Locations That Still Need Enriching
Each cactus has barbs of its own, and Arizona provided some among these great havens for retirees. El Mirage was ranked at the bottom of the list, with very poor scores in both weather and amenities, with an average summer temperature of 95 degrees. Trailing close behind was Marana, with few amenities for retirees, and a higher crime rate. While Avondale is a pretty location, it also came in the bottom of the list due to extreme summer temperatures and the crime rate.
With these locations aside, there is a lot that Arizona has to offer. For those that are seeking adventure or simply wanting to relax on the poolside, this state is able to shine some light on your golden years.
Olive Grove Assisted Living And Memory Care
Olive Grove Assisted Living and Memory Care is included on our list for its community environment where seniors enjoy engaging daily activities, all-day, restaurant-style dining and well-appointed personal residences. Located in the heart of Phoenix, residents are just minutes from Los Olivos Park, Manhasset Mart Shopping Center and a number of top medical centers. On-site, seniors have access to a wealth of upscale amenities, including a movie room with popcorn machine, library, wellness center and life enrichment center. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and feature a courtyard and walking trails, giving residents ample opportunities to enjoy the desert sunshine.
- On-site beauty salon and barbershop
- All apartments feature a private patio or balcony
Retirement Homes In Phoenix Arizona
There are 20 retirement homes in Phoenix, Arizona. The daily costs of retirment home living in Arizona range from $20 to $123, with an average expenditure running about $58. The monthly cost averages roughly $1,732 and ranges between $605 and $3,685. Annually, the average cost is about $20,790, which is less than the US average of $23,100.
Retirement home care costs in Phoenix range from around $770 per month to $3,890 per month, with a median cost of about $1,788 per month. This equates to a yearly cost of $21,450.
Phoenix is a large city in Maricopa County and is also the capital city of the State of Arizona. With 1,312,922 people residing in the city itself and 4,437,076 in the encompassing area, it is the largest city in Arizona. 18% of the local residents are over 55.
Phoenix has a good SeniorScore of 74. The city has a mean per capita income of $24,000 and a mean household income is $48,000 . The median housing price in Phoenix is $136,500, which is somewhat lower than the state average of $183,000. The city has a high unemployment rate of approximately 9.22%.
Phoenix has ideal average temperatures, with very mild winters and very temperate summers. The city receives optimal levels of precipitation annually. Phoenix has very poor air quality ratings, poor water quality ratings, and a higher than average rate of crime in comparison to similarly-sized cities.
Recommended Reading: Can I Retire At 60 With 1.5 Million Dollars
Independent Living Communities North Of Phoenix
- La Loma Village Litchfield Park – Independent living with lifecare. Beautiful scenery surrounds this community of activities and services. Casitas and apartments. Short stays also available.
- Grandview Terrace in Sun City West – Sun City West – Independent living and Lifecare community – 288 luxury condominiums
Information About Retirement Communities In Phoenix

When it comes to taking in the sun and different attractions in Phoenix, Arizona, there are numerous different ways to fill up a day. Phoenix is a city that has a population of nearly 1.5 million people that come from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. These different backgrounds help to make the city what it is today, and have also helped influence the different attractions, events and festivals that occur in Phoenix. Whether one is located in the heart of Phoenix or in one of its suburbs, there is no end to the plethora of activities, events, attractions, Phoenix retirement communities and centers to visit.
Read Also: Maximize Social Security In Your Retirement Strategy
Best 45+ Retirement Communities In Arizona
The United States is dotted with a lot of retirement communities that offer different housing varieties for retirees and seniors. In particular, Florida, Arizona, California, and Texas are popular locations for retirement communities because of their warm climate.
Retirement communities provide numerous opportunities for residents to do a multitude of recreational activities within the community. Common amenities found in most retirement communities include swimming pools, golf courses, fitness centers, and clubhouses.
Most retirement communities have age restrictions mainly accommodating people who are aged 55 and up. 45+ communities are not as common as 55+ communities, making it harder for early retirees to find a suitable home. Fortunately, The Grand Canyon State of Arizona has several communities that cater to younger retirees. Some even allow those who are at least 40 years old.
Best Retirement Communities Near Phoenix
If you enjoy golfing all year in good weather, theres no need to look outside of Arizona! Our state has some of the best retirement communities for active retirees who love a good round of golf with their friends. Other popular outdoor activities are available, too. Paddleboarding, swimming, biking, or hiking out to see the Salt River Horses . . . the list goes on!
Sun Lakes Arizona Retirement Community
The name alone brings us a grin. This active adult community in Maricopa County is just under 25 miles southeast of downtown Phoenix, so traveling into the city to enjoy a change of pace can be accomplished in a quick, easy drive.
Rated as one of the top three places to retire in Arizona, Sun Lakes is known as resort-style active living for seniors. Daily life is filled with activities that you can walk out your door and enjoy in Sun Lakes! The community has a country club that includes golf, tennis, swimming along with other amenities. Sun Lakes has several restaurants, as well, like Stone & Barrel.
