Retiring in Arizona: Is the East Valley a Good Place to Retire?
If you’re thinking about retiring in Arizona, there’s a good chance the weather is one of the first things that caught your attention.
And I get it.
For roughly nine months of the year, the weather in Arizona’s East Valley is pretty hard to beat. You can golf, hike, play pickleball, sit on a patio, go to an outdoor concert, spend an afternoon at the pool or head up to one of our nearby lakes.
But after living here, working with people who have retired here, and watching friends enjoy this stage of life, I think there’s a much bigger reason people are drawn to the East Valley.
There is a lot of life to live here. 
And to me, that matters.
My own kids are grown now, and one of the things I appreciate even more about living here is how much we can still do together as adults. We recently went paddleboarding at Canyon Lake as a family. We hike together. We go listen to live music. We meet up at O.H.S.O. and watch football. We go to concerts and restaurants.
The East Valley doesn't feel like it's built for one age group.
That can make it a pretty special place to retire.
So, Is Arizona's East Valley a Good Place to Retire?
For the right person, absolutely.
Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek and the surrounding East Valley offer a combination of warm winters, outdoor recreation, dining and entertainment, golf, healthcare, and a large selection of active-adult and 55+ communities.
Mesa in particular has a significant selection of established 55+ communities, while Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek also offer active-adult options ranging from golf communities to newer resort-style neighborhoods.
But I don't think choosing where to retire should start with a list titled “The 10 Best Retirement Communities in Arizona.”
It should start with you.
What do you want your everyday life to look like?
Because retirement communities here can be incredibly different from one another.
What Is It Really Like to Live in a 55+ Community in Arizona?
One of the biggest misconceptions about 55+ communities is that they all feel the same.
They don't.
I've been through many of them with clients, and each one really does have its own personality.
Some are centered around golf. Others have busy pickleball courts, pools, exercise classes, clubs, restaurants, dances, card groups and social events. Some feel very resort-like. Others are quieter and more relaxed.
And you can generally be as involved as you want to be or as uninvolved as you want to be.
That's one of the things I like about them.
I also think people sometimes picture 55+ living as being much quieter than it actually is.
We have friends in Sun Lakes whom we've gotten to know through going out to listen to country music. They go dancing regularly, we've been to pool parties at their homes, and their social circle seems to keep growing.
You meet one couple. They introduce you to another couple. Those people invite somebody else.
Before you know it, you're standing at a pool party wondering how you suddenly know half the neighborhood.
When I'm showing homes in these communities during the winter, I see people outside constantly. They're walking, golfing, riding around in golf carts, talking to neighbors and waving when we drive by.
When I walk into the clubhouse with clients, people tend to say hello.
That's important, especially when you're moving somewhere completely new.
Don't Just Tour the House. Tour the Lifestyle.
This is something I feel pretty strongly about.
If I'm helping someone look at 55+ communities in the East Valley, we don't just look at houses.
We go into the clubhouse.
We look at the amenities.
We pick up the activity information.
We talk to the people working there.
And if residents are sitting around playing cards, having lunch or hanging out at the bar, we'll often talk to them too.
I'll ask:
How do you like living here?
What do you like about the community?
What don't you like?
What's it like during the summer?
Because the brochure can tell you how many pickleball courts there are.
It can't tell you whether you feel comfortable there.
And I've had buyers think they wanted one type of community, walk into another one and immediately change their minds.
That's why I wouldn't choose a retirement community based solely on what you see online.
Spend some time there.
Every community has a different feel, and finding the one where you feel like your people might be is far more important than checking every box on an amenities list.
One Big Advantage of Retiring Here: People Actually Want to Visit You
This is something I don't think gets talked about enough.
If your adult children or grandchildren live in another state, retiring somewhere they actually enjoy visiting can make a difference.
Arizona tends to be a pretty easy sell in January.
Come visit. It's 70 degrees.
We'll sit outside.
We'll hike.
We'll play golf.
We'll eat on a patio.
We'll spend the afternoon by the pool.
Phoenix Sky Harbor also currently offers nonstop service to more than 130 domestic destinations, which helps when family is spread across the country.
