Everything You Need to Know to Retire in AZ

Why are so many people retiring in Arizona?

Arizona is an incredibly popular place to retire. Of course, the pleasant weather almost all year ‘round is a driving factor, but it’s not the only reason many people choose to invest in an Arizona retirement property. The Grand Canyon State is a safe place to live, boasts some of the best golf courses in the country, and is more tax-friendly than other destinations for 45-and-over retirement communities.

Of course, Arizona isn’t perfect. You may have to get used to the desert heat. In fact, a couple of months out of the year reach triple digits. Luckily, air conditioning and pools make these months more bearable. And, best of all, you don’t have to shovel sunshine!

You also have to be a fan of the desert setting. If you’re looking for giant trees or ocean views, you may be disappointed with the towering saguaro cacti and aesthetic man-made lakes. However, if you are a fan of stunning sunsets, citrus trees, summer monsoon storms, and prickly pear everything, you’ll adjust just fine to live in one of the many 55-plus communities in Arizona.

Pros and Cons of 55+ Communities

As you might expect, living in a 55+ community has many positive elements. These retirement havens are indeed made with their residents in mind, so the amenities built within the communities tend to reflect the wants and needs of an older crowd. Active adult residencies in Arizona also tend to place a great deal of emphasis on community events, which ensures that there is always something to do.

The downside to these communities tends to be over-regulation. They often have very active HOAs, and making any changes to the community is difficult. There tend to be strict rules about who can live in the area and visitors, making things a bit more difficult for those living in multi-generational homes. Despite this, Arizona’s vast selection of these active adult communities means you’re bound to find something that works perfectly for you.

Click here to view current homes for sale in active adult communities.

What is it like to live in Arizona?

Life in Arizona is best described as easy-going, friendly, and safe. This is especially true in the over-50 communities in Arizona. These age-restricted communities have removed the burden of worrying about who your neighbors are or how you will stay busy now that you’re not working 9-to-5. 

Arizona offers plenty of entertainment options throughout the Valley. Outdoor enthusiasts, fine arts lovers, sports fans, and foodies will all find plenty to do in Arizona.

Things to Do in Arizona

Because Arizona gets the most sunshine out of all the states, outdoor activities are a main staple of Arizona life. It’s easy to get out on the golf course, pick up a game of bocce ball, or paddle around in the pool. 

However, if you also enjoy the fine arts, you’ll appreciate world-class symphony, ballet, opera, and theatres. Or spend time checking out the many museums throughout the state. If sports are more your thing, don’t worry. Arizona has several major league sports teams you can cheer on.

Of course, you can’t mention Arizona without thinking of Mexican food. With so many authentic restaurants throughout the state, it’s not a matter of finding good food but choosing between all the options available. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the culinary scene is lacking in other areas. Arizona features restaurants from several chefs nominated for the James Beard Awards across all categories.

Arizona Versus Other Southwestern States

You may wonder what makes Arizona so different from other Southwestern states. For starters, Arizonans tend to be more conservative than those in the neighboring state of New Mexico. Arizona is also growing faster than many other states in the Sun Belt, making it a great place to invest in real estate.

Scottsdale and Phoenix are two of the major cities driving the state’s economy. These cities are busier and faster-paced than the suburbs but host many of the major entertainment attractions. Many of the best 55-and-over communities in Arizona are settled on the outskirts of these traffic centers, with easy access from multiple highways. This allows you to easily visit when you want, but return to your safe and quiet community.

What are the best retirement communities in Arizona?

With so many different active adult communities in Arizona, it can be hard to pick the perfect one for you. Some of the most popular 55 and over communities in AZ are listed below with highlights on what makes each one unique.

Best Active Adult Communities in Arizona

The best communities in Arizona all tend to have a few things in common. First and foremost, they cater to their residents’ real wants and needs. They also tend to provide excellent atmospheres for community events, allowing residents to find ways to become more active on their own terms. While each of these places does tend to offer similar amenities, it’s important to remember that each does tend to be a better fit for certain types of residents. Figuring out what to look for in a 55+ community typically requires evaluating your interests and needs with the amenities and benefits they offer to see if they line up.

