Explore Homes for Sale in Arizona 55+ Communities
It’s easy to see why Arizona continues to be one of the top retirement destinations in the country.
Retirees nationwide move to the Grand Canyon state for the year-round sunshine, dry climate, golf courses, active lifestyle, low property taxes, and the wide variety of retirement communities available.
From Scottsdale’s luxury golf communities to more affordable homes in the West Valley to lock-and-leave condos near restaurants and entertainment, Arizona offers something for every type of retiree.
Arizona’s 55+ communities range from resort-style golf developments with extensive amenities and social calendars to smaller, lower-maintenance communities designed for a more relaxed lifestyle. Retirees can choose between gated communities, golf course homes, condos, townhomes, and newer master-planned developments throughout the Phoenix metro area.
The best place to retire in Arizona ultimately depends on lifestyle, budget, and what matters most to you, including golf, pickleball, walkability, dining, affordability, or being closer to family.
Why Arizona Is One of the Best States to Retire In
1. Warm Weather and Outdoor Lifestyle
One of the biggest reasons retirees move to Arizona is the weather.
Winters are mild, sunny, and comfortable compared to many parts of the country.
While much of the United States deals with snow and freezing temperatures, Arizona residents are spending time outdoors golfing, hiking, and biking
Arizona residents enjoy hiking trails, pickleball courts, golf courses, lakes, parks, and mountain scenery throughout the Phoenix metro area.
Popular destinations like Camelback Mountain, Lake Pleasant, and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve give retirees plenty of opportunities to stay active year-round.
Arizona also attracts retirees who want a more social and active retirement.
Many communities, such as PebbleCreek in Goodyear and Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria, are built around golf courses, with clubhouses, fitness centers, community events, tennis courts, pickleball, and on-site restaurants.
2. Relatively Low Property Taxes and Cost of Living
Arizona is often considered retirement-friendly because of its low property taxes and the wide range of housing options available throughout the state.
The overall cost of living can vary significantly depending on the city and community.
Scottsdale tends to be more expensive, while areas like Surprise, Mesa, Sun City, and parts of Goodyear often provide more affordable options for retirees looking to stretch their budget further.
The Valley also offers a wide variety of retirement housing choices, including golf course homes, condos, townhomes, gated communities, and age-restricted communities throughout the Phoenix metro area.
3. Strong Selection of 55+ Communities
Arizona is one of the top active adult destinations in the country because of the large number of 55+ communities available throughout the Phoenix area.
Buyers can find everything from luxury golf communities to affordable active adult neighborhoods with extensive amenities and year-round activities.
Many Arizona retirement communities offer:
- Golf courses
- Resort-style pools
- Pickleball courts
- Fitness centers
- Walking trails
- Clubhouses
- Social clubs
- Gated entrances
- Community events and activities
- Clubs and community groups
4. Healthcare Access and Retirement Infrastructure
Healthcare access is another major reason retirees continue moving to Arizona.
The Phoenix metro area has a strong healthcare network, including Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, and many specialized medical providers throughout the Valley.
Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa all provide access to major healthcare systems, along with a large selection of retirement communities and active adult neighborhoods.
Is Arizona a Good Place to Retire?
Sunshine, outdoor recreation, golf, and active adult communities continue drawing retirees to Arizona from across the country.
Pros of Retiring in Arizona
- Sunshine and mild winters
- Active outdoor lifestyle
- Large selection of retirement communities
- Golf, pickleball, hiking, and biking
- Strong healthcare access
- Dining and entertainment
- Major airport access through Sky Harbor
- Wide range of home styles and price points
Potential Downsides
There is no perfect place to live for everyone, and Arizona is no exception.
Arizona summers can be brutal, especially in the Phoenix metro area. Some parts of Scottsdale can also be significantly more expensive than other Valley retirement cities.
During the winter months, parts of the Valley can also become much busier as seasonal visitors and snowbirds return to Arizona. Restaurants, golf courses, shopping areas, and traffic often become noticeably more crowded during peak season.
Still, many retirees feel the benefits outweigh the negatives, especially for those looking for sunshine, outdoor recreation, and active adult living.
Best Places to Retire in Arizona
1. Scottsdale
Scottsdale is regarded as one of the best places to retire in Arizona due to its luxury living, golf, dining, and entertainment.
The city offers upscale neighborhoods, excellent healthcare access, and a strong mix of full-time residents and seasonal homeowners.
Retirees love Scottsdale for its numerous green courses, upscale restaurants and shopping, 5-star resorts, and proximity to hiking and outdoor recreation.
Many Scottsdale 55+ communities are near spring training, luxury spas, and entertainment districts.
Popular retirement-focused communities and neighborhoods in Scottsdale include Villa Monterey and Scottsdale Heights.
