3 Reasons Why Arizona Is the Best Place To Retire

While Arizona is a fantastic state to raise kids, it's also one of the top Western states for retirement, and it's easy to see why. Between year-round sunshine, outdoor recreation, and strong communities among retired folk, not to mention endless activities, excellent restaurants, sports, and attractions, it's hard not to want to retire here. In my opinion, the best place to retire in Arizona is Scottsdale — I live here and know dozens of retirees and snowbirds who love this city. However, there are many other towns and cities to choose from. Depending on your lifestyle and budget, places like Tucson, Casa Grande, or Prescott may be more suitable for retirees to consider moving to. Whatever you're looking for in your post-work life, here are just a few reasons to live in Arizona after retirement:

Quality of Life in Arizona

I've lived in Arizona for over 15 years now, and I have to say, the lifestyle here is unmatched compared to any other state I've lived in. While I am years away from retiring, many of my retired friends and acquaintances have moved to Arizona for the sunshine, which allows for year-round outdoor activities. Throughout the state, golf courses are abundant, pickleball courts are aplenty, and we're never too far from a hiking trail. For those who prefer four seasons, northern Arizona offers fall colors among aspens and cottonwoods, and snow on the mountains in winter.

Compared to other Western states, Arizona is considered one of the more affordable places to retire. According to FinanceBuzz, there are several cities, including Casa Grande, Green Valley, and Sun City, where you can retire with a monthly budget of $2,000 or less. If you have a slightly larger budget, discover where you can retire in Arizona on a $2,800 monthly budget, including Yuma, Bullhead City, Apache Junction, and Springerville.

Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

Arizona experiences over 300 days of sunshine each year. The state is also home to what's considered the sunniest place on earth: Yuma. With less than 3 inches of rain per year and over 4,000 hours of sunshine, Yuma is a desirable place for those who love basking under the sun.

If you love the heat, the Phoenix area, as well as Yuma and Lake Havasu City, is where you'll want to live. Average summer temperatures of these cities are in the triple digits. On the flip side, the coldest climates in the state are in Flagstaff, Heber-Overgaard, and Greer due to their higher elevations.

For nature lovers, Arizona has 33 state parks, as well as Grand Canyon, Saguaro, and Petrified Forest National Parks, offering numerous ways to spend time outdoors, including hiking, boating, swimming, and camping. Natural wonders can be found throughout Arizona, including world-famous spots such as Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. The state's natural beauty is outstanding, making it an alluring place for people of all ages to live, especially retirees.

Healthcare and Retirement Resources

Healthcare is certainly an important factor when deciding where to retire, and Scottsdale is one of the best cities in the country for healthcare. Per FinanceBuzz, Scottsdale "has the highest percentage of seniors aged 65 and older in the country" and is home to a Mayo Clinic location, as well as world-class doctors, specialists, and other hospitals, including Honor Health and Banner Health.

Stretching your retirement dollar is another important consideration when picking a retirement destination. Luckily, Arizona has a relatively low state income tax rate of 2.5%, and social security benefits are not taxed at all.

Best Place to Retire in Arizona

There are so many reasons to retire in Arizona, from the quality of life to the world-class healthcare and tax benefits. The only question you may have is, where is the best place to retire in Arizona? Is it Sedona for its stunning natural beauty, Prescott for its historic downtown, Phoenix for its desert beauty, or somewhere else? To help you decide, use Only In Your State's itinerary planner to create a trip to experience the best cities and towns of Arizona before choosing where to retire.

Not ready for retirement and still have young kids at home? Discover the reasons why Arizona is the best place for families.