Arizona 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities
55+ communities in Arizona are ever-growing in popularity among sun-seeking, fun-loving retirees. The Grand Canyon State is the birthplace of modern active retirement communities. In the 1960s, Sun City made history as the nation’s first age-restricted active adult community. Now, Arizona retirees have many options with 100,000+ homes in 55+ communities.
Arizona Climate & Geography
Arizona is the sixth largest state in the Southwest with various climate conditions. Areas with lower elevations mainly have a desert climate with mild winters and hot summers. Northern Arizona is higher in altitude and has a cooler climate with cold winters and mild summers.
Known for its deserts and mountains, Arizona has no shortage of spectacular views. The Sonoran Desert covers the southwest area while the Chihuahuan Desert is a small part of the southeast. To the northwest, you can find the Mojave Desert and the Painted Desert further north. The state is fairly mountainous with elevations exceeding 9,000 feet.
Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in Arizona
From exploring the outdoors to watching sports or experiencing arts and culture, you will have many options for entertainment. You also have many choices in Arizona sports teams and events, including the Cardinals, Suns, Diamondbacks, and Coyotes. Baseball fans might appreciate that the MLB spring training facilities are here too.
If you’re seeking arts and culture, there are many museums and art centers throughout the state. Arizona has a rich Native American history and is recognized for its historical and modern art galleries.
Filled with outdoor parks and recreational opportunities, Arizona offers plenty of options for getting outside. Northern Arizona’s mountains and forests offer some of the best hiking and biking in the state. North Central Arizona is rich in mountain retreats, shady trails, lakes, and rivers perfect for camping and fishing.
The Phoenix and Central Arizona areas have dry climates and diverse animal populations worth watching. Tucson and Southern Arizona are home to caves, hiking, trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and top-notch golfing. Western Arizona is home to Lake Mead and Lake Havasu, great for boating and wildlife watching.
Arizona Cost of Living & Taxes
The cost of living in Arizona varies by city and region. Overall, living here is cheaper than most of the U.S. on average. Social Security benefits are not taxed, and there are exemptions for some retirement income.
As for property tax, Arizona residents have no state tax and are only responsible for local taxes. Food for home consumption and prescription drugs are also excluded from taxes.
Health Care in Arizona
114 hospitals are in Arizona, four of which are nationally ranked. They include:
- The Mayo Clinic in Phoenix
- University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson
- Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center in Scottsdale
- St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix
Specifically, Phoenix’s cancer research, treatment facilities, and trusted experts are renowned.
Retiring in Arizona FAQs
What is the best place to retire in Arizona?
Arizona has many good places to retire for any lifestyle. For retirees looking for cities to settle down in, 55+ communities in Scottsdale have been on the rise.
What are the best small towns in Arizona to retire in?
The following small towns are some of the most popular among Arizona retirees:
- Youngtown
- Peoria
- Sun City
- Green Valley
- San Luis
- Eloy
- Bullhead City
What are the best cities to retire in Arizona?
Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott, and Yuma are the largest metropolitan areas in Arizona and offer a lot of variety. Other popular cities to retire in include Scottsdale, Mesa, and Surprise.
How much does it cost to live in a 55+ community in Arizona?
As of 2023, the average cost of residing in an age-restricted community in the U.S. is between a $1,500 to $4,000 monthly fee. This price can vary by HOA fees, amenities, security, and other expenses.
