9 Best Places To Retire In Arizona
Settling down in Arizona means living amid some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, from Grand Canyon vistas to red rock formations and vast canyons stretching across the state. In Green Valley, a packed calendar of classes, sports, and performances through Green Valley Recreation makes retirement especially appealing for active adults. Sedona brings a different kind of excitement, with the Red Rock Scenic Byway turning everyday life into a front-row seat to some of Arizona’s most spectacular scenery. From social clubs and scenic drives to mild weather and easy access to healthcare, these Arizona towns show how rewarding retirement in the Southwest can be.
Green Valley
If you venture 20 miles south of Tuscon, you will find yourself in the thriving neighborhood of Green Valley. This hotspot is a popular choice amongst retirees because of its affordability and flourishing senior community. Since most residents are 55+, you will fit right into the pleasurable atmosphere at Green Valley. Tuscon's positive proximity allows you to go back and forth between the quiet life and the hustle and bustle of a big city. Hop on the Sun Shuttle, a service that connects Green Valley to Tuscon.
Locals suggest signing up for a Green Valley Recreation membership, your all-in-one source for fun activities. Enjoy aquatic workouts, stay active with tennis, or challenge friends to a game of billiards. Art enthusiasts can explore their creativity at the Ceramics Club or Clay Studio. After a busy day, relax with a movie or attend seasonal events. A Winter Cirque show or holiday orchestra performance is perfect for festive spirits. Green Valley Recreation ensures your schedule stays full. According to Zillow.com, the average rent in Green Valley is about $1,900, which is $130 below the national average. The overall cost of living here is 8.8% lower than the Arizona average, as reported by bestplaces.net. Plus, there are many assisted living options, including highly-rated places like The Villas and Silver Springs.
Sedona
Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers will fall in love with Sedona's stimulating atmosphere. With over 100 walking trails for all skill levels, it's the ultimate bucket list for dedicated hikers. If you prefer to see the area on wheels, Sedona has around 300 miles of biking trails. Rent a bike from Thunder Mountain Bikes, a top-rated one-stop shop in Sedona.
Seasoned adventurers can take on the challenging slopes of the Bear Mountain Trail, where you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Coconino National Forest and its expansive canyons stretching miles ahead. If you're new to hiking or exploring with family, the Bell Rock Trail is a perfect choice—just 0.8 miles long, it offers stunning vistas of Arizona's iconic red rock formations. For a quick and scenic escape, the Fay Canyon Trail is just over two miles and features similar spectacular scenery with fewer crowds. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, a scenic drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway lets you soak in the beauty without your hiking shoes, making it easy to enjoy the stunning, diverse landscapes.
In Sedona, there's a wealth of activities to keep you energized and your heart happy. Feel the thrill of off-roading with a fun jeep tour through Pink Adventure Tours. Soar to new heights on a helicopter or hot air balloon adventure, or experience the great outdoors on horseback or kayaking along the Verde River. Whatever you choose, don't forget your camera—these moments are truly unforgettable!
Scottsdale
Go big or go home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Delve into the finer things in life with luxury accommodations and an upscale environment. Join the community at Maravilla Scottsdale for first-class retirement. Experience resort-style living as you mingle with other residents through Maravilla's lively social culture. Sign up for a wine-tasting event, make a new friend at Pilates, vibe with the live music, or embrace the Scottsdale scenery with the Maravilla hiking club. Indulge in gourmet, quality meals curated by culinary experts. The brandy-marinated rack of lamb with a lemongrass honey-lime sauce is a must-try. Many residents rave about Maravilla's high-class, quality, and comfortable living.
Living a world-class lifestyle should include access to top-tier healthcare, and Scottsdale leads the way in health and longevity. Wallethub's study ranks Scottsdale as the ninth healthiest city in the US. The city excels in healthcare, offering specialty clinics and high-quality hospitals. It is also home to the prestigious Mayo Clinic, a globally recognized healthcare institution. With cutting-edge technology and expert doctors, Mayo Clinic provides excellent medical care.
Payson
Retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle and milder weather might think about moving to Payson. This delightful town in Arizona is surrounded by Tonto National Forest, offering a tranquil escape for residents. Its abundant greenery, flowing waters, and mountains promise countless adventures. Enjoy a peaceful fishing experience at Woods Canyon Lake or experience the tranquility of nature with an exciting horseback ride through Tonto National Forest. Along the way, you'll observe the rich plant and animal life that inhabits the area.
Payson is a top choice for those wanting to avoid the grueling desert heat. This quiet Arizona town experiences pleasant seasonal changes. Data on weatherspark.com shows that summers are warm with average temperatures ranging from 64°F to 91°F. Winter weather comes in cooler with average temperatures from 33°F to 60°F. These mild temperatures make Payson a phenomenal choice for year-round comfort.
