Distant sunset view of Sedona, Arizona, and the stunning mountains behind the city.

Is Retiring in Arizona the Right Choice for You?

Arizona Retirement

by Matt Lyons Posted on September 12, 2025

If you’d prefer your golden years to have a warm, Southwestern persuasion, then Arizona should be at the top of your list. Retiring in Arizona comes with choices — you can settle in a large city like Phoenix or Tucson, or enjoy a slower pace of life in one of the state’s many charming small towns. When you make the choice to retire in Arizona, you’ll be in good company, as those aged 65+ account for 19.3 percent of the population, and Arizona ranks 12th when it comes to having the most seniors in the U.S. 

Is Arizona a good place to retire? Clearly, many think so. But is retiring in Arizona right for you? Let’s find out!

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What Are the Benefits of Retiring in Arizona?

There are countless reasons to retire in Arizona, but one of the biggest draws is its warm weather (almost) all year. In fact, Arizona is the sunniest state in the country, as well as one of the hottest. If you choose to live in a smaller city or town, you won’t miss the quality of life offered in the major metros, plus you’ll have the added bonus of more cash in your pocket.

But if you do choose city life, you’ll be enjoying some of the most vibrant in America, especially in Phoenix. Residents have ample opportunities to get outside and stay active, and no matter where you settle down, you’ll find trails and recreational centers that are perfect for 65+ people. 

And if you want to be a part of a dedicated retirement community, you’re in luck, because some of the best are in Arizona, including:

Is Arizona a Good State To Retire in? — FAQs

Is Arizona a good place for retirees? Yes, overall, retiring in Arizona has a lot of perks. There’s no Social Security income tax, there’s plenty of sunny weather, and you’ll find a lot of other seniors living around you, so making new friends and creating a sense of community shouldn’t be difficult. Of course, like in Arizona, the  sun doesn’t shine every single day. To see some of the downsides of choosing to retire in Arizona, skip over to our section on retiring in Arizona pros and cons.

Q: Is Arizona Retirement-Friendly for Retirees?
A:
Arizona is considered a retiree-friendly state. When it comes to Arizona retirement taxes, there’s no tax on Social Security retirement benefits, and the property taxes are relatively low. There are also plenty of 55+ communities to get involved in, along with great hospitals and healthcare systems located around the state.

Q: Is Retiring in Arizona a Good Idea?
A:
Yes, retiring in sunny Arizona is a good idea — especially if you’re looking to stay active and involved in a community. With an affordable cost of living, near-constant sunshine, and plenty of retirement communities to stay active in, there are a lot of great reasons to consider Arizona for your golden years.

Q: What Part of Arizona Is the Best To Retire In?
A:
Arizona offers lots of great options, but Scottsdale isn’t just considered by many to be the best place to retire in Arizona; it’s been named the best city to retire in America by Niche.

Q: Is it Cheaper To Retire in Florida or Arizona?
A:
“Cheaper” can be a relative term depending on your situation, income, and even lifestyle, but Florida is the objectively cheaper option here (though not by much). Florida’s overall cost of living is lower than Arizona’s, and the annual cost of a comfortable retirement, according to Kiplinger, is approximately $61,529. In Arizona, that number is $67,778.

A woman in hiking gear is taking a photo of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim, thoroughly enjoying retiring in Arizona.

Retiring in Arizona means taking in some impressive views and enjoying lots of outdoor excursions.

Retiring in Arizona — Pros and Cons

Is Arizona a good state to retire in? Although it’s considered a great state for seniors, retiring in Arizona can have some drawbacks. Let’s learn a little more about what retiring in Arizona pros and cons include

Pro: Pleasant Winters

Arizona has a wonderful, warm climate that lots of retirees find pleasant. Sunny days abound, and the temperatures in December — the coldest month of the year — range between 40 and 65 degrees. Balmy!

Pro: Opportunities To Get Outside

When you retire in Arizona, you have a lot of opportunities to get out and experience the great outdoors. Whether you want to walk the trails, take in a round of golf, or go exploring one of the many state or national parks, Arizona is full of natural beauty. Not to mention the warm, sunny climate means you can spend more days outside.

Pro: Retirement-Friendly Tax Benefits

Is Arizona a tax-friendly state for retirees? Yes, retirement in Arizona can help you stretch your retirement savings even further because Social Security benefits aren’t taxed. However, the state does tax other retirement accounts, like withdrawals from an IRA or a 401(k).

Con: Scorching Summers

The flip side of that warm winter weather is that summertime can be scorching. Since Arizona has a desert climate, summers are very hot. Even though the heat is dry heat (as opposed to wet, humid heat like in Florida) and most areas are air-conditioned, the intense summer heat is still something to take into account if you’re considering retiring in Arizona but have a medical condition or are prone to heat stress.

Con: Unexpected Extreme Weather

Although you might not initially think Arizona is prone to extreme weather, you should know that dust storms and monsoons can hit unexpectedly. The summer monsoon season is from June 15th to September 30th and can include intense rain, lightning, and flooding. Dust storms known as haboobs (that’s the real name) are common and residents should remain indoors when they hit.

