Florence, AZ 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Located about an hour from Phoenix in Central Arizona, Florence serves as a warm retirement destination with plentiful outdoor recreation. Surrounded by mountains and parks, active adults have no shortage of hiking and biking trails. Besides this, retirees enjoy local wineries, museums, and boutiques.

Climate & Geography

Florence residents experience a hot desert climate with hot summers and warm winters. There is an abundance of sunny days and little rainfall throughout the year.

Florence is located in the Sonoran Desert southeast of the Tonto National Forest. The San Tan Mountain Regional Park is directly northwest of the city, and the Gila River bisects Florence.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Active adults seeking outdoor recreation have an abundance of opportunities in Florence. Some of the most popular hiking destinations include Casa Grande Ruins National Monument and Poston Butte, and retirees can walk peacefully through the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The Florence Aquatic Center provides an escape for those looking to cool down from the desert heat with a lap pool and shaded areas. There are also several golf courses in the area at Poston Butte Golf Club, Golf Club at Oasis, and Three Parks Fairways.

In nearby Phoenix, the South Mountain Park and Preserve is the largest municipal park in the U.S. The park has numerous trails for horseback riding, hiking, and biking as well as incredible views of the 16,000-acre park at the top of the mountain.  

Entertainment options in Florence include the Windmill Winery and Pinal County Historical Museum, and residents can shop at a number of local boutiques. Additional shopping centers and events can be found in Phoenix.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost of living in Florence is below the national average because of lower housing and transportation costs.

Arizona does not tax Social Security benefits. Military and government pensions are eligible for deductions of up to $2,500, but all other forms of retirement income are fully taxed.  Property taxes are lower than average, and there is a 9.2 percent sales tax in Florence. 

Health Care

The Phoenix metro area ranks in the top 50 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index.

There are no hospitals in Florence, but there are several located within 30 miles that are rated high performing by U.S. News. The closest of these include Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Banner Gateway Medical Center, and Arizona Spine and Joint Hospital.