If you’re looking for a retirement destination that offers stunning natural beauty, a relaxed lifestyle, and a range of senior-friendly amenities, Northern Arizona could be your perfect fit. This region has become a top choice for retirees. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to retire in Northern Arizona, highlighting towns and communities that offer plenty of opportunities for recreation, culture, and a thriving social scene.
An Overview of Northern Arizona
Some of the best places to retire in Northern Arizona are Sedona, Jerome, Flagstaff, Page, and Prescott. New Mexico borders this region on the right, and Nevada and California are on the left. There are plenty more reasons why retirees are drawn to this part of the state, starting with the climate.
Weather in Northern Arizona
The weather in Northern Arizona varies significantly by elevation. Generally, the region enjoys a mild climate with sunny days and cool evenings.
- Fall: Autumn showcases stunning foliage and comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and scenic drives.
- Winter: Winter temperatures can drop significantly, especially in higher elevations, where snow is common. However, the lower elevations, such as Prescott Valley, tend to experience milder winter weather.
- Spring: Northern Arizona springs are characterized by blooming wildflowers and pleasant temperatures, making this another fantastic outdoor vacation season.
- Summer: Daytime temperatures can reach the 80s and 90s in lower elevations, while higher elevations may be more temperate. Summer thunderstorms are common, bringing brief but refreshing rainfall.
Cost of Living in Northern Arizona
Living here is generally more affordable than many urban areas in the United States. Housing costs, particularly in active adult communities, vary based on location and amenities but often provide excellent value for retirees. Additional factors contributing to the lower cost of living include:
- Housing Costs: Whether renting or buying, housing prices in Northern Arizona are often lower than the national average, making it easier for retirees to find suitable accommodations.
- Taxes: Arizona has a flat income tax rate of 2.5% and a current sales tax rate of 5.6%. Additional county and city tax rates may apply. Property taxes are often reasonable, making homeownership more accessible.
- Health Care: The region has various health care facilities and affordable options for medical care. These are three highly-rated options:
- Banner Payson Medical Center
- Bob Stump VA Medical Center
- CC at PineView Hospital
Noteworthy Northern Arizona Attractions
Northern Arizona has world-class attractions that might take your breath away. Some of the most notable include:
- Grand Canyon National Park: One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and educational opportunities.
- Sedona: Known for its stunning red rock formations and vibrant arts community, Sedona is a popular zen-like destination for retirees seeking beauty and artistic creativity.
- Flagstaff: A friendly mountain town, Flagstaff offers historical interest and outdoor activities. It’s a fine spot for hiking, skiing, and exploring local attractions.
- Walnut Canyon National Monument: This site features ancient cliff dwellings and stunning hiking trails that showcase the region’s history and natural beauty.
- Coconino National Forest: With its vast pine forests and stunning landscapes, Coconino National Forest provides countless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Prescott: This medium-sized town has a population of about 47,500, beautiful landscapes, and a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Retirees enjoy Prescott’s art galleries and local festivals.
Why Do People Retire in the Prescott Area?
Located two hours north of Phoenix and four hours from Las Vegas, the Prescott area is up-and-coming for savvy retirees. It’s in Yavapai County and has appealing towns like Prescott Valley, Cornville, Prescott, and Dewey. Retirees choose to retire here for many compelling reasons, especially the stunning natural beauty. You can enjoy the abundant outdoor activities, including hiking, golfing, and fishing.
Another significant draw is the mild climate. The Prescott area enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cool winters, making it appealing for those who prefer a moderate climate. This variety allows you to experience the beauty of changing seasons without the extreme temperatures in other regions.
