Moving to Phoenix for retirement? With several opportunities for golfing, 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 retirement community, condo, or house, the Phoenix metro has something for every senior citizen! If you’re looking for the perfect place to settle down, check out the best Phoenix neighborhoods for retirees!
| Neighborhood | Ahwatukee Foothills | Deer Valley | Desert View | North Mountain Village | Paradise Valley |
| Safer than % of the city | 73% | 60% | 93% | 20% | 67% |
| Median Purchase Price | $342,106 | $227,767 | $425,209 | $217,423 | $317,249 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,568 | $1,386 | $1,938 | $1,140 | $1,528 |
| Median Household Income | $102,537 | $78,104 | $124,095 | $62,524 | $84,698 |
| Median Age | 41 | 38.6 | 43.4 | 38.3 | 43.5 |
Ahwatukee Foothills
Photo via @hollyhenbest
Ahwatukee Foothills is one of the best places to live in the city! This safe Phoenix neighborhood offers retirees a suburban feel with spacious properties ranging from contemporary-style homes to Spanish Colonial-style ranches. Part of the East Valley region, Ahwatukee Foothills offers high-end shopping areas, access to hiking trails along South Mountain, and amazing golf courses.
Things to Do in Ahwatukee Foothills
Pick up seasonal produce every Sunday at Ahwatukee Farmers Market. Become a member at Ahwatukee Country Club and practice your swing on the driving range. Play nine holes among the lush foothills at Foothills Golf Club. Explore more than 50 miles of trails at South Mountain Park & Preserve. Sign up for a membership at the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, where you can take a yoga or pilates class or swim laps at the pool. Take your furry friend on a walk along the 2.2-mile Telegraph Pass Trail while admiring stunning views of the Valley of the Sun. Dig into a Croque Monsieur, Farmer’s 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 Bone-In Rib Eye or BBQ Pork Ribs. Enjoy a plate of Penne Alla Vodka, an Italian Beef Sandwich, or make your own pizza at Spinato’s Pizzeria & Family Kitchen.
Deer Valley
Photo via @realestatewithtj
Located in North Phoenix, Deer Valley is a great neighborhood for retirees who want great views of the mountains and close proximity to outdoor recreation spots like Dixie Mountain and Cave Creek Regional Park. In addition, this Phoenix neighborhood has several highly-rated assisted living communities in the area, including Paseo Highlands Assisted Living and The Retreat at Alameda.
Things to Do in Deer Valley
Spend the day hiking and taking in stunning a view 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 Truf Paradise from October through May. Spend the day shopping 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, Meatball & Mozzarella Hot Sandwiches, or Baked Ziti at Times Square. Settle in for a Gyros Supreme Pita, Steak Sandwich, or Falafel Burger at Mediterranean restaurant Georges Famous Gyros & Pasta. Or indulge in Mexican entrees like the Carne Asada Plate or Street Tacos paired with a Sparkling Sangria at Limon Urban Kitchen.
Desert View
Photo via @particularpartnersgroup
Not only is Desert View one of the safest neighborhoods in Phoenix, but it also offers a friendly community, incredible views of the local landscape, and a wide range of housing options from spacious ranches to luxury apartments and townhomes. Retirees can find all kinds of outdoor activities in and around Desert View at nearby spots like Sonoran Preserve and McDowell Mountain Regional Park.
Things to Do in Desert View
Challenge yourself to one of the 36 trails that make up the Sonoran Preserve. Attend a concert or learn about different musical instruments representing the world’s countries at the Music Instrument Museum. Drink, dine, and laugh the night away when you catch a standup comedy show at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy. Book a tee time or learn how to golf at Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club. Soar over the Sonoran Desert and marvel at the magnificent views on a hot air balloon ride with Arizona Balloon Safaris. Check out a book or join a book club to meet other seniors at Desert Broom Library. Stop by Yolk Cafe for brunch dishes like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Chicken & Waffles, or Avocado Toast. Get your fix of New York-style pizza or try the Riotta & Mozzarella Calzone at Ray’s Pizza Cave Creek.
North Mountain Village
Photo via @frontporch.az
Want a Phoenix neighborhood that’s both safe and affordable? Consider North Mountain Village! 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 located long the Shaw Butte loop trail and marvel at the panoramic views of the Phoenix metro. Attend concerts, seminars, workshops, and more at North Mountain Visitor Center. Let out your inner child 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 Guacamole and a Tres Jalapenos Burger. Try authentic Filipino dishes like Pork Adobo, Beef Steak, or Grilled Pampano at Halo-Halo Kitchen. Or order up some sandwiches, burgers, and rocket dogs like The Big Dipper and the Kraut Dog at Rocket Burger & Subs.
Paradise Valley
Photo via @desertstyleaz
If you’re researching the best neighborhood in Phoenix for retirement, you might stumble upon Paradise Valley. With its safe streets, luxurious homes, excellent golf courses, and welcoming community, it’s easy to see why Paradise Valley is one of the best places to buy a home in Phoenix. Not to mention, this Phoenix neighborhood is just outside of retiree-friendly suburb of Scottsdale!
Things to Do in Paradise Valley
Find unique wind bells, bowls, and planters handcrafted by Arizona artists at Cosanti. Learn about Agnese Udinotti and see her artwork at the Udinotti Museum of Figurative Art. Watch thousands of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats gather around the Phoenix Bat Cave from May through October. Go swimming, play a game of tennis, or spend a day on the green at Paradise Valley Country Club. Partake in one of the senior programs like quilting or ceramics at Paradise Valley Community Center. Head over to El Churro for Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs or Beef Stroganoff while admiring the breathtaking view of the mountains. Visit The Sicilian Butcher for different types of meatballs like Chicken Parm Meatballs, Lamb Meatballs, or Tomaso’s Sicilian Meatballs. Or indulge in Artichoke Dip or Cheese Board along with an 89Ale at OHSO Brewery + Distillery.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
