A lot of our readers are also considering Arizona for retirement, so we've put together a list of the best 55-plus retirement communities in AZ.
The following are some of the most popular retirement communities currently being developed in Arizona today.
Each of them offer a unique combination of floor plans, amenities, and location to create the perfect retirement lifestyle.
Encanterra® A Trilogy® Resort Community – San Tan Valley
Located in San Tan Valley just under an hour southeast of Phoenix, Encanterra® offers a modern take on luxury retirement living. Residents here enjoy access to two community clubhouses, two resort-style pools, a spa, an event center, and 18-holes of championship-level golf.
Trilogy at Encanterra offers homebuyers the choice of 13 different floor plans that are broken down into four separate categories. Those homes range in size from a 1,318 square foot attached villa priced in the low-$200s all the way up to a 2,726 square foot estate starting in the high-$300s.
Trilogy® at Verde River – Rio Verde
Trilogy® at Verde River is a gated retirement community located just east of Scottsdale and about an hour northeast of Phoenix next to the amazing Tonto National Forest. All of the amenities here are focused around the Verde River Golf & Social Club, which includes on-site restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a resort-style outdoor pool, and a perfectly manicured golf course.
With four different collections and a total of 13 floor plans available, there are plenty of options to choose from at Trilogy at Verde River. Those homes can be as small as a 1,342 square foot attached villa, or they can be something a little more spacious like a 3,249 square foot estate. Pricing for this community starts in the high-$200s and can range up into the mid-$600s.
Trilogy® at Vistancia® – Peoria
Located about 13 miles northwest of Phoenix is the award-winning Trilogy® at Vistancia®, which is known for being one of the absolute best retirement communities in all of Arizona. Residents here enjoy access to two different community clubhouses, as well as first-class golf, multiple fitness facilities, and plenty of pools.
Homebuyers can select a floor plan from any of the four collections, which include a total of 13 different options. Those homes range in size from 1,442 square feet all the way up to 2,717 square feet, and they typically have starting prices anywhere from the high-$200s up into the low-$500s.
Trilogy® at Wickenburg Ranch – Wickenburg Ranch
Another Trilogy® community to the northwest of Phoenix is Trilogy® at Wickenburg Ranch, which has the feel of a small town in the old west while still offering plenty of modern amenities. Residents here enjoy access to the ranch-themed Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, as well as a championship-level golf course, a nine-hole “party golf” course, and a resort-style pool with a poolside bar.
Trilogy® at Wickenburg Ranch offers 15 different floor plans distributed across four collections that all feature the wild west look. Those homes range in size from 1,506 to 3,249 square feet, and the price points start in the mid-$200s and can go up into the mid-$400s.
Altura – Tucson
Altura is a gated community of 240 attached villas and single-family homes located in the Rincon Valley just outside of Tucson. Residents here enjoy standard amenities like a community clubhouse and state-of-the-art fitness center, as well as access to the Arizona Senior Academy, which is located right in the community for limitless educational opportunities.
New single-family homes at Altura are available in five different floor plans that range in size from 1,295 square feet up to 2,264 square feet. All of those homes are built with efficient floor plans to maximize space and energy-efficient options to maximize utilities. The range in price from as little as the low-$100s up into the low-$400s.
Bel Agave – Apache Junction
Located just minutes from the stunning views of the historic Superstitious Mountains, Bel Agave is a gated community of single-family homes in Apache Junction. Amenities here include access to a community clubhouse, lap pool, multi-purpose rooms, and a putting green.
Homes at Bel Agave are available in six different floor plans that can be modified into a total of 18 different elevations. Those homes start out at 1,256 square feet and range in size all the way up to 2,009 square feet. They typically cost somewhere between the mid-$100s and the mid-$200s.
Canoa Ranch – Green Valley
Located in beautiful Green Valley, Canoa Ranch is a gated golf course community of about 2,500 homes that all offer the sought-after combination of one-level living and low-maintenance exteriors. One of the biggest perks that Canoa Ranch residents enjoy is access to all of the Green Valley Recreation amenities, which include 13 different community clubhouses in the area.
