Top Places to Retire in Arizona, The Most Beautiful State!

Posted by Agent Crumbie on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at 11:14 AM By Agent Crumbie / April 26, 2020 Comment

If you're seeking the top Realtor for buying a retirement home in popular spots like Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Phoenix, or more, we've got you covered!

Our Realtors have the inside scoop on the best places to call home in retirement, as well as the top real estate agents in the state. Read on to learn about our top retirement destinations in the great state of Arizona.

Fountain Hills

Nestled between the McDowell Mountains and the Verde River, Fountain Hills offers master-planned community living at its finest. This affluent town, home to about 24,000 residents, offers scenic views, an active schedule of cultural events, and an abundance of outdoor activities that make it easy to live a healthy, active lifestyle. From hiking in the nearby McDowell Mountain Regional Park to multiple golf courses, it's easy to get outside and enjoy the sunny desert climate, with an annual average high of 84 degrees and low of 58 degrees.

The city is built around one of its most popular attractions and namesake, a stunning fountain (the world's fourth highest!) that sprays up to 560 feet into the air throughout the day. Add in low population density, crime rates 49 percent lower than the national average, green parks and amenities such as healthcare center, shopping and dining, it's easy to see why the city was named "Best Place to Live in the Valley of the Sun" by Phoenix Magazine.

Average Commute: Just under 25 minutes
Diversity: 7.3 percent of residents are foreign-born, below the state average of 13.5 percent, and the median resident age is significantly above the state average of 37.4 years of age
Housing: Median home prices are well above the state average of $222,300, as are home values (state average of $194,300)
Cost of living: Below average (97.3/100)*

*The U.S. average cost-of-living score is 100. Scores above 100 indicate higher than average cost of living, while scores below 100 indicate less than average cost of living.

Rio Verde

The small community of Rio Verde is a prime example of an active, golf-centered, adult community. Almost 2,000 people call this pleasant, affluent town home, with a median age of over 76 years. Rio Verde is known for its golf lifestyle, and residents can choose from multiple country clubs, golf clubs and social clubs. Located just northeast of Scottsdale near the Verde River, Rio Verde's sunny climate makes it an ideal place to get out there and enjoy the Sonoran Desert landscape through hiking, biking and equestrian activities.

As your relocation realtor in Rio Verde will tell you, the community is age-restricted; that means at least one resident has to be 55 or over and no one under age 19 can live in Rio Verde. Median household income in Rio Verde is more than double the state average, and educational attainment levels are high. Add in a crime rate that's 81 percent less than the national average, and it's easy to see why Rio Verde is such a great place to retire. Real estate agents in Rio Verde can show you properties in popular developments such as Tonto Verde, Trilogy and the Rio Verde Country Club, all complete with community centers and cultural activities.

Average Commute: Under 15 minutes
Diversity: 10.7 percent of residents are foreign-born, above the state average, and the median resident age is significantly above state average
Housing: Median home prices more than double the state average, as are home values
Cost of living: Slightly above average (102.1/100)

Scottsdale

SCottsdale

A popular vacation destination, Scottsdale is perennially included on "Best Places to Retire" lists, and it's not hard to see why. With more than 45 public and private golf courses to choose from — many world class — Scottsdale is a golfer's paradise! This city of just over 230,000 is also an international shopping destination, as well as a food lover's playground. With a plethora of cultural, sports, musical and art activities available year-round, there's always something going on in Scottsdale.

Retirees can ask Realtors about the city's many popular communities designed with retirees in mind, such as DC Ranch, the Mark, Vi at Greyhawk, and many more. Scottsdale offers an affluent lifestyle, with a median income well above state averages, a low unemployment rate, and a healthy housing market. Here you'll find world renown medical facilities, such as the Mayo Clinic, as well as highly rated schools.

Average Commute: Just over 20 minutes

Diversity: 10.7 percent of residents are foreign-born, above the state average, and the median resident age is above state average

Housing: Median home prices are more than double the state average, as are home values

Cost of living: Slightly below average (97.6/100)

Phoenix

At the center of the Valley of the Sun lies Phoenix, Arizona's capital and largest city. More than 1.5 million people call Phoenix home, with even more in outlying suburbs. Here you'll find a range of housing styles, from the historic neighborhoods that surround downtown to the mid-century modern style that dominates central Phoenix, and high rise urban living. When you're in the process of buying a home in Phoenix, you'll want to ask your real estate agents about the many active and retiree communities, such as Fireside at Desert Ridge, Thunderbird Retirement Resort and the Lofts at McKinley.

There's so much to do in and around this bustling city, from museums and galleries to sports events and festivals. Mild, sunny weather most of the year lends itself perfectly to golfing at one of the more-than 25 courses. You can go hiking, biking and horseback riding at one of the city's many mountain preserves. Shopping, dining and entertainment round out the many attractions and amenities available in Phoenix. While the overall crime rate is 43 percent higher than that of the national average, it continues a decreasing trend in recent years.

Average Commute: Just under 25 minutes
Diversity: 19.9 percent of residents are foreign-born, well above the state average, and the median resident age is slightly below state average
Housing: Median home prices are slightly above state average, as are home values
Cost of living: Below average (93.8/100)

Peoria

Just northwest of Phoenix lies Peoria. Home to about 170,000 residents, the city contains the Lake Pleasant Regional Park, a favorite destinations for boaters, anglers and hunters. With a higher-than-average income, Peoria offers a welcoming lifestyle. Active communities in Peoria include Apollo Village, Ventana Lakes and Vistancia, among many more.

