Phoenix is the capital of Arizona, and the fifth-largest city in the U.S. by population. It has all the amenities and attractions of a large city, yet nowhere is too far from dramatic desert landscapes, forests, and lakes. Retirees love moving here for the 300+ days of sunshine, the outdoor lifestyle, and the laid-back southwestern vibe. It’s also a city with many 55+ communities and the infrastructure to support them and their residents.
However, there are pros and cons to living in Phoenix, AZ, and it’s important to consider them. Let’s take a look at what retirees need to know before moving to this desert city!
Retiring in Phoenix: Pros and Cons
Phoenix offers stunning natural landscapes and a wide range of outdoor activities popular among active adults. However, it’s also known for high summer temperatures and heavy traffic. Learning about the pros and cons of living in Phoenix, AZ, is the best way to determine if it’s the right city for you.
Pros
- Active outdoor lifestyle: Whether you enjoy golf, tennis, pickleball, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, or any other activity, one of the main benefits of moving to Phoenix is its active outdoor lifestyle.
- Plenty of golf: The neighboring city of Scottsdale is particularly known for its golf resorts, but there are around 200 golf courses altogether in the main Phoenix area.
- Surrounded by nature: Phoenix is home to the 16,500-acre South Mountain Park, which is located only 15 minutes from downtown. An hour’s drive will take you out to other popular outdoor areas like Lake Pleasant or the 21,000-acre McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Cons
- It gets hot: In the summer, temperatures can be so high that outdoor activities must be limited to very early mornings or evenings. The record temperature in Phoenix is 122 degrees. The daily average for June-August is over 90 degrees, with average highs from June into September over 100 degrees.
- Heavy traffic: You’ll burn a lot of AC sitting in traffic, especially in the summer months when opening the car window isn’t an option. There’s a good loop road around the city, which can get you places fast when the traffic is flowing. Residents avoid rush hours when they can, and public transport isn’t the best.
- Lower pay: If you’re still working, salaries are a little below the national average, but the cost of living is lower than in most West Coast cities.
Phoenix Climate
Phoenix does have a seasonal climate. There may be more than 300 sunny days a year, but daytime temperatures vary widely. In summer, they can exceed 100 degrees for days or weeks at a time. From about December to February, daytime temperatures are likely to be in the 50s. Spring and fall are the favorite seasons for locals, with temperatures typically in the 70s and 80s for long periods. It can drop below freezing overnight in winter, but it doesn’t happen every year. When it does, it’s usually short-lived.
Contrary to what you might think, Phoenix can have rain at any time of the year, though in spring and fall it’s typically minimal. From December to March, you can expect three to four rainy days per month, and slightly more from July to August, when the summer monsoons arrive. These are spectacularly heavy rains that often arrive in the afternoons, with thunder and lightning, but they usually don’t last long.
The long, sunny days make outdoor activities popular, particularly golf. Phoenix is one of the prime golfing destinations in the U.S., but it’s also a great destination for residents who enjoy hiking, biking, tennis, or pickleball.
Phoenix Taxes
In Phoenix and throughout Arizona, taxes are generally lower than the U.S. average. There are also benefits for retirees, many of whom live in Phoenix. For example, there’s no inheritance tax in Arizona, which may be an important factor for some retirees. The cost of living in Phoenix is 6.5% above the national average, but tax savings can balance out these extra costs.
Phoenix Property Taxes
Phoenix is in Maricopa County, the largest county in Arizona, which also encompasses the neighboring cities of Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Peoria, and Gilbert. Arizona property taxes are assessed by the county, and Maricopa’s average effective rate is 0.52%. This is significantly lower than the national average of 1.02%. Property tax exemptions are available for qualifying widows, widowers, and disabled people. Exemptions are also available for low-income retirees on fixed incomes.
Phoenix Retirement Income Taxes
Social Security retirement benefits are not taxed in Phoenix or Arizona unless they come from an out-of-state government pension. Other forms of retirement income are taxed, although tax rates are lower than in other popular retirement states. There are also tax benefits for retired military personnel.
Phoenix Health Care
In Phoenix, you’ll find quality health care, especially for seniors, thanks to the many retirees who move to the city. The Phoenix metropolitan area has nearly 60 hospitals, including top-ranked facilities such as:
- Mayo Clinic
- St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center
- John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital
- Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix
- Barrow Neurological Institute
There are also numerous specialist facilities in adjacent cities, including Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa.