Con: Need for a Car

Most places in Arizona require you to have access to a car, as public transportation is not readily available outside of major downtown areas. However, if you choose to live in a retirement community, they may have their own transportation to help you get to healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and grocery stores.

Q: Why are retirees leaving Arizona?
A:
Although retiring in Arizona is still very popular, some seniors have chosen not to retire in Arizona because of housing prices, which are slightly higher than the national average, and extreme weather conditions.

A desert scene in Arizona juxtaposed against a sunset view of Miami, illustrating the differences between the two retirement locations. For those considering retiring in Arizona, pros and cons like natural beauty and general climate are important to think about.

Is Arizona a good place to retire or is Florida better? Many say Arizona because of its favorable weather conditions.

Retiring in Arizona vs. Florida

If you’re debating between retiring in Arizona or Florida, there are a lot of reasons why Arizona might be your best bet. The cost of living might not be one of them, though. Florida’s cost of living is 103.1 and Arizona’s is 106.4. Additionally, a typical home in Arizona costs around $426,200, while the average home in Florida costs around $382,100. So while Arizona is technically “more expensive” than Florida, the divide between the two isn’t vast.

Access to healthcare is important, and you want to make sure there are doctors and healthcare facilities that take your insurance or Medicare. Arizona has some of the best hospitals in the country, whether you need a specialist or a primary care physician. Top-ranked hospitals include:

  • Mayo Clinic Arizona
  • Banner University Medical Center Phoenix
  • Banner University Medical Center Tucson
  • Chandler Regional Medical Center

Florida has its fair share of great hospitals and healthcare systems, as well. It’s best to research your own specific needs before choosing a place to live based on this factor, though.

And the weather in Arizona is perfect if you’re looking for a place that’s sunny for most of the year and that only experiences severe weather a few times during the summer months. In Florida, you will have to deal with yearly hurricanes, flooding, and hot, humid temperatures. In Arizona, you’re dealing with haboobs, dust storms, and the occasional monsoon. While the temperatures may be more pleasant closer to the beach, those properties are also very expensive.

While the cost of living and housing is important to consider, think of where you’d feel most comfortable spending your retirement years. Both states have a lot to offer but differ considerably when it comes to climate.

How Much Money Do You Need To Retire in Arizona?

If you want to retire in Arizona, it’s recommended that you have more than $62,400 annually in order to retire comfortably. While you can certainly get by in a smaller town with less, it’s nice to have a number so you know what to aim for. Arizona does not tax Social Security benefits, which is a nice plus. However, keep in mind that the state does tax other retirement accounts, such as distributions from an IRA or a 401(k).

No matter where you choose to retire in the state, chances are you’ll find that property taxes are low, but sales tax can be high at 5.6 percent. It’s important to remember that some items are not subject to sales tax, though, such as certain groceries, prescriptions, and medical devices.

The Best Places To Retire in Arizona in 2025

Looking for the best place to retire in Arizona in 2025? We have a list of cities and towns that should be at the top of your list. And here’s a fun fact that may surprise you: Just because you’re retiring in Arizona doesn’t mean you’re surrounded by desert only — these are all located near water!

 

Aerial view of residential neighborhoods in Scottsdale, Arizona — one of the best places for retiring in Arizona — with the mountains filling the skyline in the distance.

Scottsdale is considered by many to be the best place to retire in Arizona because of its abundance of outdoor activities and city amenities.

1. Scottsdale

Not only is living in Scottsdale, AZ, one of the best places to retire in Arizona in 2025, but it’s also considered the No. 1 city to retire in the U.S., according to Niche. Once you’re a part of this welcoming community, you’ll see why people come here to retire and enjoy their golden years. If golf is something you love, you’ll be happy to know that Scottsdale has all kinds of courses for you to try, including the Grayhawk Golf Club, Continental Golf Club, and Talking Stick Golf Club

You’ll also have easy access to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park and Hunting Area, and all kinds of trails to walk or bike. Residents love how close they are to Blue Wash Trailhead, Camp Creek Falls, and the trails at Desert Mountain. You’re not just landlocked in Scottsdale, either! Chaparral Lake is in the heart of the city and plenty of other options are a half-hour drive away. And when you’re done outside, why not try your luck or take a load off at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort?

Scottsdale is only around 25 minutes from Phoenix, so you’ll be able to enjoy all the sights and entertainment options you can expect in a large city. If you want to stay close to home, you’ll have plenty of great restaurant options to try such as Chompies or Butters Pancakes + Cafe.

2. Catalina Foothills

Ranked by Niche as the best suburb in the state in 2025, Catalina Foothills is also a wonderful area to retire. Located north of the Rillito River, the city’s residents love how picturesque their community is, and the Santa Catalina Mountains offer not only stunning natural views but ample opportunities to get out and enjoy the wonderful Arizona weather. Check out the golf courses at the Arizona National Golf Club or head out to explore Bear Canyon Trail. You’ll definitely want to check out the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, as well, which offers lots of spots to have a picnic with family or enjoy the local wildlife and plants.