Optima Camelview, which is not an age-restricted community, is popular among seasonal residents and retirees due to its lock-and-leave lifestyle, walkability, luxury amenities, and downtown Scottsdale location near the Scottsdale Waterfront and Old Town Scottsdale.
2. Surprise
Surprise has quickly become one of the most popular retirement destinations in Arizona, especially for buyers looking for more affordable retirement options.
The city has a large retirement population and a strong presence of active adults, with golf communities, gated neighborhoods, pickleball courts, and resort-style amenities throughout the area. Surprise also continues to grow rapidly, bringing more restaurants, shopping, and healthcare options to the West Valley.
One of the most well-known 55-plus communities in Surprise is The Grand, formerly known as Sun City Grand.
The community is loved for its golf courses, social clubs, pools, and active lifestyle.
Sterling Grove has also become a major draw for retirees looking for newer homes and resort-style living.
Arizona Traditions remains another popular option for retirees seeking a smaller active adult community with strong community ties.
Retirees often find more affordable home prices in Surprise without giving up the amenities and lifestyle.
3. Goodyear
Goodyear 55+ communities have become increasingly popular among retirees with their newer developments, golf communities, and the continued expansion of the West Valley.
The city offers more affordable home prices and upscale active adult communities.
Retirees can often find newer homes and extensive amenities without the higher price tags found in some nearby retirement areas.
PebbleCreek is one of the most recognizable 55+ communities in Arizona.
The community offers golf courses, clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, pickleball, restaurants, and a busy social calendar.
CantaMia offers a distinct vibe, with a smaller and more scenic desert setting near Estrella Mountain Regional Park. Many retirees are drawn to the quieter atmosphere and outdoor lifestyle.
Sun City Festival is another popular active adult community in the West Valley, known for its 27-hole championship golf course and newer homes.
4. Chandler
Active adults are often drawn to Chandler for its golf courses, its East Valley location, and access to healthcare.
Compared to Scottsdale, Chandler can offer lower home prices and a less tourist-heavy atmosphere.
Chandler 55+ communities are also conveniently located near major medical facilities, including Dignity Health and Banner Health, as well as Loop 101 and Loop 202.
Solera at Chandler is one of the most popular active adult communities in the East Valley. Lone Tree Golf Club is woven through the community, and it also has walking paths, fitness amenities, and a more intimate atmosphere than the vast, sprawling active adult developments nearby.
Unlike the massive, high-acreage master plans where a trip to the gym requires a drive, Solera’s smaller neighborhood means the clubhouse and miles of scenic walking trails are often just a quick stroll from your front door.
Springfield is another well-known active adult community in Chandler. The guard-gated neighborhood offers an executive golf course, clubhouse amenities, and a more established neighborhood feel than some newer communities.
Chandler gives retirees another option in the East Valley outside of Scottsdale’s higher home prices.
5. Peoria
Peoria 55+ communities are perfect for anyone looking for outdoor recreation, lake access, and a slightly quieter suburban environment.
Peoria is near Lake Pleasant, hiking trails, golf, and West Valley amenities, and maintains a more residential feel. Peoria continues to grow with additional shopping, restaurants, and healthcare services.
Trilogy at Vistancia is one of the most sought-after active adult communities in the area. The community is renowned for its golf, resort-style amenities, mountain views, and a strong social atmosphere.
Ventana Lakes is a great option for retirees who want lakeside living and a quieter community atmosphere.
6. Mesa
Mesa is one of the more affordable places to retire in Arizona because home prices are often lower than in Scottsdale and other East Valley cities.
Retirees often find lower home prices in Mesa 55+ communities and have the benefit of maintaining access to golf, shopping, healthcare, and entertainment throughout the East Valley.
Encore at Eastmark has become a popular newer active adult community.
Leisure World remains one of the most recognizable retirement communities in Mesa because of its golf courses, guard-gated setting, and event-filled activity calendar.
Sunland Springs Village is another popular option for golf, recreation, and an active social environment.
Best Affordable Places to Retire in Arizona
Affordability means different things to different retirees. Some buyers prioritize lower HOA fees, while others focus more on lower-maintenance homes, healthcare access, or overall lifestyle value.
Many buyers searching for the best affordable 55+ communities in Arizona focus on areas that offer lower home prices, active amenities, golf, and strong healthcare access.
Sun City
Sun City is probably the most recognizable retirement community in the country.
The community offers golf courses, recreation centers, pools, clubs, and extensive amenities at a more affordable entry point than many newer communities.
Sun City West
Compared to neighboring Sun City, Sun City West features newer homes, larger floor plans, larger garages, and updated recreation facilities.
The community offers golf courses, clubs, pools, fitness centers, and social activities at a lower price point than many newer Arizona retirement communities.
Surprise
Surprise offers newer homes, golf courses, active adult communities, and more space than many parts of the East Valley.