There have been a number of different types of homes built at Canoa Ranch over the years, but the current options for new single-family homes come in six different options that range in size from 1,214 to 2,270 square feet. Those new homes are priced in the mid-to-high $200s.
CantaMia at Estrella – Goodyear
Located just outside of Goodyear in the master-planned community of Estrella, CantaMia bills itself as a community that is “designed for speeding up – not slowing down.” Residents here have access to an impressive collection of amenities that includes a 29,000 square-foot Village Center, multiple resort-style pools, over 20 miles of hiking trails, a marina, and a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course.
New homes at CantaMia are available in seven different floor plans that are grouped into four series. Those homes range from 1,361 square feet up to 2,261square feet, and they are priced between the low-$200s and the low-$300s.
Canyon Trails at Fox Creek – Bullhead City
Canyon Trails is a neighborhood of 460 single-family homes that is located in the larger master-planned community of Fox Creek, just east of the Mojave National Preserve. Private amenities here include a community clubhouse and resort-style pool, and residents also have access to a wide range of additional amenities throughout the Fox Creek community.
There are two different series of homes available at Canyon Trails with floor plans that start at 1,118 square feet and get as big as 1,890 square feet. Those homes come with all of the most popular features that buyers are looking for, and they are typically priced between the mid-$100s and the mid-$200s.
Del Webb at Dove Mountain – Marana
Located in beautiful Dove Mountain, which is between Phoenix and Tucson, Del Webb at Dove Mountain is a classic active adult community that is located in close proximity to just about everything you might want to see and do in Arizona. The focal point of this community is the massive Saguaro Recreation Center, which includes a state-of-the-art fitness center and a resort-style swimming pool.
Del Webb at Dove Mountain offers a collection of floor plans that start in the high-$200s and can get as expensive as the high-$300s. Those homes can be as small as 1,572 square feet, or they can be as large as 2,509 square feet.
Dolce Vita at Superstition Mountain – Apache Junction
With its combination of old world architecture and modern amenities, it is easy to see why Dolce Vita at Superstition Mountain has become one of the most popular 55+ retirement communities in Arizona. Residents here enjoy full access to a 33,000 square foot Mediterranean-inspired clubhouse, as well as a massive 3,000 square foot ocean-entry pool.
Dolce Vita at Superstition Mountain offers brand new custom homes in six different floor plans that start as low as $90,000 and can get as expensive as the high-$100s. Each of those homes falls in the 1,500 to 1,700 square foot range, and they all come with the modern amenities that today’s retirees are looking for.
Encore at Eastmark – Mesa
Location is the name of the game at Encore at Eastmark, and residents of this active adult community enjoy close access to everything in Mesa, as well as the ability to jump right on the highway towards Phoenix or Scottsdale. The community also offers plenty of its own amenities, including a luxury clubhouse, a resort-style pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a full time “Lifestyle Director.”
Encore at Eastmark offers 13 different floor plans that range in size from the little 1,339 square foot Tango all the way up to the massive 2,915 square foot Concert with plenty of options in between. Those homes start out in the high-$200s and can get up into the low-$400s.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Ventana Lakes – Peoria
Located just 30 minutes northwest of Phoenix, K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Ventana Lakes is all about living that lakeside life. In addition to endless catch-and-release fishing in dozens of fully stocked lakes throughout the community, residents also enjoy access to multiple communities centers, a modern fitness center, and four different community pools.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Ventana Lakes offers five different single-family home plans that range in size from the 1,633 square foot Desert Star up to the 2,100 square foot Swallowtail. Those homes start in the low-to-mid-$300s and go up from there based on features and add-ons.
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Wickenburg Ranch – Wickenburg Ranch
K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Wickenburg Ranch brings luxury resort living to the stunning desert surroundings of Wickenburg Ranch just 75 minutes northwest of Phoenix. Golf is always a priority here, and residents have access to a serious 18-hole course and a more relaxed 9-hole, par 3 option. Other amenities include a community dog park and miles of walking trails.