Here you'll have your choice of public and private golf courses, with six options to choose from, also known as the perfect way to enjoy the sunny, warm climate. But golf isn't the only popular outdoor activity; residents and visitors alike flock to Peoria for baseball's spring training season, when the Peoria Sports Complex is home to the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres. A full calendar of cultural, artistic and musical events rounds out the schedule at the Center for Performing Arts in the heart of town. Residents enjoy a crime rate that's 25 percent lower than the national average.

Average Commute: 26 minutes
Diversity: 8.8 percent of residents are foreign-born, below the state average, and the median resident age is above state average
Housing: Median home prices are above state average, as are home values
Cost of living: Below average (93.5/100)

Sun City

Sun City was developed as a retirement community, and it's been drawing retirees who enjoy an active adult lifestyle since the early 1960s. Today, you'll find eleven golf courses within a few miles, making it easy to pursue your favorite hobby while taking advantage of the sunny, warm desert climate. Homes are grouped around seven recreation centers, where residents enjoy a range of fitness activities, hobbies, cultural events and more than 120 clubs representing a diverse set of interests.

Housing in Sun City is known for its affordability, as well as access to amenities. No matter which part of town you choose, you'll never be far from dining, shopping and activities. When seeking out the top Realtor for buying a retirement home in Sun City, choose an agent that knows the ins and outs of life in a 55+ community. While the crime rate is 45 percent higher than the national average, rates are on the decline, year over year. About 37,500 people currently call Sun City home and enjoy the sunshine and amenities that come along with life in this active adult community.

Average Commute: Just under 24 minutes

Diversity: 4.9 percent of residents are foreign-born, well below the state average, and the median resident age is significantly above state average

Housing: Median home prices are below state average, as are home values

Cost of living: Below average (94/100)

Goodyear

Just a few miles to the southwest of Phoenix, Goodyear borders the stunning Sonoran Desert National Monument, which offers almost 500,000 acres of scenic recreation. About 76,000 people call Goodyear home, and residents rave about the town's many charms. From views of the Estrella Mountains to the city's many green spaces and public art installations, Goodyear has much to offer retirees in the process of buying a home.

With eight golf courses to choose from, there's always somewhere to play the links and enjoy the city's almost-always sunny skies. Goodyear's active Arts and Culture Division ensures a year-round schedule of cultural events and activities, and a range of public parks offer the perfect place for a stroll or a picnic. In spring, catch Major League Baseball teams as they play in during training season. Add in a crime rate that's 14 percent lower than the national average, great medical facilities and great dining and shopping opportunities, and it's not hard to see why so many retirees love to call Goodyear home.

Average Commute: 29 minutes
Diversity: 12.1 percent of residents are foreign-born, slightly below the state average, and the median resident age is slightly above state average
Housing: Median home prices are above state average, as are home values
Cost of living: Below average (93.8/100)

Chandler

Chandler is known as a high-tech leader, and this city of about 255,000 has much to offer retirees. With a higher than average household income, a well-educated population, and a low unemployment rate. Chandler contains many opportunities. It's also a safe place to call home, with a crime rate that's 21 percent lower than the national average. Popular retiree and active adult communities to ask the best Realtor near Chandler to show you include Fulton Ranch, Copper Hills at Old Stone and Solera.

Chandler is also known as a cultural center in the southeast valley, with a thriving art, music and dining scene. Golfers can choose from a dozen private and public courses, and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, bird watching and horseback riding are easily accessed in the nearby parks and green spaces. Ask a relocation Realtor in Chandler to help you find the ideal retirement home for your needs and interests.

Average Commute: Just over 22 minutes
Diversity: 14.3 percent of residents are foreign-born, above the the state average, and the median resident age is slightly below the state average
Housing: Median home prices are well above state average, as are home values
Cost of living: Below average (94.1/100)

Sun Lakes

Sun Lakes is home to five adult-only, country club communities. Designed to provide a vacation and resort-like lifestyle, this vibrant community offers multiple golf courses and five country clubs, packed with amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts and more. Residents can join hundreds of clubs, activities and community events, geared toward a range of interests.

Sun Lakes is known for its attractive, well-maintained neighborhoods, complete with water features, trails and stunning desert landscaping. Urban amenities, such as medical centers, entertainment, shopping and dining are just a short drive away in nearby Chandler. Add in a crime rate that's 31 percent lower than the national average, and it's easy to understand Sun Lakes' appeal for the 14,000 retirees and other adults who seek an active, resort lifestyle in a comfortable community.

Average Commute: Just under 22 minutes
Diversity: 5.8 percent of residents are foreign-born, well below the state average, and the median resident age is almost twice the state average
Housing: Median home prices are well above state average, as are home values
Cost of living: Below average (98.3/100)

Mesa

Just east of Phoenix and south of Scottsdale, you'll find Mesa. This city of about 465,000 has much to offer, from outdoor recreation to cultural events. Mesa Realtors will introduce you to the city's various neighborhoods designed with the needs of active adults and retirees in mind, such as Encore at Eastmark, Las Palmas. Verde Groves, and many more.

Mesa residents enjoy exploring the city's many museums and art galleries, going to events at the Mesa Amphitheatre, and attending baseball games during spring training. Downtown Mesa is a destination in itself, thanks to shopping and dining options. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of year-round sun at the two dozen golf courses within city limits. While Mesa's crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, rates have decreased by 10 percent year-over-year. With so much to do and see, it's no surprise that so many retirees flock to Mesa.

Average Commute: Just under 24 minutes

Diversity: 11.9 percent of residents are foreign-born, below the state average, and the median resident age is slightly below state average

Housing: Median home prices are slightly below state average, as are home values

Cost of living: Below average (93.3/100)