Where to Live in Phoenix
Anthem
Anthem is a master-planned community north of Phoenix, offering a suburban setting framed by desert landscapes and nearby mountains. The area is known for its organized layout, well-maintained neighborhoods, and a slower pace than Phoenix’s urban core.
Residents enjoy access to local shopping, dining, and recreation, along with easy drives to Lake Pleasant and hiking areas in the surrounding foothills. Anthem’s location along Interstate 17 makes it convenient for trips into Phoenix while still feeling removed from city congestion.
55+ Communities in Anthem
Apache Junction
Apache Junction sits east of Phoenix at the base of the Superstition Mountains. The city has a relaxed, outdoors-focused feel and attracts residents who enjoy wide-open spaces and mountain views.
Outdoor recreation plays a big role in daily life, with access to hiking, horseback riding, and nearby state parks. While Apache Junction feels quiet and remote, shopping, dining, and health care options are available locally and in neighboring East Valley cities.
55+ Communities in Apache Junction
Buckeye
Located west of Phoenix, Buckeye is one of the fastest-growing cities in Arizona, but still retains a spacious, small-town feel in many areas. The city spans a large portion of the West Valley, with a range of neighborhoods surrounded by open desert.
Buckeye appeals to those who enjoy newer development, wide roads, and access to outdoor recreation. With convenient highway connections, residents can reach Phoenix, Goodyear, and other West Valley destinations with relative ease.
55+ Communities in Buckeye
Casa Grande
Casa Grande is situated between Phoenix and Tucson, making it a convenient option for those who want access to both metro areas. The city has a laid-back atmosphere and is surrounded by desert landscapes and agricultural land.
Local attractions include golf courses, parks, and historic sites such as Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. Casa Grande offers everyday conveniences and a slower pace of life while remaining well-connected via Interstate 10.
55+ Communities in Casa Grande
Carefree
Carefree is a small town in the northern Phoenix area, known for its desert setting, low-density development, and emphasis on preserving natural surroundings. The town is surrounded by scenic mountain terrain.
Residents enjoy art festivals, local shops, and outdoor spaces, as well as easy access to nearby Cave Creek and North Scottsdale. Carefree’s setting appeals to those who value privacy and a desert environment.
55+ Communities in Carefree
Chandler
Chandler is a well-established city in the Southeast Valley that blends suburban neighborhoods with a strong employment base and a lively downtown area. The city is known for its infrastructure, parks, and variety of shopping and dining options.
Downtown Chandler features local restaurants and breweries, as well as venues such as the Chandler Center for the Arts and the Chandler Museum. The broader city offers access to golf courses, walking paths, and regional amenities. Chandler provides a balance between activity and comfort within the Phoenix metro area.
55+ Communities in Chandler
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Eloy
Eloy is a small city located south of the Phoenix metro area, offering a quiet setting with expansive desert views. The area is best known for its open space and distance from urban congestion.
While Eloy itself is low-key, it provides easy access to Casa Grande and Interstate 10. The surrounding landscape and peaceful pace appeal to those who prefer a more rural-feeling environment.
55+ Communities in Eloy
Florence
Florence is a historic town southeast of Phoenix with deep roots in Arizona’s early territorial days. The downtown area features preserved 19th-century architecture, the Pinal County Historical Museum, and the McFarland State Historic Park. Annual events like Country Thunder Arizona and local art walks add to the town’s strong sense of identity.
Surrounded by desert and mountain scenery, Florence offers a slower pace and a community-oriented atmosphere. While it feels removed from the city, residents can reach Mesa, Chandler, and other East Valley destinations within a reasonable drive.
55+ Communities in Florence
Gilbert
Gilbert is one of the largest communities in the East Valley, and it’s known for its well-planned neighborhoods and strong local identity. Originally established as a farming town, Gilbert has steadily grown into a thriving suburban city while preserving touches of its farming heritage.
The Heritage District serves as a focal point, home to popular restaurants, the Hale Centre Theatre, and the Gilbert Farmers Market, which attracts visitors year-round. Residents also enjoy outdoor spaces like Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch and Freestone Park, along with shopping at SanTan Village and convenient access to health care throughout the East Valley.
