admin Arizona practically invented the modern retirement community. Golf every morning, a quiet single-level home near the grandkids, or a cool-weather town up north: there’s a version of retirement here for you.
Updated October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm with the official source linked in each section.
Why retirees love Arizona
- No state tax on Social Security; flat 2.5% income tax
- Mild winters, lots of sunshine, an active lifestyle
- Major health systems: Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health and more
- A huge selection of single-level homes
- A possible property valuation freeze for qualifying seniors
55+ and active-adult communities
The West Valley’s Sun City and Sun City West are the originals: affordable, golf-centric, with dozens of clubs. Sun City Grand in Surprise, PebbleCreek in Goodyear and newer communities in Buckeye offer more modern homes. In the East Valley, Leisure World and Sunland Village in Mesa, Sun Lakes near Chandler, and Robson Ranch and Encanterra in Pinal County are popular. Up north, Prescott and Prescott Valley draw retirees who want four seasons.
How to compare communities
- HOA dues and what they include (golf? rec center? landscaping?)
- Age rules and policies for visiting family
- Distance to your doctors and hospital
- Single-level, no-step entries, walk-in showers
- Social life: clubs, classes, events
- Resale history: how fast do homes sell?
Summer strategy
Many retirees spend part of the summer up north or out of state. If you’ll be away, set up a home-watch service, keep the A/C at a safe temperature, and prep the pool.
Right-sizing and selling the family home
The hardest part of a retirement move is usually the house you’re leaving. A plan helps: sort what goes, what’s sold and what’s gifted; time the sale and purchase so you move once; and get help from a senior move manager. That’s exactly what SilverSupport™ is for.
Curious what your current home is worth? Get a free home value estimate.
Retiring, Downsizing or Helping a Parent Move?
SilverSupport™ is a done-with-you program for seniors and their families: right-sizing, selling the family home, choosing between 55+ communities and single-level homes, and coordinating movers, estate sales and timing.
- 55+ and active-adult community comparisons
- Sell-and-buy timing so you only move once
- Trusted movers, estate-sale & senior-move managers
- Support for adult children planning from out of state
Craig Citizen, REALTOR® · West USA Realty · Free, no obligation