55+ Retirement Communities in Carefree, AZ

Carefree is a breathtaking city surrounded by the Sonoran Desert. The climate is warm and sunny, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy activities such as hiking, golfing, and biking. The city boasts a charming downtown area with local shops and restaurants, and the weekly farmer's market is a favorite among locals. With its gorgeous scenery and an ideal climate 55+ communities in Carefree are a fantastic place to call home.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Carefree is a popular retirement destination with a cost of living that is higher than the national average. The cost of housing in the area is the biggest expense, with a median home price of $1,132,400. Groceries and transportation in the Carefree area are about 10 percent higher than the U.S. average, healthcare is about 7 percent lower than average and utilities are almost the same as the national average. 

The city of Carefree has a sales tax of 9.3 percent which consists of the 5.6 percent state sales tax, 0.7 percent Maricopa County sales tax, and a 3 percent Carefree city sales tax. Property taxes in Arizona tend to average below the national average but vary by county, Carefree is in Maricopa County where taxes are 0.59 percent of the home's value. In Arizona, income taxes range from 2.55 to 2.98 percent, while Social Security and military income are tax-free. There are no inheritance or estate taxes. Combined state and local taxes in Arizona result in an average sales tax rate of 8.37 percent. 

Climate and Geography 

Carefree has a hot desert climate with mild winters and hot summers. The average winter temperature ranges from 40 to 70 degrees. The summer season brings high temperatures ranging from 90 to 105 degrees although humidity levels are a low 30 percent on average. The monsoon season, which lasts from July through September, brings afternoon thunderstorms and an average annual rainfall amount of 10 inches. Residents in Carefree 55+ communities enjoy more sunny days than any other U.S. city, with an average of 300 sunny days per year.

The Sonoran Desert surrounds Carefree and the McDowell Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, biking trails, and horseback riding, with views of the unique flora and fauna of the region. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, endless sunshine, and outdoor activities make Carefree a top spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Carefree is an ideal destination for visitors who enjoy outdoor activities, cultural events, and unique shopping experiences.

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Desert Forest Golf Club
• The Boulders Resort & Spa
• The Golf Club at Dove Mountain
• The Tennis Garden at the Boulders Resort

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Black Mountain Summit Trail
• Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
• Cave Creek Regional Park
• Bartlett Lake

Museums and Historical Sites

• Cave Creek Museum
• Desert Foothills Library
• Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
• Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Performing Arts

• Desert Foothills Theater
• Musical Instrument Museum
• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
• The Phoenix Symphony

Shopping

• Carefree Marketplace
• Rare Earth Gallery

Parks and Gardens

• Carefree Desert Gardens
• Desert Botanical Garden
• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Festivals and Fairs

• Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival
• Arizona Balloon Classic
• Arizona Renaissance Festival
• Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

Health and Wellness 

Residents in Carefree 55+ communities have plenty of opportunities for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. There are several medical centers in the area including The HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center which is just a short drive away from Carefree and offers a wide range of medical services. The Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix is about 30 miles from Carefree and provides comprehensive medical care to patients.

For those looking to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, Carefree has plenty of options for self-care and fitness. The town has several yoga studios, fitness centers, and wellness centers that offer various classes and programs, including yoga, Pilates, and meditation. The Boulders Resort & Spa is a luxurious wellness retreat located in Carefree that offers various spa treatments, fitness classes, and wellness programs. Many area parks and natural areas have trails that are great for hiking, walking, and biking. Carefree also has a farmers market where residents can find local produce, natural meats, fresh bread, and other local favorites.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Carefree 55+ Communities

If you are considering buying a home in a 55+ retirement community in Carefree, it's important to visit the area and get a feel for its lifestyle and offerings. Here's a 2-day itinerary that will help you explore the area.

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with breakfast or coffee at the Carefree Roastery, a local favorite known for its delicious coffee and pastries.
• Take a walk in the Carefree Desert Gardens, a beautiful park that features sculptures, cacti, and stunning sunsets.

Afternoon:

• Head to the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, a nature preserve where you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and bird-watching.
• Have lunch at the English Rose Tea Room, a charming tearoom with a menu that includes delicious sandwiches, salads, and tea.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Venues Cafe, a contemporary restaurant that offers a menu of fresh, locally sourced dishes.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at Black Mountain Coffee Shop, a favorite that has been serving all day breakfast and lunch for more than 40 years.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent, who will help you learn more about the different 55+ communities in the area.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at the Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, a popular local spot known for its delicious steaks, burgers, and live music.
• Visit the Cave Creek Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region. The museum offers a variety of exhibits, including an authentic 1880s ranch house.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Giordano Trattoria Romana, which is known for its fabulous Italian food and wide selection of wines.

Getting to Carefree

Carefree is located in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and is very easy for visitors to find no matter where they are coming from.

By Air: The nearest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is about 35 miles away from Carefree. The airport is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest, with flights to and from many cities across the United States. Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to get from the airport to Carefree.

By Car: Major highways leading to Carefree include I-17 and the Carefree Highway (SR-74). Visitors driving from the east can take US-60 to AZ-101 and exit at Scottsdale Road. From there, visitors can head north on Scottsdale Road, which will eventually become Tom Darlington Drive.

By Bus: Greyhound Lines has a bus station located in Phoenix, which is about 35 miles away from Carefree. Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car to get from the bus station to Carefree.