Retiring in Tucson has become an increasingly popular choice for many active adults, and it’s easy to see why. Arizona has long been a retirement hotspot and is home to the nation’s first 55+ community. As the state’s second-largest city, Tucson offers a more manageable pace than Phoenix, with a metro population of about one million versus Phoenix’s nearly five million.
With 350 days of sunshine a year, Tucson is a paradise for active retirees who love golf, tennis, pickleball, or hiking amid breathtaking desert landscapes. However, as with any move, retiring in Tucson has pros and cons, and it’s important to weigh them carefully.
Retiring in Tucson Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sun and Warm Weather – Tucson boasts abundant sunny days and enjoys a higher elevation than Phoenix, offering cooler and more comfortable summers.
- Outdoor Recreation Opportunities – Nestled amidst breathtaking mountains and expansive desert landscapes, Tucson offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding—all in a climate that’s hard to beat.
- Art and Culture – Just an hour’s drive from the Mexican border, Tucson thrives on a rich cultural tapestry. Hispanic heritage blends seamlessly with Native American and Old West influences, creating a unique identity. Tucson also earned the distinction of being the first U.S. city recognized by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy, celebrating its vibrant culinary scene.
Cons
- Desert Heat – The desert heat comes with challenges, especially during the scorching summer months. Outdoor chores are best tackled early in the morning, while afternoons call for cranking up the air conditioning to stay comfortable.
- Wild Critters – Snakes and scorpions don’t recognize boundaries, including those of gated communities. Even in urban areas, staying vigilant for these potentially dangerous neighbors is a must.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sun and Warm Weather | Desert Heat |
| Outdoor Recreation Opportunities | Wild Critters |
| Art and Culture |
Tucson Climate
Tucson is at an elevation of almost 2,400 feet, so it’s slightly cooler than Phoenix, which is just over 1,000 feet. In June and July (the hottest months), the average temperature in Tucson is 86-88 degrees, while in December/January it averages about 53 degrees.
Tucson has four seasons, although the differences aren’t as noticeable as in many other parts of the country. From May to September, there can be days of well over 100 degrees. July-September/October brings the monsoon season. Rainfall averages 1-2″ per month, but it comes in short tropical-style downpours. Winter will bring a few sub-zero nights, but temperatures warm up during the day.
Those 350 sunny days make Tucson one of the sunniest cities in the U.S. This means outdoor pursuits such as golf, pickleball, tennis, swimming, hiking, biking, and horseback riding can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Tucson Taxes
There are several tax districts within the Tucson city boundaries, and there can be considerable differences in taxes paid. The average tax rate is 8.7%, made up of 5.6% Arizona state sales tax, 2.6% Tucson sales tax, and 0.5% Pima County sales tax (the largest county). However, if you live in South Tucson, the total jumps to 11.1%, with most other areas being around that 8.7% figure.
Tucson Property Taxes
The average property tax in Arizona is 0.56%, which is lower than the average U.S. property tax of about 0.99%. Tucson is in Pima County where the property tax is 0.79%.
Tucson Retirement Income Taxes
Social Security retirement benefits are not taxed in Tucson (or in Arizona generally) unless they come from an out-of-state government pension. Money withdrawn from pensions, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs is taxed, although tax rates are lower than in other popular retirement states. There are also tax benefits for retired military personnel.
Tucson Tax Exemptions for Seniors
The state of Arizona does offer some tax benefits for seniors if you’re thinking of retiring in Tucson. There’s no inheritance tax, making it attractive to people with families. Also, there’s no tax on Social Security retirement benefits provided they don’t come from out-of-state. It’s therefore vital you move to Tucson before claiming any such benefits.
Tucson Health Care
Tucson, known for its popularity among retirees, boasts an impressive array of top-tier medical facilities to meet the needs of its residents. The city’s health care sector is a significant economic driver, with health care support companies ranking among the largest employers in the area.
Notable institutions include TMC Healthcare, the Northwest Medical Center, and two highly regarded Banner-University Medical Centers, all of which consistently earn high marks in national rankings. These facilities offer a wide range of services, from advanced medical treatments to specialized care, ensuring that residents have access to exceptional health care.
Where to Live in Tucson
Tucson, while smaller in size compared to major metropolitan areas, offers a diverse range of living options that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. When considering retiring in Tucson, an important question to ask yourself is where you would like to settle: within the city itself or in the northern or southern surrounding areas.
Each area has its unique charm, and choosing the right location depends on your priorities, whether it’s being close to nature, enjoying a bustling city environment, or finding a quiet retreat.
North of Tucson
To the north of the city, check out the towns of Marana, Oro Valley, and Oracle. With the city to the south, mountains to the east, and a great deal of open land to the north, all three offer lots of variety but without the bustle and traffic of the city. These towns offer stores, banks, and other necessities for day-to-day living while still enjoying Arizona’s desert and mountain scenery.
At 9,159 feet, Mount Lemmon is the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains (to the south and east of both Oracle and Oro Valley). Marana is closer to Interstate-10 (I-10), and it’s only a 90-minute drive from Phoenix and its international airport.
Recommended 55+ Communities in the Area
SaddleBrooke Ranch – Oracle, AZ
High $300ks – Mid $1Ms
Saddlebrooke Ranch is an active adult gated community with a 40+ age restriction. It’s a 15-minute drive from the center of Oracle and 40 minutes from Downtown Tucson. This Robson Community comprises 1,500 single-family homes.
