Prescott, AZ 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Temperate, active, and artistic, Prescott is a popular mountain city in Arizona. The city offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and camping, as well as a bustling arts community downtown. With warm weather that is slightly less intense than the rest of the state, Prescott is an attractive destination for retirees.

Climate & Geography 

Prescott is located in Northern Arizona, which makes it slightly more temperate than the rest of the state. It is considered a mediterranean climate, rather than desert, but there is a wet summer season. Summers are warm and sunny, and winters receive a small amount of snow that is light typically melts away quickly. 

Nestled in the evergreen Bradshaw Mountains, the city is surrounded by Prescott National Forest to its west and Coconino National Forest to its east. Residents can expect over 270 days of sunshine and less than average rainfall.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Prescott has a booming art scene with no shortage of art galleries, as well as boutique and antique shops located in its historic downtown. Many of the homes and buildings are Victorian and have been kept in good condition due to preservation incentives. Residents seeking a bit of old world charm and history can visit Whiskey Row, full of classic bars and cowboy saloons.

Outdoor recreation is abundant, with five lakes and many trails surrounding the city. These include popular destinations Watson Lake, Goldwater Lake, Thumb Butte Trail 33, and Lynx Lake Recreation Area, all of which offer hiking, camping, kayaking, and swimming. 

There are also local farmers markets on Saturdays as well as four golf courses within city limits. 

Cost of Living & Taxes 

Housing and health care costs in Prescott are far above the national average, which increases the overall cost of living. Other factors, such as grocery and utilities, hover just slightly above the average in the U.S. Transportation is much lower than the rest of the country.

Arizona is considered a “mixed-tax” state. It has a lower than average income tax rate at 4.54 percent, but Social Security benefits are exempt, as well as a portion of other retirement income. Sales taxes are high, reaching a combined 9.1 percent for the city of Prescott, whereas property taxes are below the national average.

Health Care

Prescott consistently ranks well in Gallup’s Well-Being Index, recently placing in the top 10 communities nationwide.

There are two hospitals within city limits, with two more in the surrounding valley. Yavapai Regional Medical Center within the city is ranked as High-Performing by U.S. News in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).