Goodyear

Overview 

Goodyear is a suburban city in Central Arizona. With little rain, plentiful sunshine, and year round warmth, it has become an in-demand destination for retirees. The city has experienced rapid expansion and development, which has brought more amenities and recreational activities, including golfing, shopping, and festivals to this popular destination. 

Climate & Geography 

As a western suburb of Phoenix, Goodyear experiences a similar subtropical climate with long, hot summers and short, pleasant winters. Rain is infrequent, there is no snowfall, and occasional dust storms can occur. The Gila River bisects the city, and Estrella Mountain Regional Park is located in its central, eastern border. 

Most of Goodyear’s development has occurred since 1990 and has rapidly expanded. Estrella, in the southern area of the city, is its largest master-planned community, and there are many more planned for the next several years as city officials except exponential growth.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Active adults looking for plenty of outdoor recreation can find it in Goodyear. The Estrella Mountain Regional Park has long, flat hikes throughout the desert. Sports fans can catch spring training at the Goodyear Ballpark, and golfers can check out several courses, including the Golf Club of Estrella, Tres Rios Golf Course, Eagle’s Nest Golf Club, Tuscany Falls Golf Course, Palm Valley Golf Club, and more.

The Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater hosts a variety of shows and concerts, including the popular Lakeside Music Festival in spring and the annual Ballet Under the Stars event. Residents can also find all their daily needs at several marketplaces, including Canyon Trails Towne Center and the Market at Estrella Falls.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

Goodyear’s cost of living is above the national average. Transportation and housing are the two biggest reasons for this increase. Other factors like health care and utilities hover just above average, while groceries are below.

Arizona is relatively tax friendly. While Social Security is not taxed, other types of retirement income are fully taxed. The state has low property taxes, but sales taxes are high, and Goodyear’s combined sales tax is 8.8 percent.

Health Care

The Phoenix metropolitan area generally scores well of Gallup’s Well-Being Index. Most recently, it ranked in the top 50 communities across the country. Arizona itself ranked in the top 15 states according to the same index.

There are two hospitals in Goodyear: Cancer Treatment Centers of America Phoenix and Abrazo West Campus. The closest U.S. news rated high performing hospital is the Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix. Nearby Sun City has the No. 2 hospital in Arizona, Banner Boswell Medical Center.