Is Retiring in Arizona the Right Choice for You?

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 18.8 percent of the population, and Arizona ranks 14th 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!

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 the 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:

• Sun City
• Del Webb at Dove Mountain
• Saddlebrooke Tucson

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 the retiring in Arizona pros and cons.

Q: Is Arizona a Retiree-Friendly State?
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 Is the Best Part of Arizona To Retire?
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 CNBC, is approximately $58,400. In Arizona, that number is $63,600.

Retiring in Arizona means taking in some impressive views daily 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 69 degrees. Balmy!

Con: Painful Summers

The flip side of that warm winter weather is that summertime can be very hot. Since Arizona has a desert climate, summers are scorching. 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.

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.

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.

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: 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 take retirees to healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and grocery stores. 

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 $428,700, while the average home in Florida costs around $392,200. 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 Phoenix
• 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, 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.

3. Carefree

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,325
• Average home value: $1.3M
• Great for: Housing options, friendly community, recreational opportunities

More interested in the best small town to retire in Arizona? Then you’ll want to consider Carefree, which has just under 4,000 residents (of which the median age is 65.3!). 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 Café.

4. Sun City

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $308,900
• Great for: Outdoor activities, shopping, golfing

Another fantastic place to retire in Arizona is Sun City, which is located right outside Glendale. This is the No. 8 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 Greek options at SunSet Bistro or the Italian fare at Dominic’s Bistro Italiano.

The Best Places To Retire in Arizona on a Budget 

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.

Bisbee boasts a rich arts scene, unique outdoor scenery, and a relatively low cost of living.

1. Bisbee

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $217,700
• Great for: Art and culture aficionados, suburban feel, vibrant atmosphere

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

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $750
• Average home value: $120,800
• Great for: Rural feel, historic architecture, diverse community

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 1917 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

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $925
• Average home value: $295,700
• Great for: Vibrant culture, diversity, rich scenery

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

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $203,600
• Great for: Diverse community, warm winters, small-town tranquility

In the summer, Quartzsite, AZ, has just over 2,000 residents, but in the winter, more than 200,000 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 56 percent of the local population being retirees, Quartzsite offers a welcoming and diverse environment for seniors. 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.

Planning on retiring in Arizona? As soon as you decide, call PODS to help you arrange your moving details.

Retiring in Arizona: Making the Move

When you’re ready to retire to Arizona, let PODS make your move easy. 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 direct you to local movers who can take care of everything for you. When it’s time to go, a PODS professional will pick up your container and drive it to your new home in Arizona! And don’t forget, one month of storage is always included with each move.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe, Zumper, and Apartments.com 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.