Tucson
Retirement is a time to kick back and prioritize your overall well-being. Your passion for food may be a huge part of your life, but maybe you want to say goodbye to endless hours in the kitchen and the daunting cleanup. Tucson is a food lover's paradise for retirees where you are encouraged to eat your heart out. With the abundance of restaurants, you likely won't eat the same thing twice.
Tucson is a passionate culinary center, with restaurants that pride themselves on using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. The city offers a diverse range of cuisines, from Mexican and seafood to vegan and Asian, catering to every taste. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Tucson hosts numerous food-focused events such as the Oro Valley Fall Foodie & Art Festival, Soul Food Wednesday, Sabor ng Bayan, and the Vegan Night Market, ensuring your stomach and heart are satisfied. Explore the culinary roots of the region while supporting local farmers by visiting markets.
Although Tucson boasts many Michelin-starred restaurants, a visit to Le Rendez-vous is essential. It provides a cozy, romantic setting that many guests praise, with one TripAdvisor reviewer noting that the dishes are as exquisite as those in Paris. The city offers a variety of cuisines without the need to travel far; fine Mexican food is never far away. For authentic Mexican fare, stop by El Charro Cafe, the oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson. Enjoy classic dishes like guacamole, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, and chimichangas, and pair them with a margarita or a cold cerveza. Olé!
Chandler
As you enter this new chapter in your life, you want to focus on lowering your stress levels. If personal safety is a concern, relocating to Chandler for a safe retreat is a wonderful choice. Statistics on areavibes.com show that the city has an astonishing 51% lower crime rate than the national average. The overall crime rate is 14% lower than the national average. Chandler receives an A- for safety according to crimegrade.org. The website also mentions that residents state the northeast area of the city is the safest.
If you want to check another item off your worries list, getting around the city is simple. Chandler offers an excellent public transportation system through Valley Metro. Travel between cities, catch a ride to the airport, or easily get around by bus, train, streetcar, or paratransit. Plan an exciting day trip to Phoenix, Mesa, or Scottsdale. Adults over 65 and those with disabilities can pay a discounted fare. A trip planner is available on the Valley Metro website to make planning easier, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
Flagstaff
Golf enthusiasts will fall in love with the tranquil lifestyle Flagstaff has to offer. Become a member at Pine Canyon Golf Club, a top-rated luxury golf club. Put the day away and test your skills at the championship golf course. Meanwhile, bask in the sun and indulge in the lush surrounding scenery of the San Francisco mountains and ponderosa pine forests. For a more budget-friendly option, Continental Country Club is another fan favorite that's easy on the wallet.
Flagstaff serves as an ideal Arizona retreat for those who appreciate seasonal changes. According to data on weatherspark.com, temperatures fluctuate from 19.4°F to 80.6°F across the year. Summers usually see a daily high around 73.4°F, while winters average about 50°F during the day. Visiting from late September to mid-October is perfect for experiencing fall foliage at its best. Top spots to explore include Arizona Snowbowl, The Arboretum, the downtown district, and Oak Creek Canyon. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Prescott
Grab your cowboy boots and hat because you are heading to the Wild West. Prescott is an enchanting, historic old town perfect for retirees wanting a unique hideaway. There are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the area's rich history. The four-acre premises has 11 buildings loaded with exhibits, artifacts, and history. See early home life at the Bashford House, relax in the exquisite Rose Garden, and see a replica of the area's first school.
Prescott's downtown is a historic and iconic spot. Step back in time by exploring Whiskey Row and visiting one of the many restored saloons. The Palace Restaurant & Saloon offers a taste of the past. Just be careful not to get caught in a shootout. The area is very walkable, allowing you to spend the day browsing shops, art galleries, restaurants, and museums.
Williams
Any Arizona travel is not complete without seeing the majestic Grand Canyon. The city of Williams is coined as the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon." Within an hour and 20 minutes, you can marvel at this natural masterpiece. If you stay past sunset, you can witness some pretty intense stargazing opportunities. Williams is also located on the famous Route 66, so a future road trip is in order. The city is also conveniently located around 40 minutes from Flagstaff if you're looking for those big city amenities.
If affordable living is your main concern, consider Williams. Citytistics.com assigns the city a livability score of 72 out of 100. The site notes that the cost of living there is below the national average. Zillow market data indicates the average rent in Williams is approximately $1,200, much lower than Arizona's statewide average of $2,000. Think about the additional savings of $800 each month.
Consider Arizona For Your Retirement
Arizona is an incredible place to call home. The diverse landscape is ideal for biking, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. With varying elevations, you can either choose a city that's consistently warm or experiences seasonal changes. Live a life of luxury in Scottsdale, experience endless adventures in Sedona, or eat your way through Tucson. Choose Flagstaff for that slow-paced golfer's paradise, or ditch the car in Chandler for its incredible public transport. You also can not go wrong with affordable living in Green Valley which takes pride in providing for its majority senior residents. Regardless of the choice you make, you'll find peace in Arizona.