Catalina Foothills is right outside of Tucson, too, so you’ll find plenty of options for food and shopping right in your backyard. Head over to La Encantada, or check out the Paloma Village Center. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, locals love Guadalajara Original Grill and The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery.

3. Carefree

More interested in retiring in the best small towns in Arizona? Then you’ll want to consider Carefree, which has a 2025 population of just under 4,000 residents (of which the median age is 64.5!). This town is part of the larger Phoenix metropolis area with lovely views of Black Mountain. While in Carefree, you’ll have easy access to all kinds of wonderful outdoor excursions, such as the Carefree Desert Gardens, Camp Creek Falls, and nearby Bartlett Lake!

When you’re not outside enjoying all this beautiful town has to offer, you can enjoy the thriving arts scene. Visit the Stoyanov Fine Art Gallery and be sure to save the date for the Annual Spring Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival. If you’re a bit hungry after your Carefree days of fun, settle down for a nice steak at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse or get a jolt of caffeine at the Black Mountain Cafe.

4. Sun City

Another fantastic place to retire in Arizona is Sun City, which is located right outside Glendale. This is the No. 9 best place to retire in Arizona, according to Niche, and it’s easy to see why. With a median age of 72.6, Sun City is a quiet community that takes pride in its friendly residents who are welcoming to folks from around the country. It’s a safe area that you’ll definitely feel comfortable in if you want to get out and explore places like Viewpoint Lake, Maricopa Lake Park, or the Rio Vista Community Park

If golfing is more your style, then you’re in luck. There are many great courses just a short drive away. Check out Lakes West, Quail Run, or the popular Sun City Country Club. This area is also easy to get around, and you’ll find plenty of shopping options at Arrowhead Towne Center. And when you’re ready to check out the local cuisine, you can try the Mediterranean options at SunSet Bistro or the Italian fare at Dominic’s Bistro Italiano.

The Best Places To Retire in Arizona on a Budget in 2025

When you’re retired, chances are you’ll want to keep a close eye on your savings. It’s a smart move and can help your money go further. If you’re in search of affordable homes or rentals and want to retire in Arizona on a budget, consider these charming cities.

A rooftop sunset view of Bisbee, Arizona — one of the best places to retire in Arizona on a budget — featuring red brick buildings and the surrounding hills.

Is Arizona a good place to retire on a budget? If you live in Bisbee, the answer is yes: Bisbee boasts a rich arts scene, unique outdoor scenery, and a relatively low cost of living.

1. Bisbee

Seniors enjoy retiring in Arizona for its weather, of course, but also for its rich arts scene and unique outdoor scenery. While some may go to Tucson to experience both of these, others choose Bisbee, as it’s located just 90 minutes from Tucson and has a similar vibe but boasts a much more affordable cost of living. The town’s more than a dozen art galleries, intriguing shops, and charming cafés offer an engaging lifestyle filled with creative energy. If you want to see a true outdoor marvel, check out the Lavender Pit, an impressive open-pit copper mine that harkens back to the town’s mining industry.

2. Ajo

If you’re interested in retiring in Arizona because of its rich history, then look no further than the small town of Ajo. Filled with Spanish colonial architecture and historic landmarks, like the historic Ajo Plaza, Ajo offers a picturesque and culturally rich setting along with a warm, welcoming community. And don’t think that this town is quiet just because it’s small — there are several festivals and events, like the Ajo Food Festival and Artisans Mercado.

3. Yuma

With over 300 days of sunshine each year, Yuma provides an ideal setting for outdoor activities and an active lifestyle. The town offers affordable living and a range of amenities tailored to retirees, including the Desert Hills Golf Course, Colorado River State Historic Park, and social groups made for seniors that foster connections and engagement. Yuma’s location near the California and Mexican borders also brings a blend of cultural experiences and travel opportunities, making it an attractive place for seniors looking for both relaxation and adventure.

4. Quartzsite

In the summer, Quartzsite, AZ, has just over 2,000 residents, but in the winter, that population grows to an estimated 2 million as snowbirds fly to the small town and stake out a spot on public land, transforming it into a lively hub of connection and community. With a median age of 71.2 years, Quartzsite offers a welcoming and diverse environment for seniors retiring in Arizona. The informal housing options and budget-friendly lifestyle attract those seeking an affordable and laid-back winter (or all-year!) retreat. And the stunning desert scenery adds to the appeal, providing retirees with natural beauty and peacefulness in their daily lives.

A couple is preparing for retirement in Arizona and have just finished loading the PODS portable moving container that is located in their driveway.

A couple is standing in their driveway in front of a loaded PODS portable moving container, in preparation for retiring in Arizona.

Retiring in Arizona in 2025: Making the Move With PODS

When you’re ready to move to Arizona, make your move flexible with PODS portable moving containers. They’ll deliver a portable moving and storage container to your current address so you can fill it up on your schedule. Need help packing and loading? Not a problem, PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services to help with the heavy lifting. When it’s time to go, a PODS professional will pick up your container and deliver it to your new home in Arizona! Plus, one month’s storage is built into the cost of every move, so you don’t have to stress if you have a gap between moving out and moving in when you’re retiring in Arizona. 

Visit PODS online to get a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe and Zillow, and average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

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