Moving to Phoenix for retirement? As one of the best big cities in the U.S.—with tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation and around 299 sunny days a year—it’s no wonder why so many retirees and snowbirds choose to live in the Valley of the Sun! Whether you’re looking for a Phoenix retirement community, condo, or house, this metro area has something for everyone. Check out these best Phoenix neighborhoods for retirees!
| Neighborhoods | Ahwatukee Foothills | Anthem | Deer Valley | Desert Ridge | North Mountain Village |
| Median Home Price | $625,610 | $655,350 | $409,601 | $771,357 | $395,758 |
| Median Rent Price | $2,387 | $2,504 | $2,104 | $2,934 | $1,687 |
| Safer than % of Arizona Cities | 85% | 67% | 68% | 91% | 40% |
Ahwatukee Foothills
- Home Price: $625,610 median purchase price; $2,387 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 85% of Arizona cities
Part of the East Valley region, Ahwatukee Foothills is one of the best places to live in Phoenix! This safe Phoenix neighborhood offers retirees a suburban feel with spacious properties ranging from contemporary homes to Spanish Revival and ranch-style homes. Nature lovers looking to enjoy the great year-round weather have access to several golf courses, as well as hiking at South Mountain Park & Preserve and Telegraph Pass Trail. And for those seeking a bit of retail therapy, Ahwatukee Foothills features high-end shopping areas like the Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center.
Things to Do in Ahwatukee Foothills
Pick up seasonal produce, herbs, and freshly baked goods every Sunday at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market. Practice your swing on the driving range, grab a bite to eat, and more when you become a member at Ahwatukee Golf Club. Play nine holes among beautiful scenery like lush foothills and blue lakes at Foothills Golf Club. Sign up for a membership at the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, where you can swim laps around the pool, hire a personal trainer, and more. Dig into a Croque Monsieur, Farmers Omelette, or Breakfast Burrito at breakfast joint Hillside. Grab a bowl of Black Soy Ramen or Japanese Katsu Curry at Origami Ramen. Stop by Rustler’s Rooste for a Wrangler Bone-In Rib Eye, Big Burger, or Grilled Salmon. Or enjoy a plate of Penne Ala Vodka, an Italian Beef Sandwich, or make your own pizza at Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen.
Anthem
- Home Price: $655,350 median purchase price; $2,504 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of Arizona cities
Looking for one of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix? Consider the master-planned community of Anthem, located about 30 minutes north of Downtown Phoenix. As one of the safest Phoenix communities, Anthem offers great amenities for retirees, including grocery stores, pharmacies, medical centers, and major shopping areas like the Outlets North Phoenix. With plenty of entertainment options like the 36 holes of golf at the Anthem Golf & Country Club and community events like Anthem Days, residents always have something to do.
Things to do in Anthem
Hike the trail upwards with a 1,450-foot elevation gain for one of the most beautiful views in Phoenix on top of Daisy Mountain. Grill out for dinner, toss a ball around on the sports field, and walk the trails at Anthem Community Park. Enroll in a fitness class, climb the rock wall, and play some pickleball at the Anthem Community Center. Test your puzzle-solving skills with friends in themed rooms like Escape From Alcatraz or Help Save Christmas at North Valley Escape Rooms. Start your day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or matcha paired with baked goods at Amped Coffee Co. Fill up on Fried Pickles, Slow-Smoked Wings with your choice of sauce, and Grilled Salmon at The Tennessee Grill. Try out unique burger creations like the Tokyo Burger, California Burger, Blue Burger, and more at Tru Burger Co. Or feast on authentic Chinese cuisine like the Chicken Spring Roll, Sweet and Sour Shrimp, and Lemon Chicken at Shanghai Club.
Deer Valley
- Home Price: $409,601 median purchase price; $2,104 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of Arizona cities
Located in North Phoenix, Deer Valley is a great Phoenix neighborhood for retirees who want beautiful views of the mountains and close proximity to outdoor recreation spots like Dixie Mountain and Cave Creek Regional Park. In addition, this neighborhood in Phoenix is one of the best places to rent a home in the city—plus it has several highly-rated assisted living communities in the area, including BridgeWater Assisted Living and Deer Valley Care Home.
