What Is It Like To Live In Arizona
Life in Arizona is best described as easy-going, friendly, and safe. This is especially true in the over 50 communities in Arizona. These age-restricted communities have removed the burden of worrying about who your neighbors are or how youre going to stay busy now that youre not working 9 5.
As a whole, Arizona offers plenty of entertainment options all over the Valley. Outdoor enthusiasts, fine arts lovers, sports fans and foodies will all find plenty of things to do in Arizona.
How Much Does It Cost To Live In A Retirement Community In Arizona
When looking at independent living retirement communities in Arizona, the costs are going to vary pretty wildly depending on the size of your home and the amenities youre getting. The average cost in Arizona for these communities falls in the $2,300 $2,400 per month range. The costs will depend on how low you can get your monthly mortgage down to if youre purchasing a home. These costs also dont include other monthly costs like food or travel expenses.
Maximize Your Investment With Property Management
Even if you only plan to live in Arizona for a portion of the year, buying an over 55 home can still be incredibly beneficial. Working with a property management company allows you to rent out your home when you arent using it to cover any costs. They do all the heavy lifting so you dont have to worry or manage any of the tricky details. Talk about a win-win!
As you can see, there are many reasons to enjoy this new chapter of life in one of the retirement communities in Arizona. Whether youre just doing initial research or are ready to sign on the dotted line, this guide can help you navigate your big decision. Our team of agents are available to answer any questions you may have and provide insight from their firsthand experiences.
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Continuing Care Retirement Communities
A Continuing Care Retirement Community offers 360-degree care in residential community for seniors with a full menu of services and living situations. Residents at a CCRC may move between independent living assisted living and nursing home care depending on their individual changing needs. Seniors electing to live in a CCRC contract with the community in advance for a lifetime commitment to provide care regardless of their future health and needs. Residents live in the residential community for the remainder of their lives, receiving appropriate care to address their needs and abilities.
A CCRC generally offers seniors a contract that provide a continuum of care that includes housing services and health care for the balance of their lives. It is a wise idea for seniors to move into a CCRC sooner rather than later as most CCRCs require that new residents be capable of living independently when they first move in.
CCRC Options
Ask Questions
Before signing a contract with a CCRC seniors should conduct a thorough review of the facilitys services operations and finances to determine that the CCRC is appropriate to their needs lifestyle and expectations. Its also a good idea to ask a family attorney or accountant to review the contract. If the contract is found agreeable, request to spend at least one night and two days at the facility to test drive the community and make sure it is a good fit. Some points to consider included:
Waterfront Communities With A Community Pool

Lets face it, it can be nearly an impossible task to live in Arizona and not grave the relief that a private pool in your backyard can offer. When its 110 degrees outside, you will be convinced it is a must-have. Even when your Phoenix home is a second or vacation home used mainly during the winter months, pools are an attractive addition to any backyard. But there may be reasons why you should forgo that luxury and let your community HOA manage that responsibility.
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Ready To Live In Arizona
There are so many communities to choose from in Arizonabut dont let the options intimidate you on your search. Take your time exploring the options below and really picture yourself in each community. Does it draw you in?
When youve chosen a few Arizona communities you like, use the information request form to contact a local representative from each. You can ask questions about the community, chat with someone living there, and get a feel for the amenities it provides. You can even get specifics like health care options, clubs and activities offered, and the general atmosphere of the destination.
If youre seeking a certain town or area, try using the filtering options on the left to narrow down your options and find the Arizona community that youll love to live in.
Luxury 55+ Communities In Arizona
In addition to being active, many in the 55+ community want a chance to spend their retirement years in luxury. Thats why so many of the communities in this area really pull out all of the stops when it comes to the amenities. While some of the amenities are meant to help keep residents active, many are simply meant to make life just a little more comfortable.
These communities tend to feature high-end homes and higher-end amenities. Youll find restaurants, lounges, and libraries in most of these communities. Perhaps most importantly, though, you will also find a general sense of relaxation thats hard to find elsewhere.
Related: Find out the 5 most luxurious active adult communities in the Phoenix area
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Should You Stay Or Should You Go
The money from a reverse loan may be paid to the borrower in a variety of ways. From a lump sum or regular monthly cash advance or combination of the two. Typically borrowers do not have to pay anything back until they permanently move out of the home, sell or pass away. Eligibility for most reverse mortgages requires that the home should be owned outright and the applicant is 62 years of age or older.
A reverse mortgage offers retirees a distinct advantage. Since most lenders require that borrowers have income so they can determine a borrowers ability to pay back the loan. However, many retired seniors cannot qualify for a traditional home equity loan. A reverse mortgage does not require monthly payments. Therefore, there is not a minimum income required. Additionally, reverse mortgages require no repayment as long as the owner or any co-owner lives in the home.
The best way to determine if a reverse mortgage is the following:
- How much would the home sell for on todays market?
- What would the cost be to buy and maintain or rent a new home?
- Would there be any money left over from the purchase of a new home that could be safely invested?
