09 Apr 5 Best Places to Retire in Arizona
The Phoenix Valley is a wonderful place to retire. Sunny weather, mild winters, scenic views, and a high quality of living make Arizona a top destination for retirees. Whether you’re moving to Arizona when you retire or you’ve lived here all your life, here are five of the top cities to consider.
Surprise
US News recently ranked Surprise as the #1 place to retire in Arizona, but that’s no “surprise” to us. This growing city has a lot to offer.
It’s only 45 minutes from Phoenix, with peaceful neighborhoods, expansive views, and excellent medical facilities.
Residents can enjoy activities like hiking, golf, art, and shopping. And for baseball fans, Surprise Stadium is where the Kansas City Royals and Texas rangers hold their spring training.
Surprise began as a retirement community, but it’s gaining a reputation as a great place to raise a family as well. Only about 20% of the population is over 65, so if you’re retiring early or your kids want to live nearby, Surprise has a lot to offer younger people as well.
Chandler
Looking for small-town charm close to the city? Chandler is about 30 minutes from Phoenix and 20 minutes from the airport, and boasts an excellent public transportation system.
Residents love Chandler’s vibrant, walkable downtown area. You can find everything from historic buildings, museums, and art to boutiques, restaurants, and breweries.
It’s more affordable compared to other Phoenix suburbs, and if you’re planning to work part-time, Chandler also offers more opportunities for employment.
Scottsdale
With its resort-style living, numerous fitness centers, and many forms of outdoor recreation, Scottsdale offers its residents a high quality of life. It’s one of the healthiest cities in the U.S. (ranked #10 by Wallethub in 2026) and the perfect place for retirees who prefer healthy, active lifestyles.
The thriving restaurant scene makes it popular with foodies and health nuts alike. Residents can treat themselves to a gourmet meal after a round of golf or work up a healthy appetite on Scottsdale’s scenic hiking trails.
As far as medical care, Scottsdale is second to none. It’s home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Arizona’s #1 hospital.
Tucson
A true Southwestern city, Tucson is nestled in the heart of the Sonoran desert. Because it’s at a higher elevation, summers are a little bit cooler here than in the Phoenix Valley. The desert landscapes are breathtaking by day, and the dark sky areas nearby offer spectacular stargazing at night.
The median home price in Tucson is well below the national average, making it one of Arizona’s more affordable cities. Cost of living also falls below the national average.
Tucson is home to the University of Arizona and it’s the nearest city to Saguaro National Park. It has a vibrant local culture, and is recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its outstanding regional cuisine.
Goodyear
The fifth largest city in Arizona, Goodyear lies out on the western edge of the Phoenix metro area.
Like many of the other cities on our list, Goodyear offers its residents scenic desert views and plenty of outdoor activities. The Estrella Mountain Regional Park is nearby, with 20,000 acres to explore on foot, by bike, or on horseback.
Surprise isn’t the only city with a spring training camp. The Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds both practice at Goodyear Ballpark. Goodyear is also known for its excellent medical facilities and focus on medical research.
Planning to Retire in Arizona?
One thing all five of these cities have in common is that there’s a Phelps LaClair office in each of them! It’s always a good idea to review your estate plan before you retire. We’ll make sure all of your documents are up to date and legally valid, make any changes you need, and advise you on the best ways to protect your assets.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation in Surprise, Tucson, or one of our other Phoenix Valley locations.
Photo by JC Cervantes on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/1/26.