Most people are surprised that Arizona offers some of the best cities in the country for senior living. The dry desert climate can be perfect for seniors because of reduced allergies, less moisture, faster healing, sun-made vitamin D, and cleaner air. There are many cities for seniors to choose from, whether they are looking to retire to Arizona or are current residents looking for the best senior living.
What Are the Best Cities in Arizona for Senior Living?
According to Niche, some of the best cities for seniors in Arizona to retire to in the state include:
- Catalina Foothills: This is a suburb of Tucson that offers access to nature trails, the Saguaro National Park, and other serene settings in quiet communities.
- Scottsdale: Seniors love Scottsdale for its golf courses, dining options, outdoor activities, and art scene.
- Paradise Valley: Paradise Valley is located near Phoenix and provides upscale living in exclusive neighborhoods just for seniors.
- Sun City: Sun City was explicitly built for Arizona senior living. The community offers access to social clubs, numerous amenities, and community events.
- Oro Valley: For seniors who want a suburban feel near Tucson, Oro Valley is a top choice.
What Factors Make a City in Arizona Ideal for Seniors?
Some of the many factors that make cities in Arizona ideal for seniors include:
- Quality healthcare: There are plenty of quality healthcare services available to seniors, including skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities.
- Cost of living: The cost of living is generally lower, offering more options for affordable housing.
- Desert climate: Arizona’s desert climate is appealing because of its low humidity and year-round warm temperatures, which allow seniors to spend more time outdoors most of the year.
- Active lifestyles: Many cities cater to seniors and prompt active lifestyles with fitness centers, social clubs, community events, swimming pools, and golf courses.
- Outdoor activities: Seniors have access to national parks, along with chances to hike, walk, bike, golf, and enjoy gardening.
- Low taxes: Arizona does not have a state income tax and has low property taxes.
How Does the Cost of Living in Arizona’s Top Senior Cities Compare?
The cost of living in Arizona is generally considered to be much lower compared to other states. There is plenty of affordable housing in Arizona’s top senior cities. Since there is no state income tax, Social Security and retirement benefits are not taxed, leaving more disposable income for seniors.
What Healthcare Options Are Available for Seniors in Arizona’s Best Cities?
Seniors have access to a diverse range of healthcare options, from primary care physicians to specialists. They also have access to the Mayo Clinic-Arizona in Phoenix, considered one of the top hospitals in the state.
Other Arizona healthcare for seniors options include:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Alzheimer’s memory care
- Speech therapy
- Infectious disease care
- Complex wound care
- Behavioral therapy
- Assisted living
- Skilled nursing
- Specialty infusion care
- Joint replacement care
Are There Affordable Housing Options for Seniors in Arizona?
There are plenty of affordable housing options for seniors in Arizona to fit with various income ranges, including:
- 55+ exclusive communities
- Assisted living facilities and communities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Income-based rent housing
- HUD senior housing
- Senior independent living housing programs
Which Arizona Cities Offer the Most Recreational Activities for Seniors?
The top Arizona cities with the most recreational activities for seniors are:
- Tucson
- Scottsdale
- Catalina Foothills
- Sun City
- Sedona
- Phoenix
All of these cities offer a wide variety of outdoor activities, nature trails, and senior community events.
How Is the Weather in Arizona for Seniors?
Arizona’s weather is generally senior-friendly most of the year. The dry desert climate and low humidity make it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors in the fall, winter, and spring. In the evenings, after the sun sets, temperatures are generally cooler.
However, the summer heat can be quite hot, with triple-digit temperatures, making it more challenging for seniors who like spending time outdoors. To escape the heat, seniors often travel to Northern Arizona and enjoy the national parks and higher elevations for summer vacations and weekend trips.
Are There Retirement Communities in Arizona’s Cities for Seniors?
Arizona has numerous retirement communities in cities throughout the state. The communities offer a range of options, including independent living, 55+ living, and assisted living. Each community can also offer a range of amenities, such as:
- Community clubhouses
- Community pools
- Community outings
- Prepared meals
- Community events
- Community fitness centers
What Transportation Options Are Available for Seniors in Arizona?
Valley Metro offers bus and rail services in many of Arizona’s top cities for seniors. They also offer RideChoice, which is a subsidized ridesharing program provided by Uber or Lyft in various cities. Other options in Arizona communities include:
- Public buses
- Ridesharing
- Route-based shuttle services
- Door-to-door services
- Dial-a-Ride
- Senior community and assisted living facility shuttles
- Community-based transportation programs
Which Arizona Cities Have the Best Access To Senior Services and Amenities?
Sun City is considered the top Arizona city with the best access to senior services and amenities. This is because Sun City is a planned 55+ senior community with extensive senior-focused design and development. Other top cities include:
- Tucson
- Scottsdale
- Green Valley
- Peoria
- Paradise Valley
Find Assisted Living Facilities and Skilled Nursing Facilities in Arizona
It is easy to find assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities in Arizona through Haven Health. We operate numerous facilities throughout the state that provide senior-centric care and personalized attention. Our caring and compassionate team is dedicated to helping seniors maintain their independence while getting the assistance they need to live active, productive, and fulfilling lives in their golden years.
Sources:
City of Scottsdale: Scottsdale Senior Services. (2024).
How to Ride: Destinations. (2024).
2024 Best Places to Retire in Arizona. (2024).