The community has many amenities, including the 18-hole championship Saddlebrooke Ranch Golf Club with its pro shop and driving range. Sports lovers also have the use of 24 pickleball courts and tennis courts. Other facilities include a fitness center, a billiards room, a ballroom, an indoor lap pool, and several dining options. There’s also a Creative Arts and Technology Center which has arts and crafts studios and a computer lab.
If you’re moving to Tucson because you want to live an active life, Saddlebrooke Ranch has numerous clubs and activities available. Residents enjoy basket weaving, a bicycling group, a dining out club, fitness classes, and clubs for various arts, crafts, and sports.
Models start at 1,404 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. The largest model offers 3,077 square feet with three bedrooms and a den, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a three-car garage.
Sun City Oro Valley – Oro Valley, AZ
Mid $300ks – Low $800ks
Sun City Oro Valley is a 12-minute drive north of the Oro Valley town center with its many facilities. It’s a Del Webb 55+ community comprised of 2,488 attached and single-family homes. Also, Downtown Tucson is a 30-minute drive south.
Amenities include an 18-hole golf course with a driving range and a cafe. There are also horseshoe pits, a basketball court, eight tennis courts, two outdoor pools, a mini golf course, and courts for bocce and racquetball. Indoor facilities include a billiards room, art studio, photography studio, dance studio, auditorium, lounge and coffee room, and a library. In addition, the Artisan Center provides studios for stained glass, sewing, woodworking, lapidary, silversmithing, and ceramics.
Residents can enjoy many lifestyle activities, from astronomy to wood carving. They can participate in dancing groups, arts and crafts groups, card and board games, hiking, sports groups, gardening, a singles club, and even a rock ‘n’ roll club.
Models start at 1,035 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. The largest models have 2,665 square feet with three bedrooms, a den, three bathrooms, and a three-and-a-half-car garage.
South of Tucson
While there are fewer active adult communities south of Tucson, the area holds strong appeal for those seeking proximity to the airport or convenient access to I-10 for traveling eastward toward Texas and beyond.
The active adult communities in this region tend to be smaller, catering to individuals who value independence while still enjoying the sense of community and shared amenities these neighborhoods provide. Additionally, these communities offer closer access to notable attractions such as the Saguaro National Park East, the Rincon Mountain Wilderness, the Colossal Cave Mountain Park, and the historic western town of Tombstone, making them a great choice for nature enthusiasts and history buffs retiring in Tucson.
Recommended 55+ Communities in the Area
Del Webb at Rancho Del Lago – Vail, AZ
Low $300ks – Low $500ks
Del Webb at Rancho del Lago is a 55+ gated community for active adults in Vail. It’s a 20-minute drive from the center of Vail and a 35-minute drive southeast of Downtown Tucson. It’s comprised of 585 single-family homes.
Amenities here include an 18-hole golf course, an 18-hole putting green, two outdoor pools, and courts for pickleball, tennis, bocce, and racquetball. Indoor facilities include a fitness center, a ballroom, a library, billiards, and an aerobics and dance studio. Residents also enjoy clubs and classes for cooking, dancing, exercise, gardening, hiking, movie nights, and yoga.
Models start at 1,212 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. The largest models offer 2,571 square feet with three bedrooms, a den, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage.
Altura – Tucson, AZ
High $300ks – High $500ks
Altura is a gated 55+ lifestyle community with 240 attached and single-family homes. It’s in the attractive Rincon Valley, a 35-minute drive southeast of Downtown Tucson. Amenities include a clubhouse, a fitness center, a restaurant, an outdoor pool, hiking trails, and a lighted tennis court. Lifestyle activities include several language groups, art classes, Monday movie nights, yoga, and weekly lectures.
Models start at 934 square feet with one bedroom, one bathroom, and a one-car garage. The largest homes are 2,675 square feet with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage.
In the City
Some of Tucson’s active adult communities are just a ten-minute drive from the vibrant downtown area. Downtown Tucson offers an array of attractions, including museums, theaters, cinemas, historic landmarks, and a diverse selection of bars and restaurants.
Retirees who choose to live in Tucson appreciate the city’s unique balance between urban amenities and easy access to nature. Unlike many sprawling metropolitan areas, Tucson has maintained its charm and avoided becoming a sea of urban development. Beyond the lively downtown scene, Tucson is home to two national parks within its boundaries: Saguaro National Parks East and West. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and the breathtaking hiking opportunities in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Casitas de Castilian – Tucson, AZ
Mid $200ks – Mid $300ks
Casitas de Castilian is an active lifestyle community with a 55+ age restriction and 116 attached homes. It’s a 10-minute drive north of Downtown Tucson with facilities for day-to-day needs right on your doorstep. Amenities include a clubhouse, two outdoor pools, and a tennis court. Also, residents join in various activities such as holiday parties, potlucks, a book club, and regular get-togethers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Retiring in Tucson? 55places.com Can Help!
Ready to retire in Tucson? Contact 55places.com today! Our local real estate experts specialize in Tucson’s 55+ communities and are here to help you find your perfect home. With their deep knowledge of the 55+ market and the Tucson area, they’ll guide you through every step of the homebuying process, making it seamless and stress-free.
