6 Senior-Friendly Towns in Arizona
If you're looking for a place to retire that experiences mild winters, throw your gloves and snow shovels away and give a small town in Arizona a try. From sweeping mountain ranges and lush forests to scenic deserts, Arizona is a state of contrasts. Its quaint towns offer everything you'll need to enjoy your golden years, such as an affordable cost of living, welcoming communities, and an abundance of outdoor recreational and cultural activities.
Cave Creek
In the 1800s, the prospect of gold lured people to the frontier town of Cave Creek, but today, it's the Wild West spirit, cowboy heritage, desert foothill landscape, and outdoor recreational opportunities that draw them in. Due to its combination of small-town charm and plenty of entertainment and cultural attractions, Cave Creek is the ideal place for seniors to retire and spend their golden years. The affordable cost of living, warm winter temperatures, and convenient access to good medical facilities, such as Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital and Da Vinci Health Services, make the charming town an ideal choice.
When seniors want to enjoy horseback rides through the desert landscape, they can head to Arizona Horseback Adventures or Cave Creek Trail Rides and saddle up. Both Cave Creek Regional Park and Spur Ranch Conservation Area offer miles of looping trails along cactus- and wildflower-dotted hillsides, perfect for leisurely walks. Golfers can swing their clubs at scenic Rancho Manana Gold Club, and history buffs won't want to miss a trip to the Cave Creek Museum, which features exhibits depicting Sonoran desert life and artwork from local artists.
Carefree
Seniors can leave their worries behind in Carefree, which offers many advantages for those who want to enjoy their golden years in a warmer climate. Situated in the Sonoran Desert, Carefree is the quintessential Arizona small town, with a charming downtown filled with unique boutiques and eateries, a welcoming community, and scenic mountain vistas in every direction. Both Carefree Manor Assisted Living and Heritage at Carefree offer onsite nursing services for seniors who require an extra level of care.
Retirees can get plenty of daily exercise in a beautiful environment at Carefree Desert Gardens, a 4-acre garden featuring a walking path, blooming desert flowers, self-guided walking tours, and a playground for grandchildren. The Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion offers live entertainment year-round, not far from the lively downtown area. The Civana Wellness Resort is also available for seniors who want to pamper themselves.
Benson
Benson's low cost of living, easy access to quality health care, and majestic mountain views make it a popular place for retirees to call home. Situated about 45 miles from thriving Tuscon, Benson has retained its small-town feel since its founding in 1880, when the Southern Pacific Railroad came through the area. Benson's Good Samaritan Society offers a retirement community featuring several different options, such as both assisted and independent living apartments.
The charming western town's claim to fame is being the gateway to Kartchner Caverns State Park. The impressively large limestone cavern was discovered in 1974 and is available for both guided underground tours and above-ground hikes that wind through the surrounding Coronado National Forest. The local San Pedro Golf Course, which offers an 18-hole championship course, is another place where retirees can stay active and socially connected all year round.
Litchfield Park
Lovely Litchfield Park was named the best Arizona city in which to live by Movato due to its low crime rate, affordable cost of living, median home value, and warm and sunny climate. All of these factors make it the ideal place for retirees to live, especially if they love the Southwest. There are several local senior living centers and retirement communities in the area, including Hacienda Del Rey and La Loma Village, and St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is there to provide care as needed.
Charming Litchfield Park provides the best of both small-town living and big-city amenities, as it's just 20 miles from downtown Phoenix. Retirees can spend time at the Wildlife World Zoo and the Aquarium and Safari Park, which are also fun attractions to bring visiting family members to. The over 19,000-acre Estrella Mountain Regional Park, which offers opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and camping, is another place where seniors can stay active. The park is also home to the Tres Rios Golf Course, a relaxing, 18-hole course featuring scenic mountain views.
Cottonwood
Cute Cottonwood's location in the heart of Arizona's wine country, surrounded by beautiful red rocks and Mingus Mountain, is just one of the many reasons people retire there. The cost of living is slightly below the national average, and almost half of the population is over age 45, so retirees will be in good company. There are a handful of retirement communities, including Cottonwood Village, Granite Gate Senior Living, and Christian Care Cottonwood that provide assisted living options as well as senior social activities.
Cottonwood is located in the scenic Verde Valley, which offers abundant outdoor recreational attractions and parks, such as Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which retirees can explore on foot, bike, ATV, or horseback. The park's peaceful trails wind through cottonwood and sycamore tree forests along the cool Verde River. Other nearby parks include Fort Verde State Historic Park, Jerome State Historic Park, and Tuzigoot National Monument. Old Town Cottonwood is the perfect place for a stroll and is filled with boutiques, local eateries, and wine-tasting rooms.
Apache Junction
Situated in the stunning Superstition Mountains, approximately 35 miles from Phoenix, Apache Junction is a popular retirement destination for seniors who crave sun-drenched days and warm, mild winters. Almost half of Apache Junction's population is over the age of 45, and the charming town offers convenient access to good healthcare facilities. Retirement communities and assisted living facilities include Palmas Del Sol East, Brookdale Apache Junction, and Avista Senior Living Apache Junction.
Retirees can get daily exercise at Lost Dutchman State Park, which is known as the western gateway of the Superstition Mountains and offers six trails ranging from easy to rugged, 135 camping and RV sites, and climate-controlled cabins for overnight stays. The Superstition Mountain Museum is also available for those wanting to learn more about the area's storied past via American Indian and cowboy exhibits, a model railroad, and movie set replicas.
There are many reasons why retirees from all over the country flock to Arizona, and the state's senior-friendly towns offering convenient access to medical facilities, retirement communities, and plenty of outdoor and cultural activities are at the top of the list. If you're looking for a welcoming place where you can forget your winter woes and spend sunny days outdoors during your golden years, consider the Grand Canyon State.