- What are the options for downsizing into a less expensive home renting an apartment or moving into an assisted living or alternative senior housing situation?
Become a SnowBird
Relaxing 55+ Active Adult Waterfront Communities
If youre looking for a waterfront retirement home in the Phoenix area but also want to enjoy the amenities of an active adult community, keep on reading. Active adult waterfront homes are found in Mesa, Sun Lakes, Goodyear, Peoria, Sun City and the city of Maricopa. Specifically, they are Leisure World, Sun Lakes, Canta Mia, Ventana Lakes, View Point and Dawn Lake in Sun City and Province. Find out if any of these adult retirement communities allow boating.
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Goodyear Waterfront Homes And Lake Community
Estrella Mountain Ranch in Goodyear is home to its largest lake community that according to planning documents has the potential to grow to 50,000 homes and 1,600 acres of commercial development. This secluded community has one of the best community centers, resident waterpark and community pools in the west valley, and is located right next to the 19,840 acre Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Nestled next to the Sierra Estrella mountains just 8 miles south of the I-10, Estrella Mountain residents enjoy over 40 acres of parks that include pathways, pavilions, an amphitheater, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. On the lake north lake is the Yacht Club that offers sailboats, paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks. Estrella is also home to a Nicklaus-designed championship golf course.
Sedona Winds Retirement Community
Sedona Winds located in Sedona, Arizona offers all 3 types of retirement care to cover the particular needs of each resident. They offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. This means that no matter what the needs of a resident are services can be tailored to meet the needs of each person and provide them the independence they want.
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Best Retirement Communities In Arizona 2022
If you are searching for the best retirement communities in Arizona for 2021, this guide should help! Furthermore, SLS Communities has great retirement locations in many exciting areas of Arizona. Thousands of retirees flock to Arizona each year to enjoy the moderate climate, escape the snow, and enjoy a state that has dedicated communities, towns, and cities for retirement age Americans.
Read more about the top retirement communities in Arizona and some of the best cities to retire in.
Retirement Communities In Tucson

Theres so much to love in beautiful Tucson, including an emphasis on the great outdoors and a spectacular local food scene. Take classes or become a booster of the local University of Arizona teams, plus enjoy world-class music, theater, and art museums on and around campus.
1. Lazy K
Contemporary design with an emphasis on sustainability, youll love the home styles and lifestyles at Lazy K. Close proximity to Saguaro National Park offers a host of recreational activities, including hiking and camping, as well as classes and other learning opportunities.
2. La Mirada
Find the comfort and luxury youre looking for in this exclusive, gated enclave in Oro Valley. Close to the areas best shopping, dining, and recreation, youll enjoy the best of both a convenient location and spectacular natural beauty.
This luxury community puts a premium on beautiful outdoor spaces, including greenspace, ramadas, playspaces, and a dog park. The nearby Sonoran Mountains in the background make every moment picture perfect.
4. Del Webb at Dove Mountain
This spectacular 55+ active adult community puts an emphasis on sports and fitness, with a world-class private fitness center, sport courts, and gorgeous, resort-style pool and spa area. Onsite lifestyle and fitness directors help you meet your current fitness goals and create new ones.
5. Sierra de Oeste
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Ventana Winds Living Quarters & Amenities
Living Quarters: Ventana Winds has 2 large apartment style floor plans outfitted with everything you need.
Living Quarter Amenities: Each apartment has a large kitchenette, microwave, refrigerator, individual air & heat, ceiling fans, bay windows, window treatments, private balcony or patio, large floor plans and walk in closets.
Community Amenities: The facility boasts large grounds, an activity room, TV room, Library, Billiards, resort style dining, sparkling pool, and offers transportation to residents.
Best Active Adult Communities In Arizona
The best communities in Arizona all tend to have a few things in common. First and foremost, they cater to the real wants and needs of their residents. They also tend to provide excellent atmospheres for community events, allowing residents to find ways to become more active on their own terms. While each of these places do tend to offer similar amenities, its important to remember that each does tend to be a better fit for certain types of residents. Figuring out what to look for in a 55+ community typically requires evaluating your interests and needs with the amenities and benefits they offer to see if they line up.
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What Are The Benefits Of Living In Arizona
From game night to tasty meals, top-line health care to home cleaning services, there are so many reasons people opt to stay in a senior living community. Read on to learn the benefits that people find when they choose this lifestyle. Then consider if it might suit you, too.
- Relaxed pace of life: Arizonians know how to live life. Youll find that because youre surrounded by natural beauty, its easy to connect with the world around you and experience life in the moment.
- Warm weather: Sun is aplenty in Arizona. If youre a fan of the heat, youll love it here. Period.
- Low taxes and reasonable cost of living: Arizona is a popular destination for those fleeing taxes in California or the cold of the Midwest. The low cost of living here makes it an easy choice for those who want to live big but spend little.
- Natural wonders: Look out over the Grand Canyon and try to not feel inspired by this world we live in. Arizona will fill you with awe. But this famous park isnt the only one to explore. See giant cacti at Saguaro. Experience ancient trees at Petrified Forest. Explore 24 national parks and monuments here, enough to fill years of adventure.