I've seen families make Arizona almost their gathering place during the colder months.
I have clients who own a second home here that's large enough for their children to visit. Their family comes down, spends holidays here and enjoys the pool and the weather together.
Of course, that doesn't completely replace being close to family.
And that's something you really need to think about before moving.
The Harder Side of Moving Away From Family and Friends
I had clients move here from Chicago to be closer to one of their children.
On paper, it made sense.
But after they arrived, they realized they weren't happy.
They missed the friends they'd had their entire lives.
They had lived in the same area for years and had never really needed to go out and create a whole new circle of friends.
Suddenly, they did.
And that's harder than people think.
You might consider yourself outgoing and friendly, but introducing yourself to strangers is different when you haven't had to do it for 30 or 40 years.
That's one of the emotional pieces of retiring somewhere new that I think people underestimate.
The encouraging part about Arizona is that so many people here are transplants too.
People move here from the Midwest, California, Utah, the Pacific Northwest and all over the country.
So when you say hello to someone who's new too, there's a pretty good chance they're hoping to make friends just like you are.
Sometimes you have to remind yourself:
They probably want me to say hi too.
We've made a lot of friends in Arizona by doing exactly that.
The Arizona Summer Is Not Something You Should Ignore
Now for the part the glossy retirement brochures occasionally gloss over.
It's hot.
Really hot.
July and August can be brutal, and depending on the year, September can still feel very much like summer.
If you're considering retiring in Arizona full-time, my advice is simple:
Come spend some time here during the summer before you make the decision.
Don't only visit in February and decide you've found paradise.
February is paradise.
Come back in July.
Go to the grocery store when it's 110 degrees.
Get into a car that's been sitting outside.
See what everyday life feels like.
Then decide whether you're comfortable with it.
For some people, it's totally manageable. They spend more time indoors, use the pool, go out early in the morning and treat summer almost like people in colder climates treat winter.
For others, it's the reason they become snowbirds.
Full-Time Arizona Resident or Snowbird?
A lot of retirees choose to spend winters in Arizona and summers somewhere cooler.
There are two big questions I would ask yourself.
First: Can you comfortably afford to maintain two homes?
Second: Do you actually want to?
Two homes mean two sets of maintenance, utilities, insurance and responsibilities.
And if you're gone all summer, you still need somebody watching your Arizona property.
If you have a private pool, for example, that pool is still going to need to be maintained when you're gone.
That's one reason some seasonal homeowners prefer a community with a clubhouse pool instead of owning one themselves.
It's one less thing to manage.
The East Valley Gets Quieter During Summer
This is another consideration if you're thinking about a 55+ community.
Some communities feel very different in July than they do in February because seasonal residents leave for the summer.
Winter can be incredibly active.
Summer can be quieter.
That isn't necessarily bad.
You may decide those couple of months are your slower season. You stay inside more, enjoy your house, travel or simply take a little downtime.
But it's worth understanding before you buy.
What About Arizona Taxes for Retirees?
Taxes are understandably another big search topic for people considering retirement in Arizona.
Arizona does not tax Social Security retirement benefits, according to the Arizona Department of Revenue. However, other retirement income, including many pensions and retirement distributions, may be taxable, so your individual situation matters.
Arizona also has a Senior Valuation Protection program for qualifying Maricopa County homeowners age 65 or older. It's important to understand that the program doesn't literally freeze your tax bill; it can freeze the Limited Property Value used as part of the tax calculation for qualifying homeowners. Income, residency and other requirements apply.
As always, I recommend talking with your accountant or financial advisor about your specific retirement tax situation before making a move based on taxes alone.
HOA Fees Can Be Higher in 55+ Communities
Here's another expense buyers sometimes underestimate.
HOA fees.
If you've never lived with an HOA before, make sure you understand what you're signing up for.
And some 55+ communities have higher HOA or community fees because they're maintaining considerably more than a typical neighborhood.
Think about everything you may be getting:
Golf facilities.
Clubhouses.
Pools.
Fitness centers.
Pickleball and tennis courts.
Activities.
Community events.
Gated entrances.
Common areas.
