The best retirement communities in Arizona have a lot to offer. Given that the state has everything from golf courses and resort-style pools to vast hiking trails surrounded by beautiful mountain tops, it’s hard to get bored here. Read on to learn more about the best retirement communities in Arizona, some of which allow people younger than 55 to enter the community. Each place is listed based on general home prices, from low to high. Still, you can find a financial advisor to help you make a choice based on your individual circumstances.
Sun City
Price Range: Low $100ks – High $800ks
Number of Homes: 27,492
Age Restrictions: 55+
Sun City opened in 1960 as the first 55+ active adult community in the country. Since then, this Phoenix-area community has been serving its residents with a wealth of amenities and resources. For instance, you can practice your swing at one of 11 golf courses. In fact, Sun City is among the retirement communities with the most golf holes per capita in the nation. But if golf is not your thing, you can still stay active at more than seven recreation centers. You can find fitness centers, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, racquetball courts, woodworking shops and more.
In addition, you’d be surrounded by an array of shopping centers and restaurants. The streets are golf cart-accessible, so you can easily reach any of these destinations. And if you need it, you can visit an on-site hospital.
But one of the perks that attract many of its more than 40,000 residents to Sun City is its reasonably priced homes and some of the lowest Arizona property taxes. You can choose from ranch-style homes, patio duplexes and garden condos. Plus, you can score many of these homes for just a little more than $100,000.
Sun Lakes
Price Range: Low $200ks – High $700ks
Number of Homes: 6,683
Age Restriction: 40+
Situated in Central Arizona just south of Chandler, Sun Lakes boasts five country club-style neighborhoods. Each one has its own golf course and amenity center. Each clubhouse offers a range of opportunities to stay healthy and active well into your retirement. You can train at the fitness center, take a swim at the pool or dance in the ballroom. Plus, each neighborhood is connected by several walking and biking trails as well as parks and fishing lakes. In addition, you’d be within a few miles of major shopping centers, restaurants and medical facilities.
And as far as dwellings go, you can choose from single-family, attached and manufactured homes. Living space for most ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 square feet. Prices vary widely, however, which is good because Arizona’s tax structure is not one of the most favorable for retirees. You can find reasonably priced, older homes as well as newly constructed ones with modern upgrades. Association fees vary depending on the neighborhood you reside in. For instance, those that live in attached villas have access to additional exterior maintenance but also pay an additional condo fee. Regardless of budget, you should be able to plan a comfortable retirement in Sun Lakes.
And if you want to take a break from this 40+ community, you can easily hop on I-10 or the 202 Loop within minutes. Nearby attractions include several casinos, shopping malls, spas and libraries.
Rio Verde Country Club
Price Range: Low $300ks – Low $2ms
Number of Homes: 980
Age 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. There’s 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.
SaddleBrooke Ranch
Price Range: Low $200ks – Low $700ks
Number of Homes: 5,400
Age Restrictions: 40+
Nesting atop the Santa Catalina foothills near Tucson, SaddleBrooke Ranch has plenty to offer for the most active of adults. The 37,000-square-foot La Hacienda Club alone boasts a large resort-style pool with lap lanes as well as a resistance pool. In addition, it houses a fitness center where you can take various classes including yoga, Pilates and aerobics. SaddleBrook range is also surrounded by several pickleball, bocce ball and tennis courts. You can also find a range of activities to keep your mind active in the arts and crafts studio.
And when you want to take a break, you’d have access to the Esperanza Spa and Salon Del Sol. Of course, you can also take a swing at the 18-hole SaddleBrook Ranch Course. This 6,872 yard, par-72 course extends through scenic green dessert.
When you’re finally done having fun, you can retreat to one of several single-family, ranch-style homes. Space ranges from 1,404 to 2,808 feet. And while some newly constructed homes can carry a hefty price tag, you can also find units for just a little more than $200,000.
Fountain of Sun
Price Range: Below $100ks – High $200ks
Number of Homes: 2,296 homes
Age Restrictions: 55+
If you’re a serious golf enthusiast, you may find your personal paradise at the Fountain of Sun. This 582-acre, gated golf course community offers plenty of opportunities to stay on your feet. Residents typically enjoy yoga and Pilates or join softball and golf teams. The main clubhouse offers everything from a fitness center and ballroom to a library. Here, several clubs also gather to knit and sew, build ceramics or work with stained glass.
You can find additional amenities at the members-only Fountain of the Sun Golf Country Club, including an exclusive 18-hole golf course.
Home types include single-family, attached and manufactured units. The latter usually boasts space ranging from 1,100 to 1,900 square feet.
Canoa Ranch
Price Range: High $100ks – High $400ks
Number of Homes: 2,500 homes
Age Restrictions: 55+
Nestled within the southern part of Green Valley, this 480-acre community offers 13 recreational centers for you to keep busy. The area also provides a lot of opportunities for outdoors enthusiasts to stay active via plenty of hiking and nature trails that guide you to scenic canyons and ridges. The community is also known for hosting a variety of clubs. These include the following:
- Woodworking
- Ceramics
- Quilting
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Billiards
Your home choices include detached ranch homes and resort-style condos that feature space ranging from 1,503 to 1,729 square feet.
