Overview
Gold Canyon is a community in Pinal County, Arizona, located about an hour away from Phoenix. Its prime location and sunny weather have made it a desirable option for retirees. Besides that, the city is home to plenty of outdoor activities, and a small town feel.
Climate and Geography
Located in Southern Arizona, Gold Canyon experiences a hot desert climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are short and mild with much lower temperatures at night. Residents can expect to see less rainfall than the national average, no snowfall, and over 200 sunny days throughout the year.
Like most of Southern Arizona, Gold Canyon is built on desert land. Situated just south of the Superstition Mountain range foothills, the community is home to many scenic landscapes, including mountains and canyons.
Recreation, Entertainment, and Culture
Residents looking to get outside in Gold Canyon have plenty of opportunities to do so. The many parks and public trails nearby provide residents with easy access to outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking, camping, and other activities. Some of the most popular options in the area are Hieroglyphic Canyon Trail, Peralta Canyon, and Lost Gold Mine Trail.
There are five 18-hole championship golf courses within the community, and dozens more within a thirty-minute drive.
Gold Canyon’s downtown is home to a variety of restaurants, from fine dining to chain options. Residents can also frequent the Mesa Market Place Swap Meet, a local favorite.
Residents that want to explore the amenities of a larger city can visit Phoenix, which is only an hour drive from Gold Canyon.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Gold Canyon is slightly higher than the national and state averages. This is due to housing and home costs which are significantly higher than the national average. Other indexes such as utilities, transportation, and healthcare are higher than the national averages, while the cost of groceries is lower.
Arizona has become a retirement hub for many people. There are several tax breaks for residents 65+, and Social Security benefits are untaxed. The state sales tax is 5.6 percent and Gold Canyon has a 1.6 percent rate for a combined sales tax of 7.2 percent.
Health Care
There are four hospitals and medical centers near Gold Canyon, each rated high performing in at least two procedures by U.S News: Banner Heart Hospital, Banner Baywood Medical Center, Arizona Spine and Joint Hospital, and Banner Gateway Medical Center.