Here are a few other things retirees love about the Prescott area:
- A historic downtown with shops, galleries, and restaurants in Prescott
- Cost of living is lower than many other urban regions, making it financially attractive for retirees
- Jaw-dropping landscapes with lakes, streams, and granite mountains
- Rolling meadows filled with wildlife
- Talented artists, impressive galleries, and fascinating museums
- Elks Theater and Performing Arts Center
- Cheese and chocolate shops, wine bars, and saloons
- Ebike rentals and tours
Active Lifestyle Communities in Northern Arizona
Prescott Lakes – Prescott, AZ
High $400ks – High $1Ms
This first community doesn’t have age restrictions, but its homes and amenities are beautifully suited for retirement living. Started in 2000 and being completed by multiple builders, this appealing property will have 1,300 condos, attached homes, and single-family homes when the work is finished. Homes feature granite counters, 10′ ceilings, fenced backyards, walkout basements, and three-car garages.
Prescott Lakes is just four miles from Downtown Prescott, at an elevation of 5,300 feet. It’s a peaceful retreat located 90 miles from Phoenix. Residents enjoy excellent golf courses, hiking trails, and exploring the Granite Dells. Watson Lake, just 10 miles away, is perfect for picnics, hiking, and biking. Also, nearby Lynx Lake and Goldwater Lake offer fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Shopping options are conveniently located at Pine Ridge Marketplace, only two miles from the community.
Did we mention that Prescott Lakes is a golf course community? The championship course winds through the community, with membership limited to residents and their guests. The Club is the center of community life here, with a 14,000-square-foot clubhouse. Additional resort-like amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, sports courts, and activity rooms. Homeowners also enjoy group activities like line dancing and game nights.
Talking Rock – Prescott, AZ
Low $800ks – Mid $3Ms
Talking Rock is an exclusive, gated golf community ideal for active adults seeking an upscale living experience. This resort-style property has no age restrictions and is pet-friendly. It offers 611 single-family homes from Symmetry, Harvard Investments, Tdlc, and Fisher Custom Homes.
Also located in Prescott, Talking Rock offers residents easy access to daily essentials and a variety of recreational activities. It’s near Prescott National Forest, Iron Springs, and Watson Woods. In addition to the 18-hole championship golf course within the community, residents can drive to Antelope Hills Golf Courses or Capitol Canyon Club to play the links.
Each of the builders at Talking Rock offers distinct single-family floor plans. The homes range from 1,960 to 2,879 square feet, with two to four bedrooms and spacious garages. Ranch models are available with customization options. Look for upscale features like custom cabinets, oversized walk-in closets, guest bedrooms, dens, and backyard firepits.
Talking Rock offers high-end amenities in addition to the golf course. It has a dog park, a community garden, and Windmill Pond for catch-and-release fishing. Residents also enjoy leisure time at Morgan’s Bar and Grill Coop’s coffee shop. There’s also a fitness center, a pool, and tennis courts—Talking Rock even has an activity director.
The Dells – Prescott, AZ
Mid $600ks – Low $2Ms
Started in 2014, The Dells also has an activity director but has about half as many homes as Talking Rock. This community is closer to Prescott Valley and right by Prescott National Forest. It has a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a whirlpool spa, plus a covered patio area. There’s also a community fire pit and indoor activity rooms. The property also has hiking trails, tennis courts, and activity clubs.
This modern, master-planned community covers over 1,100 acres and blends residential living with small businesses and shopping. When work is complete, there will be three neighborhoods: Sunset Ridge, The Vistas, and The Peaks. These custom homes offer contemporary layouts and views of the Granite and Mingus Mountains. You can select luxury features like chef’s kitchens, private in-law/guest suites, fireplaces, and granite countertops.
The Dells is a sought-after neighborhood near Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, Granite Gardens Park, and Watson Lake Park. When residents need to go shopping, they head to Village at the Boulders mall, Prescott Shopping Center, and Whiskey Row Alley. Area health care providers include Exceptional Community Hospital and Yavapai Medical Center.
Yavapai Hills – Prescott, AZ
Low $500ks – Low $1Ms
Heading further south, we come to Yavapai Hills. This established community has a lower price point and 1,015 attached and single-family homes. This active lifestyle community has no age restrictions. It’s minutes from the southern part of Prescott National Forest, near Thumb Butte Recreation Area, Priority Family Medical Clinic, and Mountain Valley Park. Residents shop at Prescott Valley Town Center, Prescott Valley Crossroads, and Pine Ridge Marketplace.