Sun City West
Price Range: Low $100ks – High $600ks
Number of Homes: 16,900
Age Restriction: 55+
Another fine option for golf lovers is the Sun City West community. The 48-acre golf course community houses more than 118,000 square feet of amenities. The Palm Ridge Clubhouse alone offers three pools, a tennis court and a fitness center with an indoor walking track. You can also enjoy a party at the ballroom or get together with your club in one of several meeting rooms.
In addition, the Beardsley Center has an Olympic-size pool, greenhouse and mini-golf course. And if you like working with your hands, you can build some crafts at the woodworking shop in the Stardust Theater.
Home choices include single-family homes and attached homes. Space within single-family homes tends to range from 800 to 4,600 square feet.
Sun City Grand
Price Range: Low $200ks – High $800ks
Number of Homes: 9,802
Age Restrictions: 45+
Situated among the Phoenix northwest valley, this 45+ community extends plenty of opportunities to keep your body and brain active well into your retirement. In fact, it’s one of the few entries on our list with an on-site continuing education center.
But when you want to take a break from studying, you can enjoy the 9,000-square-foot grand ballroom at The Sonoran Plaza. It also houses a modern fitness center with a dance studio and resort-style pool. When it’s time to take a break, you can visit the full-service Cimarron Day Spa. In addition, you’d have access to four championship golf courses including the one at Granite Falls South and Desert Springs.
At Sun City Grands, you can live in pre-owned resale homes as well as newly constructed units. Condos, villas and single-family homes in the area generally offer 805 to 3,000 square feet of living space. You’d also be surrounded by numerous shopping outlets and cultural centers. Attractions within just 12 miles of the community include the Challenger Space Center, the West Valley Art Museum and Lake Pleasant.
Sun City Festival
Price Range: Mid $200ks – High $700ks
Number of Homes: 7,200 homes
Age Restrictions: 45+
Nestled among the White Tank Mountains base, this 45+ community provides a scenic area to spend your retirement, as well as a range of amenities for all types of people. You can relax at the resort-style pool or enjoy the cascade waterfalls at the Sage Recreation Center. Or you can break a sweat at the fitness center complete with dance studios and a spin room. In addition, you can take classes at the Arizona State University Lifelong Learning Center. Courses range from literature to financial planning and computer science.
Furthermore, you can find a variety of tennis, volleyball and basketball courts scattered about to stay active.
The community offers 22 different single-family floor plans that take up about 1,100 to 2,800 square feet. Moreover, these homes are designed with European, Spanish or ranch themes. More expensive reconstructed units boast modern upgrades such as Energy-Star appliances. But you can also find reasonably priced resale homes.
Quail Creek
Price Range: Low $200ks – High $500ks
Number of Homes: 4,000
Age Restrictions: 40+
Lovers of the great outdoors may be attracted to Quail Creek. You can find a variety of parks, fishing lakes and more. But if you want to stay indoors, there’s plenty to do as well. The Madera Clubhouse houses a grand ballroom, stage, library and several activity rooms. And the Anza Athletic Club offers several opportunities to stay competitive while engaging with your new friends and neighbors. You can enjoy 16 pickleball courts, six lighted tennis courts and four bocce ball courts.
The Creative Arts & Technology Center contains several workshops where you can take classes on ceramics, lapidary, sewing and more. And of course, what retirement community would be complete without golf galore? The Quail Creek Country Club offers three nine-hole courses that pass through the Sonoran Desert. And the Santa Rita Mountains serve as your backdrop.
Homebuyers can choose from one of many newly constructed or resale single-family homes that offer around 1,376 to 2,686 square feet. But regardless of which one you choose, you’ll be within a short driving distance of the more than 300 shopping, retail and dining options in the Green Valley.
Westbrook Village
Price Range: High $100ks – Low $500ks
Number of Homes: 3,910 homes
Age Restrictions: 40+
Westbrook Village stands as one of the smaller communities in the Sun City. However, it still provides a seemingly endless amount of amenities. For example, the Lakes Recreation Center contains a ballroom, a computer lab and an aerobics studio to name a few attractions. You can also enjoy outdoor pools and horseshoe pits. Meanwhile, you can find a fitness center and multipurpose rooms. The Fine Arts & Learning Center contains an art studio, photography studio and a video library. And don’t forget the Westbrook Golf Club.
Furthermore, you can join one of the more than 40 clubs active in the community. These include groups dedicated to books, card games and sports. You’ll be hard-pressed to find yourself bored at the Westbrook Village.
The area is known for its low-maintenance homes which include single-level attached homes with around 1,363 to 1,478 square feet of living space. But if you want to give the community a break, you’ll be a short distance from the 101 loops. This brings you closer to major attractions like downtown Phoenix and the Arrowhead Mall.
PebbleCreek
Price Range: Low $200ks – Low $900ks
Number of Homes: 6,200
Age Restrictions: 45+
Being located between the White Tank Mountains and Estrella Mountain Park, PebbleCreek is another prime destination for active outdoor enthusiasts. You’d also be close to downtown Phoenix.