Paradise Valley
Luxury retirement is on offer at Paradise Valley. This beautiful, sprawling neighborhood in North Scottsdale contains five assisted living communities and hundreds of other living options for any budget. From the Brownstones at Biltmore, where townhomes feature large spaces in a gated community, to the affordable Senior Living Matthew Henson Apartments, theres bound to be a perfect spot for you!
La Siena Senior Living in AZ
Also Check: No Retirement Plan At Work
Largest Retirement Communities In Phoenix
When you are looking for the top active adult communities in Phoenix, look no further than Sun City Festival, Trilogy, K. Hovnanians® Four Seasons, Victory Verrado and Province. Filled with fun amenities you will easily be enjoying your retirement. Play golf, meet new friends, attend clubs and find new hobbies at any of these great communities. Its time to focus on you! Youve earned it!
Active Retirement In Phoenix
Find top rated Phoenix – AZ Active Retirement for active adults considering retiring to Phoenix – AZ. Searching for Active Retirement on Retirenet.com is simple and easy. You will find many communities and homes to fulfill your retirement dreams. All retirement options are available including golf course living, new home communities, waterfront homes, condominiums, villas, manufactured home living and more. Your perfect place to retire is just a few clicks away.
You can narrow your search by selecting any of the Community Amenities listed here.
Clubhouse
Read Also: Best Dividend Mutual Funds For Retirees
Blue Sage Assisted Living
We’ve included Blue Sage Assisted Living on this list for its commitment to providing quality senior care in an intimate setting. Not only does its small size help create a homelike atmosphere, but its high staff-to-resident ratio ensures each senior gets the care and attention they need. Caregivers are focused on supporting residents’ physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual needs, with individual care plans and a range of engaging daily activities. The community also offers arranged transportation for local shopping, errands, outings and appointments. The grounds are beautifully manicured and feature a swimming pool, which seniors can enjoy without ever having to worry about housekeeping. laundry or meal preparation chores.
- Private rooms and companion suites available
Resales Northwest Of Phoenix
- Four Seasons at Ventana Lakes by K Hovnanian Homes – Location: Sun City – Feature: Stocked fishing lakes part of established master community – Contact: Beardsley and 107th Ave., Sun City – Enjoy walks among lakes and single homes. Prices started in lower $300’s.
- Four Seasons at Wickenburg Ranch – Location: Wickenburg – Feature: In master community Wickenburg Ranch with resort amenities. – Contact: 3312 Maverick Dr., Wickenburg – Enjoy a desert setting with luxury amenities including a spa and salon, golf, walking trails, fitness center, restaurants, spa, and more. Single homes by K Hovnanian. Were priced in $200’s. Active lifestyle community.
- Westbrook Village – Offers 3900 homes of a variety of types – 2 restaurants, 2 semi-private 18-hole golf courses, clubhouse, clubs and more. Resale prices range from $100,000-$500,000’s. See local Realtors for resales.19281 N. Westbrook Parkway, Peoria – 623-561-0099
- Corte Bella Golf Club – Phoenix – Sun City West – Fitness Club and day spa. Beyond basic aerobics, services include spa treatment rooms. Massages and facials can be arranged as additional services. Championship golf course by Greg Nash. Upscale resort-styled.22129 N. Mission Dr., Sun City West – 623-556-8951
- Arizona Traditions – Surprise, AZ – Large gated community of 1768 homes complete in 2013. Community Center, golf, 3 pools, tennis, softball field, pickle ball, walking trails and bocci ball. Resales Bell Road
Also Check: What Are Three Common Types Of Retirement Plans For Individuals
Things To Do In Paradise Valley
Find unique wind bells, bowls, and planters handcrafted by Arizona artists at Cosanti. Learn about Agnese Udinotti and see her artwork at the Udinotti Museum of Figurative Art. Watch thousands of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats gather around the Phoenix Bat Cave from May through October. Go swimming, play a game of tennis, or spend a day on the green at Paradise Valley Country Club. Partake in one of the senior programs like quilting or ceramics at Paradise Valley Community Center. Head over to El Churro for Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs or Beef Stroganoff while admiring the breathtaking view of the mountains. Visit The Sicilian Butcher for different types of meatballs like Chicken Parm Meatballs, Lamb Meatballs, or Tomasos Sicilian Meatballs. Or indulge in Artichoke Dip or Cheese Board along with an 89Ale at OHSO Brewery + Distillery.
Moving to Phoenix? With convenient storage facilities throughout the Phoenix metro, Extra Space Storage can help with your transition. Find self storage near you!
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
Florida Cities Dominate Rankings

In this year’s report, Sarasota ranked as the most desirable retirement destination, followed by three other Florida cities Naples, Daytona Beach and Melbourne with Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in fifth place. Sarasota also ranked first overall last year.
San Juan’s last-place ranking meant that it replaced Stockton, California, at the bottom.
