Best Cities to Retire in Arizona

To help you find the right place to settle down, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best cities to retire to in Arizona. We looked at metrics like the percentage of residents 65 and older, home and rental affordability, poverty rates, and sales tax.

If you’re exploring options beyond Arizona, consider exploring our 10 Best U.S. Cities for Retirement and our breakdown of the Best and Worst States to Retire In.

Top 10 Cities to Retire in Arizona

Looking for warm weather, scenic desert views, and an active outdoor lifestyle? Arizona has no shortage of great places to retire. From budget-friendly cities to strong senior communities, each spot offers something different. Here’s how the top 10 cities rank:

1. Casas Adobes, Arizona

• Share of population 65+: 24.6%
• Median home sale price: $350,000
• Median rent price: $1,574
• Poverty rate: 7.1%
• Sales tax: 6.1%

Casas Adobes offers a laid-back suburban lifestyle just outside Tucson. It’s a popular choice for retirees looking for affordability and community without straying far from city comforts.

With 24.6% of residents aged 65 and older, it ranks second on our list for senior population, making it one of the most retirement-friendly spots in Arizona. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly places on our list.

The median home price is $350,000, and the median rent is around $1,574, which can help stretch your savings further. Casas Adobes also has the lowest sales tax rate at 6.1%, which helps make everyday expenses even easier on the wallet.

2. Yuma, Arizona

• Share of population 65+: 17.1%
• Median home sale price: $286,500
• Median rent price: $1,194
• Poverty rate:  16.3%
• Sales tax: 8.41%

Set in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Yuma is officially the sunniest place on Earth. The housing market is one of the most affordable on this list. With a median home price of $286,500 and a median rent of $1,194, it’s a smart pick for retirees planning to live comfortably on a budget.

17.1% of Yuma’s population is over 65, which means retirees can enjoy a senior-focused community. And while the city does have a 16.3% poverty rate, affordable housing helps make comfortable living more accessible for those on a fixed income.

3. Peoria, Arizona

• Share of population 65+: 20.9%
• Median home sale price: $540,000
• Median rent price: $1,837
• Poverty rate: 7.9%
• Sales tax: 8.1%

If you’re drawn to the Phoenix area but want something quieter, Peoria sits just northeast of downtown and has the perks of suburban life with easy access to city amenities. 

About 20.9% of its population is 65 and older, making it a senior-friendly option in Arizona. Combine that with a low poverty rate of 7.9%, and you get a financially stable and well-supported community.

That said, buying a home in Peoria isn’t cheap. The median sale price is $540,000, making it one of the most expensive options. If you want a lively, established community and don’t mind spending more on housing, Peoria offers comfort, convenience, and connection.

4. Mesa, Arizona

• Share of population 65+: 19.4%
• Median home sale price: $448,450
• Median rent price: $1,695
• Poverty rate: 11.1%
• Sales tax: 8.3%

Mesa is the third largest city in Arizona. It offers a mix of desert scenery and urban convenience, making it a popular choice for retirees who want outdoor access without giving up city comforts.

About 19.4% of Mesa’s population is 65 or older, so it’s not hard to find a community that shares your lifestyle and pace.  When it comes to cost, things are a bit of a mixed bag. The median rent is $1,695, and the 8.3% sales tax helps keep daily expenses in check. However, the median home price is $448,450, and the poverty rate sits at 11.1%, which is one of the highest on this list.

Still, if you want easy access to trails, green spaces, and a wide range of amenities, Mesa offers a balanced lifestyle, especially for retirees who enjoy staying busy and connected.

5. Tucson, Arizona

• Share of population 65+: 16.5%
• Median home sale price: $324,700
• Median rent price: $1,183
• Poverty rate: 18.6%
• Sales tax: 8.7%

Tucson sits in a scenic valley in the Sonoran Desert, surrounded by rugged mountains and desert wildlife. Affordability is a big draw here. With a median home price of $324,700 and median rent at just $1,183, Tucson offers the lowest rental costs on this list, which is ideal for those looking to make the most of a fixed income.

However, Tucson comes with tradeoffs. Only 16.5% of the population is over 65, so it may not feel as retiree-focused as other cities. With a poverty rate of 18.6%, the highest on the list, long-term financial stability could also be a concern, depending on the area.

