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Home » 55+ » The 10 Best Places to Retire in Arizona in 2021

The 10 Best Places to Retire in Arizona in 2021

arizona-grand-canyon

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

Skip Ahead!
Top 10 Cities to Retire in Arizona
1. Eloy
2. Douglas
3. Apache Junction
4. Coolidge
5. San Luis
6. Nogales
7. Somerton
8. Bullhead City
9. Yuma
10. Casa Grande
Common Questions About Retiring in Arizona

1. Eloy

Eloy, Arizona

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

arial view of douglas arizona

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

Apache Junction, Arizona

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

Nogales, Arizona

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

Bullhead City, Arizona

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

Yuma, Arizona

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

cactus in casa grande arizona

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

Is Arizona a good place to retire to?

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.

How much do you need to retire 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.

Is Arizona a tax-friendly state for retirees?

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.

Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Florida?

Arizona is a more affordable state for retirees than Florida. It offers people more affordable housing, lower property taxes, and lower home prices.

City NamePeople Over 65Violent CrimesProperty CrimesAccess to DoctorsMedian Home Price
Eloy 10.8%783251$100,100
Douglas10.9%362860$100,300
Apache Junction33.0%9565016$105,600
Coolidge11.8%703932$113,100
San Luis7.6%334201$117,400
Nogales16.9%416080$119,700
Somerton 7.4%361291$127,000
Bullhead City29.4%1341,3542$140,300
Yuma15.2%3762,3131$143,400
Casa Grande20.0%2741,3381$150,400
Kingman 23.8%1041,3441$152,900
Florence 16.7%44752$153,500
El Mirage9.1%8498221$160,800
Tucson14.3%3,80818,6518$155,300
Show Low23.5%1003751$170,800
Sierra Vista19.2%1169871$172,600
Cottonwood27.6%464271$189,400
Camp Verde21.2%462701$193,100
Maricopa13.1%856065$202,100
Sahuarita22.1%433456$214,100
Avondale8.4%2513,09520$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

10 Healthiest Cities in Arizona

Top 10 State Parks in Arizona

The 10 Best and Worst U.S. Cities for Allergies

Best Tiny Home Builders in Arizona

6 Best Places to Live in Arizona

How to Build a House in Arizona

10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Arizona

NewHomeSource Guide to Closing Costs in Arizona

Master Planned Communities Near Tucson, Arizona

10 Popular Master Planned Communities in Phoenix

sarah-scott-photo
Sarah Scott

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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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ann

    February 14, 2020 at 9:29 pm

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Lisa

      February 21, 2020 at 1:16 pm

      Thank you Ann!
      I am just beginning to look for a place in Arizona.

      Reply
    • Mike Romano

      March 28, 2020 at 7:14 am

      Thank you. I am actually looking at Sierra vista and Bisbee

      Reply

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