Sun City

Sun City was the first of the planned 55-and-older communities in Arizona and, in fact, the first in the entire country. It was started in 1960 by the company Del Webb. Now, it has over 26,000 homes, multiple golf courses, and plenty of resort-style amenities and clubs to keep you busy. It’s best known for being a fun and affordable place to retire in Arizona.

Featured amenities:

• 7 community/recreation centers
• 11 golf courses
• Arts and crafts
• 2 fishing lakes
• Weekly farmers market

Sun City West

Sun City West is just 2.5 miles west of the original Sun City community. It boasts a whole host of amenities, including multiple clubhouses where you can meet up with friends for a swim, workout, or even practice your woodworking. Golf enthusiasts won’t be bored here either, with seven courses to choose from. This community for those 55-plus in Arizona is a great place to retire while maintaining an active lifestyle.

Featured amenities:

• 9 golf courses
• 4 recreation centers
• Arts and crafts
• Leisure activities like bowling, bocce ball, etc
• Multiple indoor and outdoor pools
• Related: Check out the best active adult communities for golfers

Pebblecreek – Goodyear, AZ

Pebblecreek takes a somewhat different approach to activity than some of the other active communities. While it certainly does have a lovely golf course, the community tends to prioritize other activities. For example, it has a full ballroom and a number of hobby studios that can help keep the mind and body active.

One of Pebblecreek’s crown jewels is the pool complex. There is plenty of space to relax, and there is even a separate grandchildren’s pool for those who invite family to visit. It’s a great place to keep active and keep up with family time.

Featured amenities:

• 47,000 square foot clubhouse
• Tuscany Falls Country Club
• Tuscany Sports and Aquatics Complex
• Creative Arts Center
• RV & Boat Storage

Province – Maricopa, AZ

Province is all about staying active. It’s a community that can rapidly make you forget that you are in Arizona, centered around a fantastic lake. Around that lake are dozens of great opportunities for activity and socialization, including interest groups for virtually anything you can imagine.

The province also keeps its residents busy. There is a strong mix of fitness and social activities in the community, so there’s always something to do. If you’re looking for diversity in activities, this might be the first place to look.

Featured amenities:

• 32,000 sq ft clubhouse
• 50 acres of scenic lakes
• Leisure activities like bowling, bocce ball, etc
• 125 acres of parks
• Fitness center

Westbrook Village

Westbrook Village in Peoria is a smaller option for the 55-and-older communities in AZ, with just over 3,900 homes. Many residents love the small-town atmosphere and tight-knit community here. The proximity to Loop 101 also makes this a highly desirable location, especially for those who like to get out and explore the greater Phoenix area. If you want to hang out around home, there are multiple clubhouses, pools, restaurants, and golf courses in your backyard!

Featured amenities:

• 2 recreation centers
• Work out rooms
• Hobby groups
• 2 18-hole golf courses
• Golf club

Sun Lakes

Sun Lakes is a very popular option for active retirement communities in Arizona. This community is comprised of five unique sections. Each section has its own golf course and community center, so you never feel overly crowded while using the amenities. Sun Lakes is also popular for its accessible location in south Chandler, minutes away from the I-10 and 202 Loop, which can take you to Gilbert, San Tan Valley, Mesa, and Downtown Phoenix.

Featured amenities:

• 5 community/recreation centers
• 7 golf courses (4 18-hole and 3 9-hole)
• Arts and crafts
• Restaurants
• 7 Tennis courts

Anthem At Merrill Ranch

Anthem at Merrill Ranch from Del Webb is another one of the new 55-plus communities in Arizona. Located in Florence, the surrounding area is mostly rural with a quaint downtown and historic main street. Those who enjoy sweeping views and plenty of space will appreciate this retirement community. Don’t worry about running out of things to do, however. You’ll never have a dull day here between the golf course, clubhouse, tennis, bocce ball, and horseshoe courts.

