Best and Worst Places To Retire in Arizona 2026

For decades, Arizona has been a popular place to retire, and it’s not hard to understand why. The state has pleasant winters, magnificent desert landscapes, lots of outdoor activities, and a lot of active senior communities. Retirees have a lot of things to do, from golf courses and hiking trails to arts, eating, and entertainment.

That being said, not all parts of Arizona are the same. Some places are quite welcoming to retirees, with great amenities and easy access to healthcare. Other places, on the other hand, might be hard for older citizens. If you’re considering about moving to Arizona to retire, it helps to know which places are ideal for you.

Why Arizona Continues To Attract Retirees

People who are moving from colder places love Arizona since its winters are pleasant and the people there are active. A lot of retirees want to spend time outside, whether that means golfing, strolling, hiking, or just soaking up the sun.

The plethora of retirement communities around the state is another big plus. These communities are created for older people and frequently have things like recreation centers, pools, social groups, and planned programs that keep members active and engaged.

The Best Places to Retire in Arizona

Some cities in Arizona are still quite desirable to seniors.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a popular place for people to retire in Arizona. The city has great healthcare, stunning landscape, golf courses, and a lot of cultural and gastronomic options. Housing expenses can be greater than in some other places, but many retirees like the quality of life and the wide range of things to do.

Sun City

Sun City is still one of the most famous places for retirees to live in the US. It was made just for active people and has a lot of recreation facilities, golf courses, clubs, and community activities. People in the area feel that they are part of a strong community and can easily go to stores and medical care.

Sun City West

Sun City West is just adjacent to Sun City and has a similar lifestyle, however the buildings are a little younger. It is recognized for its structured clubs, golf courses, fitness centers, and social events that keep people busy all year long.

Mesa

Mesa is becoming more and more popular with seniors since it provides inexpensive homes and more and more retirement communities. The region also has good access to healthcare, retail, and outdoor activities.

Gilbert

Gilbert has expanded quickly in the last ten years and is now a popular place for retirees who want to live in a calmer suburb but yet be close to Phoenix. The town has gorgeous parks, fantastic restaurants, and medical services that are simple to get to.

Rural Areas That Can Make Retirement Harder

Arizona’s rural communities have lots of open space and tranquility, which can seem nice at first. But some of these places might be hard for retirees because they don’t have many services and healthcare options.

Kingman

Kingman, a small city nestled in northern Arizona, proudly sits along the iconic Route 66. While housing costs can be manageable, healthcare options are often limited. As a result, residents frequently face long trips to get specialized medical care, which could be a concern for older adults.

Show Low

Nestled in Arizona’s White Mountains, Show Low boasts a welcome respite from the heat, along with picturesque forests. Still, it’s a bit off the beaten path, especially when you consider the distance from big cities. Healthcare and shopping are somewhat scarce, and a trip to a larger town can easily eat up a significant chunk of your day.

Safford

A modest agricultural community, nestles in eastern Arizona. While it promises a peaceful existence, the town’s scarcity of amenities and medical services could pose challenges for retirees, particularly those requiring frequent healthcare.

Ready to Relocate?

Get in touch with SLS Communities now to find out more about our communities and start making plans for your new chapter in Arizona.