55+ Communities in Gilbert
Goodyear
Goodyear is located in the West Valley and has become a popular choice for those seeking newer neighborhoods and easy access to outdoor recreation. The city continues to grow while maintaining a well-planned, residential feel.
Residents enjoy proximity to golf courses, regional parks, and spring training facilities, as well as convenient freeway access to Phoenix and surrounding areas. Goodyear offers a balance of space, amenities, and connectivity.
55+ Communities in Goodyear
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Mesa
Mesa is definitely city living, but at a less frantic pace than in the center of Phoenix. It’s also home to outdoor attractions, including hiking in the mountains and boating in nearby lakes.
If you live in the northeast of Mesa, you’re right on the edge of the desert but only 25 minutes from historic Downtown Mesa with its several museums and the Mesa Arts Center. There are also important archaeological sites, including the Park of the Canals, which honors the engineering achievements of the Native Americans who created a canal network to irrigate the area.
55+ Communities in Mesa
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- Casa de Paz
- Dreamland Villa
- Fountain of the Sun
- Las Alegres
- Sunland Village
- Sunland Village East
- Verde Groves
- Apache Wells
- Sunland Springs Village
- Encore at Eastmark
- Greenfield Glen
- Leisure World
Peoria
Peoria spans a large portion of the Northwest Valley and includes both established neighborhoods and newer developments. The city offers a mix of suburban living and access to outdoor destinations.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a major draw, offering boating, fishing, and hiking. Peoria’s location allows residents to enjoy natural recreation while staying connected to shopping, dining, and entertainment options throughout the Valley.
55+ Communities in Peoria
Phoenix
Phoenix is unusual in that, in addition to city districts, the city council has created 19 urban villages to humanize the city’s vast sprawl. Paradise Valley is one of these villages, which can cause some confusion, as it’s distinct from the nearby town of Paradise Valley.
Anywhere in this part of the city is an attractive place to live. People drive everywhere, and if you’re moving to Phoenix, you’re moving to a larger urban area. You may find yourself living closer to Downtown Scottsdale than you are to Downtown Phoenix, even though you’re technically a resident of Phoenix.
In Paradise Valley, you’ll find the expected attractions of good shopping, excellent entertainment, and facilities like doctors’ offices and banks. However, you’ll also find the Phoenix Mountains Preserve. The preserve encompasses several urban parks, including peaks that rise to 2,000 feet, with two of the parks ranking among the largest urban parks in the world.
55+ Communities in Phoenix
Queen Creek
Queen Creek is a Southeast Valley town that blends suburban growth with a more rural backdrop. The area retains a relaxed feel, with open land, mountain views, and a focus on community-centered development.
Residents enjoy local shops, restaurants, and outdoor spaces, as well as access to nearby San Tan Mountain Regional Park. Queen Creek appeals to those who want room to breathe without being far from East Valley conveniences.
55+ Communities in Queen Creek
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Scottsdale
Although it’s a separate city from Phoenix, Scottsdale is part of the larger urban area and borders Paradise Valley. If you were driving around, you’d be hard-pressed to say whether you were in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, or Scottsdale at any one time.
Scottsdale is one of the more affluent cities in the Phoenix urban area, with high-end shops and restaurants. The cost of living is slightly higher than in other parts of the metro area, but residents consider it worth the price. Also, you can drive a few miles to find lower prices elsewhere if you prefer.
Scottsdale is home to dozens of art galleries and several museums. These include the Scottsdale Historical Museum and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. In Scottsdale, you’ll also find Taliesin West, the winter home of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, which is now a major visitor attraction.
55+ Communities in Scottsdale
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Sun City
Sun City is one of Arizona’s most well-known 55+ communities. Developed in the 1960s, the area was intentionally planned with everyday conveniences nearby, including Banner Boswell Medical Center, neighborhood shopping centers, and easy access to Grand Avenue.
The community includes multiple recreation centers, several golf courses, bowling alleys, and dozens of resident-led clubs covering hobbies, fitness, and the arts. Sun City’s grid-style layout, golf cart accessibility, and concentration of amenities make it easy for residents to stay active close to home.