Featured amenities:

• Recreation Center
• Clubs
• On-site restaurant
• 27-hole golf course

Luxury 55+ communities in Arizona

In addition to being active, many in the 55+ community want a chance to spend their retirement years in luxury. That’s why so many of the communities in this area really pull out all of the stops when it comes to the amenities. While some of the amenities are meant to help keep residents active, many are simply meant to make life just a little more comfortable.

These communities tend to feature high-end homes and higher-end amenities. You’ll find restaurants, lounges, and libraries in most of these communities. Perhaps most importantly, though, you will also find a general sense of relaxation that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Related: Find out the 5 most luxurious active adult communities in the Phoenix area

Victory at Verrado

Victory at Verrado is another resort-style community with over 55 residents in AZ. Golf lovers will appreciate the two courses designed by golf legend Tom Lehman. There’s also a vineyard, spa, clubhouse, and multiple trails for outdoor fun. This community features homes from five different builders, so there are plenty of options to fit your distinct design style.

Featured amenities:

• Victory Club – 35,000 sq ft
• 50 acres of scenic lakes
• Leisure activities like bowling, bocce ball, etc
• 125 acres of parks
• Fitness center

Sun City Grand

Sun City Grand is a smaller Del Webb community with newer construction than Sun City or Sun City West. It’s also one of the rare 45-plus communities in Phoenix. Many residents here prefer Sun City Grand over other active retirement communities in Arizona because it’s quieter and less congested. Don’t confuse it with somewhere boring, though! There are still plenty of amenities (and golf courses!) to keep you entertained.

Featured amenities:

• 4 championship golf courses
• Walking and biking trails
• Pet park
• Fishing lakes
• Adobe Spa and Fitness Center

Terravita – Scottsdale, AZ

Terravita’s approach to luxury is perhaps the most common in the region. A great deal of what makes it work is the way the homes are built – floor plans from high-end builders, always customized with the desires of the homeowners in mind. Every home in the community is the type of dwelling where people spend their lives, hoping to retire.

Luxury here also means convenience. Everything is a short cart ride away from the neighborhoods, so one never needs to drive a car. Life is simply easier when everything is easily accessible.

Featured amenities:

• Terravita Country Club
• 9,000 sq ft clubhouse
• Library
• Wine parties
• Yoga
• Affordable active adult communities

Affordable Active Adult Communities

One of the best things about Arizona’s variety of active adult communities is that one doesn’t need to be wealthy to enjoy them all. While there are certainly higher-end communities out there, some very affordable communities still provide excellent living experiences. These communities still have amazing amenities and lovely homes, but they’re priced in a way that puts them within reach of a larger group of people. These communities can be a fantastic place to live for those with more limited retirement funds.

Dreamland Villa – Mesa

One of the most appealing reasons to live in Dreamland Villa is the fact that the community really sticks to its goals. It wants to be an excellent place for those over fifty-five to live, and it consistently takes steps to make sure that’s so. While it might not have a professional golf course or a grand ballroom, it has fantastic facilities and an even better sense of community spirit.

This community has a fair number of fitness amenities like tennis courts and walking trails, but the real draw is being around those of one’s own generation. The community goes to great lengths to ensure that the neighborhood stays safe and that residents are happy with their choice to move in.

Featured amenities:

• Amenities center
• John’s Villa Restaurant
• Farnsworth Hall
• Arts and Crafts studio
• 2 outdoor pools

Sunland Village East – Mesa

One of the most interesting things about Sunland Village East is that it really doesn’t feel like one of the more affordable communities. There’s clearly a great deal of love and care that’s been put into creating this community, along with some innovative money management that has allowed for great amenities in the area.

This community feels prestigious without necessarily having the usual price tag attached. Residents can stay active and socialize without having to worry quite as much about money. It’s truly a fantastic place.