Things to Do in Deer Valley
Spend the day hiking and taking in stunning views of the mountains at Deem Hills Recreation Area. See prehistoric petroglyphs and native desert plants while walking the quarter-mile trail at Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve. Watch thoroughbred horses race at Turf Paradise from October through May. Spend the day shopping at stores like As You Wish Pottery, Plato’s Closet, and Sephora at The Shops at Norterra. View model trains or take a ride on a train at Adobe Mountain Desert Railroad Park. Order Italian favorites like Bruschetta, Stromboli, or Baked Ziti at Times Square. Settle in for a Fish Pita, Chicken Parm Sandwich, or Falafel Burger at Mediterranean restaurant George’s Famous Gyros & Pasta. Or indulge in Mexican entrees like the Carne Asada Plate, Street Tacos, or Limon Fajitas at Limon Urban Kitchen.
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Desert Ridge
- Home Price: $771,357 median purchase price; $2,934 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 91% of Arizona cities
Located in one of the best cities to buy real estate and featuring low-maintenance housing options like townhomes, condos, and single-family homes in Mediterranean or Spanish Revival-style, Desert Ridge is a great place to retire in Phoenix. On top of being one of the safest areas in Phoenix, residents get convenient access to the Mayo Clinic Hospital whenever they need care. And Phoenix retirees can enjoy stroll through the Desert Ridge Marketplace area, which is clustered with local shops, restaurants, entertainment options, and more!
Things to Do in Desert Ridge
Explore 18 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails at Reach 11 Recreation Area. Take in the beautiful sight of crisp green fairways and more than 100 sand bunkers as you golf across two different courses at the Wildfire Golf Club. Get some fresh air, have a picnic, and play volleyball at Aviano Community Park. Grab a drink and prepare to laugh the night away with local and nationally touring comedians at Desert Ridge Improv. Start your day with Steak and Eggs, Strawberry Custard French Toast, or the Super Kale Omelet at Tryst Cafe. Immerse yourself in Southwestern flavor with dishes like the Beef Cheek Tostada, Fish Torta, and Pan Frito at Tia Carmen. Eat Asian-inspired cuisine like the Tuna Thai Jewel, Spicy Tuna Maki, and Pork Belly Fried Rice at Kembara. Or feast on good Italian food in Phoenix like Crab Cakes, Pesto Gnocchi, and Short Rib Ravioli at Marino’s Italian Kitchen.
North Mountain Village
- Home Price: $395,758 median purchase price; $1,687 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 40% of Arizona cities
Want a Phoenix neighborhood that’s both safe and affordable? Consider retiring in Phoenix and moving to North Mountain Village, one of the best places to buy a home in Phoenix! Here, you can find Southwestern-style ranches, condos, and assisted living facilities like Avista Senior Living in North Mountain nestled among the mountains. And for health-conscious retirees, North Mountain Village is conveniently close to Phoenix healthcare facilities like Banner Thunderbird Medical Center.
Things to Do in North Mountain Village
Hike the trails at North Mountain and Shaw Butte and marvel at the panoramic views of the Phoenix metro. Attend concerts, seminars, workshops, and more at North Mountain Visitor Center. Let your inner child out by grabbing an annual pass to Castles N’ Coasters, where you can go on thrill rides or spend the day playing mini-golf. Treat yourself to a signature facial or a deep-tissue massage at Stelo Boutique Spa. Check out Ojos Locos Sports Cantina for Chips y Salsa, Mexico City Tacos, and a Yucatan Burger. Try authentic Filipino dishes like Pork Adobo, Beef Steak, or Crispy Pata at Halo-Halo Kitchen. Order entrees like Greek Pasta, Dolmades, and Shrimp Grigori at GreekTown. Or pick up some sandwiches, burgers, and rocket dogs like the Mexican Hot Dog and Kraut Dog at Rocket Burger & Subs.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
