Arizona is a haven for retirees. People love its year-round pleasant weather, including almost nonexistent humidity, iconic Southwestern scenery, and safe cities. There are also plenty of affordable cities in Arizona. The state has something for everyone, no matter how you want to spend your retirement.
If you think Arizona sounds like a great destination for your dream retirement, you’re absolutely right! The state offers a wide range of choices for retirees, with thriving cities and beautiful scenery. NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top five cities to retire in Arizona.
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Arizona
1. Eloy
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.8%
Median Home Value: $100,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 78
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 325
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Retirees looking to live large, while living affordably, will love retiring to Eloy. This gem of a town in the Casa Grande Mountains lets you enjoy Arizona’s striking natural beauty, and shockingly low humidity in a peaceful and private community.
2. Douglas
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.9%
Median Home Value: $100,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 10
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 594
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 0
Douglas is a charmingly historic city in Arizona, perfect for retirees who love architecture. When you aren’t exploring local historic buildings, you can explore the great arid outdoors at the San Bernardino Wildlife Refuge or the Leslie Canyon National Wildlife Refuge.
3. Apache Junction
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 33%
Median Home Value: $105,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 95
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 650
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 16
The beautiful city of Apache Junction offers active adults a slice of Arizona’s wealth of natural beauty. If you’re ready to spend your retirement hiking sublime mountain trails, wandering through saguaros, and watching some of the most spellbinding sunsets, make Apache Junction your next address.
4. Coolidge
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 11.8%
Median Home Value: $113,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 70
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 393
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
If you’re looking for an idyllic desert retreat for your retirement, you can’t go wrong starting your new life in Coolidge. This captivating town gives active adults easy access to the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, and the Picacho Reservoir, making it easy for you to stay healthy and active in your golden years.
5. San Luis
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 7.6%
Median Home Value: $117,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 33
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 420
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
San Luis is an alluring town along the Rio Grande, just outside of Yuma, Arizona. Nature lovers can spend their days at the lush Lake Martinez Recreation Area, camping and delighting in long, lazy days on the water. If you want to connect with nature a little closer to home, the Yuma conservation garden has plenty of boardwalks for an occasional stroll on the wild side.
6. Nogales
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.9%
Median Home Value: $119,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 41
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 608
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 0
Nogales is a thriving suburb of the Tucson Area that abounds with exciting things to do and places to visit. Even the most active adults will love exploring everything this vibrant community has to offer. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking through the Las Lagunas De Anza Wetlands. History buffs should check out the Mission Los Santos Angeles de Guevavi and the Pimeria Alta Historical Society
7. Somerton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 7.4%
Median Home Value: $127,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 36
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 129
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Somerton is a charming town near the US and Mexico border that lets retirees enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet retirement years. This affordable community lets you kick back and relax, without having to worry about having to stretch a fixed income to fit an untenable budget.
8. Bullhead City
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 29.4%
Median Home Value: $140,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 134
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,354
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Waterfront living doesn’t get any better than life in Bullhead City, which is tucked alongside the banks of the Colorado. Aside from traditional types of riparian entertainment, like picnicking and boating, Bullhead City has a peaceful river walk lined with friendly restaurants.
9. Yuma
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.7%
Median Home Value: $134,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 491
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,069
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Yuma is a thriving metropolitan area in Arizona that has something for all types of retirees. Yuma has a charmingly historic downtown, perfect for history lovers and anyone who likes going out to fun places. Its lush setting among the wetlands along the Colorado River makes it a great spot for nature lovers to live.
10. Casa Grande
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20%
Median Home Value: $150,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 274
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,338
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 1
Located halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, Casa Grande is a great choice for those wanting to retire close to large cities but can do without the traffic congestion. Here you can enjoy community events any time of the year, including live music, car shows, and festivals. With such a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, you’re sure to enjoy your retirement here!
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city.
Common Questions About Retiring in Arizona
Arizona is a great state for retirees! Its fabulous weather and scenery are perfect for active adults that want to get out and enjoy nature. You can live an exciting, and often allergy-free, life when you spend your golden years in Arizona.
To retire comfortably in Arizona you should have about $1.2 million in savings, slightly higher than national average, but in line with other hot retirement destinations like Florida.
Arizona is a tax-friendly state for retirees. Social security benefits are not taxed and income from pensions are eligible for deductions. Income from a 401(k) is taxed though.
Arizona is a more affordable state for retirees than Florida. It offers people more affordable housing, lower property taxes, and lower home prices.
| City Name | People Over 65 | Violent Crimes | Property Crimes | Access to Doctors | Median Home Price |
| Eloy | 10.8% | 78 | 325 | 1 | $100,100 |
| Douglas | 10.9% | 36 | 286 | 0 | $100,300 |
| Apache Junction | 33.0% | 95 | 650 | 16 | $105,600 |
| Coolidge | 11.8% | 70 | 393 | 2 | $113,100 |
| San Luis | 7.6% | 33 | 420 | 1 | $117,400 |
| Nogales | 16.9% | 41 | 608 | 0 | $119,700 |
| Somerton | 7.4% | 36 | 129 | 1 | $127,000 |
| Bullhead City | 29.4% | 134 | 1,354 | 2 | $140,300 |
| Yuma | 15.2% | 376 | 2,313 | 1 | $143,400 |
| Casa Grande | 20.0% | 274 | 1,338 | 1 | $150,400 |
| Kingman | 23.8% | 104 | 1,344 | 1 | $152,900 |
| Florence | 16.7% | 44 | 75 | 2 | $153,500 |
| El Mirage | 9.1% | 84 | 982 | 21 | $160,800 |
| Tucson | 14.3% | 3,808 | 18,651 | 8 | $155,300 |
| Show Low | 23.5% | 100 | 375 | 1 | $170,800 |
| Sierra Vista | 19.2% | 116 | 987 | 1 | $172,600 |
| Cottonwood | 27.6% | 46 | 427 | 1 | $189,400 |
| Camp Verde | 21.2% | 46 | 270 | 1 | $193,100 |
| Maricopa | 13.1% | 85 | 606 | 5 | $202,100 |
| Sahuarita | 22.1% | 43 | 345 | 6 | $214,100 |
| Avondale | 8.4% | 251 | 3,095 | 20 | $215,100 |
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city. NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Other Arizona Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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Ann
You forgot to mention Sierra Vista. With it’s near perfect weather, history (with Tombstone and Bisbee less than 1/2 hour away) and amazing sunrises and sunsets, in my opinion, it can’t be beat. 🙂
Lisa
Thank you Ann!
I am just beginning to look for a place in Arizona.
Mike Romano
Thank you. I am actually looking at Sierra vista and Bisbee