There are five different home plans available at K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Wickenburg Ranch. The smallest is a 1,492 square foot home called the Alamar, and on the larger side is the 1,802 square foot Tovero. All five home plan options start right around the mid-$200s.
Mission Royale – Casa Grande
Mission Royale is a 55+ community of 1,292 homes that is located right off of I-10 about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. Residents here enjoy access to amenities like two different swinging pools, a fitness center, walking trails, a community restaurant, and the fabulous 18-hole Mission Royale Golf Club.
New homes at Mission Royale start out in the low-$200s and can get up into the mid-$400s depending on size and the number of extra features added. Those homes can be as small as 1,100 square feet, or they can get up to almost 2,000 square feet for the larger models.
Pebble Creek – Goodyear
With a fantastic location and an impressive list of country club amenities, it’s easy to see what makes Pebble Creek such a popular retirement community. Those amenities start with the 47,000 square foot Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse, which includes everything from a full-service restaurant to a 332-seat performing arts center.
New home buyers at Pebble Creek can choose from 15 different floor plans that range in size from a 1,569 square foot villa up to a 3,079 square foot estate. Those homes typically start in the high-$200s and can get up into the mid-$500s.
Province – Maricopa
Located under an hour south of Phoenix, Province is a gated community of 2,217 homes that was established in 2004. First-class amenities are one of the biggest selling points here as residents can enjoy full access to the 32,000 square foot community clubhouse and resort-style pool, which sits next to a 50-acre lake that is always stocked for fishing.
Another huge selling point for Province is that there are different options for new homes. Buyers can choose from four different neighborhoods depending on whether they are looking for single-story homes, attached villas, larger estate homes, or small retreats. Those homes can be anywhere from just over 1,100 square feet up to almost 3,000 square feet, and prices vary just as dramatically with homes starting in the high-$100s and ranging all the way up into the high-$500s.
Quail Creek – Green Valley
Heading south from Tucson will take you into Green Valley where you will find a collection of fabulous retirement communities. Quail Creek is one of the most popular destinations in this region thanks to amenities like The Madera Clubhouse, the Creative Arts & Technology Center, the Anza Athletic Club, and the 27 holes at the Quail Creek Country Club. Quail Creek is also located in an ideal location for bird watching.
Quail Creek currently offers 13 different models of attached villas and single-family homes that range in size from 1,286 square feet up to 2,695 square feet. The starting price points on those homes usually fall between the high-$200s and the high-$300s, and they can get as expensive as you like from there depending on add-on features.
Robson Ranch – Eloy
With a location about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson, Robson Ranch offers residents quick access to all of the medical care, shopping, and dining options of both cities. In addition to location, this community of 4,600 attached villas and single-family homes also offers on-site amenities like the Ranch House, the Robson Sports Club, the Creative Arts Center, and the Golf Club.
Robson Ranch offers a total of 15 different floor plans that are grouped into four different series of homes. Those homes can be anywhere from 1,236 to 2,215 square feet, and their starting prices typically fall somewhere between the high-$100s and the low-$300s.
SaddleBrooke – Tucson
SaddleBrooke is an active adult community of 4,589 attached villas and single-family homes with a 40+ age restriction that opens it up to younger retirees. Residents here enjoy access to first-class amenities like the DesertView Sports Club & Performing Arts Center, the MountainView Country Club, and an astounding 63 holes of championship-caliber golfing.
New construction options at SaddleBrooke are all attached villas that are available in four different floor plans ranging from 1,404 to 1,777 square feet. Those homes start in the mid-to-high-$200s and can get more expensive from there depending on add-on features.
SaddleBrooke Ranch – Oracle
SaddleBrooke Ranch is the sister community located just up the road from the original SaddleBrooke. It is a gated community of 5,400 single-family homes with the same 40+ age restriction we saw in SaddleBrooke.
One of the biggest amenities that SaddleBrooke Ranch brings to the table is the enormous 40,000 square foot Ranch House community center. Residents also have access to La Hacienda Club, as well as plenty of sports courts, golf courses, and restaurants.
