3 Phoenix suburbs ranked among most livable Arizona retirement cities

Who wouldn’t want to cap off a day of golfing with a cocktail, watching the sunset over a desert mountain view? Arizona is often considered a retiree’s dream, with its balmy winters and plethora of outdoor recreational activities. The Phoenix area is no exception. 

According to a study by financial site GOBankingRates, three Phoenix suburbs ranked among the most livable retirement towns in Arizona.

The site analyzed data, including total households and household income, on Arizona cities with populations of at least 10,000 people, at least 33% of whom are over the age of 65. To determine livability, it created an index with data from AreaVibes.com and sorted cities from most livable to least.

Here’s how the Phoenix suburbs ranked.

4. Sun City

65-plus population share: 74.9%
Livability: 71

Built in the 1950s and opened in 1960 specifically as a community for retired adults, Sun City was a pioneering idea and is the city with the highest percentage of its population 65 or older on the list. Now known for its golf courses and quiet suburban lifestyle, it inspired neighboring retirement communities like Sun City West. Its unique radial streets and circular neighborhoods are so distinct that even NASA has photographed them from space. 

6. Fountain Hills

65-plus population share: 39.6%
Livability: 69

Nestled near the McDowell Mountains and Four Peaks Wilderness Area, Fountain Hills boasts dark skies for stargazing and easy access to nature. Residents can hit the many nearby trails in the morning before golfing all afternoon at one of the town’s picturesque golf courses. There’s also the town’s crown jewel: a world-famous fountain that can shoot water up to 560 feet in the air.

7. Apache Junction 

65-plus population share: 33.7%
Livability: 67

This small town is for retirees who love exploring the great outdoors or hitting the road on their Harley. Hikers can explore Lost Dutchman State Park and the peaks of the Superstitions, while bike enthusiasts can drive on the winding roads of the Apache Trail Scenic Drive. Apache Junction is also where the Coen Brothers shot part of their 1987 film “Raising Arizona.” 

Here’s the full list:

1. Oro Valley
65-plus population share: 34.9%
Livability: 81

2. Cottonwood
65-plus population share: 34.1%
Livability: 77

3. Prescott
65-plus population share: 40.5%
Livability: 72

4. Sun City
65-plus population share: 74.9%
Livability: 71

5. Catalina Foothills 
65-plus population share: 34.9%
Livability: 70

6. Fountain Hills
65-plus population share: 39.6%
Livability: 69

7. Apache Junction 
65-plus population share: 33.7%
Livability: 67

8. Payson 
65-plus population share: 37.8%
Livability: 66

9. Fort Mohave
65-plus population share: 37.5%
Livability: 65

10. Lake Havasu City 
65-plus population share: 35.3%
Livability: 63