6. Surprise, Arizona

• Share of population 65+: 23%
• Median home sale price: $425,000
• Median rent price: $2,110
• Poverty rate: 10.7%
• Sales tax: 9.1%

Located in northern Maricopa County, Surprise is a go-to spot for retirees who enjoy golf, sports, and outdoor recreation, with plenty of parks and community centers to stay active and connected. With 23% of residents aged 65 and older, Surprise ranks third among the most senior-friendly cities on this list.

However, affordability is something to think about. The median home price is $425,000, and the median rent is $2,110, making it one of the more expensive places to settle down. With an added sales tax of 9.1%, everyday spending can stretch your budget further.

7. Scottsdale, Arizona

• Share of population 65+: 27%
• Median home sale price: $865,000
• Median rent price: $2,140
• Poverty rate: 7.7%
• Sales tax: 8.05%

Scottsdale is a modern desert city with deep Western roots. 27% of its residents are 65 and older, meaning it has the largest senior population on this list. The 8.05% sales tax also helps ease the pressure on day-to-day costs, making it a comfortable option compared to many other Arizona cities.

The real challenge in Scottsdale is housing. Scottsdale tops the list for rent and home prices, with a median home cost of $865,000 and a median rent of $2,140. If you’re drawn to high-end living and strong community ties and don’t mind budgeting for it, Scottsdale remains one of Arizona’s most attractive places to retire.

8. San Tan Valley, Arizona

• Share of population 65+: 11.9%
• Median home sale price: $409,900
• Median rent price: $2,091
• Poverty rate: 5.3%
• Sales tax: 6.7%

San Tan Valley has a quiet, small-town feel with access to nature just steps away. Tucked at the base of the San Tan Mountains, the area is a great choice if you want to slow things down. It also stands out for its financial appeal. 

With a low poverty rate of 5.3% and a sales tax of just 6.7%, it is a cost-stable community. The median home price of $409,900 makes homeownership more attainable compared to some of Arizona’s bigger cities.

On the flip side, it has the smallest senior community in our top 10, with only 11.9% of the population being 65 or older. While buying a home is relatively easier in San Tan Valley, renting is less so, with a median rent of $2,091, one of the highest on our list.

9. Goodyear, Arizona

• Share of population 65+: 17.8%
• Median home sale price: $492,490
• Median rent price: $1,977
• Poverty rate: 7.4%
• Sales tax: 8.8%

Goodyear sits just 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix, offering the perks of city access without the daily grind. With a poverty rate of just 8.8%, Goodyear ranks as one of the more financially stable places on this list. 

That said, Goodyear may feel less focused on senior living. With just 17.8% of residents aged 65 or older, the retirement community isn’t as prominent as in other cities on this list. Housing costs are also higher, with a median home price of $492,490 and a median rent of $1,977. 

Still, if you value convenience and access to a growing city, Goodyear can be a great fit as long as your retirement budget allows for the added cost.

10. Buckeye, Arizona

• Share of population 65+: 13.4%
• Median home sale price: $414,995
• Median rent price: $1,930
• Poverty rate: 4.1%
• Sales tax: 9.3%

Buckeye promises a rural, ranch-style atmosphere with the benefits of suburban living. It’s a great pick if you prefer space, nature, and a slower pace, just a short drive from Phoenix. With a poverty rate of just 4.1%, the lowest on this list, Buckeye offers a sense of security that’s hard to overlook.

On the other hand, only 13.4% of the population is over 65, so you might not find the same level of age-specific services or community events. And with a sales tax of 9.3%, the highest among all cities on this list, day-to-day costs can add up over time. 

If you’re looking for affordable homeownership in a laid-back setting, Buckeye could work well, especially if you plan for a higher tax impact.

See Where Your Arizona Community Ranks for Retirement

Didn’t see your city on the list? Here’s how all 19 places in Arizona we evaluated ranked based on the key factors that matter most for retirement.

Methodology

To find the best places to retire in Arizona, we focused on communities with at least 40,000 residents. We looked at factors that matter most to retirees, like housing costs, poverty rates, tax burden, and the share of older adults. Each factor was weighted based on its impact on retirement living.

We used reliable, up-to-date sources to guide our rankings. Data on population, rent, and poverty rates came from the 2023 American Community Survey (5-Year Estimates). Home sale prices are based on Redfin (as of February 2025), and sales tax rates were sourced from Avalara.

Here’s how each factor contributed to the overall rankings:

• Percentage of Population 65+: 30% 
• Median Home Sale Price: 20% 
• Median Monthly Rent: 20% 
• Poverty Rate: 20% 
• Sales Tax: 10%

Reference policy 

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Sources

1. 2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
2. Redfin
3. Avalara