8 Towns in Arizona That Are Ideal for Seniors
While Arizona might be known for its sprawling deserts, there are a plethora of communities, both small and large, to be a part of after retirement. Social groups, concerts, and guided tours are just some of the opportunities seniors have to meet new people and make new friends. In Arizona, it's easy to live somewhere quiet while being near somewhere larger, like the quiet neighborhoods of Cottonwood near Phoenix or Avra Valley right outside Tucson. Outdoor activities like hikes and picnics are plentiful throughout the state, with its beautiful redwall limestone formations everywhere, like at the Grand Canyon National Park. Seniors who want something both tight-knit and full of laid-back fun should check out Arizona for its collection of outdoor trails, plentiful golf courses, warm climate, and more!
Cottonwood
The town of Cottonwood has a lot of small-town cozy appeal in combination with plenty of things to do. Nearby hiking trails like Jail Trail River Walk or Cliffrose offer both a taste of greenery and desert, while the Verde River offers kayaking spots. In town, there is a collection of wine-tasting rooms, like Belfry Brewery and Small Batch, among others. Galleries like the Aperture are always nice to look through, with artists, both local and international, changing up the viewings. Many of these are in "Old Town Cottonwood." The town is only an hour and a half from Phoenix, perfect for anyone who wants to be close to a big city while remaining in a smaller area.
Cottonwood is in a prime location where the elevation is just right at around 3,461 feet, so it's not too hot yet not too cold throughout the year. The mean daily temperature is around 63.5°F (17.5°C), with the hottest month being July (83.9°F or 28.8°C average) versus the coldest month being December, with an average temperature of 44.6°F (7°C). With a dense suburban feel, close to 52% of Cottonwood's residents rent their homes rather than purchase and own them. According to the United States Census Bureau, the median house value as of 2022 is around $265,700, while the gross rent is $996.
Payson
Located near the center of the state is Payson. While some people call it the "Heart of Arizona" due to its location, the town has a milder climate when compared to other towns and cities around the area, with an average daily temperature of 73.8°F (23.2°C). Many people come here because of the town's geological location, with it being surrounded by the Tonto National Forest, which is ripe with wilderness and hiking trails to explore, like Deer Creek or Denton. It also features one of the largest natural bridges in the world, called the Tonto Natural Bridge.
Cultural happenings include outdoor concerts in the summer, like those in Green Valley Park, and also the Arizona State Championship Old Time Fiddlers Contest in September. Local rodeos like Payson Pro are very popular in the area as well. Settle down in the local park or go shopping at one of Payson's many stores or businesses, such as the Payson Farmers Market. The town has a median home value of $305,700, with a median gross rent of $1,280.
Sedona
Retirees and seniors looking to be close to adventure should check out Sedona. People from all around the area come to this town to go on hikes and bike on one of many of the nearby trails, such as the Devil's Bridge or Broken Arrow Trail. There are so many opportunities for exploring that the town set up a series of locations called the "Sedona Secret 7" to help highlight seven of the more underrated trails like Woods Canyon. Take a nice walk, have a picnic, or watch the stars in one of Sedona's many vistas, where the stars pop out at night. Attractions like Stargazing Arizona offer small bubbles to get prime viewings of these wonderful nighttime lights.
The town has a robust arts scene with different museums, stores, and galleries sprinkled throughout, like Gallery 928 or the Kachina House, which holds many Native American artifacts. Sedona is a more pricey area, likely because of its proximity to places like restaurants such as The Hudson or Bella Vita Ristorante, alongside its touristy appeal. The median home value is $664,300, while median rent costs around $1,377.
Kayenta
The Colorado Plateau provides some incredible views and landscapes in Kayenta. Take a drive to see Monument Valley and go down the 17-mile dirt loop for incredible locales from the comfort of a car! The area holds a lot of rich history for the Navajo Tribe, with old and new cultures shining through. The Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise houses art and artifacts from the tribe, while the Trading Post in the View Hotel has more contemporary pieces as well.
Eateries in the area are abundant, with the Amigo Cafe and Blue Coffee Pot serving as resident favorites. Kayenta is quite small (so housing prices can vary), but the median household income for the town is $54,051 as of 2022, according to the American Community Survey.
Avra Valley
Avra Valley is just outside of Tucson, which is about 30 miles away. It provides plenty of open space and stargazing opportunities because of its location just outside of the city. In the area is the TIMPA Observing Site, which is occasionally open for monthly "star parties." Around 20 minutes away is the Saguaro National Park, which has plenty of walking trails and picnic spots, like the Hugh Norris or Sendero Esperanza trails, with some of the largest cacti in the whole country. The park even has E-Bike tours!
The north of town has an RV park, and the west has a campground perfect for enjoying the outdoors, away from any houses or people. So, for those who want to be close to a major city but live in a smaller area, Avra Valley might be ideal for relaxing and enjoying a more cozy community. The median house price in Avra Valley is $135,400, while rent runs relatively cheap at a median of $685.
Coolidge
The town of Coolidge is Arizona's hub for cotton production, which means there's plenty of open space to stop and admire around town. The town has community events like Cotton Days and Calvin Coolidge Days, featuring parades, food, carnivals, and more, all bringing the residents together every year. The town's main road has a myriad of shops, which is great for getting out and spending a little. There's the Jotastic Boutique, Patsy's Attic, and even the Coolidge Swap Meet, which is quite popular in the area.
Coolidge has different historical structures under its belt, which is perfect for people living in the area who want to explore and learn about it. The Casa Grande Ruins is the grand example, which was the first site to receive protected status by the United States Government, all the way back in 1892. At a median house price of $171,800 and a median gross rent of $967, Coolidge is quite affordable.
Sun City
In Phoenix is a suburb called Sun City, which is a popular spot for adults and seniors, being ripe with plenty of natural beauty and recreation to go around! The city has seven recreation centers, like the Bell, Fairway, or Grand recreation centers, and over a hundred clubs, ranging from ceramics, metalworking, card playing, aerobics, dancing, and so many more. This makes socializing and meeting other seniors a breeze.
There is no shortage of entertainment either, with shows at both the Sun Bowl and Sundial Auditorium throughout the year. Bowl a few frames at one of the recreation centers, play a round of golf at Riverview, or visit one of the many nearby casinos, like Desert Diamond. Sprinkled throughout the city are different kinds of food and restaurants, from Sunset Bistro to the Royal Cafe, leaving no one with an empty stomach! Sun City really has it all. This suburb has a median home value of $233,600, with a median rent of $1,363.
Green Valley
On the west of the Santa Cruz River is an unincorporated community called Green Valley, about 30 miles south of Tucson. Many residents in the community are retired, because the proximity to Tucson makes it a quaint and quiet spot to live. Places in the area include a local library, a farmers market, and a performing arts center called CPAC, which hosts many concerts and theatrical productions throughout the year.
Try one of the several golf courses in the area, like San Ignacio, and relax at the Mountain View Cafe and Bakery for a sweet treat! People who want to get outside in the wilderness can visit Historic Canoa Ranch, which has tours and programs like stargazing and birdwatching. Nature trails like Four Springs or Baldy Spring are offered at Madera Canyon in the nearby Santa Rita Mountains, which is another popular birdwatching hotspot. Green Valley's homes have a median value of $240,800, with median rent resting at around $1,131.
How does a spot in the quiet desert sound? While Arizona may have a warmer climate, there are scores of unique towns, cities, and communities to call home! Some people choose to visit, but others choose to stay because they fell in love with the small communities, different opportunities, and rock formations found all throughout the state. Many of Arizona's residents are retired, choosing to live their days to the fullest with clear skies and pretty landscapes everywhere.