- Outdoor activities: Dont get us wrongthis desert place is more than red dirt. Arizona is dotted with rolling green wine countries , or you can get a boat and take it out on Havasu or one of the many sparkling blue lakes. Grab some binoculars and go bird watching, or peer around majestic red-rock buttes of Sedona.
Retire To The Sunny Desert Oasis Of Arizona
Though its best known for its Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona is also a great place for retired, active adults to pursue what they love, whether thats golf, swimming, hiking, or picking up a new hobby.
With sunny skies throughout the year and plenty of stunning desert landscapes, Arizona is a highly attractive place to live for those 55 and older. Much of Arizona is arid flat desert terrain with year round temperatures that rarely dip below 40F in the winter or rise above 110F in peak of summer. If youre looking for a change in climate, the mountainous region of Northern Arizona experiences the four seasons, where autumn colors or a weekend ski trip are within a few hours drive away.
Arizonas best 55+ communities are picturesque oases with lots to do for long-term residents. Theres a surprisingly diverse choice of desert-friendly plants that grow well in a low-maintenance xeriscape setting. Growing your own fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs is possible year round in raised, irrigated home garden beds and orchards for those who enjoy the hobby.
Many of the most popular places to live in Arizona for active 55+ seniors are master-planned communities with move-in-ready single story homes, perfect for empty nesters looking to downsize and age in place.
Other excellent Arizona housing options include luxury apartment rentals, age-restricted manufactured home communities, and condominiums.
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Rio Verde Country Club
Price Range: Low $300ks Low $2msNumber of Homes: 980Age Restrictions: 55+
This exclusive golf retirement community high in the Sonoran Desert, its nearly 2,000 residents enjoy some of the highest quality golfing in the nation, with its two Tom Lehman-designed 18-hold golf courses. Theres also a nine-hole par-3 short course and tennis and pickleball courts. Residents can enjoy a heated pool with lap lanes and lounge area, as well as a heated spa. There is also an array of clubs and special interest groups, including ones that focus on bridge, yoga, books, biking and hiking. There is an art studio and massage facility, too.
Homeowners are part of a homeowners association. The HOA annual assessment for 2021 is $4,468. Residents pay no town or school taxes, just county taxes.
Arizona Sun City Del Webb 55+ Communities
Sun City Del Webb 55+ Communities have come along way in the past 50 years. The advertisement above may be outdated, but communities listed below are with current trends. When visiting a community, youll quickly realize its NOT your mom and dads retirement community any more. Its an Active Adult Community with numerous amenities and beautiful updated facilities.
Within the past 3 years, large percentage of individuals 55 and older are calling Arizona home instead of vacation or winter home. Why wait until your retired to enjoy Arizona? Several buyers who are in their early to mid fifties are enjoying the active adult life style before they retire. Community amenities will make you feel like your on a permanent vacation.
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Independent Living Communities In Arizona
Independent retirement communities in Arizona are excellent for senior citizens who are active and do not necessarily require a helping hand with daily tasks. They are great for older adults who are self-sufficient but looking for opportunities to interact with their peers, socialize and have a blast. These independent communities avail various living options. Some have single family or town homes within the community, and others have apartments in one large building. Retired Arizonians have a choice of buying in or paying a monthly fee to stay in the communities. Fees one pays usually includes maintenance costs that cover taking care of both indoors and the outdoors. It means that occupants in the apartments need not stress about duties like shovelling driveways, mowing lawns, fixing plumbing or other problems that occur when an individual owns a home. Arizonas independent living communities allow aging adults to take advantage of luxury amenities and services. These can include gyms, spas, pools, wellness programs and fitness centers. They make retirees feel as though they are living in a luxurious resort. Note that independent living communities do not provide personal or medical care. However, there are staff members close by who can respond to emergencies that residents face so that they can access the assistance they require.
Palmas Del Sol East
520-886-5537
Active Adult And Senior Living In Phoenix

The times of aging in America they are a-changing . Many senior Arizona residents couldnt be happier about it. Long gone are the days of mandatory retirement at age 65 and the idea of sitting quietly on the front porch in a rocking chair. Active adult and senior living in Phoenix has been and continues to be in high demand.
To begin with forget about that rocking chair. Active adults in Phoenix spend their mornings working out in the gym or pedaling along the hike and bike trails. As for the front porch, seniors in Arizona find that they have a wide variety of housing options that can accommodate their budget. Additionally, they are enjoying their lifestyle in a community that encourages the pursuit of their personal interests goals and activities.
While aging is inevitable, medical advances and a healthy lifestyle choices are responsible for increasing the number of years a person may live. As a result, the demographics of seniors in Arizona have undergone some significant changes. For example, the term senior may describe an active person in her late 50s or someone in her early 80s. Baby Boomers now entering the senior arena are faced with the responsibility of preparing not only for their own retirement but with making plans for their elderly parents.
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