SaddleBrooke Ranch currently offers 15 different floor plan options that range from 1,404 square feet all the way up to 3,077 square feet. Those homes start out anywhere from the mid-$200s to the high-$400s, and they can get all the way up into the $1Ms with the available customization options.
Scottsdale Heights – Scottsdale
With its location just north of Phoenix and Scottsdale, Scottsdale Heights is just close enough to all of the major amenities of those cities while also being just ten miles away from the gorgeous Pinnacle Peak Park. The community also includes amenities like a gated entrance, community pool and spa, and a barbecue pavilion.
New homes at Scottsdale Heights are available in four different designs that each offer wide-open floor plans and single-story living with plenty of luxury upgrades available.
Solterra – Green Valley
Located in the beautiful Green Valley area just south of Tucson, Solterra is a popular option for retirees looking to gain access to all of the fabulous amenities that come with a Green Valley Recreation community. And with access to $18 million worth of amenities, residents in the GVR area never find themselves looking for something to do.
New homes at Solterra are available with anywhere from 1,412 to 2,357 square feet of space. Those homes can have two or three bedrooms and the starting prices range from the mid-$200s up into the mid-$300s.
Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch – Florence
Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch is an active adult community of 3,800 single-family homes located in Florence, AZ. Residents here enjoy access to amenities like a recreation center, clubs and classes, an onsite restaurant, and an 18-hole golf course.
Buyers at Sun City Anthem at Merrill Ranch can choose from ten different floor plans that start with the 1,573 square foot Hideaway and range all the way up to the 2,736 square foot Voyage. Those homes start out in the low-$200s and can get up into the low-$500s depending on size and add-on features.
Sun City Festival – Buckeye
If you like the Sun City vibe, but prefer something northwest of Phoenix, Sun City Festival is the perfect option with more than 7,000 single-family homes in a resort-style community. Residents here enjoy access to amenities like a 31,000 square foot recreation center complete with an outdoor resort-style pool, as well as a championship-caliber 18-hole golf course.
Sun City Festival offers a total of 16 different floor plans that range in size from 1,280 square feet all the way up to 3,343 square feet. Those homes can cost anywhere from the mid-$200s all the way up to the high-$500s.
Tonto Verde – Rio Verde
Tonto Verde is a small community of just 717 attached villas and single-family homes located right on the beautiful 18-hole Tonto Verde Golf Club course about an hour northeast of Phoenix. In addition to the golf club, residents here also enjoy access to a community clubhouse that includes a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and an Olympic size outdoor swimming pool.
The single-family homes at Tonto Verde are all custom homes, so they can be anywhere from 2,000 up to 4,000 square feet and can cost anywhere from the low-$500s up into the $2Ms. The attached villas are available in two different floor plans, which are either 1,394 or 1,528 square feet, and they typically start in the low-$400s.
Victory at Verrado – Buckeye
Victory at Verrado is the 55+ section of the larger Verrado community, which is located about 30 miles west of Phoenix. In addition to having access to a plethora of amenities available to all Verrado residents, there are also plenty of private amenities like a massive clubhouse, fitness center, and multiple resort-style pools that are reserved for Victory residents.
One of the biggest selling points for Victory at Verrado is the buyers can choose from five different builders that all operate in the community. Between Lennar, David Weekly, Land Sea Homes, K. Hovnanian, and Taylor Morrison there are dozens of floor plans available in a wide range of sizes, and price points can come in anywhere from the high-$300s up into the high-$800s.
Vista View Resort – Sierra Vista, AZ
Vista View Resort is a gated community of just 355 single-family homes located in beautiful Sierra Vista. Residents here enjoy a true resort lifestyle complete with a 5,500 square foot clubhouse, fitness center, outdoor pool, and endless walking trails.
New homes at Vista View Resort are available in any of six different floor plans that range in size from 1,212 to 1,632 square feet. The starting prices for those homes typically sit in the low-to-mid-$100s, which makes this one of the most budget-friendly retirement communities in all of Arizona.
From Altura all the way down to Vista View Resort, there are an incredible number of active adult communities here in Arizona. The best way to make sure you choose the right one is to narrow down this list to a few favorites and plan a trip to come check them out for yourself.
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