The rankings for most cities were fairly stable, but Phoenix plunged from 59th place in last year’s report to 140th this year. That eclipsed even Tucson’s slide from 87th to 116th place. Those were the only two Arizona metro areas analyzed.
The U.S. News report was based on survey responses from more than 3,000 people 45 and older from around the country. It weighted responses in six broad areas: happiness , housing affordability , health care quality , retiree taxes , desirability and job market . The happiness category includes crime rates and air quality, both of which were added this year.
“We did see continuing high interest in retirement in Arizona, especially in both Phoenix and Tucson,” said Emily Brandon, senior editor for retirement at U.S. News. However, both cities had low air-quality ratings, she added.
Recommended Reading: How Much Money Do Most People Retire With
What Is Life Like Here
Its the most common question were asked. Documentary filmmakers captured our residents answers.
Daily life might look different, but it isn’t stopping friendships and connections. Filmmakers visited four HumanGood communities over seven days in the fall of 2020 so residents could share their stories.
Is Arizona A Good State To Retire In
Kiplinger says there are many great places to retire in Arizona. According to Kiplinger, Many other retirees have settled in Arizona year-round. The nations first active adult retirement community sprouted in Youngtown, Ariz., in 1954, and today 17% of the states 7.2 million residents are 65 and older.
Recommended Reading: How Young Can I Retire
Tips On Retirement Planning
- Anytime youre making serious retirement planning decisions, you should contact a financial advisor for expert guidance. If youve never worked with one, we can help. Our SmartAsset free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If youre ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- If youre nearing retirement age, you may want to take a close look at your 401 plan, individual retirement account or other retirement savings vehicle. Make sure its properly funded and your investments are performing well. You may also need to start taking required minimum distributions soon.
Sun City West Arizona
Sun City West has grown quickly and established itself as one of the top 25 places in the nation to retire to and with good reason! Like Sun City, it was planned and built with the senior in mind. Although not quite as large as Sun City itself, it combines a cozy feel with easy access to everything in Sun City. Not that you will run out of things to do in Sun City West that offers a wide variety of sports and lots of different social clubs for various interests. According to SmartAssets, Sun City West as the best place to retire in Arizona.
Don’t Miss: State Teachers Retirement System Of Ohio Annual Report
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.
Top Retirement Communities In Arizona
Maybe your idea of an active retirement includes golf, skiing, swim, and tennis. Perhaps youve been looking forward to the opportunity to travel throughout the American Southwest and see sites like the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the Petrified Forest. No matter how you envision your retirement, Arizona provides an ideal home base for all of your upcoming adventures. As the top retirement communities in Arizona, Del Webb neighborhoods provide a perfect blend of amenities, designs, and attention to detail youll love to come home to.
Read Also: Can You Take Money Out Of A Retirement Account
The 5 Best Luxury Senior Living Communities In Phoenix Az
Discover the five best luxury senior living communities in Phoenix, AZ with Seniorly. Check out these luxury senior living options and all they offer.
Located in the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix, AZ offers residents of luxury senior living communities an average year-round temperature of 75 degrees and access to a wide variety of high-end shopping centers, elegant dining options, and endless sources of outdoor entertainment. If fine-dining and retail shopping aren’t your speed, then Phoenix is still the perfect place because it is surrounded by the endless beauty of the red-rock buttes of the mountain ranges within the Sonoran Desert.
Life at a luxury senior living community in Phoenix is different than your average senior community. You still enjoy the benefits of maintenance-free living, but at the same time, you have access to a variety of high-end amenities in individual residential units, first-class service within the broader community, and special accommodations such as a concierge and private transportation for outings within the Phoenix-Scottsdale area. In the list below, you’ll find one-of-a-kind input from our local Seniorly Partner Agents, Sarah and Rijan Shrestha, regarding the best of luxury senior living in Phoenix, so you can make an informed choice on a community to call home.
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Transitional Memory Care
- Memory Care
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Skilled Nursing
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
Things To Do In Phoenix

Phoenix-Mesa is an ideal spot to retire. Why not? Its beautiful, full of attractions and has amazing weather! If you want to be in the outdoors and hike in the glorious nature then make some trips out to Piestewa Park. With various levels of hikes you set your pace and path. Get closer to the stunning backdrop for Phoenix, Camelback Mountain. This is another great hiking area. If you love to fish, then Papago Parks stocked ponds will keep you casting. The beautiful red butte formations there are breathtaking. Theres even a golf course to get in a round of golf. Its always a good time to watch some minor league baseball and the Arizona Diamondbacks are a fun crowd pleasing team!
Phoenix has a strong arts and culture scene with several art galleries, the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, the Musical Instrument Museum and the Pueblo Grande Museum. Learn some Arizona history at the Arizona Capitol Museum. Want to be the best grandparents ever? Take the grandchildren to the Phoenix Zoo to see over 125 acres of animals and habitats. When they visit and you need a cool spot to go, head to the Childrens Museum of Phoenix or the Arizona Science Center to spark some interests with the interactive and hands-on activities.
Read Also: Sandhill Cove Retirement Living Palm City Fl