8 Towns Perfect for Retirement in Arizona

Arizona, a lovely state in the Southwestern United States, is a popular retirement destination thanks to its vibrant culture, gleaming climate, and endless golf opportunities. Despite the benefits, there are many variables when deciding the best community to retire in, from access to healthcare, cost of living, city size, and more. Unbeknownst to many, Arizona’s small towns often top the charts, with optimal amenities minus the urban hustle and bustle. Moreover, with plenty of natural and cultural attractions like Watson Lake in Prescott and Grand Canyon near Flagstaff, they are perfect for retirement in the Grand Canyon State.

Prescott

Prescott is a prime destination for retirees in Arizona, and this is for good reason. One area in which the town shines is recreation, which offers great opportunities. Active seniors would be interested in options of Watson Lake, beautifully surrounded by rock formations and an excellent opportunity for fishing. Similarly, the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary and Upper Goldwater Lake offer an array of activities and areas to explore. There are also plenty of ways for seniors to stay busy in the Prescott area, with local event calendars listing plant sales, mindful walks in nature, and health workshops.

Prescott is also becoming appreciated for its favorable climate and access to recreational activities, with its 41% senior population and mid-sized population of 45,800 in the 2020 Census. The average cost of rent per month for Prescott, Arizona, (according to Zillow) sits at about $2,100, about $100 less than the state average. To this end, it is an affordable destination with many ways to enjoy one’s retirement.

Cave Creek

Cave Creek is a retiree’s dream for several reasons, but two main factors are its access to local medical centers and its quaint population of just under 4,900. With its unbeatable access to the Sonoran Desert, Cave Creek is a fantastic option for seniors hoping to live in peace in a smaller town, with gorgeous views and access to good medical care. Speaking of medical care, the Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital offers state-of-the-art facilities with multiple inpatient beds.

Club Cave Creek has a fitness program with free access as a Medicare program, and users can work on a personal fitness plan with a trainer annually. The local Cave Creek government website also lists volunteer opportunities for seniors hoping to stay busy, from volunteering with local museums and libraries to food banks and animal rescues. Ode to this, Cave Creek's community-focused vibe is great for seniors to continue to feel connected.

Sedona

Sedona rests a little south of Flagstaff and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. With a population of less than 10,000 people, Sedona is a quiet location for a restful retirement. While it is quite costly for home-buyers, with a median home value of $950,000, about double the state average, the amenities are worth the price. Additionally, those who find this too expensive can opt to rent in Sedona, with the median rent of $3,400 being more affordable in comparison.

Northern Arizona Healthcare - Sedona, the local medical center, has an emergency department ranked above the 90th percentile for PRC's Overall Quality of Care. The facility provides 24/7 emergency, outpatient, and even cancer care to cover any medical requirements. Sedona is also an excellent location for hiking and shopping, with places like Red Rock State Park and Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village. It has beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere for anyone hoping to experience the best that Arizona offers.

Apache Junction

Apache Junction is a fantastic place to retire, with a population of less than 40,000 people, out of which over 34% are above the age of 65. To this end, the town invites seniors from all over, offering a social environment that’ll never be boring. Those drawn in will find the town quite affordable, with a median rent of about $2,100 per month and housing value of $386,000, according to Zillow.

Apache Junction is known for its ideal healthcare, with medical centers like Banner Health offering services including Diabetes, Alzheimer's and Dementia care, and telehealth. It is also adjacent to some of the best hospitals in the state located in nearby Phoenix and Scottsdale. There is also the Apache Junction Senior Resource Center for the larger senior community. Activities include senior fitness programs and blood pressure checks, as well as knitting, Mahjong, and Bingo. Lunch is available from Monday to Friday for those not wanting to cook, and on weekends, one can opt for eateries like Dirtwater Springs and Hacker’s Grill for a delicious meal and fun time out.

Camp Verde

Camp Verde is a lovely town in Yavapai County that beckons retirees from all over. The town is home to a quaint community of about 12,000 residents and has all the amenities needed to settle down. For example, Greyhound Lines and Groome Transportation provide bus services connecting the town to major cities like Phoenix, Las Vegas, Sedona, and Flagstaff. This gives Camp Verde a hometown feel while remaining within reach of urban centers. Camp Verde is also a relatively economical option with an average home value of $420,000, $13,000 less than the state average.

Camp Verde is home to the Camp Verde Senior Center, and for a small fee, seniors will be able to visit their library, have space for board games, use the pool table, and be invited to luncheons on location. The local government also has events from quilt clubs, book clubs, garden-to-table culinary courses, and art groups for socializing. Some of the most popular events in town are the Crawdad Festival, a competition to catch and cook crawfish in June, and Fort Verde Days, a celebration of the town’s history in October.

Mountainaire

Mountainaire is a town on the outskirts of Flagstaff. With less than a thousand people, this small town is surrounded by nature, providing a unique ambiance rarely found elsewhere. Its location near Flagstaff delivers some of the best healthcare in the country, making it great for retirees with consistent medical needs. The Flagstaff Medical Center is an excellent location with Northern Arizona Healthcare for issues like joint replacement, Diabetes, orthopedics, and assisted care.

In terms of accommodation, Mountainare offers cheaper housing than the nearby town of Flagstaff, which has an average housing value of about $662,000. While this is higher than the state average, senior living facilities like the Brookdale Flagstaff allow one to manage their finances while shifting between the small town and large city. Mountainaire also has access, by being in Coconino County, to services for seniors, from nutrition services, Alzheimer's resources, home repairs, and long-term care. The county government also holds Tai Chi and fall prevention classes for seniors.

Green Valley

With a population of just under 21,000 and a median housing value of $300,000, Green Valley might be the place for you to retire. The Banner-University Medicine Multispeciality Services Clinic provides options for chronic and acute conditions, echocardiograms, and wellness programs, among other things. Tucson, with its medical centers, is also a thirty-minute drive for any other needs that retirees may need.

Green Valley Recreation has free programs like water aerobics and tennis or pickleball, among other activities. Other events include painting classes and pool parties while in Green Valley. Outdoor movie showings and even pool flicks are available to enjoy while lounging in a pool float. Add on great outdoor areas like Desert Meadows Park for a scenic abode where one can settle down in peace.

Litchfield Park

Litchfield Park is the last, but certainly not least, on this list. The town is Phoenix-adjacent, giving it access to the activities and medical care of Phoenix while being a town of 6,847 people (2020 Census). Litchfield Park has many retirement communities available, such as the Colonnade and Hacienda Del Ray which offer a like-minded environment and care services for retirees to settle down comfortably. Moreover, over 21% of the local population is above the age of 65, so there is no shortage of people to meet in town.

Litchfield Park has many activities that make it the relaxed retirees paradise, from local golf courses like the Wigwam Golf Club to the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium for fun for any visiting family. Litchfield Park also has trout fishing, local recreation centers have water aerobics, and the town has Alzheimer's support groups.

Finding The Right Fit

Overall, Arizona has many great locations for retirees who desire different lifestyles, from the leisure golfer to the forever young hiker. There is medical care access, and the number of retirees is increasing, fostering a budding social environment for all. The list also included varieties of income spectrums and a place for anyone who wants to live in small towns or big cities. Moreover, without the urban hustle and bustle, one can relax and take in their golden years at their own pace.