Two Phoenix suburbs are among the richest retirement towns in the U.S.

With its sunny weather, cool winters, and beautiful desert landscapes, it’s not hard to understand why Arizona has become a landing pad for many retirees to spend their winters or enjoy full-time.

The Grand Canyon State is jam-packed with diverse retiree communities that vary by location, amenities and income level. And while there are plenty of affordable retirement cities in Arizona, the state is also home to some of the richest.

According to a study by the financial site GOBankingRates, three Arizona cities — including two Phoenix suburbs — are among the top 50 richest retirement communities in the country. The financial planning company analyzed cities with populations of at least 15,000 people, at least 25% of whom are aged 65 or older. To determine its rankings, the site uses the median household income for each city and the average retirement income for households that receive it. It also uses a livability index based on Zillow and U.S. Census data.

Cities in California, Florida and Illinois dominated the list. The Bay Area city of Saratoga topped the ranking, with a median household income of $250,000. Lake Forest, Illinois, and Naples, Florida, closely followed as the richest retirement cities. 

Here’s how Arizona’s richest retirement cities ranked.

29. Oro Valley

Median household income: $107,117
Average retirement income: $50,724

This upscale, scenic Tucson-area suburb is home to plenty of weather retirees. More than 35% of the city’s population of 46,000 people are 65 or older, with the median age being just older than 55, according to Census data. GOBankingRates gave it a livability index of 81 out of 100.

31. Scottsdale

Median household income: $110,886
Average retirement income: $46,124

Scottsdale has become a hub for millionaires looking to call Arizona home. There are plenty of great restaurants, bars, golfing, tennis and more for the 26% of the city’s population who are at least 65 years old. It has a livability index of 82. 

35. Fountain Hills

Median household income: $112,654
Average retirement income: $42,468

This small suburb east of Scottsdale is perhaps best known for its impressive, eponymous fountain that shoots water up 5,600 feet. More than 40% of the city’s 24,000 residents are retirement-aged, drawn to the scenic hilly area for its great golfing and beautiful landscapes. It’s livability index is 69.

Still, while these three Arizona cities might be slices of paradise for retirees looking to enjoy Arizona’s warm weather, another GOBankingRates piece points out the downsides of retiring to Arizona.

Arizona is one of the most disaster-prone states, the site notes, due to extreme heat. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to heat, and Arizona has a history of senior citizens succumbing to heat illness when their power is shut off for nonpayment. Arizona is also in the midst of a decades-long drought and faces rising water insecurity, has wildfires in the northern reaches of the state, dust storms and occasional flash flooding. Plus, the site points out, Arizona leads the nation in traffic fatalities. 

On the other hand, Arizona is relatively free of other damaging, deadly natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes. Plus, you don’t have to shovel sunshine.

Still, though Arizona has plenty of affordable retirement spots, the state’s cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years. If you find yourself in the wrong area of the state, you may be paying way too much for a cup of coffee or to fill up your gas tank. Arizona’s active snowbird culture also puts pressure on the real estate market, which can drive up housing prices and impact housing availability, which has been a constant issue in the state over the last decade.