Arizona and Florida are two of the top choices for retirees looking to settle into a 55+ active adult community. Both states boast warm climates, abundant sunshine, and a vibrant lifestyle tailored to retirees. They also offer a lower cost of living compared to many other states and have well-developed health care services to accommodate their large retiree populations. But which one is the right fit for you? Let’s compare what each state has to offer.
Climate & Weather
Arizona
Arizona has a very pleasant climate, with mild winters and the opportunity to play golf or go hiking pretty much all year round. The downside is that it gets extremely hot, especially in central and southern Arizona, for several months over the summer. People adjust their daily routines so that chores and recreation take place early in the morning before the mid-day heat builds up. But the good news is that it’s a dry heat, as Arizona’s predominantly desert climate sees very little humidity.
That said, Arizona is a big state and Northern Arizona is very different from Southern Arizona. In the north, you’ll see trees rather than cacti and you’ll see snow in the winter, but the summers are much more pleasant.
Florida
While Florida can generally match Arizona in terms of temperatures, it does also have that humidity. Summer temperatures in somewhere like Miami come nowhere near the searing heat of Phoenix, but against that is the high humidity, which makes the heat seem more oppressive. Even in winter, Miami will see daytime temperatures in the upper 60s and 70s.
The bad news is, of course, the risk of hurricanes. Devastating hurricanes have been increasingly frequent in recent years, and this is a risk that you have to be prepared to live with.
Cost of Living & Taxes
Arizona
Arizona has no gift or estate tax, nor does it tax social security payments. There is also no inheritance tax. Widows, widowers, and disabled people are also exempt from property taxes, which on average are 0.62% of property value compared to a U.S. average of 1.07%.
According to the Cost of Living Index, the cost of living in Arizona is slightly below the national average, although house prices are slightly higher. It also depends on where you live. If you choose the Phoenix area then your cost of living will be higher than it would be in Tucson or in more rural areas of the state. It’s worth remembering, too, that your home insurance will cost you less than in Florida, because of that hurricane risk.
Florida
On the Cost of Living Index, Florida is just above the U.S. national average, but not substantially so. Housing costs are higher than average and highest in popular places like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. Utility costs tend to be higher, too, in trying to combat that humidity.
When it comes to taxes, Florida is also an attractive option for retirees who are considering Arizona vs. Florida. One significant advantage is that there is no state income tax. In Arizona it’s 2.5%. Property taxes are on average around 0.89% of property value, almost 50% higher than in Arizona, and your property insurance bill will be higher, too. Sales tax is lower than in Arizona, with an approximate state average of 7% compared to Arizona’s 8%, but there are regional variations.
Housing Market & 55+ Communities
Arizona has the oldest 55+ community in the country, in Sun City, while Florida can boast the largest such community in the world, in The Villages, home to over 150,000 people–a large city in its own right. In comparison, Arizona’s Sun City has about 40,000 residents.
Average house prices across the states are $430,000 for Arizona compared to $410,000 for Florida, though in both Sun City and The Villages, the cost of homes start at about $300,000.
When comparing Arizona vs Florida, you might also be swayed by the style of the home. Arizona naturally has more homes suitable to a desert climate, with much use of white paint to reflect heat, and flat roofs, though some communities are decked out in vibrant southwestern colors. If you like the idea of a colorful southwestern home, check the rules of the homeowners’ association (HOA) first: some are restrictive while others are free-and-easy about house colors.
Both states also have plenty of ranch-style open-plan homes, making full use of outside space to take advantage of the sunny weather. Florida tends to have more Mediterranean-style homes, suited to the coastal location of many communities, with large windows for those ocean views. In Florida, homes are also designed to deal with the humidity and the possibility of hurricanes, some coming equipped with sturdy hurricane shutters.
Lifestyle & Recreation
Arizona
If you’re thinking of moving to Arizona, the state’s climate and wide open spaces make it the ideal destination for lovers of outdoor sports like golf, tennis, and pickleball, and for those who just love the outdoors, including hikers, bikers, and horse riders. There are three national parks (including the Grand Canyon National Park), and 13 national monuments offering hiking trails, driving routes, and other ways to explore Arizona’s epic scenery.
