and catch up at the end of the day while enjoying award-winning craft beers.
Additionally, Lavender Jeep Tours takes seniors on informative, narrated tours that explore Old Bisbee and ghost towns that once thrived during the mining heydays. Thanks to the Copper Queen Community Hospital, residents in Bisbee enjoy readily available medical services, and the average home value of $221,000 means new residents can enjoy the convenience of this town's amenities and attractions without sacrificing comfort or quality of life.
Florence
This lovely town in Pinal County, strategically positioned between Tucson and Phoenix, charms retirees with its rustic vibe and an adorable community. It houses a glittering historic district with dozens of vintage treasures, and new residents can glimpse into frontier life at the McFarland State Historic Park. The Charles Whitlow Rodeo Grounds hosts exciting rodeo events that bring the community together in a family-friendly atmosphere, providing the perfect opportunity for retirees to connect socially.
After a long day, many enjoy catching up over a cocktail or beer at River Bottom Bar & Grill. Meanwhile, HonorHealth Florence Medical Center offers 24/7 access to emergency health services in a 36-bed facility. According to Zillow, the average value of a home in Florence is $332,000, which is well below the state average of $420,000.
Green Valley
Roughly 30 minutes from Tucson, Green Valley is a retirement town in Pima County where pensioners can find an established community of senior citizens and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. The area provides several open spaces for recreation, including Desert Meadows Park. This delightful oasis features a 4-acre botanical garden, gentle walking paths, and picnic areas. Those who enjoy golfing can take advantage of the 18 challenging holes at San Ignacio Golf Club to hone their skills.
Additionally, the Green Valley Recreation West Social Center provides a space where citizens of all ages can gather for aquatic recreation, social interactions, and other community-based events. The Villas at Green Valley is one of several assisted living providers in the region, where the average value of a home is just $280,000.
Fredonia
Fredonia is a renowned gateway to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, situated in a breathtaking natural setting. Residents here take advantage of the surroundings by soaking it all up from Le Fevre Overlook. This stunning viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Red Pueblo Museum and Heritage Park houses an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, including jewelry, arrowheads, and vintage tools, to chronicle the region's rich heritage.
Elsewhere, Buckskin Tavern offers a pleasant evening chill spot for retirees and boasts the longest bar in Arizona. Fredonia also has a Senior Citizen Center to support and care for its elderly population, while offering an average home value of $287,000.
Sun City
Sun City is a quiet suburb of Phoenix, offering a comfortable life for retirees, thanks to its relatively low cost of living and easy access to the big city. It boasts a lively performing arts scene, with residents seeking live entertainment at the Sun City Players Community Theater, which features homegrown talent. The Sun Cities Area Historical Society is responsible for preserving the region's history and welcoming new residents to browse a diverse collection of artifacts that connect them to the region's past at the Del Webb Sun Cities Museum.
Palmbrook Golf Club features a manicured 18-hole course, as well as a driving range and practice hole for golfers of all ages and abilities. The Banner Boswell Medical Center is a highly-rated general hospital that treats residents in the Sun City region, where the average home value is $300,500.
Parker
Parker lies on the beautiful banks of the Colorado River, which provides a stunning backdrop for retirees to spend their sunset years. The waterway fuels recreational adventures, courtesy of Parker Watercraft Rentals. Also, River Island State Park is the ultimate outdoor haven. This pleasant sanctuary on the shores of the Colorado River offers opportunities for hiking, camping, paddling, and nature watching.
Beyond the great outdoors, you can catch the latest movies on four screens at Blue Water Cinemas. La Paz Regional Hospital provides comprehensive medical services to treat a range of conditions, while Parker's average home value of $358,000 is relatively affordable compared to both state and national averages.
Safford
Safford is another easygoing community that caters to seniors with a penchant for outdoor experiences. It supports a healthy lifestyle through morning and evening hikes at Black Hills Rockhound Area. This desert escape, with its isolated atmosphere, is popular among stargazers, gem seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area boasts 2,000 acres of dunes ideal for camping, RVing, and off-roading, as well as soaking in relaxing hot tubs fed by natural mineral springs.
However, there are exciting indoor pursuits for seniors in Safford, such as watching Hollywood blockbusters at Stargazer 5. Lastly, the average Safford home value is $277,00, and the Mount Graham Regional Medical Center provides a wide range of healthcare services to the community.
Douglas
This isolated town, situated near the Mexican border, provides the perfect blend of privacy and community for retirees in their golden years. Newcomers are warmly welcomed by the Douglas Visitor Center, which provides information about the area's history, cultural heritage, and other important details that are valuable for the uninitiated. Studio 917 is one of the many galleries in Douglas where residents can tap into their artistic side by admiring the works of local creatives.
Elsewhere, outdoor recreational opportunities, including picnicking, strolling, and jogging, are readily accessible at Castro Park. Haven Health Douglas is a nursing home that provides necessary assisted living services to senior citizens, and the town's average home value is only $168,000, making it one of the more affordable places to retire in Arizona.
Snowflake
A peaceful village in Navajo County, Snowflake traces its roots and its unique name to the 1870s, when it was founded by two Mormon pioneers named Erastus Snow and William Flake, and is generally known for its thriving agriculture. The Stinson Pioneer Museum connects locals with the region's history and heritage, featuring photographs and artifacts that document the lives of its first residents. Pioneer Park is one of several outdoor spaces where families go to get some fresh air and let their children play. It has a nice walking loop, a splash pad, and shady picnic areas.
Meanwhile, Snowflake Municipal Golf offers a 27-hole course with well-maintained greens and special rates for seniors. Summit Healthcare Snowflake Medical Center addresses medical care needs for residents in the town, while the area's average home value is $333,000.
Springerville
Tucked away in the foothills of the White Mountains, Springerville offers a mix of archaeology, history, and outdoor adventures that last throughout the year. The village is famously home to the Casa Malpais Archaeological Landmark and Museum, which preserves the remains of an ancestral Pueblo, offering a rare glimpse into Native American heritage. Adventure beckons in the wilderness of the Becker Lake Wildlife Area, boasting 622 acres of hiking trails, wildlife habitats, and a large reservoir where you can fish for rainbow trout.
Elsewhere, El Rio Theatre treats retirees to a nostalgic movie-watching experience in the state's oldest movie house, featuring a mix of the latest and classic films, and the Round Valley Senior Center is a testament to the town's dedication to caring for its aging population. Meanwhile, the average home value in Springerville is just $261,000.
Write Your Next Chapter In Arizona
If you are considering retiring and moving to the Grand Canyon State, these incredible places in Arizona set the stage for a fulfilling and enriching next chapter. Each offers a blend of comfort, community, and adventure, enabling retirees to create a lifestyle that suits their pace and passions. With stunning landscapes, friendly neighborhoods, and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, Arizona makes it easy to feel at home in this corner of the United States.