Featured amenities:

• 18-hole golf course
• Sossaman’s Restaurant
• Softball fields
• The North Complex – amenity center
• 6 lit tennis courts

Sun Village – Surprise

Sun Village is another affordable community that feels like it should cost more than it does. It is a gated community that claims to offer a piece of paradise, and most homeowners would be hard-pressed to disagree. It even has a golf course, which isn’t typically offered in more affordable communities.

Sun Village has all the luxuries you’d expect from a high-end community. While there might not be as many big names, there are certainly many unique perks to living here. It’s a great example of getting the most for your money.

Featured amenities:

• Sun Village Church
• 18-hole golf course
• 47,000 sq ft community center
• Ballroom
• Outdoor pool and spa

Leisure World Mesa

Leisure World in Mesa is another active adult community in Arizona for those 45 and older. Its convenient location in the East Valley near Highway 60 and the 202 Freeway gives you easy access to the greater Phoenix Metro area. Amenities at this community include two stunning golf courses, a clubhouse full of hobby rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and multiple pools to help you stay active and connected with fellow residents.

Featured amenities:

• 2 golf courses
• Clubhouse and dining
• 10,000 sq ft Fitness Center
• Computer center
• Clubs

Active Adult Communities with Unique Amenities

The truth is that many active adult communities tend to center around the same basic set of amenities. A few, though, have some truly unique extras that set them apart from one another. Some of these amenities are relatively simple but can be make-or-break additions to potential residents. Others, however, are so important that entire communities are built around them. Below are a handful of communities with unique amenities for their residents.

Trilogy at Vistancia

Trilogy at Vistancia is the perfect destination for buyers looking at resort-style active adult communities in AZ. With stunning views, a plethora of palm trees, and lush landscaping, you’ll feel like you’re on a permanent vacation here. This community also features two large clubhouses with state-of-the-art fitness centers, multiple pools, restaurants, tennis courts, and a full-service spa. Golf lovers will appreciate the Trilogy Golf Club, voted by Golf Digest as a 5-star award winner. You can also get outside and explore the 3.5-mile Discovery Trail that winds throughout the community. The options for entertainment are endless here.

Featured amenities:

• Trilogy Golf Course
• Alvea Spa
• Discovery Trail + parks
• V’s Taproom
• Kiva and Mita Resort Clubs

Sun City Festival

Sun City Festival in Buckeye, AZ, is one of the newer Del Webb communities. It is another rare 45+ retirement community tucked at the base of the White Tank Mountains. These new and pre-owned homes are full of gorgeous upgrades, and the community offers all of the popular amenities that Sun City has become known for.

Featured amenities:

• Sage Recreation Center
• Wood Shop and Craft Studios
• Sun City Festival Dog Park
• Pickleball Complex
• Copper Canyon Golf Club
• Saguaro Center
• Indigo Grille

Should I invest in real estate in Arizona?

If retiring in Arizona sounds like your dream come true, the next step is to decide whether or not to invest in real estate. Although renting might seem easier, purchasing a home in one of the many active adult communities in AZ might have several benefits. From tax advantages to lower monthly payments to rental opportunities, those who choose to own their property typically end up ahead financially. Partnering with an experienced real estate agent who knows the lay of the land can help you find the right community and home for you.

Retirement Communities in Arizona for Sale

The best 55+ communities in Arizona feature all kinds of single-family homes with multiple floor plans. This allows you to maintain your privacy while being part of a larger community. There are also plenty of new construction 55+ communities in Arizona that allow you to customize your dream retirement home fully.

Maximize Your Investment with Property Management

Even if you only plan to live in Arizona for a portion of the year, buying an over-55 home can still be incredibly beneficial. Working with a property management company allows you to rent out your home when you aren’t using it to cover any costs. They do all the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to worry or manage any of the tricky details. Talk about a win-win! 

As you can see, there are many reasons to enjoy this new chapter of life in one of the retirement communities in Arizona. Whether you’re just doing initial research or are ready to sign on the dotted line, this guide can help you navigate your big decision. Our team of agents is available to answer any questions you may have and provide insight from their firsthand experiences.