Arizona is one of the best states for retirees. It's an ideal retirement location with year-round warm weather, stunning natural beauty, and a low state income tax rate. It's also a state where you can stretch your retirement dollars further while still maintaining a high quality of life.
As you look for retirement locations, living costs become an important factor. Here are charming cities in Arizona where you can retire on $2,000 or less a month.
Editor's note: Average rent prices come from Zillow.com, and cost-of-living figures are from BestPlaces.net.
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Benson
Average rent: $1,500
With a sprawling landscape that includes mountains and the San Pedro River Valley, Benson is an ideal retirement location for outdoor lovers. With an average rent of $1,500, the city is very affordable.
There's a definite small-town appeal, and the massive Kartchner Caverns State Park is nearby for adventure seekers. The overall cost of living is 15% below the national average, so it's a perfect place for you to settle down.
Green Valley
Average rent: $2,000
Situated in the high desert, Green Valley is a perfect retirement community. Between the cooler summer temperatures and the lush climate, the town has many amenities geared specifically towards retirees.
The nonprofit Green Valley Recreation runs plenty of recreation centers with woodworking shops, tennis courts, racquetball, art galleries, fitness centers, and swimming pools. While the cost of living in Green Valley is a bit higher than some other cities on this list, it makes up for it with all the additional retirement-centered amenities.
Casa Grande
Average rent: $1,711
Affordability, coupled with plenty of natural beauty, makes Casa Grande an appealing retirement locale. Housing, in particular, is substantially cheaper, with the average rent coming in at $1,711 per month.
The city has a good mix of small-town charm with more modern amenities, and you'll find no shortage of outdoor activities. Plus, it's close enough to larger metro areas like Phoenix and Tucson, so you can easily go out of town for an adventure if you want.
Wickenburg
Average rent: $1,995
Wickenburg offers rural charm and scenic beauty in the mountains outside of Phoenix. Like all places in the state, the town has plenty of sunshine, with over 300 days of clear skies a year.
Throw in the old-western vibe and the affordable cost of living, and Wickenburg is a great alternative to larger metro areas in the state. The golf courses and other amenities are far less crowded than in Phoenix, so it's the perfect place to retire and live out your western fantasies.
Kingman
Average rent: $1,483
Situated on the state's western edge, Kingman is a warm, inviting community with plenty of history, amenities, and outdoor activities. With a picturesque desert landscape and affordable housing, the town is a safe and inviting place to live.
There's also the annual Route 66 Harvest Festival between outdoor adventures to celebrate the historic highway that runs through town. Kingman is less than two hours away from Las Vegas, Nevada, so you can get your big city kicks anytime.
Sun City
Average rent: $1,825
As one of the first planned retirement communities in the United States, Sun City has everything you would want. You'll have plenty to keep you busy with resort-style amenities such as tennis courts, pools, golf courses, and dog parks.
For a retirement community, the cost of living is pretty affordable, though higher than others on our list, with the median rent standing at $1,825 per month. Plus, it has some of the best senior health care facilities in Arizona. It's still near Phoenix, and outdoor destinations such as Lake Pleasant, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon are nearby, so you can easily head out on an adventure.
Florence
Average rent: $1,701
Nestled along the Gila River between Tucson and Phoenix, Florence offers stunning mountain views and plenty of outdoor activities. The town has a much lower cost of living than Tucson, helping you keep more cash in your wallet. The average rent is $1,701 per month, and the cost of living is 4% lower than the state average, making it a popular retirement spot.
History buffs can explore the Pinal County Historical Museum or step back in time at McFarland State Historic Park, home to a preserved courthouse and historic buildings. Golfing enthusiasts can tee off at Three Parks Fairways Clubhouse, a scenic 9-hole course. Whether enjoying history, nature, or recreation, Florence provides retirees with an affordable and engaging lifestyle.
Bottom line
Having a solid retirement plan will give you a great foundation to build on. That means choosing an affordable community to retire to, one that will provide you with all the amenities and community you seek.
Moving to a town with a low cost of living in a low-income tax state like Arizona is a great thing to do if you're looking for a stress-free retirement. You've worked your entire life, so now you want to make sure your money is doing all the work for you!
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