Dewey 55+ Retirement Communities

Located in Central Arizona, Dewey is a peaceful small town that offers an ideal setting for retirement living. The town is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills and panoramic views of the Bradshaw Mountains, making it a perfect destination for those who love outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Dewey is home to a diverse range of local businesses that offer shopping, dining, and entertainment options for residents and visitors alike. The area's climate is moderate with plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal place to live.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Dewey is a small town located in Yavapai County, Arizona, with a population of around 4,400 people. The cost of living in Dewey is somewhat high, with a cost of living index of 112.9, which is higher than the national average of 100. The cost of groceries and transportation is slightly lower than the national average, but utilities and healthcare are more expensive. Much of the higher costs in Dewey are due to housing costs, the median home price is $435,300, which is somewhat higher than the state median of $407,400 and much higher than the U.S. median home price of $338,100.

Arizona is generally known for having low property taxes, and Dewey is no exception. The property tax rate in Yavapai County is 0.54 percent of a property's assessed value, which is below the state average. The sales tax rate in Dewey is currently 9.18 percent of which 5.6 percent is state tax, 0.75 percent is Yavapai County and 2.83 percent is Prescott Valley tax. For more information on local taxes, residents can visit the Yavapai County Assessor's website.

Kiplinger rates Arizona as one of the most tax-friendly states. Starting in 2023 the income tax will be a flat rate of 2.5 percent with Social Security and military retirement income being exempt. Arizona does tax other forms of retirement income but does not have inheritance or estate taxes.

Climate and Geography 

Dewey's average temperature in July, the hottest month, ranges from 61 to 89 degrees, and the average humidity is around 36 percent. In contrast, the average temperature in January, the coldest month, ranges from 26 to 54 degrees, and the area may receive a small amount of snowfall averaging around 2 inches annually. The annual rainfall amount is around 12 inches, which mainly occurs during the summer monsoon season from July to September.

Located in the high desert region of central Arizona, Dewey is surrounded by picturesque mountains and rolling hills. The area's topography is characterized by juniper and piñon forests, rugged rock formations, and grassy plains. Nearby Prescott National Forest offers outdoor enthusiasts numerous opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Verde River, one of the state's few perennial streams, flows nearby, offering visitors the chance to kayak, canoe, or fish. The area's unique geography and natural beauty make it a popular destination for outdoor recreation and scenic drives.

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

The towns and cities in the Dewey area offer a variety of recreational activities and cultural events that can cater to the interests of all types of visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in and near Dewey:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Prescott Golf and Country Club
• Antelope Hills Golf Course
• Heritage Park Racquetball Courts
• Coyote Springs Tennis Courts

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• Prescott National Forest
• Granite Mountain Trailhead
• Watson Lake Park
• Lynx Lake Recreation Area

Museums and Historical Sites

• Phippen Museum
• Sharlot Hall Museum
• Smoki Museum
• Prescott Frontier Days, Inc.

Performing Arts

• Prescott Center for the Arts
• Yavapai College Performing Arts Center
• Elks Opera House
• Prescott Film Festival

Shopping

• Prescott Gateway Mall
• Frontier Village Shopping Center
• Gurley Street Consignment
• The Artful Lodger

Parks and Gardens

• Prescott Park
• A.C. Williams Granite Creek Park
• Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza
• Sharlot Hall Museum Gardens

Festivals and Fairs

• Yavapai County Fair
• Prescott Bluegrass Festival
• Prescott Frontier Days
• Prescott Fine Arts and Wine Festival

Health and Wellness 

Dewey offers a range of health and wellness options for 55+ active adults. There are several major medical centers within close proximity, including Yavapai Regional Medical Center and Flagstaff Medical Center. These hospitals offer a range of services, including emergency care, surgical services, rehabilitation, and specialty care.

In addition to the major medical centers, there are many local options for keeping fit and well. There are several nearby gyms and fitness centers in the area that offer fitness classes, personal training, and state-of-the-art equipment. There are also many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, biking paths, and golf courses. For those who are interested in healthy eating the Prescott Farmers Market and the Chino Valley Farmers Markets offer fresh, locally sourced produce, baked goods, and other artisanal foods.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you're considering retiring to Dewey, AZ, a visit to the area can provide valuable insight into whether it's the right fit for you. Here are some ideas to help you explore and learn about the area. 

Day One

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast or coffee at the Lazy River Café, known for its hearty breakfast dishes and friendly service.
• Visit the Dewey-Humboldt Historical Society Museum to learn about the town's history and culture.
• Visit the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary and see the many species of animals and birds that call it home.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Billy Jacks Saloon & Grill, which offers a wide variety of dishes ranging from burgers to steak.
• Take a scenic drive through the Prescott National Forest and enjoy the beautiful views and wildlife.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at Murphy's Restaurant, known for its historic surroundings, comfortable atmosphere and delicious food.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with a visit to the Prescott Farmers Market, which offers a wide variety of fresh produce and artisanal products.
• Meet with a local real estate agent who specializes in 55+ retirement communities to learn more about the available options and what might be the best fit for you.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at The Blue Hills Cafe, a charming local cafe that offers a range of lunch items.
• Spend some time exploring the shops and boutiques in downtown Prescott, which is just a short drive from Dewey.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Augie's, known for its classic diner fare and friendly atmosphere.

Getting to Dewey, AZ

Visitors have several transportation options when it comes to reaching Dewey, AZ, whether by car or by air:

By Car:

Dewey is easily accessible by car as it is located near several major highways. Visitors coming from Phoenix can take I-17 north and then take exit 287 for AZ-69 towards Prescott/Prescott Valley. From there, continue on AZ-69 for approximately 10 miles and then take the exit for AZ-169 N towards Dewey/Humboldt. Visitors driving from Flagstaff can take I-17 south and take the same exit to AZ-69 towards Prescott/Prescott Valley.

By Air:

For visitors traveling by air, the closest major airport to Dewey is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is approximately 100 miles south of Dewey. Visitors can fly into PHX from a variety of major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a major hub for American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, visitors can either rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach Dewey. Several shuttle services operate in the area, including Arizona Shuttle and Shuttle U. Visitors could also take a taxi or Uber to reach Dewey, although it is a long drive and will be far more expensive than shuttle services.