The reasons to retire to Phoenix are many, and growing all the time. In the aftermath of the housing crisis, during which Phoenix was hit hard, this major city in the Valley of the Sun is emerging from the ashes, a city reborn, just like its mythological Greek namesake. It was actually hard to whittle down this list of the best
Phoenix neighborhoods for retirees.
Top global companies like State Farm, KPMG and Amazon are moving in. Local universities, Arizona State, University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University are expanding and bringing opportunity, culture and energy to the Phoenix metro area. In the winter, Phoenix neighborhoods come alive with national-scale events like spring training baseball, golf tournaments and major car and equestrian shows. Things are definitely happening in Phoenix.
For retirees, all this activity means there are always plenty of new places to try and things to do. Though summers are hot, most of the year is comfortable, and even hotter days are nothing compared to hot and humid summer days anywhere else. The great thing about home listings in Phoenix is the variety. Whether you are looking to downsize into a low-maintenance condo, a single-level ranch or an historic bungalow, you’ll find it. If it’s time to golf every day, there are no shortage of golf course settings to choose from. Equestrians will find that this is still the West, though maybe not so wild, with plenty of horse properties available. The point is, you have options in the Phoenix area. Here are just a few of the cities and towns that offer something unique.
Sun City
Just to be clear, there are several Sun City developments in the Phoenix area. But, the original, and the first of its kind in the U.S., is simply called Sun City and is just north of Phoenix. This is the community that launched a whole industry of 55+ resort-style communities. Sun City is not a gated community, but has the feel of a resort unto itself, which helps to foster a sense of closeness and a neighborhood feel. Sun City is all about accessibility with wide streets and affordability with the
median sales price at $165,000. Homes are not the behemoths that tend to be built these days, but are retirement-sized (think low-maintenance), with the median size just over 1,500 square feet. Pools, recreation clubs, restaurants, events, banks, shopping, all of it is golf-cart accessible in this active and vibrant community.
Fountain Hills
In the Northeast corner of the valley is the town of Fountain Hills. Famous for once holding title to the world’s largest fountain, Fountain Hills is just far enough out to be tranquil, but still retains easy access to all the valley has to offer. The downtown lake and park, surrounded by mountains, provide a beautiful backdrop as the fountain puts on a show all day at the top of every hour. Though it’s height has since been eclipsed by other cities, the Fountain Hills fountain remains an area landmark. A mix of families and seniors make for an active and balanced community. There are no cookie-cutter homes and neighborhoods in Fountain Hills and this commands a little more money, with the
median sales price at $429,000. But, there is a distinct feel here that you are off the grid pattern of the valley, as streets wind through the hills and many homes enjoy impressive views. You will never see sunsets like these!
Mesa
Mesa has been a retirement option for decades and this city knows how to cater to retirees. Mesa is a large and varied city that offers something for everyone. There are brand new developments, retro and upscale mobile home resorts, golf course properties, and downtown condominiums. The median list price in Mesa for single family homes is a very reasonable $270,000, while the
median for getting into a condominium is under $150,000. With abundant sunshine hundreds of days of the year, dozens of golf courses, tennis courts and walking trails, you’ll be outside year round. Mesa has a vibrant arts scene as well and is a key stop for the Cactus League spring training games.
Goodyear
In the West Valley, the city of Goodyear (yes, it was named after the founder of the tire company) offers the best of an Arizona retirement lifestyle. At the foot of the Estrella Mountains, Goodyear offers easy access to great hiking trails. Goodyear is more recently developed than some of the other cities in the valley, and buying a brand new home is definitely and option here. You get a lot of home for your money in Goodyear with the
median home size at just over 2,400 square feet and the median list price at $299,000. Just on the edge of the greater Phoenix metro area, Goodyear has quick and easy access to Interstate 10.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale runs from the flat lands of the valley up through the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. The options for retirement living in this well-known desert city run from condominium communities to horse farms to golf club estates. Scottsdale has been the culture and nightlife hub of the valley and is still the place to see and be seen. Many celebrities are at home in North Scottsdale, and though you’ll pay a bit more (
almost $300,000 for 1,400 square feet), it might be worth it to be in the center of it all.
One of the biggest advantages that Phoenix has over other cities when it comes to retirement is its tax-friendly atmosphere. You won’t pay taxes on your social security income here. With more money, you can enjoy the Arizona retirement lifestyle, which means warm sunny days, cool nights (most of the year) and plenty to do. Several lakes surround the Valley of the sun for year round boating, and in less than two hours you can be in the tall cool pine forests of the White Mountains. It’s no wonder Phoenix is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, and growing.
The Phoenix market is still relatively affordable and no matter what your tastes or desires in retirement, Phoenix offers something for everyone. It’s time to start your search, because Phoenix is rising!