The Northwest Valley city is known for newer construction, larger lots, outdoor recreation near White Tank Mountain Regional Park, and lower price points compared to areas closer to Central Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Mesa
Mesa is known for its large concentration of active adult communities, lower housing costs compared to Scottsdale and parts of Phoenix, and close access to outdoor recreation in the East Valley.
The city offers golf courses, recreation centers, social clubs, healthcare facilities, and nearby outdoor destinations, including the Superstition Mountains, Saguaro Lake, and the Salt River.
Goodyear
Goodyear offers newer master-planned communities, golf courses, and affordable active adult communities with a more suburban feel than many parts of the East Valley.
The city is known for communities including PebbleCreek and CantaMia, outdoor recreation near Estrella Mountain Regional Park, and Spring Training at Goodyear Ballpark. Home prices in Goodyear are often higher than in Mesa, but many retirees prefer the newer homes, updated community amenities, and larger master-planned developments.
Buckeye
Buckeye has some of the most affordable home prices in the Phoenix metro area, newer construction, larger lots, and a quieter pace compared to many East Valley cities.
The city continues to grow with new master-planned communities, retail development, and active adult neighborhoods, such as Victory at Verrado.
Many retirees choose Buckeye for its lower cost of entry, open space, mountain views, and less congested setting, though sales taxes are slightly higher than in some other Valley cities.
Learn more about affordable 55-plus communities in Arizona.
Best 55+ Communities in Arizona
PebbleCreek
PebbleCreek is renowned for its championship golf courses, expansive clubhouse campuses, theater, restaurants, pickleball courts, and vibrant social scene in Goodyear.
CantaMia
CantaMia offers a quieter setting for retirees near the Estrella Mountains with walking trails, lake views, clubs, fitness facilities, and resort-style amenities.
Solera at Chandler
Solera at Chandler is popular among retirees who want to live in the East Valley, with a golf course setting and a more intimate community.
Springfield
Springfield features a guard-gated entrance, an executive golf course, community pools, clubs, and a more low-key atmosphere than some of the Valley’s larger active adult communities.
Trilogy at Vistancia
Trilogy at Vistancia is renowned for its golf, mountain views, hiking trails, resort amenities, and a highly active social calendar in Peoria.
Things to Consider Before Retiring in Arizona
Summer Heat
Arizona summers are extremely hot, especially throughout the Phoenix metro area.
However, many retirees feel the mild winters and outdoor lifestyle during the rest of the year make up for the summer temperatures.
Higher elevation areas throughout Arizona can offer cooler temperatures, but most major active adult communities are located in the Valley.
HOA Fees and Community Rules
The majority of Arizona active adult communities have HOA fees and community guidelines. Golf communities often have different fee structures than non-golf communities, so buyers should carefully compare amenities, maintenance, and overall value.
Seasonal Population Changes
Winter brings snowbirds and seasonal residents throughout Arizona. Traffic, restaurant wait times, and seasonal pricing can increase during peak winter months in popular retirement areas.
Airport Access and Family Travel
Retirees who travel frequently or have family visiting often may prefer East Valley communities, which are generally closer to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Mesa Gateway Airport than some West Valley areas.
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Arizona Retirement FAQs
What is the best place to retire in Arizona?
The best place depends on lifestyle and budget. Scottsdale is popular for luxury retirement living. Surprise, Mesa, and Goodyear are often better fits for retirees seeking more affordability.
What are the best affordable places to retire in Arizona?
Mesa, Surprise, Sun City, Buckeye, and parts of Goodyear are often considered some of the best affordable retirement areas in Arizona.
Is Arizona tax-friendly for retirees?
Arizona does not tax Social Security income, and property taxes are lower than in many retirement-heavy states.
What are some of the best Arizona 55+ communities?
Popular communities include PebbleCreek, Trilogy at Vistancia, Solera at Chandler, Sun City, Sun City West, CantaMia, and The Grand.
Is Scottsdale expensive for retirement?
Scottsdale is typically more expensive than many Arizona retirement cities, but some retirees feel the lifestyle, healthcare access, golf, and entertainment justify the higher costs.
Is Arizona a good place to retire year-round?
Many retirees live in Arizona year-round. Others split time seasonally to avoid the summer heat.
Retiring in Arizona
Arizona offers one of the widest varieties of retirement lifestyles in the country.
Retirees can choose between luxury golf communities, affordable active adult neighborhoods, lock-and-leave living, and resort-style amenities across the state.
Arizona retirement communities offer affordability, golf, outdoor recreation, active adult amenities, and healthcare access across the Phoenix metro area.
The best way to narrow down the right community is to visit different areas in person and compare amenities, location, lifestyle, and overall atmosphere.
If you have questions or would like to explore available homes in Arizona 55+ communities, our team is here to help.
Use our contact form, or call 480-387-3990 to speak with our team about available homes in Arizona 55+ communities or to arrange a tour.
Published by The Kay-Grant Group, Arizona 55+ community real estate experts.
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