Arizona 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

55+ communities in Arizona are ever-growing in popularity among sun-seeking, fun-loving retirees. The Grand Canyon State is the birthplace of modern active retirement communities. In the 1960s, Sun City made history as the nation’s first age-restricted active adult community. Now, Arizona retirees have many options with 100,000+ homes in 55+ communities.

Arizona Climate & Geography

Arizona is the sixth largest state in the Southwest with various climate conditions. Areas with lower elevations mainly have a desert climate with mild winters and hot summers. Northern Arizona is higher in altitude and has a cooler climate with cold winters and mild summers.

Known for its deserts and mountains, Arizona has no shortage of spectacular views. The Sonoran Desert covers the southwest area while the Chihuahuan Desert is a small part of the southeast. To the northwest, you can find the Mojave Desert and the Painted Desert further north. The state is fairly mountainous with elevations exceeding 9,000 feet.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment in Arizona

From exploring the outdoors to watching sports or experiencing arts and culture, you will have many options for entertainment. You also have many choices in Arizona sports teams and events, including the Cardinals, Suns, Diamondbacks, and Coyotes. Baseball fans might appreciate that the MLB spring training facilities are here too.

If you’re seeking arts and culture, there are many museums and art centers throughout the state. Arizona has a rich Native American history and is recognized for its historical and modern art galleries.

Filled with outdoor parks and recreational opportunities, Arizona offers plenty of options for getting outside. Northern Arizona’s mountains and forests offer some of the best hiking and biking in the state. North Central Arizona is rich in mountain retreats, shady trails, lakes, and rivers perfect for camping and fishing.

The Phoenix and Central Arizona areas have dry climates and diverse animal populations worth watching. Tucson and Southern Arizona are home to caves, hiking, trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and top-notch golfing. Western Arizona is home to Lake Mead and Lake Havasu, great for boating and wildlife watching.

Arizona Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in Arizona varies by city and region. Overall, living here is cheaper than most of the U.S. on average. Social Security benefits are not taxed, and there are exemptions for some retirement income.

As for property tax, Arizona residents have no state tax and are only responsible for local taxes. Food for home consumption and prescription drugs are also excluded from taxes.

Health Care in Arizona

114 hospitals are in Arizona, four of which are nationally ranked. They include:

• The Mayo Clinic in Phoenix
• University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson
• Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center in Scottsdale
• St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix

Specifically, Phoenix’s cancer research, treatment facilities, and trusted experts are renowned.

Retiring in Arizona FAQs

What is the best place to retire in Arizona?

Arizona has many good places to retire for any lifestyle. For retirees looking for cities to settle down in, 55+ communities in Scottsdale have been on the rise.

What are the best small towns in Arizona to retire in?

The following small towns are some of the most popular among Arizona retirees:

• Youngtown
• Peoria
• Sun City
• Green Valley
• San Luis
• Eloy
• Bullhead City

What are the best cities to retire in Arizona?

Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott, and Yuma are the largest metropolitan areas in Arizona and offer a lot of variety. Other popular cities to retire in include Scottsdale, Mesa, and Surprise.

How much does it cost to live in a 55+ community in Arizona?

As of 2023, the average cost of residing in an age-restricted community in the U.S. is between a $1,500 to $4,000 monthly fee. This price can vary by HOA fees, amenities, security, and other expenses.