Communities Near Arizona
- Arizona (146)
Sun City
- Low $1Ms
- 28257 Homes (492 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1960 - 2016
-
5 Rating (14 Reviews)
Sun City West
- High $100ks - High $900ks
- 16900 Homes (317 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1978 - 1997
-
4.5 Rating (8 Reviews)
Sun City Grand
- High $300ks - Low $1Ms
- 9802 Homes (218 for sale)
- 45+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1996 - 2005
-
5 Rating (3 Reviews)
Robson Ranch – Arizona
- Low $300ks - High $900ks
- 4600 Homes (50 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2005 - Present
-
4.9 Rating (15 Reviews)
Sun City Festival
- Low $300ks - High $800ks
- 7200 Homes (109 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2006 - Present
-
3.7 Rating (15 Reviews)
Leisure World
- High $200ks - Mid $1Ms
- 2664 Homes (38 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1972 - 1994
-
3.5 Rating (4 Reviews)
PebbleCreek
- Low $300ks - Mid $1Ms
- 6200 Homes (97 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 1994 - Present
-
5 Rating (7 Reviews)
SaddleBrooke
- Low $300ks - Mid $1Ms
- 5400 Homes (88 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 1989 - Present
-
4.4 Rating (16 Reviews)
Sun Lakes
- Low $200ks - Low $1Ms
- 6683 Homes (135 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1972 - 2006
-
3.9 Rating (13 Reviews)
Province
- High $200ks - High $600ks
- 2217 Homes (63 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2004 - Present
-
4.5 Rating (20 Reviews)
Green Valley Recreation
- Mid $1Ms
- 13200 Homes (403 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 1978 - Present
-
3 Rating (2 Reviews)
Quail Creek
- Low $300ks - High $700ks
- 4000 Homes (60 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 1991 - Present
-
3.6 Rating (5 Reviews)
Westbrook Village
- Mid $300ks - High $700ks
- 3910 Homes (71 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1982 - 1993
-
4 Rating (1 Review)
Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch
- Low $300ks - Mid $600ks
- 3800 Homes (55 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2006 - Present
-
4.7 Rating (6 Reviews)
Victory at Verrado
- Mid $300ks - Mid $1Ms
- 3500 Homes (70 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2015 - Present
-
4.2 Rating (5 Reviews)
Trilogy at Vistancia®
- Mid $400ks - Low $1Ms
- 3300 Homes (71 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2004 - Present
-
5 Rating (1 Review)
Sunland Springs Village
- Mid $300ks - Low $700ks
- 2890 Homes (29 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1997 - 2020
-
5 Rating (1 Review)
Dreamland Villa
- High $200ks - Low $500ks
- 2732 Homes (39 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1959 - 1978
-
4 Rating (1 Review)
Sunland Village
- High $200ks - High $400ks
- 2600 Homes (11 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1974 - 1984
- Be the first to leave a review!
Canoa Ranch
- Low $300ks - Mid $700ks
- 2500 Homes (24 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2000 - Present
- Be the first to leave a review!
Sun City Oro Valley
- Mid $300ks - Mid $700ks
- 2488 Homes (39 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1986 - 1996
-
4.6 Rating (7 Reviews)
Sunland Village East
- Mid $200ks - High $600ks
- 2437 Homes (31 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1984 - 1994
-
5 Rating (1 Review)
Encanterra®
- Low $600ks - Mid $1Ms
- 2400 Homes (72 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2008 - Present
-
4 Rating (4 Reviews)
Fountain of the Sun
- Low $200ks - High $400ks
- 2296 Homes (31 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1975 - 1987
-
5 Rating (1 Review)
Trilogy at Power Ranch
- Low $400ks - High $700ks
- 2035 Homes (17 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1999 - 2008
-
5 Rating (4 Reviews)
Trilogy® at Wickenburg Ranch
- Mid $400ks - Low $1Ms
- 2000 Homes (72 for sale)
- No Age Restrictions
- New And Resale Homes
- 2015 - Present
-
5 Rating (1 Review)
Apache Wells
- Mid $200ks - Low $700ks
- 1823 Homes (29 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1960 - 2019
- Be the first to leave a review!
Arizona Traditions
- Mid $300ks - Mid $600ks
- 1768 Homes (31 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1997 - 2013
-
4.5 Rating (4 Reviews)
Ventana Lakes
- Mid $300ks - High $500ks
- 1701 Homes (31 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- Resale Homes Only
- 1986 - 2020
-
4 Rating (3 Reviews)
CantaMia at Estrella
- High $300ks - Mid $700ks
- 1700 Homes (49 for sale)
- 55+ Age Restriction
- New And Resale Homes
- 2010 - Present
-
4.4 Rating (10 Reviews)