2023 Arizona Retirement Resorts: A Comprehensive Guide

Arizona draws retirees with its year-round sun, varied landscapes, and abundant recreational and cultural options. This article covers the best retirement resorts in the state to help you evaluate communities that might fit your needs.

Introduction

Arizona has attracted retirees for over sixty years. The warm, dry climate, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, and relatively low cost of living appeal to active adults. As more older adults have moved to Arizona, the number of age-restricted communities has grown steadily.

Arizona is where the modern active retirement community began. Del Webb opened Sun City in the 1960s, the country's first age-restricted community for active adults. The model spread. Today Arizona has over 100,000 homes in 55-plus age-restricted communities.

Climate and geography

Arizona's climate varies by elevation. Lower elevations have desert climates with mild winters and hot summers. Northern Arizona, at higher altitudes, has cooler weather with cold winters and mild summers.

The state is known for its deserts and mountains. The Sonoran Desert covers the southwest, the Mojave the northwest, and the Painted Desert the north. Arizona has 194 named mountain ranges, many over 9,000 feet, and many retirement communities sit on land with mountain views.

Recreation, culture, and entertainment

Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott, and Yuma have professional sports teams including the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, and Arizona Diamondbacks. The warm climate also attracts Major League Baseball's spring training facilities.

Arizona has galleries, cultural centers, and art festivals throughout the state. Native American history is prominent, with galleries showing historical and contemporary work.

Outdoor recreation includes hiking in the mountains of Northern Arizona and boating on western lakes. There are options for most interests.

Cost of living and taxes

The cost of living in Arizona varies by city and region but is generally lower than the US average. As of 2021, the median home value was around $349,000. Arizona does not tax Social Security benefits and exempts some retirement income. Property taxes are relatively low, paid only to local authorities. There is no state tax on food for home use, prescription drugs, or medical devices.

Healthcare facilities

Arizona has 114 hospitals, including four that rank nationally: Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, University of Arizona Medical Center in Tucson, Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center, and St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. The greater Phoenix area is also a hub for medical research and treatment.

Top 10 Arizona retirement resorts

The following ten communities offer amenities, recreational activities, healthcare access, and scenic settings.

PebbleCreek, Goodyear

PebbleCreek has two clubhouses, multiple golf courses, several pools, and fitness centers. Shopping and dining are 5-10 minutes away.

Trilogy at Vistancia, Peoria

Trilogy at Vistancia offers two clubhouses, easy freeway access, and nearby shops and restaurants. Unlike most Trilogy communities, it does not require an expensive country club membership.

Encanterra by Trilogy, Queen Creek

Encanterra includes a private country club in a fast-growing area. It offers upscale living at lower costs than nearby Scottsdale.

Province, Maricopa

Province features open lawns, lakes, amenities, a clubhouse, and affordable pricing.

CantaMia, Goodyear

Built by the same developer as Province, CantaMia sits in a quiet setting with views of the Estrella Mountains and lakes and canals throughout.

Sun City Festival, Buckeye

Sun City Festival is the newest Del Webb community in the northwest Valley. Plans call for 9,000 homes, 27 holes of golf, and three recreation centers.

Sun City Grand, Surprise

Sun City Grand is a Del Webb community with 9,550 homes, hundreds of clubs and activities, and four golf courses.

Corte Bella, Sun City West

Corte Bella features Santa Barbara-inspired architecture, golf fairways, cypress trees, and street lamps that create a cohesive environment.

Robson Ranch, Eloy

Robson Ranch sits halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. About 4,600 homes are planned, and Casa Grande, with shops and restaurants, is five minutes away.

Sun City Anthem Merrill Ranch, Florence

Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch has a 48,000 sq. ft. recreation center and appeals to those who want to avoid city traffic.

Conclusion

Arizona offers retirees diverse landscapes, year-round sun, cultural and recreational activities, and a low cost of living. With over 100 active adult communities in the state, you can likely find a fit for your lifestyle and budget. Before deciding, visit the communities that interest you, talk to current residents if possible, and consult a real estate agent who specializes in retirement communities.