The Eagle’s Nest Country Club serves as the activity hub of the community. You can find attractions like a fitness center, library and grand ballroom within this 47,000-square foot structure. The Creative Arts Center hosts a variety of studios for painting, ceramics and stained glass and more. The Tuscany Country Club serves as a water sports staple that offers several pools, an aerobics studio and a state-of-the-art fitness center. You can also find a bar, restaurant, gourmet hot dog stand and more.
Experienced golfers can enjoy the 6,790-yard, par-72 golf course where seven lakes and the White Tank Mountains serve as your backdrop.
Real estate options include ranch-style homes and villas. They range from 1,404- to 1,863-square-foot homes.
Trilogy at Vistancia
Price Range: High $200ks to High $1ms
Number of Homes: 3,300 homes
Age Restriction: 55+
Trilogy serves as a luxury retreat for retirees in Peoria. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders awarded Vistancia the best master-planned community in 2005. Today, this 7,100-acre community continues to offer residents a full range of amenities.
The 35,000-square-foot Kiva Club houses a modern fitness center with a full suite of weight and cardiovascular equipment. You can also enjoy classes like dance, aerobics and Tai-Chi. The Club even offers its own movie theater, library and computer lab. You can also take a variety of courses at the Center for Higher Learning including financial planning for retirement and photography. And if you find yourself having too much fun, you can relax at the full-service Aleva Spa which offers skin care, therapeutic massages and waxing.
As far as dwelling options go, you can explore single-family homes with ranch-style plans that span from 1,218 to 3,000 square feet.
SaddleBrooke
Price Range: Mid $200ks – Low $1ms
Number of Homes: 5,400
Age Restrictions: 40+
Since being constructed in the late 1980s, SaddleBrooke has been serving its residents with luxurious amenities and services. In fact, it’s surrounded by several clubhouses and fitness centers. This is separate from the SaddleBrooke Ranch listed above.
Lovers of the arts will feel particularly satisfied with the DesertView Performing Arts Theater with stadium-style seating that can treat more than 400 people. As far as outdoor activities go, you can take advantage of miles upon miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, a softball field and more. You can also enjoy the Mountain View Golf Club. The Ranch House Clubhouse offers a ballroom with a stage, a full-service bar and grill, as well as a brewery. And while you’re at it, you can make some new friends by checking out the community’s more than 100 charter clubs.
Homeowners can explore single-family and attached homes surrounded by pristine mountain views.
Trilogy at Encanterra
Home Prices: Low $200ks – High $800ks
Number of Homes: 2,400
Age Restrictions: 55+
Trilogy at Encanterra houses Shea Homes, an exclusive enclave for residents who are at least 50 years old. Situated east of the San Tan Mountains, it’s also one of the more secluded communities on our list. In fact, the town describes itself as “city-close, but country-quiet.” In fact, you can easily drive into nearby Phoenix.
The 60,000-square-foot La Casa Clubhouses all the entertainment you need. You can visit the Alvea Spa with its steam rooms and saunas. It also contains an indoor pool and gym. This same clubhouse is open to residents of the nearby Encanterra and Trilogy. Golf enthusiasts usually frequent the 18-hole championship course that Tom Lehman designed.
You can buy newly constructed or resale homes that offer 1,437 to 3,403 square feet of living space.
Bellasera
Price Range: Mid $300ks – Mid $800ks
Number of Homes: 360
Age Restriction: None
Potential homebuyers of any age can reside in Bellasera, located in Scottsdale. But the area particularly attracts retirees who want to live an upbeat and active lifestyle well into their golden years. The 5,000-square-foot clubhouse serves as a bustling hub where people get together to exercise at the gym or relax in the hot tub and steam rooms. Residents also have access to a gourmet kitchen they can use to host parties and gatherings. This community can be one of the best places to retire in Arizona for dog lovers. You’d have access to a 10,800-square-foot dog park.
Each home boasts at least two bedrooms offering 1,394 to 3,387 square feet of living space, along with an attached two-car garage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Retiring in Arizona
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions on retiring in Arizona and the communities that people choose. We’ve provided answers to some below.
Where do most people retire in Arizona?
While the place you choose to retire should be very individualized, most people choose to retire in a suburb of Phoenix or Tucson. Some examples of popular retirement cities include Sun City, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley and Sedona. Most people choose to be close to Phoenix to access a plethora of things to do and find great retirement communities.
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 you’re 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 you’re purchasing a home. These costs also don’t include other monthly costs like food or travel expenses.
Where is the cheapest place to retire in Arizona?
The cheapest places to retire in Arizona are going to match the cheapest places to live and they may not be well equipped for retirees. The cheapest areas include cities like Douglas, Bullhead City and Yuma. The further you get away from the larger city of Phoenix, the less your costs could potentially be to live.
Tips on Retirement Planning
- Anytime you’re making serious retirement planning decisions, you should contact a financial advisor for expert guidance. If you’ve 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 you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- If you’re nearing retirement age, you may want to take a close look at your 401(k) plan, individual retirement account (IRA) or other retirement savings vehicle. Make sure it’s properly funded and your investments are performing well. You may also need to start taking required minimum distributions (RMD) soon.
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