55+ Communities in Sun City
Sun City West
Sun City West is located northwest of Phoenix and offers a spacious, organized setting similar to Sun City, with its own amenities and character. The area is known for its wide streets, recreational facilities, and desert surroundings.
Residents have access to golf, fitness centers, and community spaces, as well as nearby shopping and health care. Sun City West provides a calm, residential environment with room to spread out.
55+ Communities in Sun City West
Sun Lakes
Sun Lakes is a master-planned community south of Phoenix, offering a resort-style layout centered around lakes and golf courses. The area has a peaceful feel while remaining close to major East Valley services.
Its location allows residents to enjoy nearby shopping, dining, and cultural attractions without long drives. Sun Lakes combines natural scenery with convenient access to the broader Phoenix metro area.
55+ Communities in Sun Lakes
Surprise
Surprise is located in the Northwest Valley, about 45 minutes from Downtown Phoenix. It has seen steady growth over the past two decades. The city is home to Surprise Stadium, where Major League Baseball teams hold spring training, and the Surprise Recreation Campus, which includes an aquatic center, tennis complex, and community park space.
Residents have access to local golf courses, neighborhood parks, and hiking trails at nearby White Tank Mountain Regional Park. With Loop 303 and U.S. Route 60 providing direct connections to the rest of the Valley, Surprise offers newer development and convenient access to greater Phoenix.
55+ Communities in Surprise
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Wickenburg
Wickenburg is a historic town northwest of Phoenix with a strong Western identity and small-town atmosphere. The community is surrounded by desert landscapes, ranch land, and mountain views.
Known for its art scene, rodeos, and preserved downtown, Wickenburg appeals to those who value history and open space. While quieter than the Phoenix suburbs, it remains connected to the metro area by highway.
55+ Communities in Wickenburg
FAQ: Moving to Phoenix
What are the pros and cons of moving to Phoenix?
Pros include 300+ days of sunshine, abundant golf and hiking, and relatively low property taxes. Cons include extreme summer heat, traffic congestion, and limited public transportation.
How much does it cost to live in Phoenix?
Phoenix’s cost of living is slightly above the national average, largely due to housing costs. However, property taxes are low, and utility costs are manageable outside the peak summer air-conditioning months.
Is Phoenix expensive compared to other cities?
Phoenix is generally more affordable than many California cities, but it can be more expensive than smaller Midwest or Southern cities. Housing prices vary widely depending on neighborhood and proximity to amenities.
What is the weather like year-round in Phoenix?
Summers are very hot, often exceeding 100 degrees for extended periods. Winters are mild and pleasant, typically with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s. Spring and fall are especially popular for outdoor activities.
Does Phoenix have humidity?
Phoenix is known for its dry desert climate. While humidity is generally low, the summer monsoon season (July to September) can bring brief periods of high humidity, thunderstorms, and heavy rain.
How are property taxes in Phoenix?
Property taxes in Maricopa County are below the national average, with an effective rate of approximately 0.52%. This is one reason Phoenix is attractive to retirees and homeowners.
Does Arizona tax retirement income?
Social Security benefits are not taxed at the state level. Other retirement income may be taxed, but Arizona’s rates are generally lower than those of many other states.
What are the best suburbs of Phoenix to move to?
Popular suburbs include Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Surprise, Mesa, Goodyear, and Sun City. Each offers a slightly different atmosphere, price range, and lifestyle.
Is there good health care in Phoenix?
The Phoenix metro area has nearly 60 hospitals, including nationally recognized institutions such as Mayo Clinic and Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, as well as numerous specialty providers.
How is traffic in Phoenix?
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, particularly on major freeways. Many residents plan errands and appointments outside peak travel times.
Do I need a car in Phoenix?
Yes. While there is public transportation, Phoenix is largely car-dependent. Most residents rely on personal vehicles for daily activities.
What should I know before moving to Phoenix?
Be prepared for extreme summer heat; research neighborhoods carefully; understand HOA rules if buying in a community; and consider proximity to health care, shopping, and recreation when choosing where to live.
Ready to Make the Move? 55places Can Help
To discover more exciting 55+ communities in Phoenix, contact us today! Our experienced team of real estate experts will guide you through the top options in your area and help you make a seamless transition from your current home to a 55+ community. We look forward to helping you make your next move the best one yet.
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