Sierra Vista, AZ 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Sierra Vista is a city in Southern Arizona, which is part of the Sierra Vista-Douglas metropolitan area in Cochise County. Best known for being a medium-sized city surrounded by desert, Sierra Vista is ideal for retirees who enjoy a dry heat and exploring the outdoors. 

Climate & Geography

The city has a cold semi-arid climate type, which has four distinct seasons unlike most desert climates: spring and fall are dry with mild temperatures; winter is cool to cold with occasional frosts; and summer is hot and mostly dry but has a monsoon season in the later months which can bring occasional wet weather and torrential rains. Residents can expect almost no snowfall, less rain than the national average, and approximately 284 sunny days throughout each year.

Sierra Vista is approximately 75 miles southeast of Tucson, and just north of the Mexico-United States border. The elevation is 4,623 feet above sea level. The Huachuca Mountains border the city to the southwest, and the San Pedro River flows just east of the city. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Active adults take advantage of the hot and dry weather all year long by taking a stroll and biking through San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. There are also hiking opportunities through Carr Canyon and Brown’s Canyon Trail. Garden Canyon and Beatty’s Miller Canyon Apiary & Orchard are great locations for residents to explore greenery. Additionally, museums and art galleries are scattered throughout the city. 

For an even wider variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities, the major city of Phoenix can be reached in about three hours, which makes it great for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The overall cost living in Sierra Vista is significantly lower than the state and national average. This is primarily due to the low cost of homes and housing, but transportation costs are also quite low, and grocery costs are just below average. However, health care and utilities costs are slightly higher than average. 

Arizona is considered moderately tax friendly for retirees. Social Security benefits are not taxed in the state, while public pensions are eligible for a deduction. Private pensions and income from retirement savings accounts are fully taxed with no special exemptions. Property taxes are relatively low, and there is a property valuation freeze and a property tax deferment program available for residents who qualify based on age, income, and length of residency. Sales tax is average and does not apply to groceries or prescription medication.

Health Care

Gallup’s Well-Being Index rates the Tucson area at about average in comparison to other cities. The state of Arizona is also rated on the higher end of average.

There are two highly ranked medical centers and hospitals located within 60 miles of Sierra Vista. They are Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital and TMC Healthcare-Tucson. Both hospitals are rated high performing in various adult procedures and conditions according to U.S. News.