In addition, there are indoor pleasures, with the museums of Phoenix and Tucson, bars, restaurants, theaters, music, and anything anyone might want by way of cultural offerings.
Florida
If you’re thinking of moving to Florida, the state’s climate encourages a similar active outdoor lifestyle, with a similar range of sports and activities available, but with an added emphasis on beaches and watersports. Florida also has three national parks, including the majestic and mysterious Everglades, as well as national preserves and national seashores for everyone to enjoy. There are also, of course, Orlando’s several theme parks to play around in, whether you’re young or old, which is something Arizona can’t offer. This may be a factor if you anticipate lots of visits from the grandkids.
Florida also has a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, but balanced with more cultural offerings by way of world-class museums, theaters, music, movies, and everything to ensure that culture-lovers will not be disappointed,
Health Care & Medical Facilities
Because of the large numbers of retirees, both states have good medical care to cater to the needs of their many seniors. However, the quality of care is decreasing. This is the case across much of the U.S., due to a shortage of doctors, especially Primary Care Providers. Because of this, if health care is an important issue for you then in either state you should look at living in the bigger urban areas, as small towns and rural areas may not offer you the facilities you need.
Arizona has several highly ranked hospitals, particularly in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. Examples include the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix and Banner University Medical Center Tucson. Florida also has several highly ranked hospitals, especially in urban areas like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando. Examples include Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Cleveland Clinic Florida, and Tampa General Hospital.
In terms of health care costs, Arizona is slightly below the national average and Florida slightly above, but these are not significant differences. It’s also worth noting that Arizona expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which has improved access to care for low-income residents, but Florida did not.
One advantage Arizona has is that the dry heat of the state’s desert climate brings some free health benefits. Many people who suffer from arthritis, for example, find that the dry and warm climate eases their pain considerably. Those with asthma and breathing problems also find the clean, dry air beneficial, as do allergy sufferers. In contrast, Florida’s hot and humid climate can pose health risks for older adults, such as heat-related illnesses.
Natural Disasters & Environmental Factors
Arizona
Arizona is a relatively safe place when it comes to natural disasters, as there are no earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes. There are occasional forest fires (about 20% of Arizona is covered by trees, not desert), though as yet nothing as serious as the wildfires that have been seen in California in recent years. There can sometimes be dust storms, which can be severe enough to halt traffic, though these aren’t especially dangerous if you behave sensibly.
Florida
In this case, Florida definitely loses out to Arizona. Hurricanes are a genuine concern, as everyone has seen the storm damage in recent years. As just one example, in January 2022 Hurricane Ian caused $112 billion in damages in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples. Florida is also one of the most flood-prone states in the US, with much of the land being at or near sea level. The high humidity levels bring the comparatively minor but still annoying battle against mold.
Arizona vs. Florida: Which One is Right for You?
So, Arizona or Florida? If you can tolerate the hot summers then Arizona’s climate probably wins out. It also has the edge when it comes to the cost of living, as well as its lack of natural disasters like hurricanes. Florida, on the other hand, is more diverse and is more geared to urban living. Arizona only has two major cities, and the second of these, Tucson, only has a population of around 600,000 (1.1 million in the metropolitan area). In contrast, if you like the buzz of cities then Florida can offer lifestyle communities in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
In the end, it comes down to personal choice. If you like messing about in boats, then Florida is the obvious pick. If you love mountain scenery, then head west. You may hate the thought of humidity and hurricanes, or you may hate the thought of extreme summer heat: Phoenix regularly has over 100 consecutive summer days when temperatures are over 100 degrees. If you plan on being a snowbird for a while, maybe that’s not so important.
Before making your decision, consider visiting both states to explore different 55+ communities and experience the lifestyle firsthand. To make the process even easier, contact 55places.com to connect with a real estate expert who can help you find the perfect community and guide you in choosing the best location for your retirement.
