Overview
Located in Central Arizona, Maricopa is a quiet, residential community. It is popular for retirees looking for year-round warm weather, plentiful outdoor recreation, and small community events. Besides this, residents can easily access all of the amenities of nearby Phoenix.
Climate & Geography
Maricopa is a southern suburb of Phoenix with a hot desert climate. Summers are long, dry, and very warm with a small amount of rain in late summer. Winters are short and mild with no snow. Residents can expect 296 days of sunshine each year, on average.
The Sonoran Desert National Monument is to the west and southwest of the city. The topography is generally flat with several mountain ranges 10 to 20 miles away. Though Maricopa is directly south of Phoenix, the South Mountain Park and Preserve is in the path, preventing a straight road to the major city.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Maricopa and its surrounding areas offer residents plenty of outdoor recreation. The Sonoran Desert National Monument offers multiple hiking and horseback riding trails. Lake Park, Jane Askew Memorial Park, Copper Sky Park, and Pacana Park in the city also have gazebos, picnic areas, and community events.
Local festivals include the Maricopa Salsa Festival, Fishing Derby, Founder’s Day Celebration, and Holiday Homes on Parade. There are also several Farmers Markets in nearby cities, as well as a monthly market in Maricopa focusing on purchasing healthy food.
The Ak-Chin Reservation just outside the city has a casino with restaurants and live music as well as the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club.
Residents looking for high-end shopping, upscale dining, and entertainment can head to Phoenix, just an hour away.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Maricopa’s cost of living is just slightly above the national average, but below Arizona’s average. Nearly every index hovers above the national average, including housing, health care, utilities, and groceries.
Arizona is moderately tax friendly for retirees. While it does not tax Social Security, all other forms of retirement income are fully taxed. Property taxes tend to be lower than the national average, but Maricopa’s combined sales tax of 9.2 percent is among the highest in the country. Groceries and prescription drugs are exempt from this tax.
Health Care
The Phoenix metro area generally scores well on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, ranking in the top 50 communities across the country. Arizona ranks in the top 15 states.
Although there are no hospitals in Maricopa, the closest hospital is Chandler Regional Medical Center, which U.S. News ranks as the No. 5 hospital in Arizona as well as high performing in six procedures and conditions. Other high performing hospitals include Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert and Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa.
Phoenix has three nationally ranked hospitals: St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, and Mayo Clinic-Phoenix.