The amenities can be fantastic, but they aren't free.
That's why I always tell buyers to look beyond the purchase price.
A house that's $30,000 less may not actually cost you less month-to-month if its community fees are substantially higher.
The reverse can also be true if the HOA maintains things you would otherwise have to pay for yourself.
Look at the total lifestyle cost, not just the mortgage.
Don't Retire Just to Become House Poor
This advice applies whether you're 25 or 75:
I don't believe being house poor should ever be the goal.
Your home should allow you to live the life you want.
Retirement especially shouldn't become:
“We bought this gorgeous house in Arizona, but now we can't afford to do anything.”
Maybe the smaller house is actually the better retirement house.
Maybe instead of maintaining a private pool, you'd rather use the community pool.
Maybe you don't need a huge yard.
Maybe low-maintenance desert landscaping makes more sense.
Maybe you'd rather have a patio where you can enjoy Arizona evenings than a large grassy backyard that needs constant attention.
And certain things may become non-negotiable for different reasons.
For example, if you know you need or strongly prefer single-story living, that's something I would prioritize.
Spend money on what makes your everyday life better.
Not simply on more square footage.
Downsizing Is Harder Than It Sounds
This deserves its own conversation because downsizing is about much more than finding a smaller house.
It's emotional.
You may have spent 20, 30 or 40 years accumulating things.
Some of them are sentimental.
Some aren't — until suddenly you're standing there deciding whether to get rid of them.
That's when even a dining room table can become emotional.
You think:
We've always had a dining room.
Okay.
But do you need one in your next home?
Maybe your children live five states away and visit once or twice a year.
Could you put up a card table when everybody comes?
Could you eat outside on the patio?
Would you rather use that square footage every single day instead of designing your home around one holiday dinner a year?
There isn't one correct answer.
The point is that your next house doesn't have to function exactly like your last house.
That can be incredibly freeing.
But getting there mentally can take time.
Traffic Is Another East Valley Reality
If you're coming from a small town, traffic can be an adjustment.
My dad lives in a small town in Utah, and when he comes here, the traffic drives him crazy.
Going somewhere with him can become a whole event because he just does not enjoy driving in it.
So if traffic really bothers you, that's something we should consider when choosing where you live.
Maybe you want a community where you can use a golf cart for many of your activities.
Maybe you want restaurants, activities and shopping close by.
Maybe you'd rather be in a community where you can spend several days without needing to leave.
And if driving is no longer an option, rideshare services can help. I have friends who use them regularly.
It's just another reason I don't think there is one “best place to retire in the East Valley.”
It depends on how you live.
Healthcare Should Be Part of Your Decision Too
Finding new doctors can be harder emotionally than people expect.
You're leaving professionals you've trusted for years and starting over.
So healthcare access should absolutely be part of your research when deciding where to live.
The East Valley includes major medical facilities and healthcare networks throughout Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Queen Creek, including Chandler Regional Medical Center, Banner Gateway Medical Center, Banner Ironwood Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.
But proximity matters differently for everyone.
If you have a particular medical need or specialist you see regularly, I would research that before choosing a community — not after you've purchased the house.
Which East Valley City Is Best for Retirement?
People ask this all the time.
Should I retire in Mesa?
Gilbert?
Chandler?
Queen Creek?
Sun Lakes?
My answer is probably less exciting than a Top 10 list:
We need to see what fits you.
Mesa has one of the broadest selections of established active-adult communities in the East Valley. Chandler gives you access to restaurants, shopping and entertainment along with several 55+ options. Gilbert offers a very active suburban lifestyle with dining and entertainment nearby, while Queen Creek has continued to grow with newer housing and active-adult options.
But I don't want to tell somebody:
“You're retired, so you belong here.”
That's not how people work.
Two people can be the exact same age and want completely different lives.
One person wants golf every morning and happy hour every afternoon.
Someone else wants a quiet patio, hiking nearby and enough room for the grandkids.
Another wants to be able to walk into the clubhouse knowing there's always something happening.
That's why I believe choosing the community comes down to finding your fit, not somebody else's definition of retirement.