The thoughtfully designed attached homes range from 926 to 1,722 square feet, with one to two bedrooms, one to three baths, and attached two-car garages. Look for options like patios, sun decks, fireplaces, updated kitchens, and master suites with walk-in closets. The single-family homes are sized from 1,095 to 8,829 square feet, with two to seven bedrooms, one to four baths, and attached two- to four-car garages. You’ll find custom features in many of these homes—examples include screened-in porches, decks, and gourmet kitchens.
The Yavapai Hills clubhouse and amenities center has pickleball and tennis courts and an outdoor pool. Inside, there’s also a library, community kitchen, multipurpose room, and an activity director. The community’s residents also enjoy spending time at local attractions like Grayhawk Golf Club, Capital Canyon Club, Watson Lake Park, and Easter Island Trail.
Pronghorn Ranch – Prescott Valley, AZ
Mid $400ks – Low $1Ms
Pronghorn Ranch was built from 2002 to 2020. It has 1,021 homes and no age restrictions. It takes about 20 minutes to get here from Downtown Prescott. The community is also near several medical facilities, including Flagstaff Medical Center, Yavapai Regional Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, and Northern Arizona VA Health Care System.
The ProngHorn Ranch single-family homes range from about 1,508 to 2,700 square feet. These homes have two to four bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half baths, and attached two- or three-car garages. Many have large lots, covered patios, guest suites, private courtyards, and dens.
This community features a modern clubhouse with a 24/7 fitness center, activity rooms, and a comfortable lounge. Outside are two heated swimming pools, spas, and patios. There’s also a putting green, sports fields, fishing ponds, biking trails, and lovely walking paths. Pronghorn Ranch also has a good number of clubs, groups, and activities—the Out To Dinner Club, Zumba, and pickleball groups are a few of the favorites.
This active adult living neighborhood is by East State Route 69, which is lined with restaurants, bars, and retail stores. Local attractions include the Phippen Museum, Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, Highlands Center for Natural History, and the Prescott Historical Society. You can also explore various parks and greenspaces, like Pronghorn Park, Viewpoint Park, Antelope Park, and the vast Prescott National Forest. You’ll also find plenty of golf courses to play at, all short drives away.
The Villages at Lynx Creek – Dewey, AZ
High $100ks – Mid $500ks
This 55+ community is our second smallest; it’s also the most affordable. Built from 1989 to 2018 by Cavco and Palm Harbor, The Villages at Lynx Creek offers 454 resale manufactured homes in a gated, pet-friendly community in Dewey. It’s four minutes from Prescott Golf Club.
Other nearby courses are Stone Ridge Golf Course and Quailwood Greens Golf Course. Several parks and greenspaces are nearby, such as Watson Lake Park, Fain Park, and Heritage Memorial Park. The Villages at Lynx Creek is also well-situated near Prescott Valley Family Medicine, Yavapai Regional Medical Center East, Northern Arizona VA Health Care System, and Thumb Butte Medical Center Urgent Care.
The homes in this community range from 400 to 1,900 square feet, with two to four bedrooms and two baths. Geared for downsizing and low-maintenance living, some have upscale features like fireplaces, home theaters, and dual-zone heating and cooling.
Like the other five communities on this list, The Villages at Lynx Creek has a clubhouse and an activity director. You can work out in the fitness center, relax in the heated spa, and join friends in the social hall. There’s also a catering kitchen, woodshop, and activity rooms. You’ll find a dog park, pickleball and tennis courts, and R.V. parking right outside.
Contact Us for More Details on Northern Arizona Retirement Communities
If you’re looking for the best places to retire in Northern Arizona, we can connect you with a local real estate expert who specializes in active adult living communities. Contact 55places.com and learn more about 55+ communities in Northern Arizona!
