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Guide to the Best Places to Retire in Arizona
Best Places to Live & Retire in Arizona
Probably one of the only places where you can always plan on perfect weather, Arizona, also known as the "Grand Canyon State" is known for its warm summers and very mild winters.
Year round, you can enjoy hiking or mountain biking, downhill skiing or viewing the desert sky; there is an outdoor recreation activity for everyone! If you are considering retiring to, or moving to Arizona, we can help you ready yourself to experience the unique culture that awaits you in Arizona.
Ideal-Living offers a free comprehensive service that begins with helping you find your Ideal Lifestyle. Until you know how you want to live, you can’t know where you want to live. We offer a wide array of tools to help you get answers to the questions that are keeping you from moving to your ideal destination.
Arizona is considered one of the most tax-friendly states for retirees, in fact it is one of Kiplinger's 10 most tax-friendly states. The tax benefits of living in Arizona include:
No tax on prescription drugs
Property tax breaks for seniors
No tax on social security income
Retirement income exempt up to $2,500 per person, per year
No inheritance or estate tax
Our free Digital Retirement Guide, Ideal-Living Magazine and e-Newsletter offer an abundance of information on which states, towns and cities are the best for retirees, vacationers and second-home buyers, including much information about the great state of Arizona. If you are looking to retire or relocate to any of the picturesque spots within the state, you’ll find the information you need from Ideal-Living. Our Digital Ideal-Living Magazine includes numerous articles such as the top travel destinations, tips on selling your home, and how to make the most of your retirement.
Homes Built for Comfort and Entertainment
Single-family, one-story homes are the norm in active adult communities. They can be customized to each household’s needs. Homes usually offer layouts and features that are standard in modern homes. Generally, master suites are complete with a spacious closet and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in tub. Newer homes also include office spaces for working seniors.
Houses in these neighborhoods are made for entertaining. Open living spaces, large patios, and screened porches make for ideal social gatherings. Visiting friends and family can stay overnight in the guest bedrooms.
Landscaping maintenance is often provided for all residents.
Elevated Amenities for Residents
While many active adult communities operate independently, some are located within larger master-planned residential developments. Both types of communities offer exclusive amenities such as pools and clubhouses.
Workout facilities deliver classes and programs that cater to all fitness levels. Low-impact aerobics and yoga are some of the most popular programs offered.
Those who would rather be outdoors can take advantage of walking trails, parks, and picnic areas. Pickleball courts, tennis courts, and lawns for croquet and softball games are available for athletic residents to use.
Active adult communities may also include services that cannot be found in regular neighborhoods. Residents can walk to onsite restaurants, golf courses, and water features like lakes or ponds. For those who want services to come to them, hair stylists and physical therapists may be available on-call.
Hubs and Clubs for Various Interests
Activity directors help new residents connect with their neighbors. They organize clubs for community members of various interests such as gardening, cooking, and woodworking.
Residents can keep sharp by attending academic classes and visiting lectures in the community centers. Live concerts and film screenings will appeal to those who love performance arts.
Community service clubs are popular, too. Neighbors can organize charities, drives, and other public service events for the community at large.
Idyllic Communities in Ideal Locations
The best active adult communities are located near town or city landmarks. Hospitals and healthcare facilities, for example, are situated nearby. Residents have easy access to physicians and dentists that specialize in senior wellness.
Prospective residents should choose a community that best fits their lifestyle. Some neighborhoods are only a short walk or ride away from bustling city centers. Others are closer to quieter, small-town shops.
Sample Communities to Discover
Estrella
Surrounded by majestic mountains and wide-open desert vistas, life in Estrella is a masterpiece of harmonious balance. Dynamic, yet serene, Estrella offers young couples, families, and retirees a resort-inspired lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities.
Estrella features the Presidio and Starpointe Residents’ Clubs, the Casa Lucero Welcome Center, fitness centers, resort-style pools, a waterpark, a splash pad, lap pools, more than 65+ miles of trails, and over 50+ community parks. With sports courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball, over 72 acres of lakes with complimentary usage of kayaks, paddle boats, and sail boats, award-winning Nicklaus Design champion golf course, restaurants, dining, shopping, great schools, on-site and nearby medical facilities all nestled among the Sierra Estrella Mountains, Estrella offers an unmatched lifestyle all for a low $125 base HOA fee.
Active adults can find refuge in their own gated community, CantaMia 55+ with the fully amenitized CantaMia Village Center, including its own resort-style pool, indoor lap pool, demo kitchen, art studio, cafe, dog park, pickleball courts, and event-scheduling.
The Foothills at Arroyo Norte
Our community, Arroyo Norte, in New River, Arizona is located right near I-17 and offers gorgeous mountain views and easy access to nearby outdoor activities, shops, and restaurants. Some of these local attractions include Destination Balloon Rides, Desert Hills Trailhead, and Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club. Enjoy regulated temperatures in our energy-efficient homes with the use of our spray foam insulation and energy-saving features. With our Energy Guarantee program, you’ll receive a guaranteed usage amount based on the amount of energy used to heat and cool your home. Plus, receive a 100% reimbursement if you pay above the Guaranteed Amount. Don’t forget to check out our options to upgrade your home such as:
- RV Garages
- Pool Houses
- Casitas
- Pet Showers
- Multi-Generational Suites
- and more!
This community is at closeout—your final opportunity to build your dream home!
The Ridge at Sienna Hills
The Ridge at Sienna Hills offers serene tranquility with mountainside living in Buckeye, Arizona. You have easy access to I-10 and twelve floor plans to choose from to make your home unique to you. You have the exciting option to live in the Aqua or Arbor Collection phase. Whether you’re looking for a cozy yet spacious home or a larger, more luxurious abode, Sienna Hills has a perfect floor plan for you. Experience true comfort with energy efficiency and temperature control throughout your home with our spray foam insulation and energy-efficient features. With our Energy Guarantee program, you’ll receive a guaranteed usage amount based on the amount of energy used to heat and cool your home. Plus, receive a 100% reimbursement if you pay above the Guaranteed Amount. Take advantage of all that this serene and picturesque area has to offer today.
Get Started
Finding and choosing the right active adult community can be a daunting task. This is where ideal-LIVING can help. Sign up below to receive our complimentary relocation package, which offers tips on how to find a community that suits your needs. In this guide, you’ll discover the top communities in Arizona, as well as what you can do to get started. Sign up for this free package to take the first step in your exciting journey.
Free Package includes:
- ideal-LIVING Relocation Guide
The ultimate guide to find your ideal destination, life and home. This annual guide contains more than 15 state maps, a location-based cost of living and climate comparison chart and discovery travel packages.
- ideal-LIVING Magazine
Quarterly print magazine features the best places to retire and/or purchase your ideal second home.
- ideal-LIVING E-Newsletter
Receive our digital newsletter, two to three times a month, highlighting communities around the country and abroad.
- Tickets to ideal-LIVING Live Events
The ideal-LIVING Resort & Retirement Show has helped retirees and second-home buyers find their ideal community and home for more than 30 years.
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