My Advice Before Retiring in Arizona's East Valley
If you're seriously considering moving here, I would do a few things before buying:
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Visit in the summer if you're planning to live here year-round. You need to experience Arizona heat before committing to it.
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Tour several different communities. Even communities with nearly identical amenities can feel completely different.
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Spend time there, not just at the house. Visit the clubhouse. Drive the neighborhood. Have lunch nearby. Talk to residents.
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Think about your actual lifestyle. Golf? Pickleball? Hiking? Restaurants? Live music? Quiet evenings? Grandkids visiting? Your community should make those things easier.
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Look at the complete monthly cost. Purchase price, HOA fees, insurance, utilities, maintenance and whether you're maintaining one home or two all matter.
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Be realistic about downsizing. Give yourself time. Getting rid of things you've owned for decades can be surprisingly emotional.
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Think about your people. If family and longtime friends are important to your everyday happiness, don't underestimate that when you're making the decision.
Is Retiring in Arizona Right for You?
I love living in Arizona's East Valley.
I love that my grown kids and I still have so many things we enjoy doing together.
One weekend might be hiking.
Another could be paddleboarding at Canyon Lake.
Another might be football at O.H.S.O., dinner somewhere in Downtown Chandler, or going to hear live music.
And I've watched retired friends build incredibly active social lives here too.
But I also don't think Arizona is automatically right for everyone.
You have to be okay with the heat.
You need to understand the traffic.
You need to look carefully at HOA fees.
And if you're moving away from people you've spent your entire life around, you need to be willing to put yourself out there and build a new community.
The good news?
There are a lot of other people here doing exactly the same thing.
And sometimes it starts with something as simple as saying hello.
Thinking About Retiring or Downsizing in Arizona's East Valley?
If you're considering retiring in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, Sun Lakes or another East Valley community, I'd be happy to help you explore your options.
And I don't mean just sending you a list of houses.
We'll look at the communities.
We'll visit the clubhouses.
We'll talk about HOA fees and amenities.
We'll figure out whether you want a full-time home or something that's easier to lock and leave.
Most importantly, we'll take the time to figure out where your next chapter actually feels right.
Because I don't think retirement is about finding the biggest house or the community with the longest amenities list.
It's about creating a life you actually want to live.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in Arizona's East Valley
Is Arizona a good state for retirees?
Arizona can be an appealing choice for retirees who value warm winters, outdoor recreation, golf, active-adult communities and access to a large metro area's healthcare, dining and entertainment. The biggest consideration for many full-time residents is the extreme summer heat.
Does Arizona tax Social Security retirement income?
No. Arizona excludes Social Security retirement benefits from state taxable income. Other pension or retirement income may be taxable depending on the source and your individual circumstances.
What are some popular 55+ communities in Arizona's East Valley?
The East Valley has many active-adult communities, including Sun Lakes, Leisure World, Sunland Village, Sunland Springs Village, Encore at Eastmark, Trilogy at Power Ranch, Springfield, Fountain of the Sun and Solera communities. Amenities, costs, home styles and overall atmosphere vary significantly, so touring multiple communities is important.
Is Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler or Queen Creek better for retirement?
There isn't one answer for everyone. Mesa has a particularly large selection of established 55+ communities, while Gilbert, Chandler and Queen Creek offer different combinations of newer housing, dining, recreation, golf and active-adult options. The best choice depends on your desired lifestyle, budget and location priorities.
Should I buy in a 55+ community?
A 55+ community can be a great fit if you want built-in activities, amenities and opportunities to meet people. However, HOA or community fees may be higher, and the rules and culture of each community vary. Spend time in the community before deciding.
Should I retire in Arizona full-time or become a snowbird?
That depends on your budget, tolerance for summer heat, family situation and willingness to maintain two homes. If you're considering living in Arizona year-round, spending time here during July or August before buying can give you a much more realistic idea of what full-time life will be like.
Is downsizing for retirement difficult?
It can be. Downsizing is often as emotional as it is logistical because it requires deciding what from your previous stage of life still belongs in the next one. Starting early and choosing a home based on how you plan to live now — rather than recreating your old home — can make the transition easier.